The good, the bad, and the annoying!

A total line ball for me, there were things I loved and things that grated. Decorated military veteran 38 yo Zavier ‘Cade’ McCade co-owned Custos Security and agrees to take on the protection of 28 yo baker Braden Cross who is being stalked, most probably by a violent ex-boyfriend. Within a day, Cade falls heavily for Braden and their blossoming relationship enrages the stalker to dangerous levels. Once bitten, twice shy, Braden doesn’t want another controlling man and Cade’s powerful physical presence and his penchant for domination in the bedroom rings alarm bells. Can Braden trust him or he is just jumping out of the frying pan and into Cade’s fire?

The positives: I loved the contrasting dynamic between Cade and Braden - the age-gap, the size- and power-differences. I loved Braden’s totally understandable relunctance to trust Cade or talk about the abuse he had suffered. I also loved the high-tension action scenes, they were really compelling. Tristan James does a good job on the audio narration.

The negatives: it seemed too unbelievable and unprofessional for Cade to fall into instalove and constantly touch Braden from Day 1. Cade constantly wanted to talk feelings and relationships, he just didn’t feel like a believable male character. Braden makes an incredibly bad choice that puts himself in danger, so frustrating! Abrupt cliffhanger ending manipulated me into getting the next book - I hate it when the works on me! 🫣 (the first three audios are currently free on the Audible Plus catalogue)

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