Reviewed by Valerie

TITLE: Sass

SERIES: Style #3

AUTHOR: Jay Hogan

PUBLISHER: Self Published

LENGTH: 359 pages

RELEASE DATE: October 27, 2022

BLURB:

For two years I’ve kept Leon Steadman at a safe distance, ever since the night he turned me down flatter than a pancake with a side order of syrupy disapproval. His loss. The world is full of sexy men. One and done is simply good math and efficient use of my time. Or it would be if I hadn’t been lusting after the irritating, judgmental, gorgeous, mountain of a man, ever since.

The less I see of Leon, the better. Bad enough that his tattoo business sits next to Flare, the fashion store I manage, and that he’s friendly with my boss. But now he’s apartment-sitting above the shop, as well. Every time I turn around, Leon is there. In my store. In my space. Messing with my head. Being all nice and charming and acting like maybe he’s not the biggest jerk to walk the earth, after all.

Well, I don’t want or need Leon’s apologies, but maybe if I can have him, just once, it might put an end to this ridiculous hunger that sparks every time I lay eyes on him.

Yeah, I’ll get back to you on that.

REVIEW:   

Sass is the perfect title for this book about Kip/Chris who’s sassy to the nth degree. Sass is part lighthearted fun, part serious when it broaches the subjects of prior death of a loved one and homophobia/disownment. The best part of the book – other than the amusing, snarky banter and flirting – is how Leon and Chris (the name Leon uses) support each other and help navigate the long-time pain and grief they suffer from. I love hurt/comfort themes so this is right up my alley.

If you’ve been reading the Style series, you’ll know Chris as Kip, the spirited, mouthy manager of Rhys’ boutique, Flare. Leon is the sexy, thoughtful, heavily tattooed owner of the adjacent tattoo parlor. They both experienced lust at first sight when they met two years ago. Chris, the king of one night stands, wants nothing to do with relationships. When he propositioned Leon for a night between the sheets back then, Leon shut him down, angering and embarrassing Chris. It led to a two-year grudge. Leon has tried to apologize and explain himself but Chris does his best to avoid him.

Leon wants Chris badly but he’s done with the hookup scene and knows Chris is all about clubbing and cruising. That’s all he wants from the men he beds, while Leon is ready to settle down with one special person. But Chris’ determination finally crumbles, and Leon sets aside his no one-and-done philosophy so they can spend ONE night together. Which turns into two. Then three. There’s a lot of UST and steam. But Chris stands firm on not having a relationship beyond FWB and it hurts Leon.

They bond over family issues; Leon deduces that something or someone has hurt Chris terribly, and he shares his own grief. I like that Jay Hogan shows the reader how Chris’ issues with his family have shaped his self-image and why he shuns relationships.

Drew, now a shop employee, is a fantastic character. He’s coming out of his shell, teasing and throwing sarcasm Chris’ way. He’s dipping his toe into fashion designing, too. Rhys, and to a lesser degree Beck, make appearances as do Leon’s employees playfully poking him.

This is an amusing and heartfelt novel, a great addition to the series. Recommended.

RATING: 

BUY LINK: 

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