Cuffs and Commitment

Men of Fairlake #4

by Romeo Alexander

After Troy died, I didn’t want to love again. I didn’t think I could.

Then Ethan explodes into my life like a firework on the Fourth of July, bringing light, laughter and more than a bit of mischief. Dammit! I knew he was going to be trouble. I just didn’t expect my heart to be in danger.

I’m the Chief of Police, and at forty-six, my life revolves around duty and responsibility. Ethan, on the other hand, is a twenty-something investigative reporter who chooses to live life on the edge. We couldn’t be more different but despite that, we both carry life’s scars.

What began as a fake relationship for the purpose of an investigation, and to stop the town gossips in their tracks, soon leads to desire and unspoken emotions, which seem all too real…even if we struggle to accept them. Should I continue to deny what my heart craves?

He helps me feel again, and I help him let go of the past. Can two such different souls help each other heal?

When Trevor and Ethan meet, sparks fly! Delve into the steamy romance between a small-town police chief and a reckless young reporter as they discover the healing power of love.

* * *

Cuffs and Commitment is an age gap, bisexual romance that proves opposites do attract. Set in the cozy little town of Fairlake, this novel can be enjoyed as a standalone like all other books in the series. Please note this novel addresses darker themes. Refer to the first page for trigger warnings.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, LGBT, Contemporary, Found Family, Fiction, Suspense

322 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 10, 2023

About the author

Romeo Alexander lives in Michigan, USA, with his dog and two cats. As a certified night owl, coffee and a wicked sense of humor keep him going most days, as does playing with flavors in the kitchen.

As a proud gay man, Romeo doesn't just write characters—he breathes life into them, infusing them with real-world trials, tribulations, and triumphant love stories. He doesn't just believe in love; he champions it, weaving narratives that prove love's healing power time and again.

Ready for some heart-melting, tear-jerking, and smile-inducing stories that stay with you long after you've turned the last page? Dive into Romeo Alexander's world where love always finds a way. Sign up for his newsletter to be the first to know about his latest literary adventures and grab some freebies along the way! https://romeoalexander.com/newsletter

Reviews

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

I nearly gave this up until I reached almost half-way through the story. I felt like I was wading through muck with all the dialog between Ethan and his siter Bri. Nearly 100 pages of it. Finally, Ethan does something "investigative" and goes to the police station. He really had to sell his skills to Trevor, and I thought that if this goes another 100 pages the book will nearly be over and nothing has happened...not investigative or romantic. I liked the main characters of Ethan, the investigative reporter and Trevor, the Chief of Police. He and Trevor decide that Ethan could secretly work on finding out who is manufacturing meth in the woods of the little town and have the right to write his articles about it at the end. This leads to a fake dating as a cover story, but the fake part doesn't last long...and I'm not sure I understood the reasoning for it. Ethan and Trevor have an attraction for one another right away. Trevor has concerns over the age difference, (46 & 25), plus he has a tendency to want to be alone. For those reasons, plus Ethans tendency to be gone for long periods of time when he's working a story, neither of the men are expecting anything serious or long term to occur. They obviously have never read many M/M Romance books:) Months pass and Ethan has practically moved in with Trevor as they build a solid connection, growing to understand each other more, and exploring each other during some rather steamy, sexy times. Seems that surely love, and a fantastic HEA are in their future, but first they have to get through the investigation with its twists, lies, deception, and danger. Things almost go bad in the investigation, but it turns out much better than I was being led to believe. We learn just how talented Ethan is at what he does and how he has survived his previous investigations, but it does make your heart pound. There is also a "found family" theme throughout the story...both blood related people and their friends who have been pulled into the circle. I'm intrigued enough to give the next story a try.

[Cadiva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another solid romance in this series

I took a while to warm up to Ethan but eventually he won me over just like he did Chief Price.

Trevor, on the other hand, is just my kind of stoic and dedicated man, doing his best for his town.

There's enough humour in this one to temper the again more serious subjects that it covers and the sex is smoking hot between them.

I'm really liking the little found family of both blood related people and their friends who've been pulled into their circle and I'm intrigued by Ian and Kyle's story up next.

