A review by galleytrot
For the Love of a Boy by Morticia Knight

  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

READ: Jul 2023 
FORMAT: Digital 

BRIEF SUMMARY: 
In book two of this contemporary romance, Malcolm and Seth are settling into their new roles as Daddy and Boy, but even though the worst is behind him it’s going to take a lot of work for Seth to overcome his lingering trauma. Malcolm understands that he is not a professional, and his help can only extend so far – Seth is in need of therapy that Malcolm can arrange for, but he needs to want it, too. Another facet of Seth’s healing journey is going to be the prosecution of those who conspired to hurt him and others like him, and Daddy’s role as protector is teetering between seeing justice served and sheltering Seth from reliving all of the worst memories and emotions of his abuse. 

ENTERTAINMENT VALUE: 3 / 5⭐ 
Even though plenty happens in this story, it feels like not a whole lot happens in this story. It runs a bit like a laundry list of things to accomplish before the series can reach its eventual conclusion. We go through a handful of holidays and events that each go some way towards leading Seth on a path of self-acceptance. 

Malcolm wants to pursue charges against Seth’s father and the rest of the men who put him through hell on earth, but preferably not at the expense of Seth’s carefully-earned progress. He’s working on Seth’s confidence and self-worth, but there are hurdles in place that Malcolm is not equipped to handle, and he knows when professional help is called for – even as Seth pushes back against what’s best for him. Seth truly wants to be better, to try new things, to feel capable, to stop being paralyzed by self-doubt. Unfortunately, the emotions and intrusive thoughts go from zero to sixty at the tiniest provocation, ad Daddy can’t be at his side a hundred percent of the time to talk him down. 

TECHNICAL / PRODUCTION: 3 / 5⭐ 
The brunt of my criticisms from the previous book holds true here as well: Knight’s poor grammar and odd phrasing is pervasive, and her books could use another pass of editing. The difference this time around is that, where the previous book had too much to accomplish in too few pages, this one felt like the opposite was true. The pacing of either just doesn’t work for me, and ths book felt mostly like padding and filler. 

Credit where it’s due though: I very much enjoyed each moment of the club scene, the dance scene, and the following hotel scene. It finally felt like the characters had a moment to breathe, to completely let go of everything holding them back, if only for a moment. They finally got the chance to show what they have to offer one another without the oppressive fear of backsliding or triggering bad memories. It’s a rare moment of frenetic catharsis in a story that’s just packed to the brim with constantly walking on eggshells. 

FINAL THOUGHTS - OVERALL: 3 / 5⭐ 
I feel certain that this is a transitional book between the first and third of the series, and while it set up some likely-important events that should have a future payoff, it’s mostly just exactly what it is on its face. I’m still withholding judgment on whether these three short books couldn’t just be one longer book (Update: it could, and it should!), but that is the opinion I’m leaning toward. 

This book has representation for gays. There is otherwise little in the way of diversity. 

The following elaborates on my content warnings. These may be interpreted as spoilers, but I do not go into deep detail.
This book contains: references to past abuses, child abuse, both physical and emotional; homophobia, religious bigotry; PTSD, panic attacks; alcohol use; and, attempted abduction, drugging.
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