Review: George’s Big Day (With George Book 3) by Mary Calmes

Rating: 4.5🌈

George Hunt started out as a minor character in the popular Marshals series as a bodyguard to Sam and Jory’s daughter, Hannah. But as written by Calmes, there was just something special about George. Something extraordinary.  The readers just wanted more. 

The character developed as did his roles throughout various crossover stories, each redefining his history, his character and his heroic actions. And it brought him into the shared world, because of many traumatic events, with Hannah’s doctor, Dr Kurt Butler. 

These are all fantastic novels that should be read, not just for the foundation knowledge but for the terrific storytelling.

But all those narrative paths led to George’s Big Day. A hilarious, sometimes poignant, action packed novel in which George tries to get married. Accompanied by many of the characters from his missions (and crossover novels) as well as the friends and co-workers from the Marshals series, it’s a law enforcement thriller, matrimonial circus, where hijinks ensue, love is pledged, there’s blood and casts, and a HFN with rings in sight.

Plus dogs and and a very mean kitty.

Did I say how much I love George and his stories? I absolutely adore George, and all his books.  Especially this one. And while I’m not sure if this is the last, it’s ok if it is. What a wild ride it is. 

Love it and it’s a total joy.

Great covers by Reese Dante.

With George:

  • Just George #1
  • Wintering with George #2
  • George’s Big Day #3

Connected Series:

A Matter of Time – 6 books 

Marshals  – 6 books 

Standalone:

Again

šŸ”¹See the author’s notes for the entire list of crossover characters and the books/series they came from.

Buy Link

        George’s Big Day (With George Book 3)

    

Blurb 

George Hunt wants to get married. The fact that he does is utterly amazing and a huge leap of faith for a man who’s always been certain that happily ever afters only happen in fairy tales. The thing is, though, ever since Christmas, when Dr. Kurt Butler, the man he loves, gave him a ring, he’s changed his mind about what’s possible. But between deployments and venues that have to be booked years in advance, matrimonial bliss seems persistently out of reach. Fortunately, George’s friends come through, offering the perfect setting.

Of course, when your life is full of heroes, there are always villains looking to even the score. When the day of the nuptials conflicts with murderous agendas, the only thing that really matters is being married at the end of the day. If George can keep his eye on the prize and everyone does what they do best, it might just all work out.

  • Publication date: January 2, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 128 pages

Review: Home for the Howlidays (The Kings: A Treemendous Christmas Book 3) by Charlie Cochet

Rating: 3.5 🌈

Home for the Howlidays, third in Cochet’s A Treemendous Christmas series, centers around the couple of Giovanni Galanos and Sacha ā€œJokerā€ Wilder. Gio, his service dog, Cookie, a Golden Retriever, and Sacha, his boyfriend , and his military trained dog, Chip, a Belgium Malinois.

The month-long Christmas vacation stay at Winterhaven, has turned into a working vacation where the found family of The Four King Security agency and their significant others, The Boyfriend Collective, have been scrambling to get the town back together for its traditional Christmas celebration.

While the title may have a reader thinking that the book is dog centric, it’s more about the relationship between the Four Kings Sacha ā€œJokerā€ Wilder and his extremely wealthy boyfriend, Giovanni Galanos. Each man has a different canine companion. For Gio, it’s his service dog, Cookie, a necessity after the ordeal he suffered from recent events. For Joker, it’s his working ex military partner, a Belgian Malinois named Chip. But the focus here is on their relationship and the issues that are threatening to pull them apart.

It’s Joker’s insecurity about Gio’s wealth and former globetrotting lifestyle. And Gio’s inability to see that he’s too wrapped up in his own job to notice that Joker is having trouble.

I liked the story but somehow it didn’t come together as smoothly as the other two installments. The development of the issues and the resolution was a little too disjointed, broken up by dramatic scenes that involved other characters, and the resolution was too quickly over for such complex emotional issues. All of the topics, the equality, the jealousy, the time management, the illness management, even their past history damage, and their own barriers to matrimony, to have those as storylines and attempt to give them depth and the detailed resolution they deserve , is a lot to expect of 94 pages. Especially with other characters and their story threads involved too.

