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The Mechanics of Love #1
The Only Way to Live
Flirting with his friend’s father was supposed to be just fun and games for Derek, but what happens when teasing leads to unexpected questions and some surprising curiosity?
Derek has known the unflappable Sean for years and nothing ever gets a reaction out of the attractive older man. Nothing, that is, until Derek senses some unexpected curiosity from the man he always thought was straight. But who better than an adventurous switch to help Sean explore his wild side?
Sean knows better than to take Derek’s teasing seriously. There’s a reason he’s always called the impetuous younger man “the pest.” But when Derek’s playful banter leads to some interesting reactions, Sean has to decide what’s more important…hiding behind what he’s always assumed or finally getting to discover who he really was all along.
62k words
Story Contains: M/m sexual content, playful use of the term Daddy, BDSM elements, spanking, a mischievous switch, a fun adult toy store, and a man who always thought he was straight.
Author’s Note: There is no age play in this book, although Derek loves to drive Sean crazy about their age difference.
Derek has known the unflappable Sean for years and nothing ever gets a reaction out of the attractive older man. Nothing, that is, until Derek senses some unexpected curiosity from the man he always thought was straight. But who better than an adventurous switch to help Sean explore his wild side?
Sean knows better than to take Derek’s teasing seriously. There’s a reason he’s always called the impetuous younger man “the pest.” But when Derek’s playful banter leads to some interesting reactions, Sean has to decide what’s more important…hiding behind what he’s always assumed or finally getting to discover who he really was all along.
62k words
Story Contains: M/m sexual content, playful use of the term Daddy, BDSM elements, spanking, a mischievous switch, a fun adult toy store, and a man who always thought he was straight.
Author’s Note: There is no age play in this book, although Derek loves to drive Sean crazy about their age difference.
203 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 29, 2020
398 people are currently reading
447 people want to read
About the author
M.A. Innes
141 books1,183 followersM.A. Innes writes kinky and curious things like age play, puppy play, sweet guys in lingerie, cute boys in search of a Daddy and more.
When M.A. Innes wants to write a little more mainstream, she writes under the name: Shaw Montgomery
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When M.A. Innes wants to write a little more mainstream, she writes under the name: Shaw Montgomery
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
August 27, 2020
I barely have the energy to write a review for this one, but I honestly don't think it works as a stand-alone. AT ALL. It was like being thrown into a book mid-series, or even mid-book! I'm a daddy kink fan, but even that was a bit strange. And don't even get me started on the relationship between father and son (REAL son) in this story. Boundaries, people. Just didn't work for me. sigh
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April 25, 2020
2.5 stars - DNF @85%
This was too absurd for me. Very little of the dialog had any basis in how actual people behave.
The book is about Sean, a straight single father, and Derek his son’s kinky friend who flirts with him one day and Sean realizes he likes it.
There were weird father-son chats where Sean’s son Ethan encourages his previously straight Dad to go out and have kinky sex with his friend. There were clinical conversations between Sean and Derek about how they both feel about sex and kinks that occurred every time before they touched each other.
There was Sean not even blinking an eye when he walks into Derek’s apartment and realizes the nature of Derek’s relationship with his roommate Jules, who sucks on binkies and colors with crayons. Then there was the fact that Sean is completely okay with Derek messing around with his own son and his boyfriend.
I can only suspend belief so far - this was beyond my limit.
This was too absurd for me. Very little of the dialog had any basis in how actual people behave.
The book is about Sean, a straight single father, and Derek his son’s kinky friend who flirts with him one day and Sean realizes he likes it.
There were weird father-son chats where Sean’s son Ethan encourages his previously straight Dad to go out and have kinky sex with his friend. There were clinical conversations between Sean and Derek about how they both feel about sex and kinks that occurred every time before they touched each other.
There was Sean not even blinking an eye when he walks into Derek’s apartment and realizes the nature of Derek’s relationship with his roommate Jules, who sucks on binkies and colors with crayons. Then there was the fact that Sean is completely okay with Derek messing around with his own son and his boyfriend.
I can only suspend belief so far - this was beyond my limit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2024
M.A. Innes (Shaw Montgomery) is one of my favorite authors, no matter which persona she's writing under. This book shows the lifestyle from the relationship and the perspective where both partners are switches. Readers of this author's work will remember meeting both Derek and Sean before in another series but might never have expected them to get together judging by their age difference. Derek is a 24-year-old business owner, very successful, incredibly confident in who he is and what he wants...and what he wants is an older man who is ready and willing to engage in a power exchange relationship. He finds this with Sean. Sean is his previous boss and the father of his best friend. Even though Sean has been out of the romance game and has never even dated a man before, Derek helps Sean to work up the courage to give them a try. What I liked most about the story...other than Derek and Sean...was that there wasn't any angst surrounding any of that. I really expected there to be a lot of "I can't, we shouldn't, what will we tell people"? The usual.... but surprise surprise...there wasn't. Just two sweet guys trying to fit feelings and family into a rather unusual situation that in spite the age difference and being best friends with the older man's son...simply worked. Sean is totally accepting of his feelings for Derek, and the focus of the story is solidly on their developing relationship, and how their kink will play a role. The chemistry between them is honestly really a lot of fun. They don't take the D/s aspect of their love life overly seriously and are happy to adapt to what works for them. There is no "cookie cutter" D/s type of relationship here. I was happy that they listened to their hearts and found their "happy ever after".
