Reviewed by Valerie

TITLE:  The One Decent Thing

AUTHOR: Eliot Grayson

PUBLISHER: Smoking Teacup Books

LENGTH: 257 pages

RELEASE DATE: January 22, 2020

BLURB:

Everyone says kindness costs nothing. It’s a lie. Kindness can cost you everything.

Sebastian
The only decent thing my high school bully ever did for me got him sent to prison. Aidan was a jerk, but he saved me from making the worst mistake of my life, and in return, my parents ruined him. Now that he’s out, I’m determined to make amends. No matter what he needs, no matter how long it takes, I will make it all up to him. But first I’ll have to figure out how to hide my attraction to my sexy, confusing new roommate.

Aidan
Saving him cost me everything. I have nothing and no one—except Sebastian. He’s determined to make good on a debt I never asked him to repay. He’s offering me money, a place to stay, and help adjusting to life on the outside. But all I’m really wondering is…who can save Sebastian from me—the desperate, bisexual ex-con who probably wants more from him than he’s willing to give?

REVIEW:

I was excited to have the opportunity to read this emotionally charged book. I was confident when I read the blurb that I would love The One Decent Thing, even though I was unfamiliar with the author. Well, I wasn’t wrong. I was hooked immediately on this lovely, hurt/comfort story. 

Sebastian’s parents wrongly accused Aidan of crimes he didn’t commit (when he was, in fact, trying to help Sebastian) and used their influence to get a conviction and prison sentence. Now Sebastian feels the overwhelming need to atone for his patents’ atrocious actions and make life better for Aidan after his years in prison. Sebastian offers Aidan a place to stay, food and clothes, and assistance in getting a job. Once he can tamp down his own anxiety over the situation, he offers Aidan friendship. Aidan is almost too proud to accept the help but knows there’s really no alternative – it’s that or homelessness. 

They have terrible communication at times but it doesn’t feel manufactured because both men are struggling with the aftermath of tragically neglectful, emotionally manipulative or abusive childhoods. They are beautifully flawed characters. Sebastian is insecure, anxious, and riddled with self-doubt. He hasn’t been treated well by men. It’s during one of Sebastian’s panic attacks that Aidan realizes Sebastian has also suffered from what his estranged parents did. He didn’t walk away unscathed, either. Aidan is gruff and quiet, and misunderstood by most. He verbally bullied Sebastian in high school for being gay (ironic much?) as an outlet for his own abuse. Both of them are remarkably brave. 

They eventually become friends and then more. Things progress mostly smoothly, sometimes bumpy, and almost always confusing. By halfway through the story, Sebastian has it bad for Aidan. This is a slow burn with lots of does-he or doesn’t-he like me. Even though they’re secretly attracted to each other, it never gets to that long drawn-out, frustrating point where you want to throw your book across the room. Thank you, Ms. Grayson. 

Something I like about The One Decent Thing is that Grayson refrained from relying on banal tropes to tell her story. Yes, there are themes – hurt/comfort, enemies-to-friends-to-lovers, suffering, forgiveness, and redemption – but they are incorporated organically. There are no gimmicks. 

Interestingly, despite the heavy subject matter, this is not a heavy read. Your heart will ache but it’s an uplifting story, with some nice karma near the end. All in all, these boys were made for each other.  Did I mention the yummy HEA? It is wonderful and fitting because it is so, so, so in keeping with their style.  I happily recommend The One Decent Thing and am glad I was introduced to a new-to-me author.

RATING:

BUY LINK: 

Amazon