Joey: The Complete Unabridged Story

Joey #1

by Angelique Jurd, Penny Tsallos (Editor)

Joey Harkin keeps a low profile. He goes to work each day, keeps to himself and makes sure nobody notices him. It's the only way he can be sure the man who has tortured him for eight years won't find him. The only way he can be sure he'll be safe. Everything is calm in Joey's life, until he's summoned to the Managing Director's office.

Rick Southwell is a successful man. Smart, attractive, wealthy. He has a close circle of friends and when he needs something more ... stimulating... there's always The Club. There are no shortage of men there willing to act out whatever scene Daddy Rick asks for. He has no interest in anything deep or permanent. Until the night he has to rescue Joey Harkin - the man he has just promoted - from being beaten up.

Bit by bit, Rick learns Joey's story. Day by day his desire to protect and care for Joey grows stronger. Little by little, he falls in love.

Getting Joey to trust him turns out to be the easy part. Getting Joey to let go of his fear and embrace his new life is much more challenging.


Joey: The Complete Unabridged Story brings together the Joey's Story trilogy, newly edited and expanded, with never before released material. It is a stand-alone novel of more than 100,000 words featuring age-gap, mild kink, and hurt comfort themes.

TRIGGER WARNING: This book contains reference to domestic abuse, both physical and mental.

Genres: M M Romance, BDSM, Abuse, Romance, Contemporary, LGBT, Mental Health

550 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 17, 2019

About the author

People driven stories. Slightly broken boys. Safe space MM Romance fiction.
After getting a degree in languages, travelling the world, raising a family, and working as a business journalist, she went back to school and studied English Literature and Media Studies.

In 2018, she published her first novel Jesse’s Smile with Small Black Cat Media. Since then, she’s continued to write contemporary gay (MM) romance and her academic research in fan studies and the queerification of popular fiction characters by fans.

Angelique is owned by three cats, three adult children, two temperamental computers, and a very patient boyfriend (not a partridge in a pear tree). She’s also pierced, painted, pansexual, and proud AF. When she’s not writing (or swearing at her computer) she likes cold champagne, hot coffee, neat whiskey, loud Springsteen, and the Winchester brothers kicking butt.

Stay up to date with new releases and other news by getting Angelique's newsletter: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/636945...

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Reviews

[Nazanin · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Told in dual POV, 3rd person, a quick read and a bit cliffy. In spite of involving abuse, it wasn’t as angsty as I expected. Actually, it was more like a sweet story. I preferred if it went more in deep and I rarely enjoy insta-love. There is an age gap (one in his forties and the other in his early thrities). Overall, I liked this and hope you enjoy it as well!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-read July 2023

This is one of those books that gets better the more I read it. Bumping it up to 4.5 stars.

------------------------------------

Joey has been severely abused by his boyfriend for 8 years and now he’s finally free of him. He enjoys his job and feels he is slowly recovering from the worst of it.

Rick is confident in his ability to lead the people in his company well. But he also feels incredibly attracted to the new guy, Joey. When an ex-employee attacks Joey one night when they’re out for drinks, Rick comes to the rescue.

He takes Joey home and tells the man he will look after him. But Joey isn’t so sure he should go with Rick. He is his boss after all. But it looks like he needs someone who will look after him a bit, so he agrees to stay with Rick for just a little while.

Rick makes it clear Joey isn’t just an employee to him, and that he would like to pursue something more. But Rick also understands Joey was in an abusive relationship, since that became clear when Joey was being seen by the doctor.

But Rick is willing to go as slow as Joey needs him to…

This had all the ingredients of an amazing book. And while I did like it, the writing sometimes pulled me a bit out of the story and left me confused. Like it is clear to both Rick and Joey that Rick is a Daddy Dom. But I never quite understood how Joey figured that out. Yes, Rick acted all dominant and didn’t hide that, but to jump to the conclusion of a Daddy was quite the clairvoyant leap I would say.

This had the promise of some daddy kink, but since Joey wasn’t quite there yet, there is no actual daddy kink going on (yet). Joey’s former boyfriend was a Dom, so Joey had his reservations about the lifestyle.

This was a nice promising start.

[Barbara➰ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angelique Jurd has quickly become one of my favorite authors. So, when I saw an opportunity to receive her newest book early, I snatched it up. I was not disappointed.