April 8, 2020
4.5 stars.
I’m going to say this because it’s not mentioned in the blurb – it’s best if you read Christopher & Ethan before reading this. I say that because I hadn’t read it and read The Only Way To Live first. There are a lot of things and people mentioned in this book that might not make a lot of sense – a blonde calling Sean Daddy, all things Ethan and Christopher, and how Sean and Derek actually know each other. I honestly felt like I had been dropped into the middle of a world I knew nothing about.
I put my review of this book on hold and went back and read Christopher and Ethan's story. I almost never read books in series out of order but their story (even being #3 in a series) is more of a standalone than this one that's listed as #1 in a series.
I can say with complete certainty that Christopher & Ethan is a true standalone.
With that being said...
Once I learned a bit about the characters I was able to understand some things I didn't before. Honestly, had I simply gone with my initial thoughts when I finished it my rating wouldn't be near the 4.5 stars I'm giving it. Not because the story is bad but because I didn't know who these people were or their back stories.
I really liked Derek and Sean together. I loved Ethan (Sean's adult son) and the relationship he had with Sean. There was no weirdness about his father dating his close friend.
I am eager to read Jules story. Jules is Derek's friend and roommate who's a little looking for his Daddy. I adored Jules.
Full review can be found at -
I’m going to say this because it’s not mentioned in the blurb – it’s best if you read Christopher & Ethan before reading this. I say that because I hadn’t read it and read The Only Way To Live first. There are a lot of things and people mentioned in this book that might not make a lot of sense – a blonde calling Sean Daddy, all things Ethan and Christopher, and how Sean and Derek actually know each other. I honestly felt like I had been dropped into the middle of a world I knew nothing about.
I put my review of this book on hold and went back and read Christopher and Ethan's story. I almost never read books in series out of order but their story (even being #3 in a series) is more of a standalone than this one that's listed as #1 in a series.
I can say with complete certainty that Christopher & Ethan is a true standalone.
With that being said...
Once I learned a bit about the characters I was able to understand some things I didn't before. Honestly, had I simply gone with my initial thoughts when I finished it my rating wouldn't be near the 4.5 stars I'm giving it. Not because the story is bad but because I didn't know who these people were or their back stories.
I really liked Derek and Sean together. I loved Ethan (Sean's adult son) and the relationship he had with Sean. There was no weirdness about his father dating his close friend.
I am eager to read Jules story. Jules is Derek's friend and roommate who's a little looking for his Daddy. I adored Jules.
Full review can be found at -
April 2, 2020
I really, really hate giving a three star rating. I love toppy, dominant twinks. Dominance has nothing to do with size, and I love seeing the contrast. Sadly, even with my personal kryptonite, I couldn’t connect with the story. I know each character was introduced in another series, but this is supposed to be a standalone. I felt like I was starting in the middle of a book. They already had a relationship just not a romantic relationship. I just couldn’t get into their relationship when it felt like I had missed a big part of it.
The book isn’t bad. I think my expectations were pretty high because of my love for other books written by this author. I will read the next book, because I can’t wait for Jules to find a Daddy. I just hope it’s handled better.
The book isn’t bad. I think my expectations were pretty high because of my love for other books written by this author. I will read the next book, because I can’t wait for Jules to find a Daddy. I just hope it’s handled better.
April 13, 2020
4.25 stars
Enjoyed the first book of M.A. Innes's new series Mechanics of Love. Derek was a sassy, smart mouth switch. I loved both characters inner voices. And Sean, the sexy older man who took a chance with something new and never regretted it. Looking forward to book two!!!
Enjoyed the first book of M.A. Innes's new series Mechanics of Love. Derek was a sassy, smart mouth switch. I loved both characters inner voices. And Sean, the sexy older man who took a chance with something new and never regretted it. Looking forward to book two!!!
June 1, 2020
This was a fun book that had a lot of great banter and relationship development between a sassy switch and a novice Daddy who’s open and willing to learn. I do wish this spanned more than 2 months because they moved fairly fast but as this is part of a continuing series we’ll no doubt see these two continue to pop up.
Fair warning - this can technically be standalone but there are a heap of this authors characters from other books either mentioned or interacted with. Ethan and Christopher have a particularly heavy presence so if you’re the type of reader who doesn’t like to fill in the blanks I’d probably read their book first to help understand their dynamic with Derek.
