Home at Last

Suncoast Society #40

by Tymber Dalton, Lesli Richardson

Jake and Ben are friends, co-workers, and now roommates. Ben secretly wants more, but he thinks Jake’s straight. However…Jake has a secret—he’s bi.

(This MM friends-to-lovers contemporary romance features elements of BDSM/power exchange, pushy and loving found family, close proximity, and a satisfying HEA.)

Home at last?

Ben didn’t know his Master and boyfriend would leave him homeless and in the lurch. Throw in identity theft to add insult to injury. When his best friend and co-worker, Jake, invites him to move into his spare bedroom, it’s the answer to a prayer. Ben knows Jake’s straight, but it doesn’t stop him from fantasizing about the handsome Dom.

The last thing Jake wants is to take advantage of Ben and come off looking like a douche. That’s why, for now, he keeps his carefully guarded secret—that he’s bi, not straight.

As Jake realizes Ben is perfect for him, Jake’s forced to confront the realities of life. The choice to be with Ben means facing down his homophobic parents and confronting darker, more dangerous realities that he never experienced before.

But can he admit his feelings before someone else steals Ben’s heart?

Book Trailer:

Home at Last by Tymber Dalton from Sunshine Reads on Vimeo.

Genres: BDSM, M M Romance, Romance, Friends To Lovers, Bisexual, Erotica, Contemporary

344 pages, Paperback

First published December 5, 2016

About the author

Author Lesli Richardson, who is better-known by her more prolific wild-child Tymber Dalton pen name, lives in the Tampa Bay region of Florida with too many pets of various species. Other pen names of hers include PT Long, Calliope Clockwork, Ravyn Wolf, and Zoe Park. She writes in a wide variety of heat levels and genres, from mainstream sci-fi all the way to scorching ménage.

The USA Today Bestselling Author (as Tymber) and two-time EPIC award winner is a part-time Viking shield-maiden in training who loves to sing karaoke and play D&D with her friends. She’s also the author of over 250 books and counting, including The Reluctant Dom, Cross Country Chaos, Her Vampire Obsession, the Bleacke Shifters series, the Governor Trilogy series, and many others.


She lives in her own little world, but it’s okay—they all know her there.


She loves to hear from readers! Please feel free to drop by her website and sign up for her newsletter to keep abreast of the latest news, snarkage, and releases.
Honest reviews are always welcomed. They help with a book’s visibility and can boost its placement on book retailer sites. Even a few lines about what you felt reading the book will help. Thank you so much, it’s greatly appreciated!

Reviews

[Aղցela W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spoiler Ahead This was a really good book. Ben Hodges became homeless when his Master and boyfriend Mort left him after stealing his identity and his money. Ben has been best friends and coworkers with Jake Murray for ten years Jake is a Dom. Jake ask Ben to move in with him he has an extra room. Jake who is in a bad relationship with Allison is bi although he has never told anyone. When he breaks up with her he starts realizing that Ben is a perfect sub and slave. Ben also realizes that he is in love with Jake but he doesn't trust himself after what happened in his last relationship so he ask Tilly for help. I love the friends in the Suncoast Society they always come to the rescue of their friends. This book has some really hot scenes Jake and Ben have their first scene at a play party and Tilly and her guys new house it was hot. Jake realized that he is in love with Ben and when he goes out on a date with another man he has to come clean and confess. I also liked how June and her Master had Ben and Jake's back. I wanted to slap Allison and Jake's parents for the way they acted. This was a really good book one of my favorite in the series. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I love reading Ms. Dalton's books and I can't wait to read the next book in this series.

[Denise - Shh Mom's Reading® · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
Oh how I loved this book
An amazing friends, best friends to lovers true soul mates story!
I adore this series from Tymber Dalton, it allows me to pop up and out as the blurbs grab me! And man and I do glad I read this one. This gay romance story is about so much more than two men falling in love, it's about the value of friendship, it's about embracing the love that's in front of you and about living the life you chose to live, the one you feel will bring you true and pure happiness.
Ms Dalton masterfully crafted a story that will have you believing best friends of 10 years Ben and Jake belong together as husband and husband as circumstances put them directly in each other's orbit or my specifically their daily life Morning and night.
The eb and flow these two men find, the way they complete each other and fill the void the other has is the stuff of forever love!
The moment Jake gets it, truly gets he is in love with Ben was explosive and powerful. It was true to character and made me want to grab him and say finally thank you for admitting your love!
Oh and Ben's reaction to this moment had me even more in love with him.
This book is about adults, grown ups dealing with life, facing the challenges in front of them and the obstacles life places in their way; but this book didn't have drama for drama and never ever did I question the men's love or commitment to each other.

