The Barter System

Some people will go to great lengths to get their research.

Riya O’Connell is working on her dissertation in Male Sexuality and decides to create a website called "The Barter System" where she requests applications from men around the country willing to participate in her research. She eventually narrows down her thousands of submissions to eight men.

They will give her viable data, cover her expenses while in their company, and ensure she reaches her next destination safely. In return, Riya will give them…whatever they want.

As her project progresses, Riya realizes she’s chosen the eight men in the country who would love her well and that she could easily love in return. Subject after subject is left behind with a small piece of her heart. Driven by her need to understand male sexuality, she refuses to quit no matter how difficult it becomes to keep going. Her presence creates a ripple effect over the lives of her subjects and paths cross that might not have been possible without her.

Finding where her heart ultimately belongs may be an education she didn’t plan on.