Fair warning - this can technically be standalone but there are a heap of this authors characters from other books either mentioned or interacted with. Ethan and Christopher have a particularly heavy presence so if you’re the type of reader who doesn’t like to fill in the blanks I’d probably read their book first to help understand their dynamic with Derek.
May 17, 2020
I've been enjoying this author's daddy kink and age play stories but this one fell flat. I liked it but i never got fully engaged with the couple. It's hard to buy a fortysomething man who not only discovers he likes men, but a specific man--a much younger man who is his son's friend, and then also he needs to find his dominant side, but oops, not always because his new partner likes to switch so he sometimes needs to be submissive.
The couple just weren't cohesive and the plot was shaky to start. There were elements I enjoyed and i am going to go to the next book in the series, but these two guys? They just didn't fit.
The couple just weren't cohesive and the plot was shaky to start. There were elements I enjoyed and i am going to go to the next book in the series, but these two guys? They just didn't fit.
May 24, 2020
Yeah, no, this was not my jam. I'm notoriously bad at reading blurbs and content warnings though, so that's on me. If I'd taken the time to actually read through those and some reviews beforehand, I would've known that this was not my cuppa.
Anyhow, that's my fault, not the author's, so I would've given 2 stars if the writing had been okay.
But. I found the dialogue to be absolutely cringeworthy and the MCs unlikeable. Their relationship developed way too fast and there was zero conflict. Or any plot, for that matter. They literally expressed their mutual interest in each other, kissed, made out, had sex, confessed their undying love for each other, the end.
Additionally, this book is apparently some kind of spin-off, which I was not aware of. Characters would pop up without being introduced. If a book can be read as a standalone, I expect at least a teeny tiny character introduction. I also had a hard time keeping track of who's POV it was or who was speaking when they had a conversation. It often took a lot of backtracking for me to figure out who was saying what.
Hence the 1 star rating.
Anyhow, that's my fault, not the author's, so I would've given 2 stars if the writing had been okay.
But. I found the dialogue to be absolutely cringeworthy and the MCs unlikeable. Their relationship developed way too fast and there was zero conflict. Or any plot, for that matter. They literally expressed their mutual interest in each other, kissed, made out, had sex, confessed their undying love for each other, the end.
Additionally, this book is apparently some kind of spin-off, which I was not aware of. Characters would pop up without being introduced. If a book can be read as a standalone, I expect at least a teeny tiny character introduction. I also had a hard time keeping track of who's POV it was or who was speaking when they had a conversation. It often took a lot of backtracking for me to figure out who was saying what.
Hence the 1 star rating.
April 20, 2020
This was okay, but as others have said, it should have a note at the beginning that the characters from another book are mentioned A LOT in this book and I spent a lot of time trying to remember that story, because I read it quite a while ago.
And, I was incredibly disappointed that there is a trans person mentioned in this book, in one freaking scene, and of course the best way to explain it was to DEAD NAME them. Stop doing this. No one needs to know their dead name. It makes me physically cringe to read it. Trans people reading your books deserve better.
And, I was incredibly disappointed that there is a trans person mentioned in this book, in one freaking scene, and of course the best way to explain it was to DEAD NAME them. Stop doing this. No one needs to know their dead name. It makes me physically cringe to read it. Trans people reading your books deserve better.
April 5, 2020
The Only Way to Live is the first book in the Mechanics of Love series by author M.A. Innes. This story is written in dual POV I love that can really get into both character's mindset. I feel in this story, in particular, that is very important.
This is an age gap story. I love the age gap stories. And I will always pick those up first. Ms. Innes does a great job of bringing the emotional connection that is really needed to make this kind of story work.
Derek has is own store. He sells adult toys. I loved this character. He is open about who he is, he is proud of what he does, and he is soo kind. He has problems in his love life because he is a switch.
Sean is way more buttoned-up than Derek and needs Derek’s quirky sense of humor to lighten him up. I love that he is willing to try stuff he is a very open character.
He runs the local garage. When Derek starts flirting with him he starts noticing the younger man in a whole new light.
I adored the humor in this book just made it fun to read. I loved the characters. I cannot wait for more from this series in the future.
Five Shooting stars
This is an age gap story. I love the age gap stories. And I will always pick those up first. Ms. Innes does a great job of bringing the emotional connection that is really needed to make this kind of story work.
Derek has is own store. He sells adult toys. I loved this character. He is open about who he is, he is proud of what he does, and he is soo kind. He has problems in his love life because he is a switch.
Sean is way more buttoned-up than Derek and needs Derek’s quirky sense of humor to lighten him up. I love that he is willing to try stuff he is a very open character.
He runs the local garage. When Derek starts flirting with him he starts noticing the younger man in a whole new light.
I adored the humor in this book just made it fun to read. I loved the characters. I cannot wait for more from this series in the future.
