A Cordial Agreement Asexual MM Romance
Dreamspinner Press
May 17, 2019
133
Can a wealthy but frustrated CEO and a guilt-ridden stripper find what they need in a consensual, nonsexual whipping boy arrangement?
Billionaire mogul Grant Jessup, fifty-three, buries his sexual tastes and the reasons behind them—the stresses of his business empire and family. In contrast, Jim Sieber understands the regret that makes him seek pain and penance. As an asexual averse to erotic touch, Jim sets strict boundaries. But as the relationship evolves, Grant struggles to respect them, and both men realize for their association to continue and perhaps grow into real feelings, they’ll have to explore new ways to satisfy each other.
Reviewed by Melissa Brus
Member of the Paranormal Romance Review Team
Jim Seibel is frustrated and desperate. He is carrying a burden and has been looking for some way to pay penance. Jim is also asexual. His biggest issue in his quest for absolution is finding someone who respects his limits – no sexual touches, ever. When he is put in touch with Grant Jessup, he may have found his answer. Grant is looking for a way to deal with his stress – from his family, from his job. And a modern day “whipping boy” may just be what he needs.
These two men are so very different. From their ages to their socio-economic status, they really would never have met, let alone been in any kind of relationship. What starts as a simple business agreement, turns into something more. The misunderstanding of what exactly comprises Jim’s asexuality was dealt with in a great way but the romance itself felt a little rushed. I loved that Loveless brought up the spectrum of asexuality with Jim. The best part is that there was no “winning” him over to more than he was willing and comfortable with in his relationship with Grant. This would have made a fantastic full length book with more time to see the relationship change and grow, as well as more time to get to know the secondary characters. Overall a fun, quick read though.