Strictly Business

Cat Grant

Publisher:
Lyrical Press

Release Date:
September 15, 2008

Genres:
Erotica
Contemporary Romance
Gay/Lesbian M/M

ISBN:
eBook
9780981890524

Bookmark Rating:

Reviewed by
Natalie S.

Review Posted:
October 2008

Businessman Eric Courtland is his father’s son.  At least in the ways of running a business.  While Eric and his father never got along or had any sort of amicable father/son relationship, Eric did learn to run the family business and has been appointed CEO.  When Eric catches his father wheeling and dealing under the table, Eric wants to do his best to make sure that his father pays for everything he has ever done to him and his now deceased mother.  When his father gets off without even a fine and Eric is replaced as CEO of the family’s company, Eric wants revenge.  Despite his trepidations and hesitation concerning taking on a new partner, Eric forges a partnership with Branford Crane, a ruthless businessman who wants to own him body and soul.  When Eric doesn’t come around to Branford’s way of thinking, times get tough.  At least for Eric.  Branford’s special ‘brand’ of punishment and domination often leave Eric breathless and wondering why he keeps coming back for more. After all, he is loved by Nick Thompson, his former lover and roommate.  When Branford sends Eric on an errand to set up a fellow businessman, enough is enough.  Eric knows then and there that the hold Branford has over him must stop and it must stop now.   

STRICTLY BUSINESS, the prequel to The Arrangement, is about Eric and Nick’s life prior to Ally and Eric’s marriage.  Eric wants revenge on his father for aiding in the swift death of his mother by neglect.  I can’t say that I blame him. Eric’s father is not a nice man. Eric’s characterization is tough to get a handle on. One minute he wants to apologize to his lover and best friend Nick, but then in the next scene he is being dominated by another lover. I like Nick’s character much more than Eric’s although I wanted Nick to basically tell Eric it was over and find someone else to love. Alas, you can’t help who you love and so with incredible strength and loyalty, Nick stuck in there and just loved Eric from afar.  Branford’s character is easy to describe. I disliked every bit of him.  From the top of his head to the tips of his expensively clad feet I found him distasteful and can still not understand what Eric found in him.   

The prequel to The Arrangement, STRICTLY BUSINESS is exclusively homoerotic.  The scenes between Branford and Eric are heady and at times hard to read; especially when Branford begins his sadomasochist phase.  The love scenes between Eric and Nick are emotional and you can tell that each loves the other. I found it a worthy start to their highly intense and emotionally bonded lives.  STRICTLY BUSINESS released in September from Lyrical Press.

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