Five Shooting stars
April 21, 2020
Loved the quirky characters and the development of the relationship.
November 11, 2020
I enjoyed the story but was lost on many of the characters with connection to Sean and Derek. It didn't feel like a stand alone and took away from the story to me....
July 8, 2020
A deeply-flawed age-gap gay romance. While I have enjoyed some of M.A. Innes's other kink-lifestyle stories, this one is just a big mess. To paraphrase Mark Twain, when the characters in a story talk, the author needs to make it sound like human talk and be talk such as humans beings would be likely to engage in in the given circumstances. This one isn't that way, even allowing for the necessarily unusual discussions people in the kink lifestyle must have.
I very much enjoy reading stories about people in consensual romantic relationships that are different from my own. But, this is just NOT the way people behave or talk. Period. Sorry, I cannot suspend my disbelief THIS much, and it has nothing to do with this being a kink-lifestyle story and everything to do with its featuring a cast of characters that neither act nor speak like human beings.
Add to this the fact that there really isn't much in the way of a plot. A 40-something dad and widower (having previously only had vanilla, straight relationships, and having essentially been aromantic and nearly asexual for most of his life) suddenly and without explanation gets into a Daddy-kink gay relationship. And, that is pretty much it. Nothing interesting happens, IMHO.
I very much enjoy reading stories about people in consensual romantic relationships that are different from my own. But, this is just NOT the way people behave or talk. Period. Sorry, I cannot suspend my disbelief THIS much, and it has nothing to do with this being a kink-lifestyle story and everything to do with its featuring a cast of characters that neither act nor speak like human beings.
Add to this the fact that there really isn't much in the way of a plot. A 40-something dad and widower (having previously only had vanilla, straight relationships, and having essentially been aromantic and nearly asexual for most of his life) suddenly and without explanation gets into a Daddy-kink gay relationship. And, that is pretty much it. Nothing interesting happens, IMHO.
March 19, 2021
What can I say....
Derek has had a crush on Sean, his friend Ethan’s Dad, for years. Sean shows no sign of returning his interest...until he does....Sean is confounded by his feelings for Derek. He’d always considered himself straight, and besides...he’s old enough to be Derek’s father. But he can’t deny the attraction, especially when Derek reveals his submissive side.
I quit at about 50%. As I’ve grown older, I’ve given myself permission to not finish books that just don’t engage me enough to want to keep reading.
Derek is a self-described ‘switch.’ He keeps saying he’s a submissive, but he’s amazingly pushy for someone who’s supposedly happy to take orders. And he really, really wants to call Sean “Daddy,” as if that will make their relationship fit into the BDSM world. Sean, of course, is new to the dating world, and gay dating in particular, so I get that he will need some reassuring and some guidance. But he didn’t seem Dom-ish at all, and when he’s pushed into it by Derek, he wears it like a badly fitting suit.
And then there’s the ick factor abundantly evident in Sean’s conversations with his son Ethan.
So....characters who don’t fit together, awkward dialogue, and strangely clinical sexual situations. No thanks.
Derek has had a crush on Sean, his friend Ethan’s Dad, for years. Sean shows no sign of returning his interest...until he does....Sean is confounded by his feelings for Derek. He’d always considered himself straight, and besides...he’s old enough to be Derek’s father. But he can’t deny the attraction, especially when Derek reveals his submissive side.
I quit at about 50%. As I’ve grown older, I’ve given myself permission to not finish books that just don’t engage me enough to want to keep reading.
Derek is a self-described ‘switch.’ He keeps saying he’s a submissive, but he’s amazingly pushy for someone who’s supposedly happy to take orders. And he really, really wants to call Sean “Daddy,” as if that will make their relationship fit into the BDSM world. Sean, of course, is new to the dating world, and gay dating in particular, so I get that he will need some reassuring and some guidance. But he didn’t seem Dom-ish at all, and when he’s pushed into it by Derek, he wears it like a badly fitting suit.
And then there’s the ick factor abundantly evident in Sean’s conversations with his son Ethan.
So....characters who don’t fit together, awkward dialogue, and strangely clinical sexual situations. No thanks.
September 27, 2020
Re-read 9/26-27/20: happy sigh. And on to Jules and Frank again!
It was so silly of me to think that Sean could possibly end up with that silly blond girl when I finished reading Christopher & Ethan. I should've known this author would find someone so utterly perfect for him! Now I just have to finish reading all the other books in my urgent list so I can get back to a happy beginning for Jules and Frank!!!
It was so silly of me to think that Sean could possibly end up with that silly blond girl when I finished reading Christopher & Ethan. I should've known this author would find someone so utterly perfect for him! Now I just have to finish reading all the other books in my urgent list so I can get back to a happy beginning for Jules and Frank!!!
April 12, 2020
The Only Way to Live is a delicious best friend's father romance mixed with some spicy BDSM. This MA Innes book is absolutely tender and exquisite.
