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Hillcroft Group #1
The Story of Danny Rose
The Hillcroft Group, #1 | Standalone | Age gap | Military | DD/lb
“Try to read his file from the Army from another perspective. Less stone-faced, devoid of emotion, SAS operator and more as…oh, I don’t know, the loving, caring, nurturing Dom that you are.”
There was nothing like kicking off your vacation by realizing someone had broken in to your cabin. More than that, he was waiting when you arrived.
This young guy had plagued my dreams when I’d spent two months with his detachment a couple years ago. He was cocky, volatile, and resourceful. Resourceful enough to track me down, piss me off, and get himself invited for steaks and beer.
I was quickly going to learn there was a lot more to him than being a soldier with boundary issues, though. Starting the moment I accidentally spotted a small stuffed animal in his backpack.
He changed everything. The story of Danny Rose went from anecdotes I occasionally shared with recruits, to…becoming my whole bloody life.
“Try to read his file from the Army from another perspective. Less stone-faced, devoid of emotion, SAS operator and more as…oh, I don’t know, the loving, caring, nurturing Dom that you are.”
There was nothing like kicking off your vacation by realizing someone had broken in to your cabin. More than that, he was waiting when you arrived.
This young guy had plagued my dreams when I’d spent two months with his detachment a couple years ago. He was cocky, volatile, and resourceful. Resourceful enough to track me down, piss me off, and get himself invited for steaks and beer.
I was quickly going to learn there was a lot more to him than being a soldier with boundary issues, though. Starting the moment I accidentally spotted a small stuffed animal in his backpack.
He changed everything. The story of Danny Rose went from anecdotes I occasionally shared with recruits, to…becoming my whole bloody life.
Kindle Edition
First published October 23, 2024
About the author
Cara Dee
104 books4,233 followers
I'm often stoically silent or, if the topic interests me, a chronic rambler. In other words, I can discuss writing forever and ever. Fiction, in particular. The love story—while a huge draw and constantly present—is secondary for me, because there's so much more to writing romance fiction than just making two (or more) people fall in love and have hot sex. There's a world to build, characters to develop, interests to create, and a topic or two to research thoroughly. Every book is a challenge for me, an opportunity to learn something new, and a puzzle to piece together. I want my characters to come to life, and the only way I know to do that is to give them substance—passions, history, goals, quirks, and strong opinions—and to let them evolve. Additionally, I want my men and women to be relatable. That means allowing room for everyday problems and, for lack of a better word, flaws. My characters will never be perfect.
Wait…this was supposed to be about me, not my writing.
I'm a writey person who loves to write. Always wanderlusting, twitterpating, kinking, and geeking. There's time for hockey and cupcakes, too. But mostly, I just love to write.
I'm often stoically silent or, if the topic interests me, a chronic rambler. In other words, I can discuss writing forever and ever. Fiction, in particular. The love story—while a huge draw and constantly present—is secondary for me, because there's so much more to writing romance fiction than just making two (or more) people fall in love and have hot sex. There's a world to build, characters to develop, interests to create, and a topic or two to research thoroughly. Every book is a challenge for me, an opportunity to learn something new, and a puzzle to piece together. I want my characters to come to life, and the only way I know to do that is to give them substance—passions, history, goals, quirks, and strong opinions—and to let them evolve. Additionally, I want my men and women to be relatable. That means allowing room for everyday problems and, for lack of a better word, flaws. My characters will never be perfect.
Wait…this was supposed to be about me, not my writing.
I'm a writey person who loves to write. Always wanderlusting, twitterpating, kinking, and geeking. There's time for hockey and cupcakes, too. But mostly, I just love to write.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
May 27, 2025
I'm not quite sure what to do with this story. I liked it a lot, except for the eternally long epilogue. I read the book in one go, so as usual with this author, very well-written and accommodating to me in terms of style.
Most of the story is also very charming and a bit kinky. Very nice.
But
... maybe a few words about kink first:
This is declared DD/lb. And yes, it is. But if you as a reader approach the story with this expectation, you'll be disappointed pretty quickly. Yes Danny is a little boy at heart and likes his stuffed animal, yes Em is a Daddy Dom and he thrives on being able to take care of Danny. Yes they refer to each other as Daddy and Little boy here and there. But that's about it.
I myself am completely satisfied with it. Having read rather too many age-play stories and being a bit fed up with the trope, I found the kink here very enjoyable as a side note.
