Rick

This is Bk.2 or really part 2 of the story started in [b:Joey 43840065 Joey (Joey, #1) Angelique Jurd https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1549346067l/43840065.SY75.jpg 68226176], you should definitely read them in order. I won't say much about this the story, except that, IMO, [a:Angelique Jurd 4897728 Angelique Jurd https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1489646784p2/4897728.jpg] quite realistically portrays someone suffering the aftereffects of domestic abuse, if you can even call Joey's past relationship a domestic one, and not some kind of hostage situation. His inner monologue and how people react to him and his story are, sadly, on target. The story picks up 3 months after the first book and Joey is starting to feel comfortable enough to trust Rick's love and acceptance of him just as he is. Of course the inevitable happens, and though my blood thirsty self fantasized vengeance scenarios, AJ opts for something closer to reality, given who Rick and his friends are. Damn her! I joke. She gets it right, and doesn't stray into Hollywood style comeuppance. The hurt/comfort in this story hard earned, deserved, and believable. Also satisfying.For those going into this series expecting DaddyDom/little play or even regular D/s, there isn't much, except for Rick occasionally using his Dom voice, mostly to help center Joey, whenever he's spiraling. And that's an excellent choice from the author and Daddy Rick. He can see that that's not what Joey needs at this stage of his life, and he's mature enough as an individual to give no head space to labels. They're just word. I can say that I unequivocally love Rick, and that, given my usual feelings towards Doms, is huge. I understand a third book is meant to be forthcoming and I'll be looking forward to it, but this one left me quite happy as far as Rick and Joey are concerned.