What happens when your best friend’s son comes home and he’s all grown up?Devon Hoffman has a secret. He’s wanted a Daddy all his own, but when you’re pushing fifty, you’re completely over the hill. Newly divorced and trying to be single again after an almost thirty-year relationship, he’s lost and needs someone to ground him. Except he’s anxious and his depression intensifies until Bern returns … Bern returns after leaving the service and the younger man suddenly takes an interest. Can he let his guard down and risk losing his best friend or should he do whatever is needed to keep his secret safe?
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I Loooooooove it, this is in my top 3 favorite from J.M. Dabney! Do yourself a favor and read it, bc you will need Devon and his younger Daddy Bern in your life!!!!!
A complicated age-gap relationship is probably my favorite trope. Bern has certainly been waiting a very long time for his father’s best friend, since age 15 to be precise. Bern lost his mom at a young age and he and his dad had an unusually close relationship. His dad was aware of his feelings toward Devon AND of Bern’s possessive nature, for lack of a better term.
Bern left for college and the military charging his father with the task of ‘watching over’ Devon. Though Bern’s crush seemed hopeless, his feelings were strong.
Devon, despite his long-term relationship, had never really found satisfaction in a loving relationship that met his needs. In fact, Devon has come to believe that his desire to let go and be cared for is shameful. When Devon’s husband suddenly decided he wanted a divorce, Devon was devastated. Not because of any big love for his husband but it was all he knew and all he believed that he deserved. Devon’s best friend, Bern’s dad was well aware of his son’s infatuation and contacted Bern to let him know of the change in Devon’s circumstances.
J.M. Dabney’s stories are a one-click for me. They create complex imperfect men, often with desires, needs that the man feels is inappropriate or unacceptable. There is usually a theme of self-acceptance and a guaranteed HEA resulting in an emotional, enjoyable read. In this story, Bern knows exactly what he wants; what he needs. Devon, on the other hand, has an inkling but has kept parts of himself hidden for over 30 years.
4.5*
3.5 stars
Heat Level: 3.5
Younger Daddy/Older Boy with feelings and a bit of age-play.
There are so many wonderful feelings present in this book. I loved the caring aspects and especially loved the care Bern lavishes on Devon and the true emotions were wonderful to read. I love a good Daddy bear and Bern was so dominant and delicious. That said I felt a little uncomfortable with the Daddy/little relationship, it felt a little forced to me. Bern knew what he wanted (and more power to him) but I was uncomfortable with the force he went about obtaining Devon and something about their connection just didn’t sit right with me. It didn’t really feel organic to me.
I do love the difference of a younger Daddy and older boy and I’ve been spoilt with some of the stories I’ve read that this one just didn’t do it for me. That being said the story features great writing, detailing and wit. The characters are loveable and I especially liked Bern and his father’s relationship, even if I could never imagine such a connection in my real life. I was intrigued by J.M.’s style and characters and will be interested to see what else they create in the future.
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I would rate this 3.5 stars.
Devon’s secret is…he wants a Daddy, but has not ever told anyone–not even his husband. After their 30 year relationship, and 20 year marriage, has ended, Devon is beaten down by life. Who would want a boy who’s almost 50? Bern, the son of Devon’s best friend just returned from the service. Devon has no idea that Bern has always wanted him. What was once a crush, became caring nearing on obsession for Bern so that he went away to college and then joined the service. As soon as Bern learns of the divorce, he hands in his papers so he can come home and claim what he has always believed was his.
This starts in the past with Bern’s POV, which is a brilliant way to establish him as a character. His Dad Murray gets it because he had a similar dynamic with his wife. Father and son are honest with each other and he knows who his son is as a person. Bern’s upbringing and personality have resulted in him being a dominant caregiver, making him perfect for Devon. Of course, Devon has no idea. Devon’s POV lets us see his shock at Bern as a man. We get to see his sadness, his loneliness, his longing. He has never asked for what he wanted, and buried it in shame.
Bern has a plan, and takes charge…parts of this hit me as a little intense or creepy, him having studied every little thing about Devon’s likes/dislikes for YEARS. This is not just age gap, but age play. While Daddy/little is mentioned more than once, there is not too much detail–the reader is not immersed in this kink, but it has a little more than most novels out there that just use the words. Once they get together, this goes fast with explicit content. There is less dialogue, with large portions of the book happening in their heads. It is also slightly repetitive in their thoughts. I get annoyed when authors write older or younger characters unrealistically so I am happy to report that is not the case here. Devon is age appropriate when he is not a little. It’s great to see Devon embracing his submission, being less self conscious, less insecure, and unashamed about what he wants with Bern. This is a sweet, hot, wish fulfillment story.