So I found this an enjoyable read and a lovely addition to the series but not my favorite so far. Now onto a very exciting story next! The finale!

THE KINGS: A TREEMENDOUS CHRISTMAS

āœ“ Not So Silent Night #1

āœ“ Sleigh It Ain’t So #2

āœ“ Home for the Howlidays #3

ā—¦ Rebel Without a Claus #4

Buy Link:

Home for the Howlidays (The Kings: A Treemendous Christmas Book 3)

Blurb:

Giovanni Galanos’s life took a dramatic turn after a terrifying ordeal and a newfound health condition led him home. Leaving behind his globetrotting adventures in favor of a more grounded existence, Gio finds solace in the arms of his love, Sacha ā€œJokerā€ Wilder, a complex and captivating man who held Gio’s heart from the moment they first spoke. Together, along with their furry companions—Cookie, Gio’s service dog, and Chip, Sacha’s mischievous Belgian Malinois—his unconventional family forges a bond stronger than any hardship life can throw their way.

As the air teems with holiday cheer, Winterhaven unveils itself in all its enchanting glory. But a mishap has Sacha grumpier than usual. Amidst the joyous chaos that surrounds them, can the town’s holiday magic reignite Sacha’s Christmas spirit?

Join Gio and Sacha, along with their merry band of former Green Berets and their partners, as they navigate misadventures and heartwarming moments in Winterhaven, where true love and the transformative power of Christmas await.

• Publisher: (December 10, 2023)

• Publication date: December 10, 2023

• Print length: 94 pages

Welcome to the Four Kings Security Universe! The current reading order for the universe is as follows:

FOUR KINGS SECURITY UNIVERSE

ā€œSTANDALONES

ā—¦ Beware of Geeks Bearing Gifts-Standalone (Spencer and Quinn. Quinn is Ace and Lucky’s cousin.) Can be read any time before In the Cards.

FOUR KINGS SECURITY

āœ“ Love in Spades-Book 1 (Ace and Colton)

āœ“ Ante Up-Book 1.5 (Seth and Kit) Free short story

ā—¦ Be Still My Heart-Book 2 (Red and Laz)

āœ“ Join the Club-Book 3 (Lucky and Mason)

āœ“ Diamond in the Rough-Book 4 (King and Leo)

ā—¦ In the Cards-Book 4.5 (Spencer and Quinn’s wedding.)

ā—¦ FOUR KINGS SECURITY Boxed Set includes all 4 main Four Kings Security novels: Love in Spades, Be Still My Heart, Join the Club, and Diamond in the Rough.

BLACK OPS: OPERATION ORION’S BELT

ā—¦ Kept in the Dark-Book 1 (Standalone series can be read anytime)

THE KINGS: WILD CARDS

ā—¦ Stacking the Deck-Book 1 (Jack and Fitz).

ā—¦ Raising the Ante-Book 2 (Frank and Joshua)

ā—¦ Sleight of Hand-Book 3 (Joker and Gio)

ā—¦ THE KINGS: WILD CARDS BOXED SET Boxed Set includes all 3: The Kings: Wild Cards books: Stacking the Deck, Raising the Ante, Sleight of Hand, and bonus story In the Cards.

RUNAWAY GROOMS SERIES

ā—¦ Aisle Be There

ā—¦ To Have and Witthold

THE KINGS: ROYAL FLUSH

ā—¦ Dealing Him In

ā—¦ Calling His Bluff

THE KINGS: A TREEMENDOUS CHRISTMAS

āœ“ Not So Silent Night

āœ“ Sleigh It Ain’t So

āœ“ Home for the Howlidays

ā—¦ Rebel Without a Claus

Review: Sleigh It Ain’t So (The Kings: A Treemendous Christmas Book 2) by Charlie Cochet

Rating: 4.5 🌈

Sleigh It Ain’t So, the second short story in Cochet’s A Treemendous Christmas series, is focusing primarily on a favorite character of mine, Fitz Harlow. Fitz, one of the Boyfriend Collective, is a fabulous character, along with his standard poodle, Duchess, who goes everywhere with him and his boyfriend, Jack, one of the Four Kings Security Agency. It’s their relationship and Jack’s reaction to the traumatic events that’s still effecting their lives that has everyone concerned.

