This is SEAL team XO Dustin Strauss's story - Dustin is the older brother of Dylan who was the lead in Book 2, but that's not so relevant as they don't have a lot in common.

Dustin should have it all but instead his life is kinda empty, not personally satisfying. Then one day the moons align for his regular online hookup and himself to meet in person. Wes, also a SEAL, though neither know these facts or much at all about each other.

And the night at Dustin's hotel goes surprisingly well. Wes is exactly what Dustin needs - he's slightly more experienced and slightly less repressed than Dustin, and he's a nice guy.

Then wham! one of those incredible coincidences that throw a wonderful spanner into the works and create a humdinger of a romantic comedy - not that this is comedic - except for that incredible coincidence.

But heh, it sets a wonderful stage for a great love story - a man, Dustin, finds a great guy he wants to spend his life with and he's prepared to make that happen. it's a road requiring patience sticking to the plan because while they work together and Dustin is Wes's boss, any relationship is forbidden.

It's profound how much the two leads care about each other - right from the beginning when they knew next to nothing about each other. I just loved that part. They both go to the nth degree to keep their relationship a secret - it seems to be what the Navy requires - both are motivated out of respect for each other's careers and reputations.

It made me reflect on the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy - I'm ashamed to say I'd never really thought about how cruel and inhumane that was. Taking that journey in this book is one of the reasons why I've given it 4.5 stars, a score I'm parsimonious with.

Greg Boudreaux's reading ramped up the story and gave Wes and Dustin the exact vibe I had in my imagination. ( )

I liked the characters okay, and wanted them to get their HEA, but I just wasn't as invested in their story as I have been the previous books. ( )

I loved Wes and Dustin. They were well crafted and likable. I think that the story had too much sex even for me. Ms. Albert got a little bit too randy herself. I don't buy that sweet grandma facade for a second. The HFN ending was perfect though I know they are lifers. ( )

4.5 stars ( )

5 stars for Greg

4 stars for the story

Overall 4.5 stars

“Hi.” Wes blinked.
“Hi,” Dustin said back, mouth all dry and cottony with longing.
“Fuck. I missed you.” Wes’s eyes shone. “Should have said that first thing.

I enjoyed this more than book 3. There were no asshole Mcs, Dustin (Dylan's brother from book 2) and Wes were great together. The two met online started chatting and formed a friendship. Fast- forward months later Wes got transfered to Dustin's unit and things became complicated.

I loved

- Their online interactions were amazing.

-The first meeting in DC was so hot.

- The relationship development and chemistry was there from the start.

-The stolen moments, the friendship that Dustin and Wes formed felt realistic.

- It was nice seeing Apollo and Dylan.

I enjoyed this. Dylan will always be favorite character from this series.

( )