Ben and Jake have provided an major book hangover and continue to run through my head hours after completing the story!

[Trish-Sunshine Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you find your other half it is truly coming home. The love between friends can blossom and become more. Jake is Bi but lets the world believe he is straight because it was easier and to be honest was less drama. But when he falls for his friend all that has to end and it was time to face reality.

[BookAddict ✒ La Crimson Femme · Rating 3 out of 5]

Who screws someone over this badly? Ben seems to be a boy next door nice guy. Maybe he was too nice because he was definitely taken advantage of by his now ex-boyfriend. Mort, his ex-boyfriend, was more than just a lover. He was also Ben's Master. This betrayal is even more painful in this context because a Master is someone who is supposed to love, cherish and take care of their submissive/slave. Instead, Ben is left destitute and a kick in the teeth with identity theft. Really, I do not believe Ms. Dalton can create a more pitiful character. The sad part? This situation is plausible in real life, without or within the kinky lifestyle dynamic.

This story immediately grabs a reader's attention as we sit in outrage with Ben. Each new information coming to light about Mort is just another stab into Ben's chest. It is painful to witness. It is unfathomable how Ben's friends have not hunted down Mort and killed him. This is where Ms. Dalton's familiar plot device comes into play. In comes the friends to save the day. I really like when Ms. Dalton does this, in her many different permutations of it. I like it because it gives hope that there are good people out there. And that with friends, there are many bad situations which just need a little helping hand. It takes so little to help a friend out and yet it can drastically make a difference in their life. For Ben, Jake's help is the cushion to keep him from being homeless. Ben's dire situation suddenly turns around and he can breathe a bit and start over again.

For those who enjoy best friends becoming lovers themes, this is an excellent book to read. Ben and Jake's slow flirtation and mating dance is adorable to watch. Ben is tentative because he does not want to freak his straight friend out and ruin their relationship. Jake does not want to trigger Ben into comparing Jake to Mort. When they finally make it onto the same page, it is delightful. If only life were so easy to have only the two lovers have a say in their relationship. Unfortunately they do have a problem with Jake's parents who believe Ben is one of those corrupting forces, making Jake gay. The conflict and confrontation may cause a reader to wince because these types of attitudes and actions are still quite prevalent. Ms. Dalton does a nice job of defusing and resolving the conflict in a believable manner.

For those who are wondering about the kinky parts, does this really need to be covered? For those who have been reading this series or any of Ms. Dalton's kinky books, the kink scenes are delicious and up to par as usual. The scenes are erotic and arousing. For those who picked this up as a first book to Ms. Dalton, the BDSM in this story is realistic to life. Whilst this book can be read as a standalone, it is best read with the other books to fully appreciate the different secondary characters. This sweet m/m book is recommended to kinky readers who love friends to lover themes.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 + stars. MM friends to lovers. Closeted first time bisexual. Both experienced in BDSM but prior relationships had been bad. Wonderful romance and realistic everyday D/s relationship development. Two average working guys. No angst. Snarky ex girlfriend, attempted gay bashing, and disapproving parents were the upsets. Sugar sweet ending.

Can be read as a standalone. Book focused on couple and Venture club members aren't traipsing in and out. For my MM GR friends, the bisexuality and monogamy were not an issue. There were some MF and MMF scenes by other players in passing at a BDSM party. This installment followed normal MM tropes compared to Ms. Dalton's other books in the series.

[H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tymber is one of the best writers I have ever read, she brings strong reactions from readers, makes you think about what the characters in her books have been through, past and present.

Take for example Home at Last, Ben has been through hell with his last dom, who isolated him, emotionally abused him and abused his trust and the nature of his submission, said dom also proved to be a thief.

Jake, on the other hand, is in a relationship with a woman who at best can be called a brat, at worst she's a manipulative ***** from ****. She used him for money and then when he helped Ben, his best friend of 10 years, she flips out completely. What can I say? He has a LOT more patience than I would in that kind of situation if it had been me I would have kicked her ass to the curb the first time she tried manipulation.