This is a short tale that still pursues that overall arc themes of saving the town of Winterhaven and its famous Christmas celebration, but Cochet is beautifully threading through multiple storylines, like Fitz and Jack’s , to both highlight the couple and still illustrate how much they love each other and fit that into the overall plot and town’s character.

It’s the couple that Fitz was working on bringing together, the various buildings that need repairing, the Christmas lights and townspeople with their own stories and holiday names. Cochet is merrily weaving it all together into a single story and overall narrative that satisfies our need for romance and a sleigh full of the Christmas spirit. With adorable dogs even.

And it looks like they might be the main stars of the next installment, Home for the Howlidays! I’m thoroughly enjoying this series and this was just another great story in a small package.

I’m highly recommending it.

THE KINGS: A TREEMENDOUS CHRISTMAS

āœ“ Not So Silent Night #1

āœ“ Sleigh It Ain’t So #2

ā—¦ Home for the Howlidays #3

ā—¦ Rebel Without a Claus #4

Buy Link:

Sleigh It Ain’t So (The Kings: A Treemendous Christmas Book 2)

Blurb:

Fitz Harlow has the idyllic life he always dreamed of. With the fashion industry a distant memory, he now revels in the joy of running his own salon. In addition to his flourishing career, Fitz has found the love of his life, Jack, and inherited a colorful family of former Green Berets and their loving partners. And who could forget his adorable poodle princess, Duchess? But life isn’t all sprinkles and gingerbread. As Jack becomes consumed by his work, cracks appear in their fairy-tale love story.

When their family is whisked away to the charming town of Winterhaven for the holiday season, Fitz eagerly embraces the festive merriment. Amidst the delightful matchmaking chaos and mischievous antics, can the enchantment of Christmas in Winterhaven work its magic to help Fitz and Jack rediscover the spark that first ignited their love?

• Publication date: December 5, 2023

• Print length: 96 pages

Welcome to the Four Kings Security Universe! The current reading order for the universe is as follows:

FOUR KINGS SECURITY UNIVERSE

ā€œSTANDALONES

ā—¦ Beware of Geeks Bearing Gifts-Standalone (Spencer and Quinn. Quinn is Ace and Lucky’s cousin.) Can be read any time before In the Cards.

FOUR KINGS SECURITY

āœ“ Love in Spades-Book 1 (Ace and Colton)

āœ“ Ante Up-Book 1.5 (Seth and Kit) Free short story

ā—¦ Be Still My Heart-Book 2 (Red and Laz)

āœ“ Join the Club-Book 3 (Lucky and Mason)

āœ“ Diamond in the Rough-Book 4 (King and Leo)

ā—¦ In the Cards-Book 4.5 (Spencer and Quinn’s wedding.)

ā—¦ FOUR KINGS SECURITY Boxed Set includes all 4 main Four Kings Security novels: Love in Spades, Be Still My Heart, Join the Club, and Diamond in the Rough.

BLACK OPS: OPERATION ORION’S BELT

ā—¦ Kept in the Dark-Book 1 (Standalone series can be read anytime)

THE KINGS: WILD CARDS

ā—¦ Stacking the Deck-Book 1 (Jack and Fitz).

ā—¦ Raising the Ante-Book 2 (Frank and Joshua)

ā—¦ Sleight of Hand-Book 3 (Joker and Gio)

ā—¦ THE KINGS: WILD CARDS BOXED SET Boxed Set includes all 3: The Kings: Wild Cards books: Stacking the Deck, Raising the Ante, Sleight of Hand, and bonus story In the Cards.

