‘First and First’, the third novel in Santino Hassell’s ‘Five Boroughs’ series is as fantastic as the first two books, but in a very different way. This time both main characters come from wealthy backgrounds, but that doesn’t mean they have fewer issues trying to figure out if and how they fit together. The story starts with a bang – the New Year’s Eve party from book two – as a totally drunk Caleb and a more sober Oliver kiss their way into the New Year, and things heat up from there. The physical attraction between the two men is the only thing they seem to have in common, and with their different outlooks on life I wasn’t sure it would be enough to keep them together. As it turns out, there was more to Caleb and Oliver than hot encounters between the sheets – it just took them a while to figure it out and to grow into the men they wanted to be. What an amazing change!

Caleb tells the story in first person, and it was interesting to find out more about David’s ex (book two). As ever, finding out more about him meant I understood him better – maybe not at first but eventually. Professionally he is not doing well: he went against his father’s wishes of being involved in the family business and became his own man, only to lose his job. On a personal level, Caleb is trying to get over losing David, but he is not having an easy time of it. He came out late and feels insecure due to his lack of experience and he has issues with showing affection – thanks to his indifferent, manipulative parents. So far none of Caleb’s boyfriends had the patience to hold on and help him come out of his shell, but Oli seems determined to keep trying – much to Caleb’s surprise and eventual delight.

Oli is a programmer, has been disowned by his super-rich and somewhat famous (at least in Manhattan) parents, and lives in an apartment bought with money inherited from his grandparents. He is well off financially, willing to take risks, and more independent than is probably good for him. Oli could easily come across as an airhead, interested only in sexual conquests, but as Caleb gets to know him, it becomes clear he has some real issues to work through himself. Getting more closely involved with Caleb is exactly what he needs – on a professional and personal level.

Between Caleb’s parents’ expectations that almost strangle him, the emotional and other manipulations he endures as his mother tries to push him into taking over the family business to avoid his half brother taking over, and his own hang-ups regarding relationships, it’s a miracle he survives. Not that Oli has an easier time of it! I suspect both of them might have continued to struggle for years if they hadn’t met and decided to learn from each other. They had enough of a common background to understand each other’s issues, yet their perspective on life was different enough for them to be able to support each other. A true match made in heaven – even if it took them a while to figure that out.

As has been true for all the books in this series, fluffy romance this is not. But if you’re looking for real, multilayered characters and problems, if you want to see characters grow and change as they get to know each other, and if you’re looking for complicated, flawed men who are determined to succeed, then you will probably love this novel as much as I do. Both men impressed me with their determination to succeed – in life as well as in love.


NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews. ( )

4.5 stars

SEXY. That's what's up with this book. Of course, the characters have real issues in their lives too. The details of how they work through everything in their lives is interesting. I really like this series. All the characters feel original to me, and the writing style is perfect for my tastes. The characters feel real, and I can empathize with them no matter what their situations are.
Oli=omigodsexarama *eye brow wiggle* Yes, I recommend. ( )

4.5 stars

SEXY. That's what's up with this book. Of course, the characters have real issues in their lives too. The details of how they work through everything in their lives is interesting. I really like this series. All the characters feel original to me, and the writing style is perfect for my tastes. The characters feel real, and I can empathize with them no matter what their situations are.
Oli=omigodsexarama *eye brow wiggle* Yes, I recommend. ( )