Nic Starr

This was a thoroughly enjoyable story of gay-for-pay. A simple premise, Andrew desperately needs money so accepts a job as a male escort, but told in a very engaging way with a strong focus on the characters.Andrew, homophobic but with very specific reasons for being so, overcomes his aversion and discovers his sexuality at the same time as dealing with his terminally ill sister. Marie's illness is portrayed very realistically and is an important part of the story. Andrew's relationship with Marie is wonderful, full of humour, love and support for each other."All we can do is find someone - one person - and throw everything into saving them. If we succeed, if we save that life, maybe that person will do the same. It's like paying it forward. Starting a chain reaction to save the world." Andrew's vision smeared. He hadn't realised he was crying until that moment, when everything went blurry and he had to sniff twice to continue speaking aloud. "That's what you've done for me, Marie. Protected me from the day I was born. Been my best friend, my confidante. Kept me alive when I wanted to die. I love you. Don't ever say you haven't accomplished anything. Your life matters. It matters to me."Cormac, deeply closeted politician (and virgin - this did not seem totally realistic. ) needs to reconcile his political views with his own personal feelings.The story follows Andrew and Cormac's relationship, Marie's illness and some of Andrew's encounters with clients. Interestingly, the emotional elements of the book are handled beautifully and there is a strong sense of realism. However there are a few things that needed more explanation to fit comfortably with the story. For example Andrew seemed to accept gay sex way too readily for someone who had an aversion particularly as this acceptance extended to dominance and submission This seemed too easy.Lots of emotions and tears but Cormac and Andrew do find their HEA.