Reviewed by JustJen

Title: Wes’ Denial
Author: Joseph Lance Tonlet
Series: Tease & Denial #2
Heroes: Wes/Grif
Genre: MM Contemporary
Length: 300 Pages
Publisher: Joseph Lance Tonlet
Release Date: September 1, 2016
Available at: Payhip, Amazon, Smashwords and ARE
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads

Blurb:  Wes has spent his life looking for that one special guy who will understand and love him—all of him. From his tender vanilla side, to his darker debauched side.

Throughout high school, his successful career in the Marines, and as a BDSM Dom, he’s remained confident his partner is out there waiting to be found.

However, several events shake his normally unflappable self–assurance.

And, even after he finds Grif, will his past catch up with him and possibly drive his soul mate away?

Review: The Tease and Denial series is one that has taken me on an extremely fulfilling journey. Grif’s Toy showed us in beautiful, sexy and sometimes painful detail, what made Grif the man he became when he met Wes and how their relationship was formed. Likewise, Wes’ Denial does the same thing, but obviously, this is the story of Wes’ development, showing his life before and after Grif.

Again, Mr. Tonlet takes us back to show us various events throughout Wes’ life that help to shine a little more light on his kinks and how Wes became the man and “dom” he is with Grif. These aren’t just flashbacks for the sake of telling a story though. They are pivotal times in his life, good and bad, that show just how deep a character he is. From his time in the military to his training under another master dom, they are all pieces that fall into place during the current time in the story. Wes carries with him a major load of guilt and shame from past events, along with the guilt he has feeling as though he is hiding a part of himself from Grif, a part he believes will surely make Grif walk away.

It is also through these events that we meet some other wonderful characters that left me longing for more of their story. Thomas and Henrik are two of those pretty amazing characters. Thomas is the master dom Wes’ turns to, and Henrik is his sub. Their segment contains some of the most beautiful scenes I’ve read. I absolutely fell in love with Henrik and really hope to learn more about him. In the current time, we meet new friends, Quinn and Gage, who live a similar life to that of Wes and Grif. Again, we are given snippets of their backstory, but just enough to make you hungry for more details.

There are some characters we already know (and love) that it was great to see again. Matthew is the ever-steady rock behind the running of Grif’s Estate, who we also know has some interesting things going on in his love life. And it is always fun to see Grif’s stoic bodyguard, Pavel. It is easy to see how much these men have come to care for each other, whether it is through Grif’s teasing of Pavel or Matthew’s ability to manage things to make life easier for Grif (and Wes).

I really could go on and on, but, suffice to say, this story (both Grif and Wes’) have worked their way into my soul. They are both extremely emotional and heartfelt.  While I may not enjoy every single aspect of their relationship, I can completely respect that it is theirs and they are happy and comfortable with it and it totally works for them. The kink really takes a back seat to the emotions and feelings of these two guys and that is what bleeds from the pages and sticks with me when I’m done.

Wes’ Denial is another beautifully written story that takes you on the second half of the journey started in Grif’s Toy taking the reader on another wonderful ride this time vividly highlighting the key elements in Wes’ life that molded him into the man we saw Grif fall in love with. They truly are perfect for each other – yin and yang – their love and commitment clear and easy to see.

Mr. Tonlet has a very unique style, and his writing just keeps getting better with each story. He is able to write a story that captivates, and just when you get comfortable with things, he throws in an ending that is even more beautiful and more heartbreaking than everything told before, yet it could not be more perfect. A bittersweet ending that pulls at you yet leaves you satisfied at the same time. While his stories might not be everyone’s cup of tea, I highly recommend you take a chance to expand your boundaries a bit to experience some of them.

Overall Impression: It was amazing!

*I received a copy of this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review.*

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