RUNAWAY GROOMS SERIES

ā—¦ Aisle Be There

ā—¦ To Have and Witthold

THE KINGS: ROYAL FLUSH

ā—¦ Dealing Him In

ā—¦ Calling His Bluff

THE KINGS: A TREEMENDOUS CHRISTMAS

āœ“ Not So Silent Night

āœ“ Sleigh It Ain’t So

ā—¦ Home for the Howlidays

ā—¦ Rebel Without a Claus

Review: Not So Silent Night (The Kings: A Treemendous Christmas Book 1) by Charlie Cochet

Rating: 4.5🌈

It took me a while to remember who all the couples were in Charlie Cochet’s Not So Silent Night, the first part of her The Kings: A Treemendous Christmas series. But once I jumped into the chaos that’s the found family of the Four Kings Security family and their partners/

husbands known as the Boyfriend Collective, including three dogs, it all quickly came back together. I soon remembered how much I enjoyed the couples and this wild, action packed romantic universe Cochet has created around them.

It’s Christmas and from the perspective of billionaire Colton as he surveys his home he shares with husband Ace, as the group tries to pull together the perfect holiday decorations. It’s obvious that something extra special is needed as it’s just not happening as he’d hoped.

It’s a quickly booked month long holiday to the perfect Christmas getaway, Winterhaven. Which means nothing will go off as anticipated to the delight of the reader and amazement of everyone else involved.

Winterhaven is a Christmas town in need of some miracles, some of which can be supplied by the newly arrived Four Kings security group and the Boyfriend Collective who set out to make things happy and bright!

This is a joyful and sexy read, full of the Christmas spirit, for Colton and Ace, and the other couples joining in the help each other and the town celebrate Christmas. It’s got dogs romping through snow, matchmaking, snappy dialogue, and sexy moments between couples. Just everything we need and love about the series.

I’m hurrying over to the next one to see how the rescue is going. This is a definite recommendation for fans of the series and holiday reading.

THE KINGS: A TREEMENDOUS CHRISTMAS

āœ“ Not So Silent Night #1

ā—¦ Sleigh It Ain’t So #2

ā—¦ Home for the Howlidays #3

ā—¦ Rebel Without a Claus #4

Buy Link:

Not So Silent Night (The Kings: A Treemendous Christmas Book 1)

Blurb:

Escape to a Winter Wonderland with CEO and billionaire Colton Connolly as he embarks on a shenanigan-filled journey in search of the idyllic white Christmas he’s always craved. Inspired by the enchantment of his favorite holiday movies, Colton surprises his beloved husband and their found family with a trip to the captivating mountain town of Winterhaven.

However, beneath the twinkling lights, unexpected trouble awaits. A miscommunication leaves the town in dire straits, threatening to steal away the magic of Christmas. Determined to save the day, Colton rallies his family, ready to overcome any obstacle and ensure that Christmas in Winterhaven is nothing short of perfect.

Join Colton, Ace, and the Four Kings Security family as they embark on a quest to rescue Winterhaven from its frosty woes. Will they succeed in delivering the most unforgettable Christmas imaginable, or will this charming town lose its cherished festivities forever?

* This holiday series is a spin-off from the Four Kings Security Universe. It’s recommended that you read the Four Kings Security series, as well as The Kings: Wild Cards series before reading this series as these are established characters who have previously had their own books. The shenanigans begin with Love in Spades, Four Kings Security, Book 1 (Colton and Ace’s book).

Welcome to the Four Kings Security Universe! The current reading order for the universe is as follows:

FOUR KINGS SECURITY UNIVERSE

ā€œSTANDALONES

ā—¦ Beware of Geeks Bearing Gifts-Standalone (Spencer and Quinn. Quinn is Ace and Lucky’s cousin.) Can be read any time before In the Cards.

FOUR KINGS SECURITY

āœ“ Love in Spades-Book 1 (Ace and Colton)

āœ“ Ante Up-Book 1.5 (Seth and Kit) Free short story

ā—¦ Be Still My Heart-Book 2 (Red and Laz)

āœ“ Join the Club-Book 3 (Lucky and Mason)

āœ“ Diamond in the Rough-Book 4 (King and Leo)

ā—¦ In the Cards-Book 4.5 (Spencer and Quinn’s wedding.)

ā—¦ FOUR KINGS SECURITY Boxed Set includes all 4 main Four Kings Security novels: Love in Spades, Be Still My Heart, Join the Club, and Diamond in the Rough.