The story of Derek and Sean, these two have a long, interesting past that includes a whole lot of shameless flirting. Derek's long been after Sean, the father of his friend Ethan.
I just love the dynamics in this story. Derek's a switch who works to wear down the older man, working for him to see what they can have together. Sean is not easy to win over, as he struggles with the age difference, which I enjoy a lot.
Their story is fantastic, with great chemistry and fun changes in their long time friendship. Their story includes some hot scenes, including some luscious first times. It's refreshing the way that the younger man is able to introduce his older love interest to the world of BDSM.
Derek, oh Derek. He's delightful as can be, full of spark, sass, and a dominant side. I love, love, love the way his switch aspect is illustrated. As for Sean, some of my favorite scenes are the awkward ones, as Derek pushes Sean into new situations.
The secondary characters are fabulous, adding a nice dose of humor to the tale. Jules, oh how I love Jules and his little side. Just being friends, Derek completely understands Jules, supports Jules, and looks out for him. And wow, Sean's scenes with Jules are absolutely beautiful. Dear god, I love Jules, and these moments make me love Sean even more.
The sex shop is awesome, including some hot moments and cameos of past characters. Seriously, I love the cameos!
The writing is perfect, with a tone and voice I find soothing. The author excels in combining romance, steam, and character growth. Written in dual pov, the reader easily slips into the minds of both men, gaining fantastic insight into their feelings. As much as one might love a lot of hot sex in their books, it's the emotions involved with this one that makes it so damn fantastic.
The Only Way to Love is a great read. It's a warm, comfy read that will also leave you fanning yourself often. It's truly a beautiful read, full of a heart-warming romance, mixed with plenty of steam and humor. I highly recommend this MA Innes read!
The story of Derek and Sean, these two have a long, interesting past that includes a whole lot of shameless flirting. Derek's long been after Sean, the father of his friend Ethan.
I just love the dynamics in this story. Derek's a switch who works to wear down the older man, working for him to see what they can have together. Sean is not easy to win over, as he struggles with the age difference, which I enjoy a lot.
Their story is fantastic, with great chemistry and fun changes in their long time friendship. Their story includes some hot scenes, including some luscious first times. It's refreshing the way that the younger man is able to introduce his older love interest to the world of BDSM.
Derek, oh Derek. He's delightful as can be, full of spark, sass, and a dominant side. I love, love, love the way his switch aspect is illustrated. As for Sean, some of my favorite scenes are the awkward ones, as Derek pushes Sean into new situations.
The secondary characters are fabulous, adding a nice dose of humor to the tale. Jules, oh how I love Jules and his little side. Just being friends, Derek completely understands Jules, supports Jules, and looks out for him. And wow, Sean's scenes with Jules are absolutely beautiful. Dear god, I love Jules, and these moments make me love Sean even more.
The sex shop is awesome, including some hot moments and cameos of past characters. Seriously, I love the cameos!
The writing is perfect, with a tone and voice I find soothing. The author excels in combining romance, steam, and character growth. Written in dual pov, the reader easily slips into the minds of both men, gaining fantastic insight into their feelings. As much as one might love a lot of hot sex in their books, it's the emotions involved with this one that makes it so damn fantastic.
The Only Way to Love is a great read. It's a warm, comfy read that will also leave you fanning yourself often. It's truly a beautiful read, full of a heart-warming romance, mixed with plenty of steam and humor. I highly recommend this MA Innes read!
May 24, 2020
I love this author and many of the themes explored in this heated and kinky romantic romp. While steam of the last third sizzled nicely, there were too many “suspend disbelief” moments that built for my personal connection to and enjoyment of the chemistry and characters.
The biggest are a middle aged man having never been attracted to men, interested in kink, interested in BDSM, interested in being a Dominant Daddy, or being a switch, to be relatively quickly swept off his feet and by one of his son’s close friends. Apart from some minor, non-sexual chemistry with the younger man, all of these seemed to come out of the blue.
While I can suspend some disbelief, there was too much to swallow to believe in the chemistry and all of the wide range of new interests with no seemingly no precursors in his life whatsoever, which undermined the whole. (I really like almost all of the individual themes, but when they didn’t resonate, Sean’s playful, kinky banter with the younger man as well as relationship/sex conversations with his son came across as creepy as often as they did interesting or enticing.)
Exploring a couple of those themes as a midlife awakening from repression makes total senses. All of them at once - especially incredibly basic/core/deep issues like attraction to men, sexual/romantic interest in his much younger friend/son’s friend, and interest in D/s, were hard to believe. This was especially true as I had almost no sense Sean was repressing any of these as any kind of underlying (represse/conscious or not) true existing feelings, except for maybe a desire to be slightly playful/flirty with the younger guy.
As someone who has seen many men in real life break out of their repression later I’m life and embrace many of these same things (relatively quickly), Sean didn’t strike me as the type at all.