After an employee is caught being dishonest with a client and the company, Joey a lower level employee is promoted to project manager. He quickly catches the boss's eye. Rick sees something in Joey immediately. He sees a need that he desires to fill. But not only that, he wants to protect Joey and wash away the sadness and fear in his eyes.

Joey broke my heart. The abuse he suffered for 8 years was horrific. The pain and humiliation have left him scarred both physically and mentally. But he is strong too. Rick is a Dom who likes to take care of his boys. But he begins to feel something for Joey that he has never felt before. He wants Joey permanently.

This is EXACTLY the type of story I absolutely LOVE. Hurt/comfort is one of my top favorite troupes. A hot, older alpha who wants to protect and love an abused guy who needs something good in his life. This one definitely delivered.

My only complaint is I hate I have to wait for the next story. Jurd says there's more to come for these two and I can't wait.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this book down!!!! 😍

[Bo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't wait for more. I kind of wish I had waited like I did with her other series!😠

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book one of three, which I did not realize until the end. Up until then I was totally vested in the story. Now I’m just irritated. I hate endings left wide open unless I can read through back-to-back. Goes back to my Black Dagger days.

Enough whining. It was good. Really good. Hurt/Comfort with D’s elements. Former abuse made my stomach churn.

Worth the wait I’m hoping.

[Patsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this series! So good! Angelique Jurd is a new favorite of mine and I am clearly going to have to read all her books! Now that I writing this itty bitty review, I am going to have to do my first re-read! Read this!

[Mirian · Rating 1 out of 5]

Skimmed the hell out of this
It was terrible , BDSM lifestyle and consent was handled and portrayed abominably.

[Claudia Lezár · Rating 5 out of 5]

PLEASE READ FIRST MY RATING SYSTEM!!!

To my ratings (thanks to amazon I had to change it again and 'upgrade' it a little bit)

5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-Away-book like 'Jesse's Smile' and Joey' from
Angelique Jurd, 'Save the kids' series from EM Leya or from Seth King),
it's like an A+

4* - very good and will be often reread and is a WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises
(like most of Andrew Grey books)
it's like an A

3,5* - a really good book, which will be reread a few times (most romances where you can enjoy
for relaxing and during waiting times in hospitals). I can recommend them definitively!
it's like an B+

3* - it's more then a one-time-reader, but not really an often (2-3 times a year) reread book.
it's like a B


I really have no words for this book. It's one of the hardest reviews, I ever wrote.

This is this year after nearly 70 books my second 5*. And I would give more, if possible.

The book was blowing me away.

The stars are not only for Angelique for the story, they are also for all the men BEHIND Joey. All the victims of abuse, who was brave enough to tell her their story. A total stranger in the knowing, that it will be used in a book. Or better in a trilogy. This stars are for you! For your brave, for your survival, for your LIFE.

Was started as an idea for a short story in a facebook group grow in a long thick book with so much depth and soul, that it's impossible to take the book away!
I could see und feel Joeys memories, visible and invisible wounds and it hurt my heart to know, that it's not only fiction, it's reality for a lot of men (and women and children).
I had the luck to left my abusive Ex after the first hit, but as this story tells, it's not easy and often enough impossible.

And for ALL Joeys outside: It's ok, to have a teddy bear with nearly 30. I'm 43 and my teddy bear is with me since 35 years now. And who can't handle that, can leave the house and close the door from outside! Everyone is allowed to have something soft and smooth, when needed!

So, I'm disgressing away: Read the book, do it!! It's one of the best (It's in my top five with 'Save-the-kids'-series, 'Jesse's Smile' and 'Liberty') and I hope, that it will be a great success (that I am for sure!), goes around the world and maybe someday someone will make a film of it. It gives so much hope for victims!

Can't wait for the other both books to read. (And now off to read again 'Jesse's Smile', my comfort-book)

[Shelba · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 11%.

First, this is told in alternating third person, present tense. Yikes. There's a reason why you don't see this often, it's hard to pull off, and I think if it had been a singular POV, I may have been able to deal with it.

Mr. is never followed with a period. It is always Mr Southwell, Mr Jones. Either spell it out, 'mister', or use the appropriate punctuation.

Then there is the fact that everyone keeps alternating between using given and surnames when referring to other characters. Considering that in the first few pages of this book, seven different characters are referenced, I got a little confused.

And the last straw was the colloquial narration:

He drops his laptop bag on the table and, tugging his tie off, goes to the minute bathroom. Flicks the shower on and finishes undressing. He folds his trousers and puts them on top of the toilet cistern. Drops his tie on top of them.