[Marthea · Rating 5 out of 5]

4+
Kolejny tom z serii znowu mi się podobał 😁
Zdecydowanie pasuje mi sposób, w jaki Romeo Alexander pisze swoje książki, konstruuje świat i tworzy swoich bohaterów. To ósma książka jego autorstwa, którą przeczytałam i tylko do jednej miałam duże zastrzeżenia 😉

Trevor - 46-letni szef policji w małym miasteczku, były Marine, raczej spokojny, dość zrzędliwy, opoka społeczności, lojalny, zawsze można na nim polegać. Jedna stracona miłość, jeden rozwód, zero skandali, praktycznie zerowe życie prywatne.

Ethan - nie mający jeszcze trzydziestki, inteligentny, bystry, błyskotliwy, sarkastyczny, pracujący na własny rachunek dziennikarz śledczy. Żyjący według własnych reguł, nie potrafiący za długo usiedzieć w miejscu, widział rzeczy, które potrafią go nawiedzać zarówno podczas snu, jak i na jawie i o których nie będzie w stanie nigdy zapomnieć. Typ niespokojny i potrafiący mocno zarówno ludzi wkurzyć, jak i oczarować. Z Trevorem udało mu się zdecydowanie to pierwsze 😁

Age gap, małe miasteczko, zupełnie odmienne typy bohaterów, w tle intryga kryminalna, znajomi z poprzednich tomów. Czytało mi się świetnie, płynnie i błyskawicznie, zatem wpada pięć gwiazdek w ocenie GR, które w rzeczywistości robią za cztery i pół 😉

[Saskia Veldhuis · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. I really enjoyed Ethan as a character. He was such an interesting mix of different personality traits. I could definitely see him needing an older partner. I especially loved his relationship with his baby nephew, especially in the beginning. Trevor was just the supportive person he needed. It is nice to keep seeing continuing development of the characters from previous books in the series. Must be an interesting small town with so many mm relationships.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via Booksprout and am happy to leave a voluntary review.

[H.M.S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a terrific story by new-to-me author, Romeo Alexander.

Ethan and Trevor made a terrific couple. I loved that they got together thanks to my favorite romance trope: Fake Dating.

Seriously Mr. Alexander - can you please write more of these? I'll read every one!

This is the first book I've read in this series, but I don't feel like I missed out on anything important, by not having read the books in sequence. Do I plan to go back and read or listen to the first 3 books? Heck yeah. I like the world that's created and the other characters I met along the way.

Definitely an author I want to revisit!

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written age gap opposites attract MM romance with strong characters in Trevor and Ethan. The author does a great job developing their relationship and brings danger along with a smokin hot chemistry. The story moves fluidly with descriptive scenes and is a terrific story.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[J]

DNF. Just not working for me. Got to about 30%. Older gruff sheriff vs. younger investigative reporter.

[Abigail Beckwith · Rating 5 out of 5]

old post reposted


Not sure what I want to read right now (reading slump mixed with mild seasonal depression). However, Romeo Alexander's "Men of Fairlake" has been on my TBR list for a while now, so I figured I'd start there. The fourth novel is "Cuffs and Commitment."
["After Troy died, I didn’t want to love again. I didn’t think I could.

Then Ethan explodes into my life like a firework on the Fourth of July, bringing light, laughter and more than a bit of mischief. Dammit! I knew he was going to be trouble. I just didn’t expect my heart to be in danger.

I’m the Chief of Police, and at forty-six, my life revolves around duty and responsibility. Ethan, on the other hand, is a twenty-something investigative reporter who chooses to live life on the edge. We couldn’t be more different but despite that, we both carry life’s scars.

What began as a fake relationship for the purpose of an investigation, and to stop the town gossips in their tracks, soon leads to desire and unspoken emotions, which seem all too real…even if we struggle to accept them. Should I continue to deny what my heart craves?

He helps me feel again, and I help him let go of the past. Can two such different souls help each other heal?

When Trevor and Ethan meet, sparks fly! Delve into the steamy romance between a small-town police chief and a reckless young reporter as they discover the healing power of love."]

