Rating: 3.75🌈
I enjoyed Tough Luck , the first in Annabeth Albert’s new A-List Security series about a group of ex-SEALS now running a private security company. The books are connected not just by the company it seems but by relationships outside of their own military lives.
Lt. Duncan Lubov, co-owner of A-List Security , half brother to the famous child actor Danny, is one half of the leads here. For me he’s easily the most connectable and likable personality, although both are extremely well written.
In a well known trope of romances with the following combination of opposites attract, age gap, rock star/hard nose security guy, Albert’s romantic grouping of Duncan and Ezra almost do it.
Duncan is asked by his younger brother, Danny (as a favor), to take over the uber famous rocker star, Ezra Moon’s security, and give it and him a needed security rehabilitation .
Plausible. They have a history and a realistic touch with Moon’s music as a surprise supporting element.
All great.
Ezra is the musician who’s the wild one. Unthinking, childish, self involved. Loves his family. Can’t see past his issues with his label so he’s constantly at odds with them.
If you’re thinking I’m not exactly in love with this character, you’d be correct.
Ezra is also very well defined. Just for me it’s not someone I like very much. Every word out of his mouth is a utterance that’s either undermining something Duncan is trying to do or whining about his job. Just couldn’t relate. He’s all mouth service but no action when it counts, as he’ll admit at the end. Just that oblivious.
Duncan’s reputation and that of his firm is on the line with this high profile job. Something Duncan has mentioned to Ezra and it’s been disregarded as nothing really meaningful. Over and over , until the book is almost complete, does Ezra not realize that he’s never considered anything that’s of importance to Duncan a priority. What’s been the drive for Ezra? Ezra. And his assumption that everyone will be ok with that. That his actions might destroy Duncan’s business, his relationships with his men and family? A brief pause.
That’s a narcissistic outlook . And while it’s one you might expect from a rockstar, here it’s not a character I’ll gravitate towards. Even at the end, he’s still talking about how it’s going to benefit him the best while setting up house and home. New songs, a rest from burnout. So happy for him.
Yeah. So loved Duncan. He’s really someone I related to. The romance and story, perhaps not as much . But it’s well plotted and executed as well as one most will enjoy. Loved Ezra’s parents. Plus Danny and Cash make appearances.
I wonder who Harley will end up with . That’s who’s story is coming next. I’ll meet you there.
A-List Security:
✓ Tough Luck #1 (Danny and Cash)
✓ Hard Job #2 ((Duncan and Ezra)
â—¦ Bad Deal #3 – Oct. 6, 2022
https://www.goodreads.com › showHard Job (A-List Security #2) by Annabeth Albert – Goodreads
Synopsis:
How hard can it be to guard the country’s biggest rockstar?
As a SEAL officer, I’m no stranger to danger, but running my own security firm is a new challenge. Finding the right bodyguard for each client isn’t easy. Our next gig? My little brother’s best friend, rock god Ezra Moon, has a security crisis. Ezra is convinced I’m the right man for the job, but I’m not so sure.
From crowd surfing to infamous pictures, Ezra is known for taking risks. It’s no wonder his record label thinks he needs a keeper on tour.
But there’s not a tour bus big enough to contain our incendiary attraction. Ezra and his antics push every last one of my buttons, but the real problem is how much I want to kiss some sense into him. He’s a client, and angry make-out sessions aren’t the answer. Yet we keep finding ourselves alone and burning up the sheets until our secret fling threatens to scorch both of us.
I’ve spent my whole life running from the spotlight, trying to distance myself from my notorious father. Ezra wants to live his best life on the biggest stage. A future seems impossible, but our feelings are undeniable. Can I admit how hard I’ve fallen for Ezra without losing everything?
HARD JOB is book two in a brand-new SEAL bodyguard series. It features a reluctant SEAL bodyguard, a mouthy rock star with a heart of gold, molten chemistry, and pie. Lots of pie. Also, all the high heat, big emotions, and found family feels readers expect from this fan-favorite military romance author. Join A-List security for this new series featuring former SEALs and the celebrity clients who win their hearts. Happy endings and no cliffhangers guaranteed!
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Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 