I'm pretty sure that a subject needs to proceed those verbs. If this was dialogue, and those were commands, it would be fine.... but it reads oddly in a narrative. Not that I'm an expert on writing, but that's why I stick to reading.

With this being the second DNF for me from Angelique Jurd, and with a third book being a 2-star read, I think it's safe to say that her writing style is not for me.

[Nese's reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh boy, that was tough....

If you like angst in your stories you won't go wrong,
if you like over protective Daddies you will be amazed,
and finally if you love a vulnerable, gorgeous young boy that has had a hard life, please read this story.

This book is very well written, I loved all of the characters, colourful and evil as they are. I think I fell in love with Joey before Rick did, and the more I learned about his horrific story the more I cared, I wanted to hug him over and over.

Please beware of the level of abuse mentioned, however I really think the author took care in it's sensitivity. I'm glad that I read the story as a whole and not in parts,( it was 3 books) that would have left me feeling too sad.

[Aղցela W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good series. I laughed and I cried. Blake did a real number on Joey not only physically but emotionally as well his self esteem was very low. I loved that Rick was very patient with him. I also loved all the secondary characters in this series they were warm and caring and willing to help. Blake was a real piece of work he took a simple curiosity and used and abused Joey's trust and to top that all off when his mother died he didn't let him ho to her funeral or visit her grave. I was so happy that he got his happily ever after. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling.

[Fay MMBookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Triggers are included cautioned
💖 OMG I loved Joey so much his story but its a hard one to read but he's got Rick now. Triggers are hugely included that relates to Joey's past Dom which are not for the faint hearten (it made me cringe in parts) The ending includes an HFN which will continue in the next book. Hot sexy scenes and a lot of trust also other characters not being nice.

Rick 40+ yrs the head of his company tries to correct a problem with one of his contracts.
Joey 28ish yrs was 6 months working with them gets called to see the boss and wonders why.

[Romanticamente Fantasy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nayeli -per RFS
.
Rich è affascinato da un suo collega Joey, che sembra rispondere come un sottomesso ai suoi modi dominanti da Daddy. Non gli è facile avvicinarlo, e vorrebbe presto giocare con lui, ma Joey, anche se sul lavoro è professionale e molto capace, perfino con abilità di team leading, nel privato è un ragazzo terrorizzato. Rich fatica ad avvicinarlo non sapendo bene per quale motivo l’altro si ritragga, ma più rimane impigliato nella sua rete e più il senso di protezione e il desiderio di prendersene cura aumenta, soprattutto quando inizia a capire che le sue reazioni derivano da un disturbo da stress post traumatico.

Una buona prima parte del romanzo si sofferma sul processo con cui Rich trova in modo di avvicinarlo nel modo più delicato possibile, fisicamente ma anche emotivamente, mettendolo a proprio agio e facendolo sentire al sicuro. Nonostante la sua molta esperienza come Master e come Daddy, Rich si trattiene dal prendere il controllo e limitare la libertà di Joey, considerando che abbia bisogno di più spazio e temendo di poterlo spaventare con modi troppo decisi. L’affetto, la comprensione, la presenza, la solidità di Rich sono stati totalmente presenti, un pilastro per la sua rinascita.

Man mano che le pagine vanno avanti Joey si apre sempre più, superando i suoi timori e la mancanza di fiducia con cui si è protetto una volta fuggito dalla sua vecchia relazione tossica, iniziando a rivelare i dettagli del suo passato. L’autrice non teme di colpirci con un tasso di violenza esplicita piuttosto forte, non ci risparmia i dettagli sulle umiliazioni, vessazioni, torture non consensuali che l’ex di Joey infliggeva al ragazzo, agendo da Daddy/padrone senza seguire le regole base del BDSM.

Essendo tutto vissuto in flashback, per quanto i ricordi possano essere crudi, toccanti e perfino scioccanti, la nostra sofferenza nell’immedesimarci in Joey viene presto lenita dalle scene successive colme d’amore, più accoglienti e confortanti.

