Review: Theo's Game by CS Joyce (Dark Reserves #1)
Note: An advanced reader copy (ARC) was provided by the author via LesCourt ARC Team.
Theo's Game is the first full-length novel in CS Joyce's Dark Reserves series, and it's the story of twenty-three-year-old graduate student Theo Coleman and thirty-four-year-old police officer Dan Jenkins. It's been mentioned that this is the author's debut release, but I recall reading something else by the author back in September of last year. Either way, this newest release kicks off her brand-new series, although there was a prequel novella and a freebie short story--Up in Flames and Members Only, respectively--that were published previously. Theo and Dan's story carries with it some Daddy kink, but more playful than BDSM-y.
Confronting his ex and confirming his suspicions that the man had cheated on them while they were together may have triggered Theo's anger, but being put in his place by the burly guy with the unforgettable eyes made the embarrassing moment almost worth it. Dan is as attracted to Theo as the younger man is to him, and while dating one another seems like the next logical step, he isn't sure how Theo will accept the knowledge that Dan has particular...needs...desires. Dan doesn't see Theo as some meaningless fling, but will Theo be able to be the boy that Dan wants and could he really need a "Daddy"?
Just like with my previous read from this author, the inkling of promise is there. I liked the story line, and CS Joyce has a couple of main characters that are interesting as individuals. What was lacking, however, was a sustainable and deeper connection between them. There was chemistry, but it didn't exactly feel like the sort of chemistry that would go past a short-term affair. The whole Daddy kink also came off as more of a hobby than an actual lifestyle. I wasn't looking for anything hardcore, but this felt overly simplistic at times. While Theo's Game did have its issues, I have hope for the series going forward. I'm giving this three stars. ♥
Confronting his ex and confirming his suspicions that the man had cheated on them while they were together may have triggered Theo's anger, but being put in his place by the burly guy with the unforgettable eyes made the embarrassing moment almost worth it. Dan is as attracted to Theo as the younger man is to him, and while dating one another seems like the next logical step, he isn't sure how Theo will accept the knowledge that Dan has particular...needs...desires. Dan doesn't see Theo as some meaningless fling, but will Theo be able to be the boy that Dan wants and could he really need a "Daddy"?
Just like with my previous read from this author, the inkling of promise is there. I liked the story line, and CS Joyce has a couple of main characters that are interesting as individuals. What was lacking, however, was a sustainable and deeper connection between them. There was chemistry, but it didn't exactly feel like the sort of chemistry that would go past a short-term affair. The whole Daddy kink also came off as more of a hobby than an actual lifestyle. I wasn't looking for anything hardcore, but this felt overly simplistic at times. While Theo's Game did have its issues, I have hope for the series going forward. I'm giving this three stars. ♥
Date Read: 05 January 2019
Learn more about CS Joyce.
Purchase Theo's Game on Amazon.
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