The beginning of this book was such a disappointment to me. I loved the characters and the story, but there were some continuity issues that were driving me absolutely insane! By halfway through I was a bit afraid I'd have to give this a very low rating. The fact that the last half was awesome and my history with Melissa Foster's writing is the only reason I rounded this rating up to a 3 instead of down to a 2 since I'm think 2.5 is the most accurate.

The chemistry between Tristan and Alex is OFF.THE.CHARTS! I love them as a couple. Two big, tough, hard-bodied guys who are soft as pudding on the inside. What's not to love? Plus, I'm a sucker for a man in uniform.

I have a lot of military family and my son is actually in the Army so in some ways my mind wanted to rebel against anything bad said against our military. And at first it kind of did because I almost felt there were things bordering on disrespect. I felt better when Tristan kept on Alex about what makes a hero. And I truly did understand Alex's thoughts and bad feelings as he had spent his military career hiding his true self...of course that left a bitter taste in his mouth. I shouldn't have worried as much as I did because, as usual, this author is a whiz at turning things around and showing a progression in the character's thoughts.

As for the continuity, I've made it known my reviews that continuity is a pet-peeve of mine. If the author and/or editors don't care enough to make sure the timeline adds up it seems disrespectful to the reader. And in this case it truly pained me that there were so many issues with the timeline since I love this author. An example (which isn't even the first instance in the book): beginning of the chapter references how busy Friday afternoons are at the bar, character goes home and talks to roommate who asks if he's bringing his guy to the party Tuesday...which would be 4 days away. He then explains how they invited people over for tomorrow. Ummm....tomorrow is Saturday, not Tuesday. There are multiple times this happen in the first half of the book. I'm so glad it got better in the last half of the book.

One other issue. A big deal is made when Alex first appears among the friends working at the bar that day because his is so gorgeous. He has such a commanding presence he can possibly be gay. What?!? I know the author probably used this scene to try to make a point about stereotypes, but by then having the gay character go along with this thought actually does the opposite. Why perpetuate a stereotype like this? I don't understand and I'm disappointed the author took this route.

The romance and story are so good they truly do override the bad things I have listed above. Alex has so much to deal with and Tristan is so sweet and patient. On the other hand, Tristan is very untrusting and unsure of his instincts and Alex helps him to see he deserves a wonderful relationship.

I was glad to see a bit more of the friends in this book than we did in the second book as I missed seeing them as much in the 2nd book of the series. I can't wait to read Brandon's story but I don't think he's next. I guess that just gives us more time to read his shenanigans.

Again, I love Melissa Foster's writing and this story sucked me in and held me captive. I just wish there were so many errors in the beginning.

I love, love, loved this book! Alex is a solider who was injured and feels like he let everyone down because he survived and others died. He has scars from being wounded and scars from being gay. The military he knows acknowledges that he's gay, but doesn't want to see it. Alex returns to Harborside following the death of his grandmother (he's also carrying guilt because she died while he was in the hospital recovering) and catches the eyes of Tristan across the bar. Tristan has his own demons -- he wears his heart on his sleeve and gives it away readily. But he's tired of being used and left behind, so he's sworn off men and looking for love. So when Alex rambles in, he's interested, but guarded.

Reading these two find their way through their demons, I was struck again and again how much the support of someone to be authentically who you are is so, so important. Alex struggled with the mentality of being open in public with Tristan, especially around other military members. And Tristan wanted so badly to believe in what Alex was promising, but he had been wounded one too many times. Their possessive claiming and in public made me swoon (I mean, who wouldn't want that?). I devour everything Melissa writes and this was no exception.