I don't know why, but I felt like this one dragged a bit. There was a lot of set up between the two of them, a lot of not-really-hate-animosity, a lot of the new case, a lot of the family connections, a lot of the past, a lot of feelings-but-not-Feelings talk. It was a great book, don't get me wrong, but there were some large sections that could have been cut (and unfortunately that I skimmed).

But Trevor?! Fucking hell. Yes. Yesssss. That man. God, he's a grumpsy, surly ass, but he was hot and sweet and protective and a secret softly. He was perfect for Ethan (who was a sassy, looking-for-trouble brat who had a heart of gold and just wanted to shed light on the reality we live in).

Trigger Warnings: violence, torture, implicit rape, child abuse, and more

#mybestfriendssecret #fallingembers #seekingsanctuary #cuffsandcommitment #oncebrokentwiceloved #cakeandcomfort #mychaoshiscalm #menoffairlake #menoffairlakeseries #romeoalexander #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
Both MC's are really likeable, genuine men who have past trauma that effects who they are today, and the relationships they have.
Trevor is 46, the Chief of Police, takes his job very seriously, but his personal life is nonexistent. He still hasn't gotten over the first and only man he ever loved - losing him in such a tragic way and losing their potential future, left an emptiness within him.
Ethan is in his 20's, an investigative reporter who has repeatedly put himself in danger to get to the truth of a story. This has lead to some dark times for him but he is also full of light, laughter, and really enjoys causing mischief. He may sometimes be reckless, but some people, including family, don't understand just how intelligent and capable he truly is. Until he meets Trevor and they hatch a plan for Ethan to secretly do some investigative work into a possible situation that Trevor believes could be serious. This leads to fake dating as a cover story but the fake part doesn't last long.
Ethan and Trevor have an instant spark that Trevor can't deny for long, despite his concerns over the age difference and his tendency to be alone. For those reasons, and Ethans tendency to be gone for long periods of time when a story calls to him, neither man is expecting anything serious or long term.
During the months that follow they build a solid connection, growing to understand each other more, and exploring each other during some rather steamy, sexy times. Love and a fantastic HEA are in their future, but first they have to get through the investigation with its twists, lies, deception, and danger.
This book was really enjoyable, it was full of excitement, new possibilities, healing, amazing friendships and secondary characters, a mystery, laughs, and a whole lot of love. It was very well written, it flowed smoothly, and had a clear timeline. I love the appearances of characters from previous books in this series - it's not necessary to have read them to enjoy this book, but I would recommend it anyway as I think this is, by far, the best series Romeo has written so far.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Denise Ruttan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this charming, erotically charged story, one of a series featuring different couples who all live in the bucolic and somehow very gay small town of Fairlake in Colorado.

“Cuffs and Commitment” is the story of investigative reporter Ethan, an unstoppable force of nature who’s more comfortable in a war zone than a small town surrounded by family and low-stakes comfort. But he’s back in town to stay with his sister and her baby, for reasons never quite fully explained other than perhaps needing a change of scene. Always thought there was something more going on there.

Ethan wastes no time getting to know the major players in town, in particular the sexy, lonely and grumpy police chief, Trevor Price. He makes no secret of his instant attraction and wastes no time hitting on him in their first professional interview, which can sometimes be overwrought but in this case I found completely realistic. But the premise had me at grumpy/sunshine police chief and investigative reporter.

But Chief Price has other things in mind for the feisty troublemaker, and they agree to a fake dating ploy while Ethan goes undercover investigating local meth manufacturers. Intimate moments turn into something deeper and lead to healing moments for both men.

I liked how both characters were bisexual and how the age gap was handled. The book really shown in the author’s knowledge of the military and his compassionate portrayal of grief and trauma. I loved the characters the best, especially Ethan. I also liked how they explored their trauma in a low-angst way and the arc of how instalust turned to love. Normally I’m not a fan of instalust.

The book got weighed down I thought in parts by heavy dialogue which could get tedious to read through, but this could just be personal preference. The author has a gift for description and I wanted to see some of these dialogue scenes shown through the characters’ eyes instead.

