4.5 stars

Man, these two. Whew! They are perfect together and gave me all the feels. I love a brother’s best friend story, and this is that. As well as so many other fun tropes. Forced proximity, older/younger, one bed (kind of). So many of my favorites.

Cash served with Daniel’s brother in the Navy. In fact, they were Navy SEALs. Now that Cash has retired, he’s not quite sure what to do with himself. Meanwhile, his friend has been out a bit longer and is starting a security firm. Cash doesn’t feel that’s the right path for him, but agrees to help out by protecting his friend’s younger brother while his friend is out of town. Daniel is a bona fide celebrity. He grew up a child actor and has never quite been able to get out of the limelight. There have been some addiction issues along the way, which means much of his family doesn’t quite trust him anymore. And, since he actually has legitimately cleaned up his act, he’s discovered he doesn’t have as many true friends as he thought. Daniel is being stalked and getting crazy, scary messages. He tries to blow them off, but whoever is doing these things is not going away.

When Cash agreed to help his friend out, he didn’t expect to be instantly drawn to Daniel. It’s not that he’s straight, he’s just never really explored his sexuality one way or another. Plus, Daniel is a bit younger than him and his best friend’s little brother. But as the threats against Daniel escalate, Cash has to whisk him out of town and get him off the grid for a bit while they try to find out who is behind it all. Their time alone together helps them both appreciate the other so much and they eventual explore the chemistry that has been there from that first meeting. Cash only knew Daniel through the things he’s heard from his friend over the years, so he has to shed those preconceived ideas about Daniel to see who he really is now. Daniel has to find the confidence to be something other than what others have molded him to be his whole life, a role he’s never been comfortable with. Cash is also trying to discover himself after spending all of his adult life in the military. It’s beautiful to watch these two discover themselves and help each other gain confidence.

I’m really never disappointed by the heroes in Annabeth Albert’s books. I’m really looking forward to more from this series.

You can find more of my reviews at All In Good Time.