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4.05 AVERAGE
4.05 AVERAGE
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
At the rate Victor Newcomb is going, he’s likely to drop dead of a heart attack by the time he’s 40. It’s not something most 24-year-olds have to worry about, but neither is running a multibillion dollar textile empire. Vic is trying so hard to be the perfect CEO and son— entering the office at dawn, working through lunch, falling asleep hunched over contracts— that the pressure and stress are seriously endangering his health. He needs some way to relax before “I’ll sleep when I’m dead.” becomes more than a facetious comment.
Amani Idrissi, Moroccan-American masseuse, is originally glad that Ashton Harrington made his appointment for someone else. Then Vic ruins it by offering to hire Amani as a cello tutor so he can catch up on his tuition payments, right after Amani explains that he hasn’t played since he recovered from surgery years ago. Rather, he states that Amani will teach him for an obscene amount and doesn’t understand why Amani doesn’t appreciate his white savior act.
When Vic attempts to apologize through their mutual connection, Amani takes him up on his suggestion for tutoring, fully intending to end any association once he can pay for tuition. Yet it’s only a matter of time before Vic and Amani are using more than their cellos to make beautiful music together.
-
The role of CEO was supposed to go to Vic’s older brother. Due to his disgraceful choices, he was disowned, leaving Vic to step into his place as heir. Vic puts so much effort into trying to be better than his brother, trying to run the business well, trying to take care of those left behind in the wake of his brother’s actions. It’s not until he meets Amani that he begins to examine himself and his life, his beliefs and his goals.
Amani can’t take a relationship with Vic at face value when Vic is both rich and white. Vic attempts to throw money at Amani, fully expecting Amani to be grateful for it, without considering Amani’s point of view. He just assumes his efforts will be welcomed and appreciated. However, Vic is willing to evaluate his actions and admit his wrongs. Though he doesn’t like what he sees when Amani holds up a mirror to him, he doesn’t shy away from the image.
As their relationship deepens, Vic finds release in giving up control to Amani. He’d always believed he was straight, so he struggles both with being attracted to a man, and with unlearning the “real men are strong and in control” narrative he’s been taught his whole life. Amani struggles with whether Vic truly sees him or a service worker he can pay when he wants and dismiss when he doesn’t. In the end, they both realign their understandings of themselves in order to grow together.
5 stars! Recommended for anyone interested in music, massages, and cat-and-mouse games.
Amani Idrissi, Moroccan-American masseuse, is originally glad that Ashton Harrington made his appointment for someone else. Then Vic ruins it by offering to hire Amani as a cello tutor so he can catch up on his tuition payments, right after Amani explains that he hasn’t played since he recovered from surgery years ago. Rather, he states that Amani will teach him for an obscene amount and doesn’t understand why Amani doesn’t appreciate his white savior act.
When Vic attempts to apologize through their mutual connection, Amani takes him up on his suggestion for tutoring, fully intending to end any association once he can pay for tuition. Yet it’s only a matter of time before Vic and Amani are using more than their cellos to make beautiful music together.
-
The role of CEO was supposed to go to Vic’s older brother. Due to his disgraceful choices, he was disowned, leaving Vic to step into his place as heir. Vic puts so much effort into trying to be better than his brother, trying to run the business well, trying to take care of those left behind in the wake of his brother’s actions. It’s not until he meets Amani that he begins to examine himself and his life, his beliefs and his goals.
Amani can’t take a relationship with Vic at face value when Vic is both rich and white. Vic attempts to throw money at Amani, fully expecting Amani to be grateful for it, without considering Amani’s point of view. He just assumes his efforts will be welcomed and appreciated. However, Vic is willing to evaluate his actions and admit his wrongs. Though he doesn’t like what he sees when Amani holds up a mirror to him, he doesn’t shy away from the image.
As their relationship deepens, Vic finds release in giving up control to Amani. He’d always believed he was straight, so he struggles both with being attracted to a man, and with unlearning the “real men are strong and in control” narrative he’s been taught his whole life. Amani struggles with whether Vic truly sees him or a service worker he can pay when he wants and dismiss when he doesn’t. In the end, they both realign their understandings of themselves in order to grow together.
5 stars! Recommended for anyone interested in music, massages, and cat-and-mouse games.
emotional
dnf @20%
what even was this plot
also what even was this relationship
what even was this plot
also what even was this relationship
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
reread in 2022
It's wild to think about the fact that we just spend a few days with these characters for the longest time but I just get swept up in their romance from the moment they meet. Their connection is just so beautiful and I love how McCade navigates the power imbalances between them without losing the tension.
I feel like I know Vic and Amani. They both get equal page time to be real actual people - with flaws and hopes and blind spots.
-
[original review]
This is probably as close to perfection as I could ever realize.
Amani was such a perfect character and Vic was so fascinating to read about.
And damn, it was hot.
It's wild to think about the fact that we just spend a few days with these characters for the longest time but I just get swept up in their romance from the moment they meet. Their connection is just so beautiful and I love how McCade navigates the power imbalances between them without losing the tension.
I feel like I know Vic and Amani. They both get equal page time to be real actual people - with flaws and hopes and blind spots.
-
[original review]
This is probably as close to perfection as I could ever realize.
