Denial

2.5 rounded up to 3.00 because others will surely like it way more than I did

I enjoyed the previous book in this series but this just dragged on forever. I feel like this could've been trimmed by about 100 pg. We could've avoided passages like this: “What did she say?” I asked, curious in spite of a brief spike of jealousy. I unlocked the SUV and opened my door. He did the same on his side and hopped in. I climbed inside and had my seat belt buckled before he answered. Nothing was added to the story with this step by step description of the MC getting into a car save added length to the book and yawn inducing, skimming for me.

My other problem is that, though I read and have a slew of books with this type of MC relationship, D/s (in this case Daddy/boy) results are not always guaranteed. The main reason is that I can't quite comprehend this type of dynamic, maybe that's why I read them, I'm curious. As sex play? Sure. But why would one person need/want/have to control every aspect of their partner's life? It's exhausting just to lead one's own. It also presupposes that the ‘boy' half of the equation is incapable of handling his affairs, almost infantile. Unappealing. Adding to my woes JP, the Daddy/Dom, also has a sadistic streak which isn't something that doesn't work well for me and I find it jarring & contradictory for a Daddy who IMO is meant to be all about caring.

As for the rest of the story ... the villains are the standard two dimensional horrible parents, Max's issues are directly & indirectly solved by magic D, and he conveniently fits the innocent virgin role who's eager and open to EVERYTHING right away. As for JP & Max's work world, City Hall? Fantastical.

In any case I still like the narrative voice, it's on KU, and as usual YMMV.