BLACK OPS: OPERATION ORION’S BELT

ā—¦ Kept in the Dark-Book 1 (Standalone series can be read anytime)

THE KINGS: WILD CARDS

ā—¦ Stacking the Deck-Book 1 (Jack and Fitz).

ā—¦ Raising the Ante-Book 2 (Frank and Joshua)

ā—¦ Sleight of Hand-Book 3 (Joker and Gio)

ā—¦ THE KINGS: WILD CARDS BOXED SET Boxed Set includes all 3: The Kings: Wild Cards books: Stacking the Deck, Raising the Ante, Sleight of Hand, and bonus story In the Cards.

RUNAWAY GROOMS SERIES

ā—¦ Aisle Be There

ā—¦ To Have and Witthold

THE KINGS: ROYAL FLUSH

ā—¦ Dealing Him In

ā—¦ Calling His Bluff

THE KINGS: A TREEMENDOUS CHRISTMAS

āœ“ Not So Silent Night

āœ“ Sleigh It Ain’t So

ā—¦ Home for the Howlidays

ā—¦ Rebel Without a Claus

Review: Deep Impact (Wrecked: Guardians, #4) by Kelly Fox

Rating: 4.5🌈

Deep Impact is the finale story to Fox’s Wrecked:Guardians series and the author sees her characters off in their new roles and pathways in a totally satisfying manner. This comes complete with a great epilogue that lets us see our couples happily together in the future.

It makes sense to save the head of the agency, DeShaun Blaylock , of the legal firm Blaylock Security and Investigations, as the last person to concentrate on for a story.

Well , DB as he’s known,boss of Wrecked:Guardians, and the man who’s loved him for years not so secretly.

That’s Odd Bash. Twin brother to Anders Bash. Where Anders is the medical doctor, Odd is the technical genius. Both men working for Wrecked as well as the Guardians.

Throughout the series there’s been a serious underlying romantic connection between DB and Odd that’s never been acted on or acknowledged. Just sexual tension everywhere that is the talk of the team.

Why DB doesn’t engage with Odd has been a question.

Fox wraps her story around that answer here, one that rests in DB’s current disabilities and mental state.

The author does offer a trigger warning about the subject matter involved here with DeShaun. It goes back to a military mission that goes horribly wrong. A bomb explodes, a team is destroyed and DeShaun will survive having to go through multiple surgeries, savage wounds, burns , and ongoing medical issues that are believably described and discussed.

This is the author’s note:

ā€œDeShaun (DB) has serious physical issues, as noted in earlier books. In this book we find out the full extent of his injuries, and in describing them I endeavored to use frank, accepting, often wry language. While I specifically avoided being overly graphic, the depictions may still be disturbing to some readers.ā€

FYI. DB also has PTSD and reoccurring nightmares about the mission. This element includes Jake , a character that DB blames himself for the failure of that man’s mission as well. It’s a package of guilt, nightmares, old history, and inability to heal.

This makes for compelling reading and gives us real insight into DB’s actions all this time.

Odd, whose personality is the opposite of his brother, has been giving DeShaun the space he’s indicated he wanted. Have to admit, I adore Odd, the quiet man to Anders wild one. But Fox’s interaction between the brothers here is wonderful, playing up their love for each other, their friendship and support. It also showcases Anders in a better light than Anders own book did. Great to see Anders and Omar again.

Every aspect of this team was spot on. Seeing the couples, getting DeShaun and Odd together, the missions to save the children being trafficked, it’s all here.

If the one thing, the ā€œbad guyā€ felt a tad weak, well , I think he was just a little bit of a narrative ploy more than an actual good villain.

But everything else was so solid. The action, the ending, the epilogue. Absolutely satisfying. And there’s a new series getting ready to start where we’ll see these characters again.

I felt Deep Impact (Wrecked: Guardians, #4) by Kelly Fox might be the strongest story of the series and the great way to finish. I’m absolutely loving it and recommend it.

Read the series in the order that they were written.

