Rating:  5 stars out of 5    ★★★★★

Going undercover in a gay BDSM club run by the mob isn’t Rick Delaney’s idea of a good time – but for all the wrong reasons.

Sure, going undercover in a gay BDSM club run by the mob isn’t exactly an everyday assignment. Still, as a cop specializing in undercover work, Rick Delaney is used to tough gigs. The real issue is that Rick’s expected to go under with someone he barely knows. But Rick’s partner is suspended, and he doesn’t have a choice.

Newly transferred detective Jon Messina’s short a partner, too, except that his was murdered by the mafia. Jon may seem breezy and lighthearted, but he has a score to settle. And to do so, he’s willing to do whatever it takes.

Except that it may take more than either of them can afford. Because their cover as a dom and sub couple spins out of control the minute they set foot into mafia-controlled sex club Gomorrah. What should be mere pretense threatens to become desperately real. And if Rick can’t control his desires, he’s going to get them both killed.

If I had to describe this book with one word, it would be: HOT. This is my fifth book by Alex Gabriel and the hottest one I’ve enjoyed the most so far.

There’s Rick, slightly awkward, can’t string two words together when nervous. And then there’s Jon, happy-go-lucky, friendly, confident and taller than Rick. Clearly, Rick’s going to end up the sub and Jon’s going to be the Dom. At least, that’s what I thought when I started this. Turns out I was wrong. Rick becomes the Dom and Jon the sub. And damn, that was HOT.

First, Rick is anything but thrilled to have to work with Jon. He’s already got a partner, after all and just because he’s currently suspended doesn’t mean he wants a new one. And going undercover in a gay BDSM club with a man he knows nothing about isn’t his idea of fun either.

But the moment Rick and Jon set foot into the BDSM club, it all suddenly becomes very real. Rick is incredibly attracted to Jon and has a very hard time controlling himself. UST of the kind that had me drooling and melting ensues. FINALLY a book with some serious tension between the MCs! Everything set in the club was incredibly hot, even though the two of them didn’t engage in anything particularly kinky. There’s a bit of voyeurism and some serious exhibitionism later on in the book, but otherwise it was relatively kink-free. But that was enough to create a smouldering hot atmosphere. When the sex finally did happen, I was blown away. Again, I can only say: Hot, hot, hot!

This wasn’t pure porn, though. Jon’s partner was killed by the mob and Rick’s partner is obviously in trouble as well. I really liked that the two of them actually talked to each other, something that sadly doesn’t always happen in romance.  And while the lust started burning hard and fast, the love was kept in check. No insta-love here!

I liked that the author didn’t stick to the common stereotypes. Not only Rick and Jon are unexpected in their roles, there’s also a mob prince, who is openly submissive and who seems to be very nice. I’d love to read about him and his Dom.

Now, the ending was very open, leaving almost everything unresolved. But the author did say she was working on a sequel, so I’m not going to complain too much.

“First Contact” was incredibly hot, ignored common D/s stereotypes and was generally very addicting. If I’d had the time, I would have read this in one sitting.

I can’t wait for the promised sequel!

Cover Art: The cover by Ethiriel is very simple, and yet it speaks volumes. Somehow, it’s incredibly hot, although it only shows a pair of cuffs and nothing else. Well done!

Sales Links:   All Romance (ARe) | Amazon |  Buy It Here

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