Thank you to Booksprout for the advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the 4th book in the Men of Fairlake Series. It is also the first book of that series that I have read. I really loved it. This is the story of Trevor Price and Ethan Crane. Trevor is 46 years old and Chief of Police. He takes his responsibility to the town very seriously. With a reputation for being grumpy and having his subordinates back; he is well known throughout town. He is also bisexual. And he is still mourning the loss of his first love while in the military. He has no social life nor a desire to find one. Ethan is an investigative reporter who will do anything to get his story and spread the truth out to the world. He is also the brother of Bri. She is the ex wife of Adam, the MC of book #1 (My Best Friend's Secret). Bri has invited Ethan to Fairlake. Unexpectedly he accepts as he is shaken by his last story. When Ethan and Trevor first meet, there are definitely sparks but they are of irritation not lust. As Ethan has a reputation for having a nose for trouble, Trevor decides to put it to good use and ask him to investigate a town problem. Since gossip is a way of life in town, they pretend to date. Luckily it evolves from fake dating to real dating. The two men are both intelligent and equal to each other. There is chemistry to beat the band. Trevor also sees the real Ethan. He sees beneath of charming veneer that he wears. And Ethan in turn helps Trevor address the loss of his love. This is their story. There is more action and drama to follow. I really enjoyed this story. It is well written and easy to read. I look forward to the next book in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lu · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

🔗Age gap
🔗Fake relationship
🔗Cuffs
🔗Wise and selfless MC
🔗Witty and clever MC
🔗Dangerous jobs
🔗Found family
🔗Did I mention cuffs?

This story was thrilling, funny and oh so sweet.
I was immediately charmed by Ethan, who is Adam's ex wife's brother and a young investigative reporter.
Ethan is witty, smart, brave and independent, he is an amazingly well written character.
The way he thinks and talks to people reminded me of a few of Romeo's previous characters, in particular Eric from Help Me Remember, however Ethan is one of a kind, and his personality is a combination of his unapologetic self plus the result of the life changing things he experienced in his reporting trips (some of the things he saw were totally heartbreaking)

Trevor is the 20 years older Chief of Police of Fairlake. He's a wise, mature, understanding, selfless man. In spite of his fears about embarking in any type of relationship with someone like Ethan, Trevor can't resist him and the beautiful thing is that Trevor never wants or tries to change Ethan, he appreciates and respects literally everything about him.

Another thing I loved very much is that the age gap is evident as far as their individual personalities are concerned but not in their relationship dynamic.

I'm really loving this series! Each book features the first chapter of the next one, and I already know that book 5 is going to wreck me.

Content and Trigger Warnings

Mention of death of past lover
Kidnapping
Torture mostly OFF page
Implicit rape and child abuse (non MC)

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trevor is the local police chief in a small Colorado town. It is a pretty typical small town, people know each other and information passes quickly through the local grapevine. There is isn’t a lot going on, although Trevor is becoming concerned about a possible drug problem starting up again in the woods outside of town.
Enter Ethan, an investigative reporter in town to visit his sister after his last big expose’, cute, funny, and full of mischief, ready to keep the chief on his toes as he outrageously flirts with him. Trevor resists, but things heat up when Ethan is hired by Trevor to do some investigative work and they begin a fake relationship as a cover, which deepens into a more emotional one over time. Ethan is good at what he does, and things come to a head, forcing them to assess what their relationship gives to them and if it can continue.
We have two engaging main characters, separated by a couple of decades, both dealing with things in their past which keep them from feeling too much or getting emotionally involved, learning to let their hearts accept what they are feeling and embrace the possibilities. There is great banter between several of the characters, multiple romantic involvements, an adorable baby, some pretty tense and dangerous moments, and a HEA as the outcome. An entertaining read which kept my interest.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series has been very consistent in terms of enjoyability. All of the couples are very cute together and each storyline is engaging and very different from the previous storyline. This book is no exception.