Wrecked: Guardians

āœ“ Hard Target #1

āœ“ Full Contact #2

āœ“ Most Wanted #3

āœ“ Deep Impact #4 – series finale

Linked series: Wrecked

Buy Link:

Deep Impact: An M/M Hurt Comfort Romance (Wrecked: Guardians Book 4)

Blurb:

DeShaun and I have been locked in a mutual imaginary affair since the day we met.

So many close calls, drunken flirtations, exchanged glances…and then his unfailing sense of duty would kick in. He has always outranked me and was never going to cross that line.

Even though we’re no longer in the service, he insists he’s not good enough for me. And sure, he’s still the boss…of our highly illegal mercenary organization. But that’s not the only thing holding him back. He’s scarred and in pain and believes his physical limitations should deter me.

What he doesn’t seem to get is that I would sacrifice a limb for him. Major organs. My entire heart.

If he thinks he can push me away for good, he doesn’t know Odd Bash.

Odd, the quiet man with the strange name, believes he can love me as I am. I will never let him do that to himself.

The bad guys never take a break, and every time he’s in danger I lose another night of sleep. Fall apart a little more.

Physically, let’s just say my knee isn’t the only problem. There’s an experimental surgery, but…I’m not going through that again.

In a perfect world, no one would ever know the extent of my injuries or the toll it has taken on my mind. Odd insists he loves me without reservation, but he doesn’t understand the reality of my life.

And I love him way too much to ever put him through that.

Deep Impactis a mercenary MM romance set in Austin, Texas. It features a nineties sing-along, an interfering sociopath, a surprise marriage, and a machine perfectly engineered for the bedroom.

This is the fourth and final book in the Wrecked: Guardians series. Several characters from my series about a gym for combat vets, Wrecked, crossover in this series. While you don’t need to read the Wrecked books to enjoy the slightly more nefarious Guardians, most folks end up wanting the juicy backstories.

Review: Most Wanted (Wrecked: Guardians, #3) by Kelly Fox

Rating: 4🌈

Most Wanted picks up from the events of the last book, Full Contact. There we met US Marshals Ronan as he quietly aided the Guardians on a mission to rescue sex trafficked kids and take down the federally protected pedophiles.

Now cut loose, Ronan is reunited with his past boyfriend, Guardian Thane Ashford in the aftermath of those events.

Fox’s characters are emotionally attached to each other even as they are separated by their feelings and past trauma. The story, which helps us see their relationship over the years from both sides, goes into Thane’s damaging relationship with his father, his insecurities about his body image which date back to his childhood, and why he was so against any idea of a commitment.

The characters are still working through their past differences and what that means to the current group dynamics. It makes for interesting interactions and sexy encounters.

I like that the entire team is involved here, new teammates are added, and Fox smoothly moves the story forward while also introducing the thread for the book to come. Which involves their boss, DeShawn, who’s emotionally weary and in need of retiring from the daily operations.

Fox writes characters that seem simple yet have layers. It may take a while to reveal but they do surface. Same with each couple’s relationship, there’s always that extra backstory that adds an element you might not expect but appreciate once you’ve got it.

I found Most Wanted highly enjoyable. I really like the strong women characters that continue to appear. The themes , especially of

sexually trafficked children and women are ones some will find disturbing so be aware of the nature of their investigations.

I’m recommending this and looking forward to the next.

That’s for Odd , Anders’ twin, and DB’s relationship.

Wrecked: Guardians

āœ“ Hard Target #1

āœ“ Full Contact #2

āœ“ Most Wanted #3

ā—¦ Deep Impact #4

Buy Link:

Most Wanted: An M/M Friends-To-Lovers Romance (Wrecked: Guardians Book 3)

Description:

Letting Ronan go was the biggest mistake of my life. Giving me a second chance might be the biggest mistake of his.

I’d spent a year as Ronan’s friend-with-benefits, convincing myself that he could never feel the way I felt. I was floored when those three little words flew out of his mouth.

So, I ran. And have regretted that decision every day for the last five years.

Now fate has led him back to me and to the Guardians, the merry band of mercenaries who have become my family. Our last several missions have gone sideways, and Ronan is convinced that he needs to go back into the field to understand what our team is dealing with.

He’s putting himself in harm’s way and we can’t keep our hands off each other. God help me if anything happens to him.