Clearly this is a personal reaction, but this reaction, but it soured my experience of the entire book (and made things that should have been sizzling or humorous rather off putting instead). It’s extra disappointing to me because almost books with D/s themes have protagonists who so openly switch or come to embrace kinks later in life (much more common/realistic and often rewarding than portrayed in wonderfully escapist bit less realistic heated romances).
The biggest are a middle aged man having never been attracted to men, interested in kink, interested in BDSM, interested in being a Dominant Daddy, or being a switch, to be relatively quickly swept off his feet and by one of his son’s close friends. Apart from some minor, non-sexual chemistry with the younger man, all of these seemed to come out of the blue.
While I can suspend some disbelief, there was too much to swallow to believe in the chemistry and all of the wide range of new interests with no seemingly no precursors in his life whatsoever, which undermined the whole. (I really like almost all of the individual themes, but when they didn’t resonate, Sean’s playful, kinky banter with the younger man as well as relationship/sex conversations with his son came across as creepy as often as they did interesting or enticing.)
Exploring a couple of those themes as a midlife awakening from repression makes total senses. All of them at once - especially incredibly basic/core/deep issues like attraction to men, sexual/romantic interest in his much younger friend/son’s friend, and interest in D/s, were hard to believe. This was especially true as I had almost no sense Sean was repressing any of these as any kind of underlying (represse/conscious or not) true existing feelings, except for maybe a desire to be slightly playful/flirty with the younger guy.
As someone who has seen many men in real life break out of their repression later I’m life and embrace many of these same things (relatively quickly), Sean didn’t strike me as the type at all.
Clearly this is a personal reaction, but this reaction, but it soured my experience of the entire book (and made things that should have been sizzling or humorous rather off putting instead). It’s extra disappointing to me because almost books with D/s themes have protagonists who so openly switch or come to embrace kinks later in life (much more common/realistic and often rewarding than portrayed in wonderfully escapist bit less realistic heated romances).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2020
I was honestly expecting more from this book and I don’t know why. Maybe because the blurb made it sound so interesting. I really like age-gap stories.
First let me say that this is NOT a standalone. Apparently there is a story about two characters from this book, Christopher and Ethan, that you should read first. Nowhere in the description does it say anything about this. Since this is BOOK ONE of a series, I had no idea that I should have read something else first. To top it off, when I looked that book up (its called Christopher and Ethan and it’s book 3 of the Beautiful Shame series) it’s not a book that would appeal to me.
Back to this book, The Only Way to Live. You’re thrown into this book and it feels like you’re missing something. When I started the second chapter my head was already spinning. I felt like I should have already known who these people were. I had to keep going back to the first chapter to make sure I knew who Derek was. He was the owner of the sex toy shop, right? Also, as I mentioned above, Christopher and Ethan are mentioned a lot because Ethan is Sean’s son and Derek’s friend.
Half the time I had no idea who was speaking. Apparently authors don’t like to use “he said” or “Derek said” anymore. It’s a f’in guessing game. Is the speaker the person that is mentioned in that paragraph, or is that just the other person’s reaction? That’s just annoying.
The first time Derek and Sean have sex is completely a narrative in Derek’s POV. I wanted Sean’s reaction! It was his first time with a man! There wasn’t even any dialogue to clue me in to how Sean was reacting or feeling. Why????? I felt cheated out of something that should have been amazing.
I’m going to have to see if I’ve read any of this author’s other books. I wonder if I liked them. This one was almost a complete miss for me. I really did like the two MCs and they’re the only reason I managed to get to the ending.
First let me say that this is NOT a standalone. Apparently there is a story about two characters from this book, Christopher and Ethan, that you should read first. Nowhere in the description does it say anything about this. Since this is BOOK ONE of a series, I had no idea that I should have read something else first. To top it off, when I looked that book up (its called Christopher and Ethan and it’s book 3 of the Beautiful Shame series) it’s not a book that would appeal to me.
Back to this book, The Only Way to Live. You’re thrown into this book and it feels like you’re missing something. When I started the second chapter my head was already spinning. I felt like I should have already known who these people were. I had to keep going back to the first chapter to make sure I knew who Derek was. He was the owner of the sex toy shop, right? Also, as I mentioned above, Christopher and Ethan are mentioned a lot because Ethan is Sean’s son and Derek’s friend.
Half the time I had no idea who was speaking. Apparently authors don’t like to use “he said” or “Derek said” anymore. It’s a f’in guessing game. Is the speaker the person that is mentioned in that paragraph, or is that just the other person’s reaction? That’s just annoying.
The first time Derek and Sean have sex is completely a narrative in Derek’s POV. I wanted Sean’s reaction! It was his first time with a man! There wasn’t even any dialogue to clue me in to how Sean was reacting or feeling. Why????? I felt cheated out of something that should have been amazing.
