“At this point, I’m starting to think that if I don’t feel something for someone soon, that the notion of sparks will go the way of the Tooth Fairy and Santa Claus.”David Taylor just wants to belong. After a childhood of being the perfect son in an attempt to receive the acceptance he so craved, he has finally started living the life he wants. Maybe that means dating men as well as women. Maybe … women. Maybe it even means exploring something a little outside the norm, but that fills him with a comfort and completeness he never thought possible.
“I like casual, no-strings sex as much as any man. But in those rare moments when I actually allow myself to wish, I will acknowledge that it might be nice to have a man to come home to.”
Arthur Yuen loves men and has a merit badge in flirting to prove it. He also has a big mouth, as evidenced by him calling an adorable stranger “puppy” while at work one day. Who knew his slip would set off a chain of events that brings the two men together in a way neither would have imagined possible?
As Dave and Arthur explore a relationship that includes puppy play, they learn as much about themselves as they do each other. The two men discover a companionship that seems to be a perfect fit until tragedy strikes, and it will take every scrap of determination and understanding to keep their relationship going.
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This brought a huge smile to my face. I loved David so much. He has no idea what to do, his girlfriend just broke up with him, and he knows he’s missing something from his life. Arthur is a flirty bank teller who sparks David’s curiosity when he calls him puppy.
I loved how honest they were with each other when they were developing their relationship. It was amazing to see how accepting Arthur was towards David puppy, and I loved how supportive all of their friends were about their relationship. It was amazing to see David go from a shy and hesitant pup to a more confident and brave puppy.
This story starts off very light and funny, but it does take a darker tone at a certain point in the story. It broke my heart to see these two guys in so much pain.
This was an amazing continuation to a fabulous series!
This book is truly beautifully written. The love and chemistry between Dave and Arthur was absolutely stunning to read. I loved the puppy play, and the interactions between them and other characters.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It started with a lot of fun. Shy, awkward moments that were lightened with witty banter. Then there is the kinky sex. A whole lot of smoking hotness. And the heartbreak. It made me cry and yell and want to kick someone or two.
An innocent slip of the tongue is the beginning of an intriguing and somewhat out-of-the-ordinary relationship. Arthur works at a bank. Dave works at the game shop Game Over. Game over? Game on it is for both men. And that game is puppy play. It is something I haven’t read about before, but this author describes it well. It is another form in the BDSM scene, and it is, as everything, based on trust. Trust to be yourself and to let the other be themselves. That is obvious in this story. Arthur and Dave has that immediate trust and connection. Dave is a sweet guy, just like a little puppy, bouncing through life, and he needs the leash Arthur holds in his hands. Whenever they are together, Dave calms down, and most importantly, he gains confidence. Arthur finally finds his other half in a lasting relationship. Something he longed for but never thought he could have.
Then tragedy strikes, and let me tell you, without giving spoilers away, it is horrible. The lighthearted and playful vibe I got from this book was destroyed by what happened. It broke my heart. And what Dave’s family did. I can’t even. Uggh. If it was really out of the goodness of their hearts, it might have been a different thing, but now. It all is about appearances. But Dave finds his strength and emerges braver and stronger than ever. It is not easy going. Not in a long shot, but with the deep-rooted love between them they find their happily ever after.
This story is the fourth installment in the Only Colorado series and can be read as a stand-alone.