I can’t think of anything more dangerous than giving my heart to a man who’s already destroyed it.

Then again, I might not have much say in the matter. My life’s been upended, and the only place that’s safe is with Thane and the Guardians.

It doesn’t take us long to figure out that our passion burns just as hot as it always did. Undeniable. Unstoppable.

I can’t keep my hands off him, but I can’t go back to being his friend with benefits. And I have no clue how to trust him.

Thing is…if we could learn to trust each other, I might actually have something to offer this team of morally flexible do-gooders.

Most Wanted is a mercenary MM romance set in Austin, Texas. It features a gentle (if slightly murderous), muscle-bound giant, a beautiful, wickedly flexible man, and more chemistry than a high school science lab.

This is the third book in the Wrecked: Guardians Series. Several characters from Wrecked, my series about a gym for combat vets, crossover into these books. While you can enjoy the slightly more nefarious Guardians without reading Wrecked, lots of people end up wanting all the juicy backstories.

Review: Tough Luck (A-List Security #1) by Annabeth Albert

Rating: 4.5🌈

Tough Luck, the latest from author Annabeth Albert, is the first in her new A-List Security series. The series has at its center a newly established company formed from a group of men who served together on a SEAL team. As they’ve retired, the men are brought together by their Lieutenant, the owner of the firm.

It’s a terrific concept as it allows us to meet a range of complicated men, with different personalities and backgrounds who regard each other as brothers.

First up is Cash ā€œMoney ā€œ Erwin, recently retired. Not by choice, exactly, more because of a ā€œreduction in numbers ā€œ move he got caught up in. Now he’s out, crashing on his Lt’s couch and trying to figure out where to go next.

That’s when Duncan Love, his former Lieutenant and close friend, asks for a favor. Duncan has been trying to get Cash to join his new company, A-List Security without success, now he needs help with security for his younger brother, a former Hollywood Star with a stalker.

Albert’s two person perspective works smoothly to help the reader get into the mindset and immediate emotional issues of each man.

We are aware of Cash’s inability to move forward. He’s stuck because he just doesn’t know what to do next, so ingrained has been his military service and lifestyle. That includes always being part of a team, and having your directions and goals already planned out. A future alone and goalless is confusing and unclear.

We get this man immediately. And the more he reveals of his adolescence and background, the greater the clarity of the character. Cash is a amazing gift of a man.

When Albert introduces us to the former actor Danny Love, it’s in a remarkable scene. For both men. It sets the tone for establishing a relationship of trust , respect, and eventually friendship. That’s a lot for a man who’s a addict, and has come to expect the worst reactions from those he meets because of his past behavior and status. Including people his older brother might have sent to ā€œtake careā€ of his issues. Danny has successfully completed rehab and has now been clean for a while. However, he understands that his former friends and lifestyle definitely contributed to that addiction. And avoids both.

Danny is a well thought out character, not just defined by his addictions but by a upbringing with toxic parents who contributed to his damaging adolescence and negatively impacted his outlook in adulthood.

Their romance is one of sexual exploration, communication, and personal growth. It’s sweet, tender, and very sexy.

The stalker element is a big mystery that I thought got resolved a tad too quickly , which is why the story didn’t get a full 5 🌈. For all the buildup, there was no history or explanation into the perpetrator or their actions. Or what happens to that person. It just finished. It felt incomplete to me.

The relationship and romance? Stellar. Love both men and how the author leaves them. Excellent ending.

Tough Luck is a fantastic contemporary romance and a great start to a new series. Can’t wait for the next one, Hard Job, to be released. I’m highly recommending this!

Happy reading!

A-List Security series:

āœ“ Tough Luck #1

ā—¦ Hard Job #2 – July 7, 2022

Amazon.com: Annabeth Albert: Books, Biography, Blog, Audiobooks …amazon.com

https://www.goodreads.com › showTough Luck (A-List Security, #1) by Annabeth Albert – Goodreads

Synopsis:

My best friend’s little brother needs a bodyguard. Now I’m the one in danger…

I’m a SEAL. Or rather, I was. Retired at the grand old age of thirty-eight, I’m at loose ends. My best friend wants me to join his security team. I’m not sure I’m bodyguard material, but he needs someone to protect his kid brother. How hard can spoiled brat duty be?