I’m going to have to see if I’ve read any of this author’s other books. I wonder if I liked them. This one was almost a complete miss for me. I really did like the two MCs and they’re the only reason I managed to get to the ending.
January 4, 2023
Derek has known his friend's father Sean for years and has always flirted and teased him knowing that nothing ever gets a reaction out of him, but one day he gets some unexpected curiosity from the man he always thought of as straight. Maybe an adventurous switch like Derek is the best man to help Sean explore his wild side? Sean knows better than to take Derek's teasing seriously after all there is a reason he has always called him "pest" but maybe Sean should finally discover what he was all along.
I enjoyed this story with the bold Derek who seems to have no boundaries and no limit to sharing but is a kindly man who looks after his friend Jules as a stand-in to care for him. I loved the way that their relationship developed and that we experienced Sean's delight as he discovered a world was out there and he was capable of and deserving of happiness and love after such a long time as a widower. Easy to read, feel and understand. This story contains mature MM content containing BSDM-like elements including D/s, playful use of the word Daddy, speaking, a switch and an age gap which is not age play).
I enjoyed this story with the bold Derek who seems to have no boundaries and no limit to sharing but is a kindly man who looks after his friend Jules as a stand-in to care for him. I loved the way that their relationship developed and that we experienced Sean's delight as he discovered a world was out there and he was capable of and deserving of happiness and love after such a long time as a widower. Easy to read, feel and understand. This story contains mature MM content containing BSDM-like elements including D/s, playful use of the word Daddy, speaking, a switch and an age gap which is not age play).
July 27, 2020
The only way to live is a very good age gap story. Derek loves flirting with Sean his best friend’s father and always has. Though now he is all grown up and he is very attracted to the man. But not only will he have to see if the man is at least bi but could be interested in Derek’s lifestyle.
The characters are all so interesting, I think Jules stole my heart though and I can’t wait for his story. There is a lot going on and the story is fast paced and interesting.
I will say though that I loved the narration and think Kenneth Obi brought this story and all the characters to life. He always adds so much excitement and really amps up the sex scenes. I adored his voice for Jules.
If you have been kinda interested in a bit of kink, some bondage, a little bit of littles and age play this is a nice soft intro.
If you like age-gap, age play, switches, gay for you, coming out and a good, sweet romance with kink this is for you!
April 2, 2020
This was the story of Derek showing his friend's father all about loving a man and dipping his toe into the world of BDSM. I loved Derek and Sean! Derek was confident and fun and caring. Sean was open minded and willing to learn new things about himself and try new things. Together, they were sometimes funny and always loving and sexy.
The way both men treated Derek's roommate Jules made me love them both even more. I can't wait for Jules' story. It was great spending more time with Ethan and Christopher from the Beautiful Shame series. Ethan is Sean's son, and I loved seeing him embarrass his father as he tried to give him advice regarding his sex life. I laughed a lot here, and I loved all the tender moments, too. Considering that a vanilla straight man realized he was truly neither vanilla nor straight, this was really low angst and fun. Great story!
The way both men treated Derek's roommate Jules made me love them both even more. I can't wait for Jules' story. It was great spending more time with Ethan and Christopher from the Beautiful Shame series. Ethan is Sean's son, and I loved seeing him embarrass his father as he tried to give him advice regarding his sex life. I laughed a lot here, and I loved all the tender moments, too. Considering that a vanilla straight man realized he was truly neither vanilla nor straight, this was really low angst and fun. Great story!
July 4, 2025
This one was a fun enjoyable read. It actually made me giggle and chuckle out loud and read some fun parts to my husband. Derek is a hoot. I loved how open and honest and flirty he is. But he did know how to be serious when needed. And Sean was so clueless and so stinking cute and sweet. These two were so wonderful together and I loved how there wasn’t any major angst. They were both very open and honest with one another and communicate as needed. Super good, sweet and funny story. There is a section when Sean is first introduced that feels a little bit like there may have been a scene taken out, but it only feels that way because there is a mention of flirting that you never actually see. But it does not take away from my enjoyment of this book. It really is a great palate cleanser with developed characters and some depth. Definitely recommend.
September 30, 2020
This was a mixed bag. Some parts I found incredibly well written and funny and sexy. Other parts felt like filler with the daily mundane. I like having a good balance of the two in a book like this, and I don't think the author managed to pull this off.
Discovering that there are a bunch of other books featuring the other characters, was slightly disappointing. I don't think I like this book enough to want to read the other books.
I do have to say though, that I loved Derek and Sean. I would've loved seeing more of their exploration together, and less from the other characters. It always felt like the author was setting up another story instead of focusing on this one. I didn't like that at all. And all the hinting about ethan and christopher was bordering on annoying.
Discovering that there are a bunch of other books featuring the other characters, was slightly disappointing. I don't think I like this book enough to want to read the other books.