«Ma lo sei.» Rick gli bacia il punto sensibile sotto l’orecchio. Succhia la pelle per un secondo. «Così bello. Amo tutto di te. I tuoi occhi, il tuo dolce sorriso. Le tue cicatrici.» Joey chiude gli occhi; li riapre quando riceve un morso sul lobo dell’orecchio. «No. Devi tenere gli occhi aperti per questo.» Lentamente, Rick abbassa le mani intrecciate verso la sua coscia. Sfiora con le nocche la sua erezione crescente. «Voglio che tu sappia che nulla di ciò che fai è sbagliato. Puoi toccarti quando vuoi. Puoi venire quando vuoi. Non mi arrabbierò mai con te perché ti piace il tuo corpo. Non ti farò mai del male.»

Mi ha toccata particolarmente la difficoltà che Joey incontra nel farsi comprendere quando confessa di essere stato abusato. Le persone con cui ne parla, anche se amici, gli chiedono perché lui “non si sia comportato in un certo modo” (andarsene prima, ribellarsi, usare la sua forza fisica…), anziché proiettare le accuse su chi gli ha fatto cose indicibili.

Nonostante il desiderio di capire, emerge quanto sia davvero faticoso riuscire a comprendere la difficoltà emotiva, il senso di impotenza e di incapacità di una persona che ha subito violenza fisica, sessuale, psicologica, economica; quanto può essere annichilita dallo stato di sottomissione e di manipolazione a cui l’abusante può arrivare a causa del livello di umiliazione che lui l’ha costretto a raggiungere.

L’autrice ha espresso bene e in più momenti la frustrazione e il senso di incomprensione che prova Joey nel doversi giustificare per ciò che ha subito.

«E se non volessi mai provarlo?» «Allora non lo faremo.» «E se non riesco a essere il tuo tipo?» Rick fa scivolare la mano sotto la sua maglietta e passa le dita sulla pelle della sua schiena. Joey rabbrividisce. «Lo sei già.» «Ma se non posso fare le cose che ti piacciono?» «Joey, smettila di preoccuparti. Possiamo prenderci il nostro tempo e scoprire insieme cosa piace a entrambi.»

Una volta ritrovato sicurezza, Joey ha tempo e spazio per trovare la propria forza e la propria identità, nonché per poter esplorare per la prima volta in modo sereno le proprie preferenze sessuali e di lifestyle. Il libro ci fa entrare con delicatezza e senza pregiudizi nel particolare kink dei giochi di ruolo basati sull’età, ponendo attenzione al bisogno di non essere giudicati (e di non giudicare se stessi) per il proprio desiderio di praticare il sesso insolito.

Il disagio di Joey nell’atteggiarsi in modo infantile, nonostante lo desideri e questo gli dia sollievo nei momenti di stress, non deriva tanto dal timore del giudizio degli altri quanto dal suo stesso timore di non comportarsi da adulto (o come gli altri presumono dovrebbe comportarsi un adulto).

Vorrebbe praticare l’age play, ma non si sente a suo agio con pannolini e ciucci. Questo lo confonde e teme di non essere in grado di assecondare Rich in situazioni o giochi che lui ama. Per la brutale esperienza subita durante il suo tentativo di apprendere le basi del BDSM si ritiene danneggiato e non meritevole del suo amore, ed è su questi elementi che l’altro focalizza la sua affettuosità e la sua tenerezza.

Fin da subito Rich dimostra di amare ciò che fa, purché Joey sia con lui e sia felice, indipendentemente dai kink che sceglie di praticare, e non importa se non riuscirà a mettere in pratica gli aspetti di controllo-punizioni. Gli ricorda più volte che non sono importanti le etichette né le consuetudini: il gioco tra loro non deve rispondere a nessun canone. Non importa che a Joey non piaccia il diapering (e come dargli torto, dopo ciò che il suo ex gli ha fatto?). Ama peluche, copertine morbide, abbracci confortevoli e magliette di supereroi, e non c’è nulla di sbagliato. Nessuno si dovrebbe mai vergognare per i propri gusti e le proprie preferenze personali.

«Per Joey non si tratta solo di sesso. Non si tratta di un gioco, non sta cercando scene per dimenticare una brutta giornata. Non ci vuole un genio per capire che vuole qualcuno che prenda il comando. Il problema è che l’unico riferimento che ha è quello che gli ha fatto quel bastardo. Non sa cosa sia giusto. Cosa gli è permesso provare o come elaborarlo. Eppure ti aspetti che sappia dove sono i limiti. Che sappia cosa può chiedere o a cosa può dire di no, ma tu non stai esattamente intervenendo per rendergli sicuro fare queste cose, vero?»

