Good Boy by Anne Tenino Narrator: Nick J. Russo
Series: #4 Theta Alpha Gamma
Genres: Contemporary Romance, M/M Romance, New Adult Romance
Published by Riptide on November 1, 2016
Length: 1 hour 55 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Buy: Amazon | Audible
Disclosure: Delighted Reader received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Good Boy is a follow-up story to the fantastic and humorous, Frat Boy and Toppy. FB&T was the meeting and early days of romance for this pair of opposites and, then as the series progressed through books about other characters, there are hints that all is not well in ‘happily ever after land’ for Brad and Sebastian. Good Boy gets to the heart of those troubles and it is a slight deviation from the usual fair in this light-hearted series which works best read or listened to in order.
Sebastian is immersed in his thesis work and only peripherally notices what is going on with life around him. He lets Brad handle the day to day stuff and relies on Brad’s sweet and understanding nature that Sebastian is under the gun and can’t be bothered. Only something finally penetrates the fog he has been in for weeks. Jealousy. Acute jealousy. The one guy who Brad was with other than Sebastian is now staying with them for a short while. Sebastian starts to take note of just how much he has checked out and especially with his relationship with Brad.
Brad knows he’s a different kind of guy. He looks like a jock, but his loves are farming, gardening, cooking, and Sebastian. The longer Sebastian stays aloof and preoccupied; the more Brad wonders if he is enough for the brilliant and witty man he is with. Brad needs to feel wanted, but it’s hard after Sebastian didn’t take him home to introduce Brad to his family during the holidays and has held him at a distance since he returned. Brad take’s Sebastian’s jealousy over Collin as a sign that he can talk to Sebastian about his growing need to be looked after and needed- controlled, especially in the bedroom.
This is a shorter piece and really focuses on the relationship and sexual dynamics in this relationship. In the beginning, Sebastian comes off as a jerk and that is because he can be one. Brad is the one who humanizes him and keeps the Sebastian grounded. Just as Sebastian’s forceful and controlling nature is what Brad needs to feel secure and part of something. It was interesting to observe the pair work through a relationship that morphs into a D/s relationship which suits them. Good Boy is different from its counterparts in the series, but I was glad to get it.
Nick J Russo did a splendid job with Sebastian and Brad’s voices and their story. I was able to picture both men and their story in my mind quite easily. I think he suits this story and the whole series with tone, timing, and the cast of characters.
In summary, this was a great installment in the series and neat getting a bit of what comes after the happily ever after. Those who enjoy M/M NA Contemporary Romance with lots of heat, humor, and engaging characters, should try out the TAG series.
My thanks to Riptide Publishing for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.
Challenges Met:
Romance Roundabout #358 LGBT
Audio #44