Review: Say Yes by J.R. Gray

Charles holds the key to salvation, but James has to say yes.

James failed. He tried to be what they wanted. He tried to deny it. He tried to be a good Catholic boy…but it’s become too much. He craves pain, submission. He’s denied himself far too long, and it’s eating him alive.

Charles thrives off the exchange of power. He knows the world revolves around control. It’s given and taken like currency, in business and in pleasure. He won’t get attached, though, or so he tells himself, until James turns his world upside down. He’s defiant and snarky, but Charles can taste the submission on him.

All James has to do is say one little word.

Say Yes is a contemporary story about self-discovery and acceptance. The characters are both fearful of commitment however for different reasons.

Charles is a wealthy, self-made business man who has been burned in the past. He has loved but it wasn't enough to fill in his ex-partner's cracks. James is a college student who has been hardened by his upbringing, disowned by his mother and continually denies himself of his true nature. When Charles meets James, he quickly becomes infatuated and pursues him. Once Charles lures James on a date, he introduces him to his world, a world that James didn't even know he needed. James discovers his control and freedom through Charles a alpha, no holds barred dominant. Charles continues to struggle with keeping his heart safe, fearing a repeat of his last relationship. In the end it's James who has to take a leap of faith. In order for James to share his burden, he will need to out himself for happiness. It takes a lot of strength to say yes.

I loved this story. Each character has to fight their demons in order to find happiness. They must accept themselves, their past and hold hope for a future. It also has a few steamy scenes that I may have reread a few times. 5 Say Yes Stars!