Review: 24/7

24/7 24/7 by J.A. Rock
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Gould is the final one in this foursome to share his experiences and perspective into Hal's death. This tragic defining moment in four people's lives have brought them closer together yet pushed them apart. How can this be? Ms. Rock rocks it by showing how Gould feels the need to be closer to his friends yet pushed away because he also wants something with GK and Kel. This story cannot be read as a standalone. To fully appreciate this series, it is best to read the books in order.

What I liked about this series is Ms. Rock's careful reveal on how negligence can cause severe impact upon the ones left behind. Gould loved Hal. But there were times that Hal drove him crazy. Hal's risk taking lifestyle ended abruptly and caused sides to be taken. Gould doesn't want to take sides and yet he still doesn't think it is fair that Bill isn't punished for killing Hal. It can be said that Gould is in a dark place by trying to make himself suffer through placing himself in the hands of those who forgave Bill. How is it conceivable that Gould who beat up Bill would want to have anything to do with those that not only forgive Bill but try to help him play again? Is Gould survivor's guilt causing him a self-loathing which may end him just the same as Hal? No. Instead, it is showing the complexities of relationships and how messy life can be.

The BDSM in this story is well done. Ms. Rock's research is evident in her excellent representation of a kinky ménage with femdom and switching. There are some scenes which may come across as humiliation but they are not. The power exchange may cause a bit of queasiness for some, as GK and Gould play off each other for Kel's attention. The way that these three come together shows how a ménage is not all rainbows and unicorns. Nor is it jealousy with competition and selfish needs. These three have complicated emotions exacerbated by conflicting priorities. When there are no right answers and only results where someone is hurt, it is difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel. And perhaps this is why Gould wants a TPE relationship. This way, he doesn't have to think about the hard things anymore. He can let someone else shoulder the responsibilities and ease the burdens the carries. Ms. Rock cleverly shows how this does not work either. Instead, she proposes another way which blends this romance into a happy ménage with open communication. Impressive and heartwarming, this story ends with a happily for now through forgiveness and enlightenment. I enjoyed it. It is a fit end for these four friends' self-discovery and growth. Recommended for kinky readers who like their boundaries pushed.

*provided by NetGalley

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