The story of Ben and Jake is rocky at times but is a solid story of a love that can be built from friendship. This story made my heart break, made me want to kick some butt and kept me up later than I had intended on staying LOL. If you enjoy a good MM than this is a must read.

[Doris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tymber never disappoints, but she outdid herself in this story. It's been a while since I visited with the Suncoast Society, but this one caught my eye, and I'm still grinning.

Fab story, real, and gripping, and like always, when I read this series, I feel as though I'm visiting with friends.

Must read!

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll never get enough of Tymber's books. This was a very emotional story about the journey of two men and how they came together. I loved it and it even made me tear up a little bit. I'm still reserving judgement on Jake's father though!

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've read any of my other reviews of Tymber Dalton's books, you've probably realized by now that she's my favorite author and an automatic buy every time she releases a new book. Home at Last is the 40th book in the Suncoast Society BDSM series but don't worry! Just because it's the 40th book, that doesn't mean you have to read the previous 39 novels to enjoy this one. Each of the books in the series is a standalone novel, although you will understand the backstories of all the characters involved in each book better if you do read them in order. To that end, there's a complete listing of the entire series, in order, at the beginning of each of the Suncoast Society books.

Home at Last is the story of Ben and Jake. Ben has just been betrayed by his long-term boyfriend and Dominant, Mort. While Mort hadn't cheated on him (that Ben knew of), he had ripped him off in the worst way...by stealing his identity. Ben was in debt up to his eyeballs after Mort disappeared, owing him several months' rent, running three of his four credits cards up to their limits, and stealing a significant amount of money from Ben's bank account. Ben felt like the world's biggest fool. He'd know Mort for a few years, but worse than the monetary betrayal was the betrayal of trust. Ben had trusted Mort as his Dominant, and Mort broke that trust in the worst way possible. Would Ben be able to trust, or love, anyone ever again?

Jake is Ben's best friend. They've known each other for more than 10 years, through work, their memberships at Venture (the BDSM club they belong to), and their association with the Suncoast Society munch group. He's not happy with his relationship with Allison. A childish, self-centered 31-year-old "little girl," Allison wants far more out of their relationship than Jake does. She plays at being "submissive," but she has become increasingly less willing to participate in BDSM play with Jake. The final straw comes when she threatens to start playing with other tops. When Jake calls her bluff, it's the beginning of the end for the couple, despite their three years together.

When Jake realizes the depth and seriousness of Ben's financial situation, it's a no-brainer for him to ask Ben to move in with him. After all, he owns his own house with plenty of room to spare. It's cheaper for Ben to move in, pay rent, and help with chores. And it certainly will help Ben deal with the stress of all the idiocy Mort's putting him through. It's a win/win situation for both men. Once the move is complete, however, the attraction Ben has always felt for Jake soon becomes apparent. But Jake is straight, not gay. As feelings change and start to accelerate, complications arise. But will Ben be able to trust anyone ever again? Is it even possible for Ben to move past what Mort did to him, both emotionally and financially? And what about Jake? A relationship between a straight Dominant and a gay submissive isn't exactly what either man is looking for. The future seems very uncertain and there are so many obstacles. Is it even worth it to put their friendship at risk over something so fraught with danger?

From here, Ms. Dalton takes the reader on an incredibly realistic journey through the world of BDSM as seen through the eyes of Ben and Jake. Ms. Dalton has been an active participant in the BDSM lifestyle for many years, and the details and knowledge of that lifestyle as portrayed in her novels are incredibly accurate. But, for me personally, it's not just the BDSM itself that draws me in and makes me love her stories. Yes, I freely admit that I have a fascination with this lifestyle and have learned as much about it as I possibly can. But Ms. Dalton is one of the very few authors I have found who has the ability to craft real, believable, and relatable characters that the reader becomes invested in. And it's not just the main characters either. The supporting cast of characters are completely developed and fully detailed. I always feel as if I'm actually living in the story with the characters. I always know from the minute I pick up a new Tymber Dalton novel that I won't be able to put it down until I've finished it. I was so totally engaged in Ben and Jake's story that everything around me seemed to disappear. While I have a tendency to do that with any good book I read, Ms. Dalton's books ALWAYS have the ability to do that from the very beginning. Most other books take a chapter or two to really engage my interest but this isn't so with any of Ms. Dalton's books. I'm not exaggerating when I say you're in for a treat as Ms. Dalton's skill as an author is exceptional. It's no surprise to anyone who's either read my reviews of Ms. Dalton's books or who knows me personally that I am extremely impressed with the entire Suncoast Society series, and this book continues that tradition.