I do wish there’d been a little more to the Age Gap angle to this romance. I love a good age gap relationship but, unfortunately for me, it was all but irrelevant here. Trevor and Ethan won’t be my favourite couple from this series but they’re fun together and believable as a couple.

Sometimes writers try to cram in cameos and ‘guest star’ roles for characters from previous books and upcoming books and it gets to be overwhelming, to the point where the main characters get lost in their own books and books that can supposedly be read as standalones very much require some background research first. I appreciate how Romeo Alexander finds some balance in writing this shared world, where some characters get a passing mention or two (which makes sense for a small town) but not every past character needs to be a huge, meddling, distracting part of each book.

One thing I don’t like, personally, is information on an upcoming couple in an epilogue. It doesn’t get me excited for their book, it disappoints me to have read it. I don’t want to read about upcoming main characters happily together before I read their book, even if obviously a HEA is inevitable. It just feels like starting a book by reading the last page first.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trevor and Ethan's Story . . .

Investigative reporter Ethan reminds me of an energetic puppy who can’t stay still for a moment. He is visiting family in the quiet town of Fairlake, and quiet is not his preferred environment. However, he finds the grumpy police chief, Trevor Price, and enjoys pushing all his buttons (i.e. irritating him, but he may get to the other things later!).

Having lost someone he cared for, Chief Price isn’t ready to fall in love again. But Ethan is not one you can easily ignore. The two are very different, but Ethan’s high energy and sunny disposition begins to heal some of the wounds Trevor has lived with. Ethan likewise benefits from Trevor’s company as he carries his own wounds as his job takes him into dangerous situations. The Sheriff decides he can use Ethan’s help on a case as they pretend to date. Will they stay together after the “fake” part is over? Or will Ethan walk away and back into his exciting death-defying lifestyle?

Let the author draw you into his wonderful stories. The characters are so real and compelling. And these two, despite age that doesn’t matter, are the perfect combination. They see the real person in front of them and they are good for each other. They seem to bring out the best and their trust in each other is delightful. Grab your copy and see if they can find their HEA.

[Sophie Reads Stories · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cuffs and Commitment is a lovely, mature, fake-dating, grumpy/sunshine, small town, enemies to lovers' romance with characters that felt real, likable, and 100% relatable.

I really enjoyed how mature both Ethan and Trevor were; both were 100% aware of their own weaknesses when it came to life and romance, and while their relationship may have started as something to draw attention away from their respective investigations, neither really denied that they were insanely attracted to each other.

I loved the stability and grounding that Trevor brought to Ethan. He understood Ethan and his way of thinking and life in such a beautiful way that it allowed Ethan to fully be himself while knowing Trevor loved all of the facets of his personality. And Ethan brought a playfulness and lightness to Trevor's life that was missing, and he brought so much joy and life to his life.

I loved that Trevor and Ethan didn't have a Daddy/Dom situation but were simply a couple with an age gap that found love together. A very large proportion of the MM books I read have that subplot firmly entrenched, and while I enjoy reading it, Trevor and Ethan's relationship felt like a breath of fresh air for me. 

The book had enough spice, witty banter, wonderful side characters, and mystery and drama thrown in to make it a great read!

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Age gap romance that was never really fake

After watching Bennett bound about the police station in the previous books, creating all sorts of havoc and driving his boss up the wall daily, I couldn't wait to see poor Chief Price find a bit of happiness. His story was definitely a page turner, with not only lots of steamy scenes but an undercover investigation that obsesses both men.
Ethan has a family connection in Fairlake, a boring little town that would normally hold no interest for him. Visiting his relative, he looks for something to occupy his time and finds not only that but also an older, handsome, intriguing man whose buttons he loves to push.
Trevor is equally exasperated and turned on by the younger man, attracted to his sharp mind as well as his scarred but beautiful body. Ethan is mischievous but underneath, he has great intelligence and holds on to the horrors he has seen in his line of work. Together, they find someone who understands them, someone they can open up to, someone who accepts them for who they are and what they do.
I loved them together, and I loved seeing them interact with three couples from the first three books too. This is turning out to be a found family series and it is so good. I'm looking forward to Kyle and Ian's book next.