There are also quite a few time jumps between the chapters, so a lot happens off-screen and unfortunately you don't get to read everything. It's a bit of a shame that you can't follow the development of the relationship directly. Nevertheless, I have to say that it is very well done and speaks for the author's good writing that I didn't lose interest and always had the feeling of being close to the characters.
It is also a military story. Now as a reader you might expect a lot of action. But it is not. Up until the epilogue, it's a very fluffy affair plot-wise. Again, perfect for me, but probably boring for some readers.
The sex scenes, very few. But very, very good. Also, holy shit those voyeuristic twins ...
I tightened my grasp on his cock and slipped my free hand to his throat. “It’s gotta be us. You and me.”
He gasped and nodded jerkily, slamming down on me so hard that I sounded like a fucking animal when I cursed.
That seemed to set him off. One moan bled into another as he fucked himself on me, and within minutes, I was swimming in filth and desire. I heard his shallow whisper as if we were underwater. I think they’re watching us, Daddy. We didn’t stop. I couldn’t. He went faster. Not a quiet moment. My groans mingled with his moans, and my hand got wet from the liquid trickling down his cock. 🤤🤤🤤
The epilogue: very long and shows various episodes over a long period of time, including 911. In terms of plot, it was far too much information in too short snippets. But I understand the intention behind it. And yes, in retrospect it whets the appetite for more of this series. Phew, but for Danny and Em's relationship it's not really a nice way to wrap things up. It just lacks depth and makes the charming story of the two of them a bit superfluous.
Overall, I think I enjoyed too much of this story to rate it lower.
Most of the story is also very charming and a bit kinky. Very nice.
But
... maybe a few words about kink first:
This is declared DD/lb. And yes, it is. But if you as a reader approach the story with this expectation, you'll be disappointed pretty quickly. Yes Danny is a little boy at heart and likes his stuffed animal, yes Em is a Daddy Dom and he thrives on being able to take care of Danny. Yes they refer to each other as Daddy and Little boy here and there. But that's about it.
I myself am completely satisfied with it. Having read rather too many age-play stories and being a bit fed up with the trope, I found the kink here very enjoyable as a side note.
There are also quite a few time jumps between the chapters, so a lot happens off-screen and unfortunately you don't get to read everything. It's a bit of a shame that you can't follow the development of the relationship directly. Nevertheless, I have to say that it is very well done and speaks for the author's good writing that I didn't lose interest and always had the feeling of being close to the characters.
It is also a military story. Now as a reader you might expect a lot of action. But it is not. Up until the epilogue, it's a very fluffy affair plot-wise. Again, perfect for me, but probably boring for some readers.
The sex scenes, very few. But very, very good. Also, holy shit those voyeuristic twins ...
I tightened my grasp on his cock and slipped my free hand to his throat. “It’s gotta be us. You and me.”
He gasped and nodded jerkily, slamming down on me so hard that I sounded like a fucking animal when I cursed.
That seemed to set him off. One moan bled into another as he fucked himself on me, and within minutes, I was swimming in filth and desire. I heard his shallow whisper as if we were underwater. I think they’re watching us, Daddy. We didn’t stop. I couldn’t. He went faster. Not a quiet moment. My groans mingled with his moans, and my hand got wet from the liquid trickling down his cock. 🤤🤤🤤
The epilogue: very long and shows various episodes over a long period of time, including 911. In terms of plot, it was far too much information in too short snippets. But I understand the intention behind it. And yes, in retrospect it whets the appetite for more of this series. Phew, but for Danny and Em's relationship it's not really a nice way to wrap things up. It just lacks depth and makes the charming story of the two of them a bit superfluous.
Overall, I think I enjoyed too much of this story to rate it lower.
October 24, 2024
Loved this the first time I read it, still love it now in its expanded edition.
I can't remember where/when it was originally published, possibly as part of an anthology, but I adore Danny Rose and Emmerson Payne big time.
This jumps back almost four decades as we see the very beginnings of not only the Tenley twins but also a very young Darius Quinn.
Cara has taken fans of her brilliant interconnected universe to the 1990s and the Hillcroft Group, which featured heavily in the Renegades series.
Danny and Em are a perfect match and, having seen them blissfully happy decades later, this book showing how they came to be is a gift.
I'm seriously invested in this new series already.
#ARC kindly received from the author, I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I can't remember where/when it was originally published, possibly as part of an anthology, but I adore Danny Rose and Emmerson Payne big time.
This jumps back almost four decades as we see the very beginnings of not only the Tenley twins but also a very young Darius Quinn.
Cara has taken fans of her brilliant interconnected universe to the 1990s and the Hillcroft Group, which featured heavily in the Renegades series.
