I thought I knew what I was in for when I started reading Domestic Service, but it surprised me at a few turns and that's pretty hard to do these days!
From the Blurb:
An inexperienced executive. A penniless grad student. An unconventional offer.
Colin Caldwell clawed his way out of a rough childhood to put himself through college, and now grad school. Broke, stressed-out, and struggling to stay afloat after he loses his regular ridesharing gig, he’s willing to do anything that pays the bills.
Simon Vessey is the total package—a handsome, wealthy, and successful executive who, at thirty-seven, seems to have it all. But behind closed doors, Simon is shy, lonely, and so inexperienced as a dominant that he might as well be a virgin. Limited by his fears, but craving companionship beyond an occasional escort, what he really wants is someone he can come home to, even if he’s paying for the privilege.
When a mutual acquaintance suggests that Colin could be the perfect fit for Simon’s live-in submissive dreams, it seems like the perfect solution for them both. But when their connection begins to run deeper than their business contract, and old demons rear their heads, will they find a way to persevere?
The first book in the Living Situations series, Domestic Service is a gay romance featuring an age gap, light BDSM, and two broken people fixing each other in service of their happy ending. If you like steamy situations, compelling characters, and forced proximity, then you’ll love Ella Fenn’s debut novel.
Heather's Review:
I love a book that defies my expectations and Domestic Service definitely did that... from the set up, my mind was going in a totally different direction than the book went and I found it both interesting and refreshing that both characters were more unconventional than I anticipated...
The story incorporates humour, angst, insecurity and passion well and I love the strong side characters that help shape the story and bring this adorable couple together...
I don't want to say too much more because .... spoilers... but if you like a good kinky book with some laughs, twists and turns, I highly recommend checking out Domestic Service by Ella Fenn!
Red's Book Reads Review:
I’m not sure what I was expecting when I started this book but this was not it!
This was such a good book and surprising in a really good way. I loved Simon and Colin. I loved how they were both flawed but took necessary steps to overcome these flaws and to be better versions of themselves. I also liked that the flaws were real issues and didn’t feel contrived in any way.
A couple of times Colin and Simon annoyed me as if they just spoke to each other, the issues would have been resolved but other than those brief moments, this was a fantastic book and I really enjoyed it. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series which is going to be about Colin’s former roommate, Max.
Tammy’s Review:
I’m always hesitant to pick up books from news/unknown authors. I’m happy to say that this book was well written and very enjoyable to read!
Colin and Simon are definitely opposites to struggle to find common ground between them. There were quite a few struggles before they found their HEA but in the end it was well deserved. Simon is a wonderful flawed character. He struggles to find what he really wants in a partner and let himself go. Sometimes he seems to have more money than sense, but he grew up in a completely different world from Colin.
I was rooting for Colin to find his joy and help Simon find his along the way. Having come from a difficult past, Colin struggles to see the good in people. He definitely grows through the story.
Overall, I would recommend this story!
Heat: 6/10 (sex brings the main characters together but it is not the focus of the story)
BDSM: 4/10 (not a primary focus, I’d say it’s BDSM light)
Pacing: 8/10 (good, but seemed to drag a bit when Colin and Simon are apart)
Writing: 8/10 (skilled author, I look forward to seeing more from her)
Overall: 8/10 (would recommend)
Tammy
Aspen Tree E.A.S.
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