I didn't like this book as much as the other four, the author's writing style seemed different, probably because there was a greater stretch of time between this book and the last. But it took me a while to get into it. In book 4, I liked the Noah/Tobias/Phan aspect more than I did in this book. But I think that I was hoping for Phan to leave. I like him as a character, but I think Noah and Tobias are much more compatible. I just don't really understand why the authors chose to make such a huge deal about how Noah is perfect for Tobias, he fills every need Tobias has, and then comes Phan. Perhaps, it's because I, myself, could never have a polyamorous relationship and some of it is because I can't completely understand it. I may have liked it better had the relationship between the three in this book been better and had there been a bit more of a plot. I miss seeing Tobias pushing their limits, granted there was the one scene, but other than that, it was spanking/flogging/cropping, etc. Not to say that it wasn't hot, but this book just wasn't nearly as good. REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCEThe final book in the Deviations series and it wraps up the lives of Tobias, Noah and Phan well even if things don’t always run smoothly.This book is all about balance as the three men have made drastic changes to their lives in the past few months. Managing three people in a relationship was never going to be easy and they find themselves challenged often.Phan is deeply unsettled at letting other Doms and subs into their home at the farm for the training weekends but in true Phan form finds his worries difficult to articulate. As always Noah is the buffer that helps drag out his worries and concerns and then persuades him to talk to Tobias. The solution in the end is quite simple but does make their work load even heaver.Tobias is far more relaxed having sold his veterinary business and now working full time with Bradford. He is the first to acknowledge that being ‘sir’ to two subs is time consuming and not always easy. Add to this the rapid expansion of their business and sometimes there are not enough hours in the day. When he is feeling frazzled and needs an outlet he is very lucky that Noah is prepared to switch roles and calm him down. Tobias really does make a very good sub for someone who is so used to being the one in charge. I really like this aspect of their relationship but it is not as easy as it was before Phan joined them and when they leave Phan feeling left out they have their first major falling out.We see more of Bradford in this book. When his newly collared sub Nikki is left unsettled after an event at the club it looks as though he may end up heartbroken yet again. Yet another ‘closed meeting’ takes place between Bradford and Tobias where they try to iron out their relationship issues with each other. It’s a nice reminder that Doms are not invincible, they are only human after all and don’t always have the answers. I think their chats are nice reminders of these facts.In Safe Words we are given the confirmation that Tobias, Noah and Phan made the right decision with their relationship even if sometimes it is still a struggle. For the most part their issues have already been resolved and now they just have to work to keep that stability. Their love for each other is always clear even when the circumstances are sometimes not easy. If there was ever a series I would like more of it is Deviations and I am sure it will not be too long before I re-read them all again just to have time with three of my favourites.
What do You think about Safe Words (2010)?
I've missed these boys. Reading this book made me want to re-read the whole series.
—campanao
Oh I am going to miss these characters. I read all 5 books and I still want more.
—Keanna
What can I say other than they get better and better
—erich