I do have to say though, that I loved Derek and Sean. I would've loved seeing more of their exploration together, and less from the other characters. It always felt like the author was setting up another story instead of focusing on this one. I didn't like that at all. And all the hinting about ethan and christopher was bordering on annoying.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2025
This was a good read! Im into low-angst, short books at the moment and this was perfect!
I did have a bit of a hard time connect to the characters and getting into the story but once I did it was good. I found myself thinking about and wanting to read about Jules and Christian/Ethan almost the whole book.
So far I’ve enjoyed this authors books, as well as the other name they write under! I will say that the use of the words “wicked” and “fabulous” is a bit much sometimes lol. It’s in nearly every book I’ve read under this author and it’s always many times throughout the book, sometimes even multiple per page 😬 they’re still great books but the overuse of these words can be distracting at times.
I did have a bit of a hard time connect to the characters and getting into the story but once I did it was good. I found myself thinking about and wanting to read about Jules and Christian/Ethan almost the whole book.
So far I’ve enjoyed this authors books, as well as the other name they write under! I will say that the use of the words “wicked” and “fabulous” is a bit much sometimes lol. It’s in nearly every book I’ve read under this author and it’s always many times throughout the book, sometimes even multiple per page 😬 they’re still great books but the overuse of these words can be distracting at times.
April 5, 2020
Ooh a great start to the book as Derek sets his sights to win a bet but he might win something or someone much more. I loved Seans angst with his age difference compared to Derek's and the reference to old coats lol. The book is a fantastic story I absolutely loved.
Ex-boss, virgin, gay curious, Switch, LOLs and much more yah I ain't telling but it's totally HOT.
Derek 24 yrs and his friend Jules both loved Daddies. But Derek owned a toy adult shop and was single. A silly bet to grab their first Daddy for a free dinner at the other expense.
Sean 40+ was a mechanic, an Derek flirts with him to win a bet.. BUT..
Ex-boss, virgin, gay curious, Switch, LOLs and much more yah I ain't telling but it's totally HOT.
Derek 24 yrs and his friend Jules both loved Daddies. But Derek owned a toy adult shop and was single. A silly bet to grab their first Daddy for a free dinner at the other expense.
Sean 40+ was a mechanic, an Derek flirts with him to win a bet.. BUT..
April 6, 2020
I wasn't disappointed with this book, but can I just say that I didn't expect Derek and Sean to have a book? I was pleasantly surprised when I saw that it was about Ethan's friend--the one who owns a sex toy store, and his pop--whom we both met at the third book of Beautiful Shame series. I also wasn't expecting that epilogue! The cameo of the guys at the Bound and Controlled was surprising, although I should have known already. My only complaint is that a certain dinosaur and Derek's meeting should have been included! I'm curious to see his reaction toward Derek and I'm pretty sure he looks so adorable with that outfit! So excited to see more of Jules and Frank in the next book.
May 29, 2025
This was a no for me. The relationship felt half started/finished from the beginning to end of book. The flirting plot line at the beginning also felt underdeveloped.
I don’t even get the relationship between these two. The older Mc didn’t even blink at not only deciding he was bisexual, but into bdsm. Like not even a real processing of it.
This was not a “daddy” book, despite the synopsis. A double switch/pseudo daddy/age gap book where the son is also into kink and discusses it with his dad?
None of this worked for me.
I don’t even get the relationship between these two. The older Mc didn’t even blink at not only deciding he was bisexual, but into bdsm. Like not even a real processing of it.
This was not a “daddy” book, despite the synopsis. A double switch/pseudo daddy/age gap book where the son is also into kink and discusses it with his dad?
None of this worked for me.
May 22, 2020
I super duper enjoyed this book!
Loves: age-gap relationship, best friend’s dad, kink discovery, sexuality discovery, they’re both switches, Sean never had a gay panic moment or bottom shame!
Not-loves: I dunno? Maybe the line of communication between Sean and his son? A little over the line, but not a deal breaker. OH, Jules is a little, which I don’t like, but it’s not a big part of the story, so it’s not a big deal.
Loves: age-gap relationship, best friend’s dad, kink discovery, sexuality discovery, they’re both switches, Sean never had a gay panic moment or bottom shame!
Not-loves: I dunno? Maybe the line of communication between Sean and his son? A little over the line, but not a deal breaker. OH, Jules is a little, which I don’t like, but it’s not a big part of the story, so it’s not a big deal.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 13, 2020
This is a fun book. Derek is so much fun. He is confident, funny, sweet, sexy, and loyal. Sean is honest, sweet, caring, and willing to explore new ideas. I had a good time reading their story and their exploration into a new relationship.
This is a sweet, funny and sexy read. Best friend's dad without the drama. I had a fun time with Sean having to deal with his son trying to encourage his new relationship and to explore kink.
This is a sweet, funny and sexy read. Best friend's dad without the drama. I had a fun time with Sean having to deal with his son trying to encourage his new relationship and to explore kink.
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