Player and the Prude by Daisy Harris

Title: Player and the Prude by Daisy Harris
Men of Holsum College Book Four
Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand, Inc
Genre: M/M, Contemporary, Erotic, Romance, BDSM
Word Count: 35,376
Book Rating: B

Review Copy Obtained from Author

Summary:

[Siren Classic ManLove: Erotic Alternative Romance, M/M, public exhibition, light consensual BDSM, light spanking, HEA]

Brooks Price loves a challenge. So when a frenemy dares him to sleep with a dorky, over-tall film major, Brooks amps up his considerable charm.

Matt Porter can’t guess why Brooks is flirting with him. Raised religious, Matt doesn’t believe in sex before relationships. Unfortunately, Brooks is all about sex, and Matt doubts Brooks is interested in anything else.

Slowly, Brooks chips away at Matt’s armor—taking him on dates, asking for kisses, holding hands—baby steps, none of which Matt can resist or refuse. However, when Brooks pushes too far, Matt freaks out.

Despite his stoic exterior, Matt’s painfully conflicted over his sexuality—scared of his darker desires, worried about hurting Brooks. The pair explores boundaries, but when things turn rough and Matt unleashes his inner wants, he doesn’t know if he can overcome his shame about sex in order to be with the man he’s growing to love.

The Review:

On opposite ends of the sexual experience spectrum, Brooks Price and Matt Porter are an unlikely pair in the latest installment of Daisy Harris’s fabulous Men of Holsum College series. Player and the Prude is an intense story that ventures into more serious territory than the previous books of the series.

Indulging in numerous casual hookups, Brooks Price is a player. His initial pursuit of Matt is based partly on his attraction to Matt, but mainly because of a bet. It does not take long for Brooks to realize that Matt will not be the quick and easy conquest he expects. Brooks is surprisingly patient with Matt. He takes the time to actually date and get to know him before taking their relationship to the next level.

Matt Porter is not exactly a prude, but he has a strong belief that sex should only take place in a committed relationship and based on genuine emotions. He has mainly comes to term with his sexuality, but he does not understand some of his darker feelings and urges. Matt has difficulty reconciling his sexual fantasies of domination and control with his growing feelings for Brooks.

The relationship between Matt and Brooks is sweet and slow growing. A real connection forms between them and their sexual experimentation is innocent and a sharp contrast to Matt’s desire for rougher sex. His confusion and shame are understandable given his deeply religious upbringing. Brooks displays an unexpected amount of sensitivity when Matt finally confesses his fantasies.

Player and the Prude is a thoughtful exploration of a more extreme side of human sexuality. Matt’s doubts and conflict are believable and the resolution is realistic. The BDSM aspect of the storyline is well done and the sex scenes are incredibly hot.

A delightful addition to the Men of Holsum College series that fans of Daisy Harris are sure to love.

Read my reviews of the first three books in the Men of Holsum College series HERE.