I received a free copy of this book via the Goodreads Don't buy My Love program in exchange for an honest review. 
 This contemporary mystery describes the circumstances surrounding the theft and recovery of a painting known as The Russian Boy. Dmitri, an actual Russian boy, is studying art in Paris. He is only a few months from the end of his scholarship, and will have to leave his studies due to no money. Then, he is approached by Yegor who offers him 20,000 Euro to steal the painting from the studio where it is being restored. Dmitri is counseled by his boyfriend, an American art fellow named Taylor, to refuse Yegor's offer. 
 Dmitri doesn't. He steals the painting and heads for the rendezvous with Yegor in Nice. Only, Yegor never shows. Always resourceful, Dmitri makes the acquaintance of Albin, a man willing to take him in for a night...or more. Worried about his lover, Taylor travels to Nice, hoping to help Dmitri out of what will surely become a debacle. 
 Debacle it becomes. Former art professor Rowan is dispatched to Paris by the insurers to track down the missing painting. Interpol is alerted. Dmitri is double-crossed by Yegor, and Yegor ends up dead. Painting? Seemingly gone. 
 Rowan's investigation not only yields Taylor, and Dmitri, but engagements with the Russian mafia, and a human trafficking ring. The tension of the whereabouts of the painting, and recovery of it, continues to build throughout. At times I felt this was more of a thriller than a romance. 
 Other reviewers have commented on a lack of investment in the relationships, but I felt all the men in these partnerships were well described and conceived. Further, we get some flashback of the painting's development and the scandalous nature of the relationship between artist and subject. The painting is a sensual depiction of a naked, aroused young (19 y/o) man--Alexei, son of a Russian Count, back in 1913 Nice. Alexei and the artist Lushenko had a Master-Apprentice relationship, as well as a physical relationship. I really connected with the historical and cultural aspects of their story. I also enjoyed the descriptions of Nice, and the experiences to be had there. 
 In M/M romance, one has to be prepared for some odd pairings, and some brutality. Dmitri and Taylor are the initial couple, but they are together more of convenience--and quickly sever ties when Dmitri steals the painting. Then Dmitri meets Albin, who is a bit older, but kind and companionable. And Taylor is attracted to Rowan, despite Rowan being twice his age. It seems Taylor has always fancied older men, even Dmitri noticed... And the Lushenko/Alexei, well, more May/December. It's not all that uncomfortable for me to accept these pairings. I wasn't thrilled by the rape/bondage scenes, but it seemed in line with the dangerous plot line. 
 For a mystery/thriller there was a lot of sex, and for a romance, there was a lot of suspense. There were some HEA's to be had, as well. In all, I liked the story.