Danny and Em are a perfect match and, having seen them blissfully happy decades later, this book showing how they came to be is a gift.
I'm seriously invested in this new series already.
#ARC kindly received from the author, I am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 10, 2024
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
Danny wasn’t necessarily looking for the next compliment as much as he wanted constant approval. The boy wanted to be seen.
I gotta admit I’m confused by this one and have no idea what to even say about it. It’s described as a standalone which I dare say isn’t true. It’s my first Cara Dee book, and although I know this book shows the backstory for many beloved characters, it felt like I was supposed to know all of them already. I can only assume River and Reese are popular characters from this author, because it felt like they were more important than the actual MCs at times.
Danny was a bratty sweetheart with anger issues and I wish the relationship was a bigger focus in the story. Em fit with him well.
It felt like background story for existing characters and the private ops firm they work for, instead of a romance story for Em and Danny. I mean, it was there, but secondary. Maybe that’s Cara’s typical vibe? I wouldn’t know. Anyway. The ending was weird, skipping ahead a few months or a year at a time to missions and times it felt like I was supposed to already know about from side characters.
Strange, yet not entirely unenjoyable.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Age gap
Mild age play
Romantic suspense
Military romance
1998-2002 historical
British MC
Former special forces soldier
Size difference
Forced proximity
Exhibitionism
Daddy/boy
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Details from 9/11 terror attacks
Brief mention of death of sibling (past)
Gun violence
Some details of past child abuse (physical, neglect, from MC’s parent)
Explicit sexual content
Penetration without lube or prep
Exhibitionism
Brief mention of animal abuse (past)
Vomiting
Mild age play
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, single
Genre: Romantic suspense, historical (1998)
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: 28 and 40
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 199
Happy ending: Yes
God-fucking-dammit, I felt for him. Because I knew exactly what would happen if someone laughed at him for having a stuffed animal. Danny would put that person in the hospital and hide his own hurt.
“I’ll be your superior,” I said. “I don’t want you to feel pressured into anything.” That one made him huff. “Thanks, but I can make decisions for myself even when I’d bending over for my hot CO.” Fucking brat.
I let out a breath. “I wish I could marry you.” He swallowed, and the pinch of soft amusement left his eyes. “Me too. Maybe one day?”
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
Danny wasn’t necessarily looking for the next compliment as much as he wanted constant approval. The boy wanted to be seen.
I gotta admit I’m confused by this one and have no idea what to even say about it. It’s described as a standalone which I dare say isn’t true. It’s my first Cara Dee book, and although I know this book shows the backstory for many beloved characters, it felt like I was supposed to know all of them already. I can only assume River and Reese are popular characters from this author, because it felt like they were more important than the actual MCs at times.
Danny was a bratty sweetheart with anger issues and I wish the relationship was a bigger focus in the story. Em fit with him well.
It felt like background story for existing characters and the private ops firm they work for, instead of a romance story for Em and Danny. I mean, it was there, but secondary. Maybe that’s Cara’s typical vibe? I wouldn’t know. Anyway. The ending was weird, skipping ahead a few months or a year at a time to missions and times it felt like I was supposed to already know about from side characters.
Strange, yet not entirely unenjoyable.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Age gap
Mild age play
Romantic suspense
Military romance
1998-2002 historical
British MC
Former special forces soldier
Size difference
Forced proximity
Exhibitionism
Daddy/boy
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Details from 9/11 terror attacks
Brief mention of death of sibling (past)
Gun violence
Some details of past child abuse (physical, neglect, from MC’s parent)
Explicit sexual content
Penetration without lube or prep
Exhibitionism
Brief mention of animal abuse (past)
Vomiting
Mild age play
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, single
Genre: Romantic suspense, historical (1998)
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: 28 and 40
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 199
Happy ending: Yes
God-fucking-dammit, I felt for him. Because I knew exactly what would happen if someone laughed at him for having a stuffed animal. Danny would put that person in the hospital and hide his own hurt.
“I’ll be your superior,” I said. “I don’t want you to feel pressured into anything.” That one made him huff. “Thanks, but I can make decisions for myself even when I’d bending over for my hot CO.” Fucking brat.
I let out a breath. “I wish I could marry you.” He swallowed, and the pinch of soft amusement left his eyes. “Me too. Maybe one day?”
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
October 18, 2024
Loved it. Need the next one.
October 25, 2024
3.5 stars
October 24, 2024
The cat and mouse game at the start of this had me hooked in the novella. So to see Emerson and Danny’s romance played out over several decades in this was very satisfying.
