I'm not sure if this story was too short, or too long. Either way, it just didn't resonate with me like I hoped.

Anthony and Josh are the opposite of stereotype. Josh is short and petite, and owns an art gallery. He's also an overly aggressive top. The authors try to convey his insecurity with his self image - he refuses to bottom because he resents that people expect him to. Yet, he directs this attitude toward his lover Anthony which only serves to make him appear as a selfish jerk. He insists on paying Anthony's bills despite how his cavalier attitude makes Anthony feel (like a whore). Anthony is an artist who Josh convinced to show his work in Josh's gallery. Anthony loves Josh, and believes Josh returns the affection even though he never says so. Anthony prefers to bottom, but wouldn't mind switching if only he could convince Josh without the risk of losing him.

This is where the story takes an almost unexpected turn into light BDSM. Inspired by a porn movie, Josh brings home some manacles and a collar to tie Anthony to the wall with. Anthony turns the tables and Josh ends up in restraints so Anthony can use him as a model for his new Roman slave paintings. The paintings are a hit, both with buyers and with Anthony and Josh. Anthony begins a series of very popular paintings, and Josh dives into the role of submissive bottom. Only, I just wasn't convinced. This man who wouldn't even kiss his lover after oral sex is suddenly willing to not just bottom, but be restrained and collared? There wasn't enough build-up to justify this. If the story had been shorter, cutting out some of Josh’s more vehement aversion to bottoming, it would have worked better. The transition wouldn’t have been so abrupt.

That said, the artistic theme of the story was fantastic. Anthony is truly inspired by Josh to make some of the best work he’s done and it changes their lives. Anthony makes more money to support himself, and the mix of painting and sex scenes is unique and playful. I was disappointed when I got to the end and the authors didn’t give us the completed mural Anthony was working on as his opus. Which is why I would’ve liked the story to be longer!

Overall, the story was good but not great. I think had it been expanded into a short novel, with more exploration into their relationship, it would have been very good. For those that are concerned about the BDSM aspect (or looking for it) – it was very light, and not in keeping with most BDSM. The two men switch back and forth for who wears the collar and bottoms, and it’s strictly restraint - no pain, no discipline. The sex is explicit, and pretty frequent for a short story. Recommended for those who like novellas/short stories. ( )

Anthony and Josh are lovers since ten months. Apparently they are a perfect couple, but during the privacy there are some problems: Josh has some fears he can't overcome. Cause his tiny looks and his accultured behaviour, he can easily be mistaken for a bottom, and he absolutely can accept it. He is the Master, he is in control. So he categorically refuses every sex act that sees him as a bottom: no anal sex, no blowjobs, he even refuses to kiss his lover after receiving a blowjob by him.

Anthony is puzzled: he loves Josh, really; Josh is protective and nice, but still he feels like a whore when his lover buy him dinner, or pay his due or rent. And then Josh brings in their relationship a Master/Slave perspective and Josh sees the chance to 'force' a little his lover: forcing him to lose his control, maybe will unveil his true nature, and a collar will be the only masque Josh will need to hide his fear and free his spirit.

A very short novel but beautifully written. The relationship between Anthony and Josh is decipted in fast stroke but it manage to give you a whole and deep perspective of this couple. The character of Josh is complex and in evolution: first he is hateful and spoilt, then needing and lovely; you can't not love him, he is too cute (but don't say it to him, he can bite you back...)

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001405Y8I/?tag=elimyrevandra-20