Guest Review: Paid to Pretend (Delphic Agency #5) by Romilly King

Christian De Olio, natural-born Boy Scout, head of the Delphic Security Team, exemplary son of a wealthy family, pretends every day of his life.

He pretends he is sexless in a world where arousal rules.

He pretends that he works for Delphic because it was the obvious choice after his time in the army.

He pretends that whenever he listens to the far-off voice of Michael Bond, the long-absent Director of Delphic, it doesn’t take him right back to one night 15 years ago. To the one night, he didn’t pretend. To the one night, he was himself.

And then the Director comes home, and Christian isn’t sure he can pretend anymore. Not when Michael looks at him the way he does, with such disappointment, because Christian can endure anything except being a disappointment to Michael.

Particularly when he thought he was doing so well.

Reviewer: Shee Reader

I have enjoyed all the Delphic books so far and this was no exception. It was rather different to the others, mainly because the story was of the elusive boss of Delphic. Michael Bond has been ‘missing’ and controlling his business at a distance for fifteen years. He left behind Christian, because he didn’t want to take the boy’s future. When in fact, all Christian had wanted was Michael to be his everything.

The time apart has been hard for both men, and now working together in the same special place that was once their joy, it is certain that their paths will cross. Is their connections still as strong and all encompassing as it once was?

The threat comes from an underground ‘Dom’ ring that abducts and abuses young men must be infiltrated by a strong Dom and skilful sub. Of course Michael and Christian have to step up to help protect the innocent and the lifestyle that means so much to them both.

The connection between them is sizzling. The relationship and real second chance at finding what they both want. I found Michael rather infuriating for his making decisions for Christian without communicating to him, but that’s a Dom I guess!

I really liked Christian and was so impressed by his willingness to forgive Michael for abandoning him, even though Michael left for what he felt were the right reasons. Christian was amazing for being willing to trust Michael again and their HEA was such a relief!

Such a moving story! Recommended.

I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.