Reviewed by Kat
TITLE: No Fear
SERIES: No Shame (book #3)
AUTHOR: Nora Phoenix
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 308 pages
RELEASE DATE: December 27, 2017
BLURB:
Aaron is drowning. After coming out as gay, he lost his parents’ approval, his job, and his sense of identity. He feels like a freak who doesn’t fit in anywhere. His last hope was his brother Josh, but Josh can’t seem to forgive him for how Aaron treated him when they were teens. Not that Aaron can blame him, because he did treat Josh like crap.
All Aaron wants is for someone to accept him, guide him, because he doesn’t have a clue. When sexy jiujitsu teacher Blake takes him in and starts mentoring him, Aaron has hope for the first time, even though he can’t understand what Blake sees in him.
Blake doesn’t do relationships. At all. He’s more than willing to help Aaron find solid ground under his feet, but that’s it. Until insecure, vulnerable, and surprisingly sexy Aaron gets under his skin, triggering all kinds of protective instincts that make Blake long for more. He wants to take care of Aaron, give him what he needs, but how can he convince Aaron of that?
When Josh’s friend-with-benefits Indy’s past finally catches up with him, it endangers them all—and leads to heartbreaking decisions for everyone involved.
No Fear is a steamy M/M romance that ends with a HFN for Aaron and Blake, but has a continuing storyline as well. It’s the third book in the No Shame Series, and is not a stand alone novel, so make sure to read the first book (No Filter) and the second book (No Limits) first. It contains hot sex, a little kink, more hot sex, very mild puppy play, and a beautiful friendship-with-benefits that transcends labels. Also: trigger warning for mentions of sexual abuse.
REVIEW:
I was a little nervous when I read that Indy’s past was finally catching up with him. But I literally could not set this down until I finished it at 8:00 am in the morning. It is a real page turner.
Josh’s pain-in-his-butt little brother Aaron showed up in the last book. He had no place to go when he finally came out. No surprise, his homophobic ultra religious parents disowned him like they did his older brother. After losing his prestigious job in Washington, D. C. He literally had no place to turn but to his older brother. But Josh can’t handle him anywhere near him so they found him a place to stay while he was trying to get his feet back on the ground. They sent him to Indy’s Brazilian-jiujitsu teacher, Blake… Aka Professor Kent to Indy and his students. Blake is no pushover and lays down the law to Aaron. You got to pull your weight one way or another – there are no free rides. As the two men get to know each other more and Blake starts discovering what makes Aaron who he really is they start to form a friendship. Blake knows better that to mess around with students or the people he takes in but Aaron is different and he is starting to push buttons he can’t ignore.
This new book picks up where we left off. Noah, Indy, Josh and Connor were buying a new home. Josh’s brother was sent to live with Indy’s trainer. But danger is always lurking around Indy with the Mob looking for him.
I really liked the relationship that has developed between Blake and Aaron. Now that I know what drives “Professor Kent” I appreciate him even more. He is caring and nurturing but that is who he has always been. I especially like how he not only figured out the true Aaron but helped him to own it and to blossom and grow.
This is my first book that has included “puppy play”. From what I have found from a bit of research, this is an extremely mild version of it. I can say that it isn’t my “cup of tea” but it didn’t detract from the story.
I have been on pins and needles with the whole “Duncan” story line coming to a head. It will put you through a whirlwind of emotions and have you in knots but was well written and executed.
One of the best things I got out of this book was a small detail but huge to me, Josh’s transformation. Connor is the best thing every for Josh. He not only loves and protects him but has drawn out his strengths and has made him better. I have loved watching this change unfold.
Although I was fearful at first to read this I loved it and couldn’t set it down. It is well written and a joy to read. I had thought that this was a three-part series but it turns out there is another book coming. It promises to wrap up all story lines and give us readers our well earned HEA’s. I for one can’t wait for this next book. I highly recommend this book with the warning that this series must be read in order and completely to understand the storylines. Nora Phoenix is a master at diving into the world of unique kinks that makes these men who they truly are. Another hit from this fabulous new author!
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