Riley McGage has a secret...his identity is bought and paid for to keep his angry, gay-bashing alcoholic police detective of a father from ever laying hands on him again. Riley is a bartender at the Pot 'O Gold bar in Wilmington, Delaware, and has met many a sexy man there. His current boyfriend, Brett does something unforgivable and coldhearted to Riley at a party. Another party attendee, Boxer, sees what’s going to happen and comes to Riley's rescue. Boxer is a hulking tattooed man who recognizes both Brett and Riley from the Pot 'O Gold, and steps in and takes Riley back to his place. Riley can’t believe that gentle giant Boxer is really as nice as he seems. They develop friendship, one based on mutual heartache and loneliness. Riley is grateful for Boxer’s help...then he needs someone to help rescue a stray, under nourished, dog, plus he also needs a place to stay while his housemate’s parents come for an extended visit. Boxer doesn't hesitate. It turns out that Boxer is an exceptional man. Having Riley in his home helps to bring the two men close enough to develop an attraction. I think I liked Riley’s growth and exploration just as much as Boxer did. This a love story that is both tentative and sweet. We meet some old friends when characters from the previous book come to visit and help Riley come to terms with his father. Rilley father is a police detective, and his partner is Detective Carey who Riley accidently meets. Riley is afraid that his cover is blown. He's successfully hidden from his homophobic father who caused his to leave home shortly after graduating from high school and who Riley has managed to avoid ever since. Everyone tells Riley his father has changed. They say he is now sober and desperately looking for his runaway gay son, but Riley doesn't dare to take that chance. There are really some great connections and fabulous communications between all the parties here. Riley may not have believed everything Boxer said at first, but he was never in doubt about how Boxer felt, especially about him, and how he felt about Boxer. Overall...the story has amazing characters, a great romance, and very little angst, that has you smiling. ( )