[Juniper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ethan was, from start to finish, an absolute joy of a character to read about: I loved his sarcasm, his heart, and his stubborn insistence on following his own path, his own way. It was frustrating how many characters in his life, even people who care for him, seem to write him off as “difficult” just because he doesn’t fit cookie-cutter molds of career or relationship trajectories. While Ethan stole my whole heart, I ended up with a kind of gentle affection for Trevor: he’s kind underneath the gruff exterior, he cares for the people in his life, respects Ethan’s skills and his boundaries, and contributes at least half of the smoking-hot physical chemistry he and Ethan share. As far as personality beyond “suitable partner for my favorite character,” however, I’m not sure I could do much to describe him, and I guess that’s kind of the point. There’s a bit of a mystery/intrigue/peril against the backdrop for the developing romance, and as a final note, while the romance can stand alone, there are familiar faces aplenty for readers of earlier works in the series. All in all, an enjoyable read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anne Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

These two are perfect for one another
I’ve Gotta say I thoroughly enjoyed this book it was really nice to see a different side to Trevor other than the image that was given to us in previous books. I really enjoyed the friendship/annoyance he had with Bennett. But when he met Ethan everything changed. Yes he annoyed him at first and he didn’t trust him but then Learning about the real Ethan gave him the idea to get him to investigate if there was a meth lab in the woods. They pretend to have a relationship so people don’t think it’s weird for him to be meeting the police chief. But that was false from the first second because these two together are exclusive they just can’t keep their hands off each other. Their relationship is explosive there is a really deep connection between them, but one one of them is put in danger the other will do anything to make sure he is okay. Thoroughly thoroughly enjoyed this read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick paced romance with Police Chief Trevor and a much younger Ethan. I kinda jumped into this one as I loved the cover lol without having read the previous books in the series. it may have helped reading the previous books in order to get to know some of the characters but it wasn’t necessary. The series takes place in a small town called Fairlake where Ethan has just arrived to stay with his sister Bri for a while. He’s an independent journalist and can’t sit still for long before he’s looking for his next story. Things don’t get off to the best of starts between the men but the attraction and chemistry can be felt immediately.

It has a bit of everything including a bit of a mystery which Trevor asks Ethan to help him out with his investigative skills. There’s a lot going on and characters from previous books are popping up whilst they get to know each other better and try to work out what’s happening in the woods between their town and the neighbouring town.

It kept me interested, the mcs were great together and I enjoyed it.

[Babara-Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

TWO BROKEN SOULS SEARCHING….

In the fourth book of the series we get a deeper insight into the sexy silver fox of a Chief of Police- Trevor Price.

It was hate at first sight when Trevor Price encountered the cocky, sarcastic reporter who rubbed him the wrong way- Ethan Crane- until he rubbed him the right way….

I loved their banter and shenanigans throughout the entire book!
Ethan brought laughter and lite into Trevor’s life and Trevor grounded Ethan and gave him peace…

Their character growth was sweet and endearing throughout the book and their support and comfort for each other was swoon worthy!

Two haunted, broken souls searching for completion…

As with all the books in the series you as reader can expect a bit of angst, a dash of nail biting action, amazing characters and lots of steam!

I look forward to Kyle’s story next!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[K-Me · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now let's talk about opposites attract and a nice age gap here! We have Trevor the Chief of Police in his 40's and we have young investigative reporter Ethan. Trevor is a bit of a grumpy loner and Ethan is vibrant and full of adventure. I loved how Ethan is a very intelligent person who just needs the scoop and that tends to put him danger. My favorite part about their relationship though was the real give and take. Trevor cared about Ethan, but he also believed Ethan's abilities. He wanted to help protective him where he could, but he was not overbearing. With the story flowing over months, we get some nice steamy and intimate encounters! The relationship starts to just naturally snap into place. This is a standalone romance, but I enjoyed the other friendships and familiar places and faces in this series.

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Great world building and wonderful characters. I really liked both men and the their dynamic. I loved the banter between them and some of it really made me smile. Ethan's personality was a perfect compliment to Trevor's. They had sizzling chemistry, too. The storyline also had danger and suspense, and I was completely hooked. I also liked the supporting characters. Another wonderful read from Romeo Alexander. 5 stars.