La fragilità di Joey porta Rich a ridefinire il suo ruolo di Daddy, più sbilanciato verso l’accudimento che sulle regole e qualche sculacciata.

Sul tema del BDSM mi aspettavo forse qualcosa in più. Si esplora molto il discorso punto di vista di Joey, che è naturalmente focale, essendo il suo trauma legato alle modalità di gioco e alle sue preferenze sessuali. Ritrovare il piacere per quello che è stato rovinato e sporcato è fondamentale per ricostruire una vita serena.

Per quanto riguarda il punto di vista del Master, del Daddy, invece, si affrontano i suoi dubbi nel relazionarsi con un partner che ha subito un trauma, le insicurezze legate al dosare il livello di dominanza in modo che sia appropriato per lui. Il suo percorso di crescita è relativo al superare queste insicurezze e prendere il controllo accentuando il suo ruolo dominante, introducendo Joey per davvero al lifestyle, permettendogli di lasciare indietro un po’ di ansie e dubbi, assumendo il ruolo di Daddy protettivo, presente, accudente, senza più timore di dover lasciare troppo spazio alle paure dell’altro.

[Cheryl_cajun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for the ARC read,I voluntarily give this book an honest review. This is book of the series and the emotional support in this book is amazing. There are triggers in it so have some tissues handy. Joey was just looking for a clean start of a new life from an abusive ex. New job was just the beginning of the start. Only troubles was he had come across problems with the client his team was working on.
Rick head of Southwells and Matthews  co. Just found out that the lead guy on the team was working a different gain with a highest-grossing client. Now that client wants Joey , who had only been with the company for six months, to be the lead the team.  When a fight breaks out across the street at the local bar and grill, Rick finds out Joey was involved, taking Joey to his doctor Rick founds out that Joey was abused in the past. Joey is pretty much scared from his own shadow thanks to his ex, can Rick convince him that all doms aren't like his ex? Can Joey take that chance even though he really wants Rick? Trust is frightening thing for Joey.

[Alison Edmunds · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book of a new trilogy by this author, and I literally cannot wait for the next. I love Joey (almost) as much as I love Jesse, and I never thought I would write that.

Joey pulls at my heartstrings. It became almost too much to bear as each new horror is revealed, but the author balances the heartbreak with Joey's courage and sass.

Rick is just the right love interest for Joey, although it takes Joey a while to work out why. Rick is smitten from the start and his caring and protective streak is always evident. As Joey's boss, the situation is not ideal and I like how the conflicts at work are playing out. It's here that Joey acts to his strengths and it's easy to see how a powerhouse like Rick could fall so quickly. There relationship might be more unbalanced without this facet to Joey.

Ms Jurd has written another exceptional book. My only gripe is that, although this part doesn't end on a cliffhanger, it is a tad abrupt. Still, I did love the tiny little peek into what will happen in the next book.

[Sarita Chapdelaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another amazing story from one of my favorite authors. It is beautifully written, emotional, heartbreakingly sad, inspiring, hopeful, insightful, sweet, deals well with some very difficult issues and the characters are incredible. Rick is instantly intrigued by Joey and he has to learn everything about him. Joey thinks of himself as broken and he doesn't understand why Rick is so determined to spend time with him. There is so much pain and sadness in Joey's past but as he slowly reveals the details to Rick they form a strong connection. I love how caring and supportive Rick is and how their relationship develops. This is just the beginning of their story and I can't wait to read the next book in this trilogy.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟Moving story of haunting hurt and Rick's intervention to help him heal👬
February 17, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition
👍👍💕🔥 Lovely MM romance between a broken young man and the successful businessman who can't resist the urge to care for him. Joey doesn't just have pain and hurt knocking at his door; they've lived with him for years and his current office dynamic isn't helping. I can't wait to read more about Joey and Rick and learn whether anyone faces up to Joey's old nemesis.

I love Angelique Jurd's plots and MCs. She does angst and loving partners so well. I am so glad I found this author about a year ago!😊

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great start to a series. First time author for me, was recommended to me and I am not disappointed. The idea and plot grabbed me but the characters are what held me til the end. Joey and Rick might be two very different people but need each other in so many ways. Joey's story breaks you heart so be prepared for that, and knowing there is much more he's not saying is worse. So being about to see Joey start to get his life back, being protected by Rick was perfection. Rick wasn't looking for someone like Joey but instantly knows he's needed and the chemistry can't be denied. This is filled with love, sweetness, heartache and fun moments. Mixed in with some great side characters and hints for what's coming next and I can't wait for more.