Amani was such a perfect character and Vic was so fascinating to read about.
And damn, it was hot.
TW: BDSM, adult graphic scenes
Content of the book: Black Muslim Moroccan ML; White Wealthy ML; chronic illness; discussions of class, wealth, loss, and trauma; discussions of race and femininity/ masculinity within BDSMC; nontoxic dom/ sub relationship.
First of all, I love seeing well-written amazigh rep, so i was delighted with Amani and his loving and accepting Mama, my Moroccan queen. Its something every North African and Arab wishes they had, especially the Muslim ones. And Amani’s representation is priceless, Black North African Femme-presenting Dom man? I’m so in love.
Cole respected and appreciated the Moroccan attire and culture, and didn’t sexualize Amani’s outfits, but showed all them wannabe authors how to properly write a character out of their culture without degrading the character’s experiences and shadowing them into jokes or plot devices.
He tackled important issues that may pass as “minor” to white people we immigrant POC have to deal with such as skin color, our “accent”, our clothes, and how it’s difficult for Black and Brown people to be respected and accepted in the BDSM community or in any sexual relationship with white people, especially as Dominant not submissive. Besides all that, Cole discussed how terms like sub/dom in BDSM have been twisted to insinuate a toxic abusive relationship where a dominant is arrogant and controlling, and a submissive is meant to accept all and any kind of mental and physical reward/punishment, although that completely defies the context. It’s a relationship that requires trust and communication, and must take time to develop and nurture before jumping directly into action. You must create boundaries and comfort your partner( if they’re submissive, for example) with the respect of shared power. It’s called power play, not tyranny, for a reason.
One thing that could’ve been improved was Victor’s illness, it stressed me out although it was completely tossed aside until the last few chapters. Cole stop making your characters cry and ache by the end of the story, you insane bastard.
So yes, I’m a sucker for Cole’s writing. I love this book, I loved everything about it, even Victor (I knowww), he’s my token white man, and he’s a whore for Amani, what’s not to love?
I fully convinced myself that Cole wrote this book for me, and I thank him for that. Cole, if you’re reading this, you’re the best person alive thank you so much <3
Content of the book: Black Muslim Moroccan ML; White Wealthy ML; chronic illness; discussions of class, wealth, loss, and trauma; discussions of race and femininity/ masculinity within BDSMC; nontoxic dom/ sub relationship.
First of all, I love seeing well-written amazigh rep, so i was delighted with Amani and his loving and accepting Mama, my Moroccan queen. Its something every North African and Arab wishes they had, especially the Muslim ones. And Amani’s representation is priceless, Black North African Femme-presenting Dom man? I’m so in love.
Cole respected and appreciated the Moroccan attire and culture, and didn’t sexualize Amani’s outfits, but showed all them wannabe authors how to properly write a character out of their culture without degrading the character’s experiences and shadowing them into jokes or plot devices.
He tackled important issues that may pass as “minor” to white people we immigrant POC have to deal with such as skin color, our “accent”, our clothes, and how it’s difficult for Black and Brown people to be respected and accepted in the BDSM community or in any sexual relationship with white people, especially as Dominant not submissive. Besides all that, Cole discussed how terms like sub/dom in BDSM have been twisted to insinuate a toxic abusive relationship where a dominant is arrogant and controlling, and a submissive is meant to accept all and any kind of mental and physical reward/punishment, although that completely defies the context. It’s a relationship that requires trust and communication, and must take time to develop and nurture before jumping directly into action. You must create boundaries and comfort your partner( if they’re submissive, for example) with the respect of shared power. It’s called power play, not tyranny, for a reason.
One thing that could’ve been improved was Victor’s illness, it stressed me out although it was completely tossed aside until the last few chapters. Cole stop making your characters cry and ache by the end of the story, you insane bastard.
So yes, I’m a sucker for Cole’s writing. I love this book, I loved everything about it, even Victor (I knowww), he’s my token white man, and he’s a whore for Amani, what’s not to love?
I fully convinced myself that Cole wrote this book for me, and I thank him for that. Cole, if you’re reading this, you’re the best person alive thank you so much <3
Another beautiful, thoughtful work by Cole McCade
I reac the first Undue Arrogance book because of Cockygate and I was expecting something pretty average as I'd never read anything by Cole McCade before. I was definitely not expecting to fibd a new favourite author, one who puts so much care and thought into his work, who writes beautiful, complex stories that not only engage readers but also do a wonderful job of balancing story with politics and social activism.
This story is another impressive effort. I loved the characters and the delicate humour and all the little touches that make up the whole. I don't like going into story content in my reviews, it's nicer to just experience the whole. So do it, I promise you won't regret it.
If you only read one new author this year, read a story by Cole McCade.
I reac the first Undue Arrogance book because of Cockygate and I was expecting something pretty average as I'd never read anything by Cole McCade before. I was definitely not expecting to fibd a new favourite author, one who puts so much care and thought into his work, who writes beautiful, complex stories that not only engage readers but also do a wonderful job of balancing story with politics and social activism.
This story is another impressive effort. I loved the characters and the delicate humour and all the little touches that make up the whole. I don't like going into story content in my reviews, it's nicer to just experience the whole. So do it, I promise you won't regret it.
If you only read one new author this year, read a story by Cole McCade.