Somehow, I missed the part where former child star Danny Love went from dorky TV darling to all grown up and disturbingly attractive. All the gossip about his wild ways fails to mention that he’s trying hard to clean up his act. But now he’s got a stalker.

Hiding out together in a remote mountain cabin, alone, the temptation keeps building. I’m feeling things I never have before. Secrets I’ve kept even from myself bubble to the surface every time Danny looks my way with those puppy dog eyes.

I’m a SEAL. We leap into danger. So why is it so terrifying when that danger comes with the softest pair of lips I’ve ever known? At some point we’re going to have to return to Hollywood and our vastly different lives. Will Danny still want me around when he doesn’t need me for protection? Can I be brave enough to give him a reason to?

TOUGH LUCK is book one in a brand-new SEAL bodyguard series. It features an age gap, steamy first times, and 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 lower-angst series featuring former SEALs and the celebrity clients who win their hearts. Happy endings and no cliffhangers guaranteed!

Review: Sailor Proof (Shore Leave #1) by Annabeth Albert

Rating: 4 🌈

Sailor Proof , the first book in Annabeth Albert’s series about a submariners group of men, is a wonderful contemporary romance. Low on the angst, it’s sweet, fake boyfriend trope that quickly turns real over the course of a massive group family annual camp outing.

It all starts with dumped Naval Chief Derrick Fox who’s ex is now paired up with another mate on board his submarine. That person has been making a point of rubbing that new relationship in Derrick’s face as well as the fact they got the all important ā€œfirst kissā€ off the ship.

To stop the hazing and remarks, and make the ex a little jealous, Derrick’s best friend hatches a plan for Derrick’s own kiss. With his little brother, now grown into a hot 25 year old musician.

Arthur Euler remembers the man he crushed so hard on growing up . And decides to take on his brother’s mission of the fake boyfriend meeting at the dock and whipping up their own great kiss!

What follows is a memorable, lively scene full of chemistry, unpredictable moments, and a romantic situation that both men sort of fall into, after one of the best kisses of their lives.

Albert’s characters are believable and layered. Both Derrick’s past lonely history and Arthur’s perhaps too full one mesh beautifully. And where it doesn’t? Communication, from different sources, and reflection helps move the men through the obstacles they’ve raised to the point they can see a life and HEA together.

There’s many wonderful elements in Sailor Proof. The camp and the show the two men put on with the kids. That’s amazing.

The only aspect that’s a bit missing is the lack of connection with the brother that initially started the process. It’s a bit broken, and it never feels fixed here. Perhaps that happens in the next story.

Sailor Proof (Shore Leave #1) by Annabeth Albert is a terrific contemporary romance and one I’m highly recommending.

Enjoy!

Shore Leave
Book 1: Sailor Proof
Book 2: Sink or Swim

https://www.goodreads.com › showSailor Proof (Shore Leave #1) by Annabeth Albert – Goodreads

Synopsis:


The sexy Navy chief and his best friend’s adorkable little brother…

It’s petty, but Naval Chief Derrick Fox wishes he could exact a little revenge on his ex by showing off a rebound fling. His submarine is due to return to its Bremerton, Washington, home base soon and Derrick knows all too well there won’t be anyone waiting with a big, showy welcome.

Enter one ill-advised plan…

Arthur Euler is the guy you go to in a pinch—he’s excellent at out-of-the-box solutions. It’s what the genius music-slash-computer nerd is known for. So when he finds out Derrick needs a favor, he’s happy to help. He can muster the sort of welcome a Naval Chief deserves, no problem at all.

Except it is a problem. A very big problem.

When Arthur’s homecoming welcome is a little too convincing, when a video of their gangplank smooch goes enormously viral, they’re caught between a dock and a hard place. Neither of them ever expected a temporary fake relationship to look—or feel—so real. And Arthur certainly never considered he’d be fighting for a very much not-fake forever with a military man.

Carina Adores is home to romantic love stories where LGBTQ+ characters find their happily-ever-afters.