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great story! The characters are so well defined, so present and vivid... Joey is freshly out of an abusive relationship, and your heart will break while you learnt what he has been going through. His new boss, Rick, sees Joey's worth from the beginning, and his protective streak is quite obvious from the beginning. But Joey thinks of himself as broken and can't understand Rick's interest. And the fact that he's his boss makes things even more difficult.

As every book by this author, the writing is poignant and emotional, the story will drag you up and down and will leave you hopeful for them, and desperate for the next book in this series.

Simply a must-read.

[Sue Sanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is incredible. I have read it for the second time and it was just as touching as it was the first time. My heart broke for Joey. He is such a sweet and loveable person and so deeply hurt. Angelique Jurd has done a really great job to write about that sensitive subject. I love how Rick treats him, with all the patience, the understanding of his wounds... all the tenderness and Ricks protectiveness of Joey. Absolutely well written, how Joey's broken soul slowly can find healing, hope, so much love and care and a home for recovery in every respect.
I can't wait to read the second book, but I am so afraid to meet Blake there.

[Rachwithheadinabook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply brilliant

This is a book about a survivor of Domestic violence and abuse, Joey who falls for his boss Rick in this Daddy/age gap kink story.
It is written beautifully with such emotion and compassion for the everyday struggles to overcome the long term effects both physically and psychologically from this abuse. The book does for me end a little abruptly, but then we are told that there is to be a further two books about Rick and Joey in this wonderful trilogy. I can't wait to see this couple settled into their relationship. Highly recommend.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broke my heart and then put it together again

This is more than Age Gap or Daddy/Boy. This is a story about seeing beyond, about survival, and about finding love, hope, and perseverance in unlikely places. Having grown up with a mother's whose job was to help victims of abuse this story really got to me because I truly know that there are people evil enough to do harm, and that there are people strong enough to survive it. I absolutely fell in love with these two, and I cannot wait to see where their love and courage takes them.

[Elin · Rating 5 out of 5]

My sweet Joey. So broken and so very lovely.
Brave. That's the word that's left after starting his story, how brave he was after everything.
And even with the aftermath he's suffering, he still holds on to the two things that he so desperately wanted. His bear and a cute t-shirt. Who could ever take those away from him.

Rick was a manipulative and brilliant man, the way he coaxed Joey in to doing what was best for him, when his choices wasn't good and he needed what he was too stubborn to accept.

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant.

A very emotional, intense read. Heartbreaking truths regarding domestic abuse disguised as kink. To say I enjoyed this , is the wrong choice of words, as no body likes reading about abuse, even if it's fiction based on truths. This book was powerful, it stirs emotions in the reader. I did, however enjoy reading Joey's opening up to Rick and seeing the relationship start to blossom. I'm very much looking forward to the next book.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

My journey reading this book was so good as I fell into the pages and didn't want to leave..
Maybe triggers for some but not for me..

Everything is this book is what I enjoy reading and this author Angelique Jurd is just so good it's like I have found home !
Extremely well written a great story line with much passion.
The care Rick takes of Joey is beautiful .. their connection and then their trust of each other is wonderful...

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very painful book to read, the extreme physical and mental torture and abuse Joey had suffer from his ex is stunningly horrifying and graphically described. This author did an amazing job, she admits to painfully researching and struggled to write it. Ricks gentle patience with Joey is heartwarming and a little unexpected from the Rick we first meet in the story. I am going straight into book two of this trilogy.

[Essie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read
It has all the elements I love: drama, abusive ex, (a hinting towards) Daddy kink, very loveable MC’s.and hot sex!
I was worried when I was eyeing the page count: the story wasn’t done! I needed more of Joey&Rick! A slight panic took ahold of me but luckily this is the first of three books. So this one has a HFN.
I need the next one like yesterday!!!

[Emma Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book broke me in such a bittersweet way. The characters Angelique wrote are so beautifully dimensional that they feel so real. I wanted to wrap Joey in a warm blanket and just take away all his fears. As for Rick his compassion astounds me to no end. I genuinely cannot wait for the next book in the series.

[Vintage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great!

Loved this hurt/comfort story. Looks like this is the first of three, and while sometimes that makes a book feel like it abruptly ends, this one did not feel that way. Tough DV descriptions in this book, so be warned if that’s tough for you to read. Looking forward to reading the next one!