The Assistant

This is my second book by this author and I can confidently say that if you're wanting an OwnVoices story, one that treads outside the beaten paths of mainstream M/M, and populated by diverse characters, [a:John Tristan 2738973 John Tristan https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1540990054p2/2738973.jpg] is your man. Nick Kurosawa was discharged from the army for medical reasons, mainly psychological ones attributable to devastating familial loss. Since then he's been flailing through life, from one meaningless job to another, seeking the guidance he needs through sexual relationships that never coalesce into anything true or lasting. A job offer from the mysterious Mr. Umber is about to change all that.Jacob Umber is a 40-something businessman in need of an all around dogsbody with potential for more. He's a bit cryptic about what his business is and what he needs. Nick is entranced and hooked. What develops, over time, is a D/s relationship, one that initially leans heavily toward servitude and which Nick hopes (it does) develops into one that includes physical discipline. I'm reluctant to call any of this “impact play” or any kind of play at all because what Nick wants or needs is more of a lifestyle thing and Mr. Umber is willing to provide it. The relationship between Nick & Mr. Umber is one that likely will be outside the comfort zone of the general M/M reader. Romance in its standard iterations isn't present, there's a pretty heavy caning scene, and the regular beats of “meet cute”, separation due to misunderstanding/airing of issues, final confessions of LOVE etc. are nowhere to be seen. Even so I loved Nick and understood his needs, while not always agreeing or hoping he could assuage his emotional needs in a different manner. It was clear to me that Nick's kinks were more than about sexual gratification. That's fine. We all do what we must. So why wasn't this a 5 star read for me? Jacob Umber.Throughout the book we get to know Nick pretty well, his history, his wants, his friends, his sense of humor etc but about Jacob Umber we know close to nothing. He remains an opaque presence whose personality & desires remain unstated or even hinted at. What he does for Nick, relationship-wise (and I use the term generously), is almost begrudging and mostly at Nick's request, almost begging. Does he get off on it? Did he feel anything for Nick beyond some affection and appreciation for services rendered? I wasn't sure. This made the denouement a bit unsatisfying. I wanted Nick to get a bit of his own and for Umber to deserve him. Regardless of my tiny gripes I'd wholeheartedly recommend this story between a young Japanese American man and an older trans man, where neither one of those things take center stage but aren't window dressing either. How novel.