This is officially my new favorite in the series! With its abundance of pining and an alpharoll hero that kept making me swoon, I was sad to see it end. Although it does mean we're one step closer to getting Keeper's book, who has had me in a choke hold since the first book. I am not normally a fan of romance where children play a major role, so I was worried this one wouldn't resonate with me as much. However, with a little one like Iggy, it's hard not to love him...even if he was also the world's biggest cock-block. It's a good thing he's adorable, that's all I'm saying.
Alo and Miriam have been playing a game of "Who can pine the most" for five years, ever since Alo moved to Ever with his newborn son. As a Protector of the town and a single father, his loyalties have always been clear...but when it comes to Miriam, he finds himself longing for a moment of selfishness. Miriam has the biggest crush on Alo, but after years of waiting, she assumes he's not interested. When a moment of embarrassment pushes Alo to reveal his true feelings, things become heated...and complicated. Now, in the midst of planning Ever's first Halloween celebration, they must navigate the balance of a new relationship with keeping their friends and loved ones safe. When all is well, then they can focus on their own happily ever after.
With each book, I am curious to see how the couple's dynamics will play out. With the first book, we had a playful hero with a kinky side and a heroine ready to be indulged with snacks and intense bouts of lovemaking. In the second book, we were given a supportive, dominant hero and a curvy heroine who liked playing the brat to his daddy instincts. In this book, Hazel Mack has written a gruff hero with a gentle yet dominant demeanor who ensures no one hurts those he loves and a generous heroine who wears her heart on her sleeve and appreciates her man's intense passion in the bedroom. Alo and Miriam were just...perfect for each other. And they were honestly perfect for me as well. I loved the other couples, don't get me wrong, but they just clicked for me. Alo was the perfect combination of an alpha male and a cinnamon roll, especially when it came to Miriam and Iggy. His dedication to his son's wellbeing and his careful approach toward his relationship with Miriam had me melting. He was so selfless and sweet, even when I wanted to shake some sense into him. I love reading a pining romance where both are so oblivious to each other's emotions, because I feel like it's so similar to real life. At least for me. I, too, have trouble recognizing flirting when I see it.
Now, my expectations for the next book are sky high, so I apologize in advance, Hazel. No pressure.
**I received a free copy from the author and this is my honest review.**