Tricks and Bids (Suit of Harte’s #1), Jacqueline Grey
Rating: 4 Stars
Publisher: Resplendence Publishing
Genre: Gay Romance
Tags: BDSM – D/s, Mater/Slave Dynamic, Rent-Boy, Romance
Length: 66 Pages
Reviewer: Kazza K
Purchase At: Resplendence Press, amazon.com
Blurb:
When Michael Nole propositions Dillon Spade outside of a BDSM club one evening, all he is looking for is a potential client and a little kink, but he gets much more than he bargained for. As a prostitute, Michael enjoys sex but keeps an emotional distance between himself and the men he sleeps with. His priority is to keep himself safe, but after a night in Dillon’s bed, he finds the line between enjoyment and occupation becoming blurrier than usual.
Dillon Spade hasn’t taken another man home in six years since his previous lover passed away, but there is something about Michael that calls to his inner Dominant in a way he cannot resist. His instincts want to claim the boy even as he reminds himself that he is only paying Michael for temporary company.
Their relationship may have started as a business transaction, but these two are finding it difficult to remain professional when the man beside them is proving to be an exception to all the rules.
Review:
As the blurb states, Michael is a rent boy who propositions Dillon outside a local BDSM club. It’s not like him to approach a prospective john, but there’s something about Dillon. Dillon’s seen Michael with a couple of other men before and is a bit blunt when they meet for the first time – using the word whore – but Michael is pretty laidback. Dillon likes the guy’s looks, relaxed manner and dark brown hair that is long enough to grip. They also have some humour in their initial back and forth banter and Dillon decides to take him up on his proposition.
The reality is, Dillon doesn’t mind that Michael is paid for what he does. It’s been six years since he’s taken anyone home, he still has deep feelings for his deceased partner, Clover. But (his) home is exactly where he takes Michael the first time.
“Come on,” he said, turning toward the car park. “We’ll talk details when we get to my place.”
“You’re place?” Don’t you mean a hotel?”
“My place,” repeated Dillon. “I don’t do quick fucks.”
And he certainly doesn’t do quick fucks. Both men have negotiations – Michael, rates of pay and the mandatory use of condoms. Dillon, contracts for safe, sane, consensual sexual practices, taking into account Michael’s acknowledged limited experience
“Have you ever experimented with BDSM?”
“I’ve had some guys who were into being all Dom on me,” Mike shrugged. “Maybe a bit too sadistic.”
“Do you like pain?” the man asked.
Yes, he does. Listening to Michael, Dillon works out what will work for a first night, he doesn’t want to be overly heavy-handed initially. Dillon wants to build trust and if things go well, Dillon plans expanding on the initial contract over time.
Michael is a bit taken aback at some of the planning and detail of what Dillon establishes for them. It’s not something he is used to but it’s certainly more controlled and pleasant –
Most men went for a fuck, and if they wanted anything more, they just assumed they were free to do as they pleased and went for it without warning. He didn’t know what to do with a whole plan set out in advance.
And Dillon likes some fairly confining things for his sub – being chained to a hook, being chained to a bed all night, a cock cage, no coming until the morning, play when the Dom wants it for the period he is paid for, that they have agreed on.
Michael naturally calls Dillon ‘Sir’ but Dillon prefers Master, something Michael has been asked by tricks before but never felt inclined to say until he’s with Dillon. Dillon may be a Dom, but he is patient with his demands. Michael finds it easy to become (very) aroused with Dillon. He enjoys the things that are done to him – even those he was uncertain about at first mention, commands and devices that stop him being able to cum until he is allowed to.
When Dillon tells his best friend, Jesse Harte, that he spent the night before with a rent boy, and that he is going to see him again, Jesse isn’t so sure this a wise move. He likes that his friend is letting himself enjoy another submissive, but not that he’s paying to do so. However, Dillon is half-hard just thinking about the time spent with the younger man, thinking about his skin, being inside him, Michael’s responsiveness.
It didn’t matter what Michael had been looking for when he’d chose Harte as a hunting ground last night. Dillon was just happy he had. He was looking forward to seeing the boy again.
Dillon and Michael see each other on multiple occasions and every time the scene is negotiated before hand. Michael wonders if Dillon is always this accommodating.
“If you were officially my sub, we wouldn’t negotiate before each scene. We’d have sorted out limit details before our contract was even signed so any decision would be mine to make. This is a different situation, and you’re inexperienced…. ”
Each time they are together they are more comfortable and little domestic 
things/situations occur. The sex is good, the scenes grow more intense between them and both men are feeling something emotional rather than it just being physical. However, Dillon doesn’t want to disrespect Clover’s memory by taking another fulltime submissive to share his life with. He knew Clover for a long time, they had a wonderful relationship and as he gets to know and care about Michael, he shares some of it with him.
Feelings or not, Michael sells himself for a living, how would that work for either man? Could this be the relationship and lifestyle Michael wants? Like most rent boys Michael hasn’t always had it easy, but Dillon makes him relaxed with his demeanour and his voice. That Michael suits the lifestyle is obvious, that he fits this particular Dom is clear. Dillon slowly comes to appreciate just what Michael has to offer – a love of the things he likes to give and take. The domesticity, the physical reactions Michael has to their play, their sex, the feelings that are being reciprocated. That Michael is a perfect submissive fit. What to do about that? Ah, it’s nicely obvious and sweet.
Overall:
I believe this is the author’s first published story and it’s a very good start. It’s well written and also well edited. It isn’t 
overly long at 66 pages but it’s nice reading and has a good story that engages the reader. The backstory of Dillon and Clover was handled well, it didn’t detract from the burgeoning relationship between Dillon and Michael. It’s been a while since I have read a consensual BDSM story, a lot of the stories got same-samey on me. It was nice to be back, and this story made me want to read more. I thought the BDSM was well handled. The sex was pretty steamy without overkill. It took me a moment or two to settle into Dillon and Michael, and their (potential) relationship, but once I did I was right into them and their story. Dillon was a good Dom, not a bully, he gave Michael time to adjust. Michael was a sweet and flexible submissive without being a pushover. I really wanted to see them both happy. Could I revisit them? Yes, I’d like to in another novella, whether they be primary or secondary characters. This is the first in a series and, while I’m not a great series reader, I’ll definitely be reading the next one – that speaks volumes. 4 Stars!
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I can tell I’ll love this. I love rent boy stories and well-written BDSM. I’m also a sucker for characters who are trying to move on from a loss.
Great review, as always.
I know, it’s got it all. I like those themes too.
Thanks, Cindi. Put it on your TBR 🙂
Now that’s what I’m talking ’bout! I got a shiver when I read the blurb for this book. Loved the quotes, and the pics Cindi.
I do love your reviews they make we want to skip straight to the end of the day when I can immerse myself in the world of fiction.
Thanks, I’ve got lots to read now!
Judes
Good on you Judy. It’s nice reading. Hope you enjoy 🙂