One final comment. This is an ADULT book. It contains adult BDSM themes, explicit language, and sexual scenes. If you do not enjoy erotic romance with explicit sexual and BDSM scenes then PLEASE carefully consider your purchase before buying any book in a genre you know you will not enjoy. There is always a synopsis of the book at the seller's website or on the dust jacket of the book. There are also reviews of the book available not only on Goodreads but at the booksellers' websites. PLEASE avail yourself of these resources so you are certain the book you are purchasing is what you want to read. ALSO, PLEASE DON'T LEAVE A NEGATIVE REVIEW OF A BOOK YOU PURCHASED WHEN YOU KNOW YOU WON'T ENJOY IT AS IT'S NOT FAIR TO THE AUTHOR! She works extremely hard to provide a quality work product and if you know before you purchase a book that you will object to the subject matter contained therein, you are doing not only yourself, but the author, an extreme disservice. But if you do enjoy hot, erotic BDSM romances, I highly recommend Home at Last. As with every Tymber Dalton book, I give it my highest rating without reservation!

Thanks for reading my review and happy reading!

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tymber has come through yet again. This book was fantastic in the way it showed how a friendship can develop into more than just a friendship and that communication is everything. The ups and downs of emotions, the way that vulnerability can take over a life, and the way that talking finally can get you what you want is evident in this book. Once again I cannot wait for the next book in the series.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I agree with Tilly, these guys are adorable. Glad to see that Jake's 'rents were able to come around, not much interaction from Allison and I thought that there would be more drama from her with the character that she was. So HAPPY to hear from Gilo again, love how Laurel gets paid, too cute.

On to celebrate Kinkmas with this crazy crew.

[Oxy · Rating 1 out of 5]

A very cringeworthy book.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love her books

[Autumn Iriarte · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing story.

[Katy Beth Mckee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ben and Jake have been friends and coworkers for years. Over the years Jake has had girlfriends. Ben was in a relationship as well. But Ben is hurt badly emotionally and financially. Jake is also ending a relationship. And suddenly with a shove from friends they are together.

Jake has to work through some family issues we see that each man brings their own strength to the relationship. A long term friendship makes a wonderful bases for love.

[Nile Princess · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars with qualifications.

Things I loved:
LOVED Ben. He was so at home in his skin. His submission was a beautiful thing, and he made it look effortless. I loved how intuitive he was, how he anticipated Jake's needs and took pride in doing so. Also loved that while he was a slave who wanted to please his Master, he wasn't afraid to put his foot down when Jake did something wrong.

LOVED Jake. I love that he wasn't perfect, and that he took ownership of his mistakes. Loved the ring in the bracelet being different from the rest to remind him that he was flawed. Loved how possessive he was, too. Yum!

Loved their scenes, and how they just 'fit'.

The dinner with the parents made me teary eyed. Loved that.

Loved that Jake's mom was down-low kinky. Hee!

Things that took away from five stars for me:
The portrayal of Allison. Allison was a very different sub from Ben, if she was even really submissive at all and yes, she may have just been an all around horrible person. What I didn't like was the attempt to heap all the blame on her. If she was so inept, so disobedient, hated chores, wasn't pro-active, couldn't kiss, didn't give good blowjobs etc etc etc, WHY was Jake with her for so long? He bears some responsibility for allowing Allison to neglect her duties as his sub. Whether she was just into BSDM as play, a brat, or just a plain bitch, Jake allowed it! He doesn't get to play the victim now.

The constant comparing of Ben to Allison even well after 70%. Why were we still talking about her?? Yes, she was horrible. Yes, Ben's ex was horrible. We get it. It's almost like it was being shoved down our throats how perfect Ben was. It was unnecessary, and looked petty. We could already see how perfect Ben and Jake were for each other, without the constant Allison bashing. Allison was so over-the-top horrible that it took away from any depth her character could have brought to the story, and felt like a weak cop out for Jake.