P.S.- There was one quote that really resonated to me and also made me smile a little because it's so true:

'I’ve found that grief is like a pushy and overly invasive family member who lives nearby. You might have established boundaries, but even then, they show up every once in a while unannounced to pester you. They always leave, though, and you can go on with your life.'

[Priscilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ethan is in town recovering from his latest article and the trauma he had to endure to get the story. Trevor, the police chief, needs help solving a problem plaguing the town. In order to throw off suspicion of what Ethan is looking into, they'll be in a fake relationship to explain the time they were spending together. This was a really sweet story of two people finding someone who they can be authentic with instead of letting work fill in the gaps. It was great to see Bri be a loving mother and sister with a sense of humor. Everyone from the previous books makes cameos. The relationship between the two were great.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpected relationships are the best! Chief Trevor is living his settled life protecting his town. He is in a bit of emotional statis over his bestie Troy's death while deployed. He is known as grumpy and considers he only had one friend. The only regret he has with his life is that he didn't give his all to his wife when he was married. Ethan, returns to Fairlake living with his sister, Bri for a bit. Then he overhears a conversation that sets him on a path that requires stealth, dedication and collaboration with Trevor. As these two get better acquainted, and establish a cover relationship, can they see how they compliment each other? Good story. Will they solve the mystery? Nicely done. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Golden Child · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trevor & Ethan

Ethan pushes buttons, Trevor likes order and maybe doesn’t mind so much when Ethan pushes his limits. Ethan comes back to town to get his head on straight after one of his jobs, stays with Bri, his sister and cute Colin. Small town life is t for him but he figures he might as well dive into it and get to know everyone’s story. Trevor puts him to work to find out what’s happening in the woods. As much as Ethan thinks everyone is a busybody, he becomes one of them due to his natural curiosity. They start a fake relationship as a ruse and it’s sweet how they just fall into it. Trevor has no plans to change Ethan but only to make sure he knows he has a place to land and love.

[Dana zamora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Free spirited

Ethan a adventurous journalist investigating and writing about the worlds most depraved people to bring light to the tragedies of human kind, back in small town Colorado to visit his sister and nephew, Trevor chief of police has a little battle of wills and words with Ethan when first meeting, defense mechanism or arrogance, older vs younger, both men who have seen things most people never know about, different perspectives,, exciting to watch them discover something new and exciting between them, working together to rid their backyard of drugs and corruption, can they make things work, new to me author but the book was recommended by the cover model, and it didn't disappoint, thank you Jose Barreio for the tip, Dana Zamora

[Sara Sigler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trevor didn’t want anything to do with love after the guy he was in love died. Ethan investigating reporter just got done after his last article he had been checking out, he went to see his sister and nephew. He decided that there had to be some skeletons to be found in the that small town. Trevor asked him to see if he could maybe find out more information on the meth lab in his territory so people wouldn’t get suspicious they were pretending to date. But they stopped the pretending and became a real couple the Ethan gets kidnapped but does get loose and takes down one of the bosses. Good book!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gale MR · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw an excerpt of the book and immediately knew it's my next read. Romeo Alexander has delivered a delicious morsel of snark and witty banter which perfectly balance the heavier topics the book itself covers in the story line. But behind the laugher and the lightheartedness, are hidden so much pain and emotions. The relationship between Trevor and Ethan gave them both a lifesaver in a sea of loneliness and a life lesson how to let go of the past wounds and love.
Be aware of the triggers but don't let them scare you - they just give an edge to this fabulous read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Magali · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bit slow at first, but then good mix of romance and action.
4.5
I really liked this new chance at love for Trevor, a police chief who discovers that he is not immune to the charm of Ethan, a reporter who often takes reckless risks and who he manages to convince to move forward in an investigation just as they move forward in a relationship.
The story is a little slow to start and the investigation often secondary, but the end is explosively intense and the tension mounts from chapter to chapter, with sometimes moving, sometimes funny characters.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book