Jaime Reese

4 Stars

Despite it being a long 2 years since [b:A Chosen Man|42042478|A Chosen Man (The Men of Halfway House #6)|Jaime Reese|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1537861201l/42042478._SY75_.jpg|65381256] was released, and despite me only remembering half the details of previous books, Reese continues to deliver on the sweet swoony romance between two people who don’t believe love is in the cards for them.

Ben - deaf and long taken advantage of, his life hasn’t been easy as everyone he has held dear has left him. He’s a kind hearted soul who has been dealt a shit hand, his ever pleasing nature is always willing and eager to help those who are in need which has landed him in tough predicatments. This time around Ben’s determined to go with his instincts, and though he longs to belong, he just doesn't have any confidence in his ability to forge a new life, let alone attract the right man.

Gabriel - ex military and now specializing in private security, his innate drive is to always protect. He’s had some serious trust issues and past relationships have been disappointing failures. What Gabe wants most is fidelity and honesty, so when he runs into a gorgeous sweet man working at his sister's bakery, he longs to make a connection and to make Ben ultimately his.

This is a slow burn with a romantic progression that was tender and touching. Ben is a very endearing character, and my heart broke for him many times over. Gabriel is a top notch gentle giant, and it was wonderful to see him be patient and caring, never letting Ben think he’s unworthy or unwanted. When Gabe’s past puts everyone in danger, these two must rely on their faith in the other’s love to come out alive.

Again, another great entry in this reliable series about men who’ve had it rough and unfair and who’ve come out on top with their well deserved happy ending!… (meer)

4 Stars

I know there’s a bit of divisiveness when it comes to this story but if you’ve read and liked Reese’s The Men of Halfway House series, I would hedge my bets that you’ll like this too. It doesn’t hurt at all that this is basically the love child of [b:Warrior's Cross|6782412|Warrior's Cross|Madeleine Urban|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1355864076s/6782412.jpg|6916543] and [b:Zero at the Bone|6382879|Zero at the Bone (Zero at the Bone)|Jane Seville|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1239008011s/6382879.jpg|6570901], which will either clinch your decision to read this book or avoid it all together.

I think with any assassin trope with a heart of gold, it is always a bit of a stretch for realistic progression. Killian has been doing this for years, basically bred and trained to take after his father, and he does it with utmost precision and skill. Killian doesn’t sugarcoat what he’s done to make a living, but he does have a conscience and a set of rules that he follows when accepting contracts. The only kink in Killian’s impenetrable armor is when he falls for equally mysterious waiter Nick, who doesn’t shy away from his intimidating nature and suspicious shady circumstances. Killian doesn't think anything will come of it because…. well, he’s a murderer. However, when Nick’s past catches up to him, Killian can’t not help him and thus, both quickly become embroiled in more danger than they bargained for.

Why this was a win for me is because Reese consistently writes her stories with plenty of swoon and emotions. All her protagonists have a moral compass despite their situation. They certainly have an endearing vulnerability and always plenty of baggage and turmoil. When they find that person who’s their soulmate it just clicks, and of course they’d do anything for the other to see them happy and safe.

So yes, this was a bit far fetched. However, Reese never shorts the reader on the writing nor does she fail on delivering the smex and the sweeping romance that always comes with a very satisfying happily ever after. Again, consistency is key and this is signature Reese!… (meer)

I received an ARC copy of this book from Jaime Reese as a gift with no review expected at all. Do not let the length of this beautifully written story put you off. There is so much going on in the story that I was finished before I knew it. It's a romance story, detective story and suspense story all rolled into one. All of the characters both good and nasty are well shaped with their own unique qualities. It was good to see Matt, Julian and Sam again. This was no insta-love cookie cutter story but a well plotted novel. There are twists and turns throughout the story but the one constant is the connection between Cam and Hunter and even their HEA is twisted by the ingenious Ms Reese. What I really enjoyed was that while the story involved the Halfway House, it was not dependent upon the Halfway House or Matt and Julian. Highly recommended story that you will get lost in.… (meer)