Repetitive conversations. This went on for about the first third of the book and, really, I almost bailed a couple times. The characters had to spell every little thing out, over and over, not in the 'we need to iron out limits' way, but just in the 'Are you ok with moving in, buddy?" "If you're ok with it' over and over and over. They repeated stuff to each other, and to themselves!

Meanwhile, the stuff they needed to actually say, like about Jake being bi, is hush hush. I didn't really understand the logic of withholding that information, and when he DID reveal it, it was just as douche-bag-y a thing to do as he'd been trying to avoid.

The over-use of the word 'buddy'. WHY??? Just, why??

Secondary characters: I love what Tilly did for the guys, but I skimmed the lunches with her. We already knew she hated the exes, and wanted them together. I've got it, thanks.

Final answer: I had a few major issues with the book. It does require a bit of patience, and I felt it was longer than it needed to be, but I stuck it out because I wanted to see Jake and Ben become Master and slave, and see Ben get everything he desired. At the end of it, I was left with a warm, happy, fuzzy feeling that Jake and Ben were in a good place. Four solid stars from me.

[Hc · Rating 3 out of 5]

Most annoying thing? Constant and consistent use of BUDDY...

Even after reaching a more intimate relationship and even Beyond that! Jake is still saying Buddy to BF/Sub/Slave/Hubs.. wtf? Boy, sure.. but buddy???

Most hated scene? Jake totally loses it when Ben is late and didn't call. Moves into a scene and punishment in major anger. I'm not big into the bdsm reading and prefer lighter depictions, but regardless, to me this is a big no no. Jake could have gone too far and Ben might have actually let him.

Confusing? While I understood Ben's frustration with Jake's parents, I didn't quite understand the huge blowup over not being asked if he'd go to dinner with them. Not that Jake shouldn't ask and discuss certain things but I didn't think it quite qualified for the big fallout.

Most impressed? Ben taking CHARGE when public safety started to be compromised. Since he's had more experience, Jake should listen. Ben, being submissive is much more likely to just go with the flow and follow orders. But he didn't and had to safeword to get Jake to pay attention.

All in all, it's not a horrible experience book in bdsm, although its more hard play than I'd usually go for.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I love most about Tymber Dalton's books is how they make me FEEL! They make me laugh and cry and fall in love. But most of all they make me wish that the Suncoast Society was real and taking members!
Ben and Jake have been friends for years. Now that Ben has been shafted by his partner, Jake invites him to share his house while he gets back on his feet. Jake is also navigating his way out of a long term relationship which makes nice to have a friend living with him. Enter Tilly. I LOVE this woman! She sees possibilities for these two men that they don't or won't see for themselves. A fabulous friends to lovers story!

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good friends to lovers story and this was one of those. Tymber Dalton has shown in many of her books that love is fluid and that although a person may be gay or straight, that person can fall in love with a person of the opposite gender and be homoflexible for that person. As I grow older, I believe that love has no gender and this book is a celebration of that. Even the parents who were homophobic, through love, started on the path to acceptance. Great book with laughs and tears -- well worth your time to read.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked the evil way Tilly helped Jake get his head out of his ass and admit that he was in love with Ben. I did not like the scene where he lost control. I thought Ben should have called red for that. For a man who has never been in a relationship with another man Jake should have paid more attention to how Ben was behaving when out in public. That night could have ended in a tragedy if June and Scrye hadn't been there.

[Katd · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Usual it only gets better

And better. I've learned that each of her books will bring me laughter and tears. Believable stories with her kind of kinky. And as always can't wait for the next one.

Thank you so much for the continuing joy you bring me in yours tales of Florida and of love.

[Toi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot Read

What's happens when you move in with your straight best friend and you're gay and you fall in love with him not realizing that he's bi and he's falling in love with you too.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bittersweet Emotions

A novel to keep you guessing. There are some sad yet happy parts to this novel. they include love and loss. They include heartache and heart break. Lying, cheating, dishonesty....it's a novel to overcome it all in the name of love.

[Ea_reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was a fun read. it's steamy and for the most part I liked both Jake and Ben. there was a little melodrama along the way and it was a little sappy in parts, but overall I enjoyed it.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great addition...

I really liked this book. It may have moved a hair fast from friends to lovers for me, but overall I really enjoyed it.