
Rating: 4.5 š
So far, Bad Deal is now my favorite story in Annabeth Albertās A-List Security series.
This is the first book that I really just completely got both characters and was invested in the growing relationship from the very beginning and stayed that way.
Itās not got a ton of high angst. Except for a realistically traumatizing scene (trigger warnings) early in the book. Ambrose Sterling has Hercules, Chinese Crested emotional support dog, because he has anxiety and panic attacks.
Albert does a terrific job with this element of Ambroseās character and this aspect of the story. He sees a therapist, heās situationally aware of what might bring on an attack, and he has Hercules. Hercules is an adorable pint sized character indeed. Heās also unafraid to talk about his condition.
I love how adult and responsible this is.
That means that, except for that attack scene (non sexual but realistically frightening), the path that tv producer Ambrose Sterling and head security adviser Harley Burton take towards an emotionally rewarding relationship and HEA is one of small steps. Of them becoming friends, then lovers as eventually, they deeply connect through shared experiences and values.
And one tiny emotional support Chinese Crested who adores both.
Harley Burton, a common character in the previous books, finally gets the depth and emotionally satisfying dimension to his character weāve been hoping for. The internal dialogue about his sexuality thatās been happening settles in so Harley recognizes heās probably always been pansexual. Itās the beautiful dialogue that occurs between Ambrose and Harley, a naturally flowing exchange of feelings and thoughts, thatās believable and cements their relationship.
Of course, thereās more bumps to overcome to HEA, but itās a fabulous, heartwarming journey. One where you absolutely connect with these men and their families. And one tiny dog.
Iām highly recommending Bad Deal and wondering what the next has in store.
Plus it was a pleasure to get glimpses of past couples in Rainbow Cove, if only for a moment.
A-List Security series:
š¹Tough Luck #1
š¹Hard Job #2
š¹Bad Deal #3
š¹Rocky Start #4 – Jan 26, 2023
Goodreadshttps://www.goodreads.com āŗ showBad Deal (A-List Security #3) by Annabeth Albert
Description:
Iām a bodyguard and far from ideal boyfriend material, but agreeing to this fake dating scheme might be the best bad deal Iāve ever madeā¦
Iām a fixer. As a SEAL chief, I succeeded in impossible no-win situations. Now Iām retired and determined to improve the lives of my former military teammates through our Hollywood security firm. Plus, I get to guard intriguing people like Ambrose Sterling, creator of one of my favorite TV shows.
Of course, I want to keep Ambrose safe. When heās attacked, I leap into action to save him and his scrappy little therapy dog.
But my good deed results in a coastal road trip with me pretending to be Ambroseās boyfriend to keep him out of more danger.
I donāt do relationships, and Iāve never thought about dating a man before, but here I am, sizzling with every touch and dreaming about more stolen kisses.
Each night of white-hot passion brings us closer to an unbreakable bond. But Iām blue-collar, and Ambrose is Hollywood elite. I want a happy ending more than anything. Can I turn this fake boyfriend gig into the real thing, or am I just a guest star?
BAD DEAL is book three in the A-List Security series. It features a highly protective SEAL bodyguard, a suit-wearing silver fox, an adorably ugly dog, and all sorts of brand-new emotions. Get ready for all the high heat, big feels, 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!
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Unless itās noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.








