For Real by Alexis Hall

Publication date: June 2015
LGBTQ+ author? Genderqueer
Series: Spires #3 (Do not need to be read in order)
Setting: Modern day London
Content warnings: Explicit BDSM sex, death of a family member (off page)

For Real is one of four erotic BDSM romance novels Alexis Hall has written, the other three being Arden St Ives series which I loved. This book I found similarly captivating.

First of all it’s just sexy. The book is at least 70% fun, spicy sex. Another reviewer called this a “one handed read” which made me laugh.

Alexis Hall has a real talent in writing sex that is not just hot, but that is emotionally significant and moves character arcs forward.

The BDSM scenes in the book are around impact play and restraints, which are not everyone’s cup of tea so thought it was worth mentioning. More importantly, no one is coming to BDSM in this book because they are “broken” or survivors of sexual violence or abuse. They just like it. How refreshing.

Oh yes, the plot. So our two main characters are Laurie and Toby. They meet at a sex party that Laurie has been dragged to by his friends. Laurie is 37 years old and has been in the kink scene a long time and is feeling tired of it all. His former partner left him a while ago and he really hasn’t gotten over it yet. Toby is 19 years old, skinny, with a bad haircut and acne. He is brand new to the scene but very certain of what he wants. Laurie finds Toby’s energy refreshing and invites him home for a casual hookup.

Oh yes and young, scrawny Toby is the dom and strong, tall, mature Laurie is the sub. So that is fun!

One hookup turns into more. Laurie feels understandably sheepish and skeptical about what he’s doing with a teenager. And also understandably, Toby gives absolutely no fucks and wants Laurie to be his boyfriend.

The two find sexual intimacy easy. But emotional intimacy, trust and vulnerability is difficult for them in different ways. The book is about learning to negotiate their growing feelings for each other. This plays out in their sex lives, but also how they spend time with each others friends.

I enjoy how the book treats their age difference, which is I think more common in queer relationships. A stranger calls Laurie Toby’s dad once. Awkward. And he is older than Toby’s mom! But also when they are together it doesn’t really matter much.

The reason I rate this book so highly is because of the emotional journey Alexis Hall takes us on. I know this makes it seem like I am saying I read Playboy for the articles. But you know, sometimes you can just enjoy both OK!

This book is being re-released soon with a much less explicit cover, so please do enjoy this one for now.