ChaosMoondrawn's Reviews > One Man's Trash

I would rate this 4.75 stars.

The blurb here tells you the whole plot. Warren is ex-military, with survivor's guilt, and has created a life for himself many would feel was unconventional. He helps people in his own way, but isn't terribly happy. Taylor is a rent boy with past demons whose moments of fleeting happiness aren't enough to give him a life raft. When these two damaged people meet, it's a case of them finding the right puzzle piece--they match in the way they both most need. I'm not talking about love conquers all, but rather hope giving them each the chance to make changes, make different decisions to increase their happiness. I loved both these characters. I always felt like they were real people. For me, there is a HEA, but I feel like they are both out there, stuggling to continue to make the best choices for them.

This novel goes to some dark places, so pay attention to the tags. I will highlight two things because, frankly, this book is awesome and I don't want people leaving bad reviews just because it isn't their cup of tea. There is humiliation. There is urination. Although a flogger and BDSM eqipment is used, it's not really the focus of this book. The author concentrates on the psychology of the characters and their daily lives. There is no "play." Also, Taylor is a whore and has sex with multiple people in this book. There is no cheating because there is no expectation of monogamy at the time, but I know some people don't like that. I felt like this was all very realistic and well written without feeling full of tropes. Yes, there is an age gap and plenty of hurt/comfort, with a power exchange--they are there because they are real for this couple, not just to have a list of buzzwords to attract readers. In other words, things aren't just there to be salacious, not that they aren't intriguing, just that it is all very heartbreaking and heartwarming in turns.

If I have any small complaint, it's that I wanted to see more of Warren's friends and have them be as real also. They all get books, so I will have my wish, but it would have made this even more compelling. I don't feel like I know Warren's friend Charlie as well as Taylor's friend Riley, for instance. Then again, everyone's life is very bleak already, so focusing on this bubble of happiness that Warren and Riley fight hard to create by being truthful and brave...that is everything and it is more than enough.