Emerson is a fantastic character. Tactical. Cunning. Evaluating. It’s so much fun to be in his head as he discards everything he knows and goes on instincts and snap decisions when it comes to Danny. Which leads them to a life long love.
Their banter and honesty with each other is a huge part of why I liked this book. Here’s two men who are ready to go all in. No safety net. No miscommunications.
The only thing missing for me was the kink. Sure there were little glimpses here and there. Some fabulous cameos from the Tenley Twins. Voyeurism anyone?? But on the whole this is not a kinky book.
But I’m intrigued by Hillcroft. There’s some interesting characters there. Some plot bunnies just waiting to emerge. And there’s a lot of page time dedicated to talking tactics and warfare and world events, which will thrill some fans.
All in all I liked this for what it was. A brief look at the early romance and life of Danny and Emerson, and then a glimpse into their future.
Well written, as always. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Emerson is a fantastic character. Tactical. Cunning. Evaluating. It’s so much fun to be in his head as he discards everything he knows and goes on instincts and snap decisions when it comes to Danny. Which leads them to a life long love.
Their banter and honesty with each other is a huge part of why I liked this book. Here’s two men who are ready to go all in. No safety net. No miscommunications.
The only thing missing for me was the kink. Sure there were little glimpses here and there. Some fabulous cameos from the Tenley Twins. Voyeurism anyone?? But on the whole this is not a kinky book.
But I’m intrigued by Hillcroft. There’s some interesting characters there. Some plot bunnies just waiting to emerge. And there’s a lot of page time dedicated to talking tactics and warfare and world events, which will thrill some fans.
All in all I liked this for what it was. A brief look at the early romance and life of Danny and Emerson, and then a glimpse into their future.
Well written, as always. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 5, 2026
A former SAS operator finds an unexpected intruder at his cabin...a young soldier from his past who harbors a secret involving a stuffed animal. It's a spicy military romance with age gap themes.
Emerson is a seasoned SAS operator, who finds that his vacation is being interrupted by an unexpected intruder...Danny Rose, a cocky and volatile young soldier he had once worked with. Danny was always resourceful, and his determination has led him straight to Emerson’s doorstep. This now soon becomes a very awkward and uncomfortable reunion. It begins with frustration and soon shifts into something else when Emerson discovers that there is a softer side to Danny when he discovers the presence of a small stuffed blue elephant, hidden in Danny's backpack.
As their unexpected connection deepens, Emerson begins to realize that Danny is no longer just a memory, but someone who is going to change his life forever. This story is an exploration of trust...unexpected bonds.... and the transformation of a hardened soldier into something so much more. Oh...and a cute "stuffie"
If you are a fan of this author's "Renegade" or "The Games" series, both of which I absolutely loved and own...you will recognize many of the characters and will so enjoy your revisit with them. I was pleasantly surprised to see how many of those folks wandered throughout Danny's story. I have always liked Cara Dee's offerings, and this one was certainly NOT the exception by any means. I understand that an early version of this story had originally appeared in an anthology and this book has been expanded from that version. If you are a reader and a fan of M/M romances, you will find that this version contains the required number of emotions and feelings as the original shorter version, thus making it a perfectly enjoyable read. It is filled with wonderfully portrayed deep feelings. It does contain some material about 9/11, that may be difficult for some readers, as well as some BDSM-like D/b dynamics. Nothing that could be considered to be "over the top".
Emerson is a seasoned SAS operator, who finds that his vacation is being interrupted by an unexpected intruder...Danny Rose, a cocky and volatile young soldier he had once worked with. Danny was always resourceful, and his determination has led him straight to Emerson’s doorstep. This now soon becomes a very awkward and uncomfortable reunion. It begins with frustration and soon shifts into something else when Emerson discovers that there is a softer side to Danny when he discovers the presence of a small stuffed blue elephant, hidden in Danny's backpack.
As their unexpected connection deepens, Emerson begins to realize that Danny is no longer just a memory, but someone who is going to change his life forever. This story is an exploration of trust...unexpected bonds.... and the transformation of a hardened soldier into something so much more. Oh...and a cute "stuffie"
If you are a fan of this author's "Renegade" or "The Games" series, both of which I absolutely loved and own...you will recognize many of the characters and will so enjoy your revisit with them. I was pleasantly surprised to see how many of those folks wandered throughout Danny's story. I have always liked Cara Dee's offerings, and this one was certainly NOT the exception by any means. I understand that an early version of this story had originally appeared in an anthology and this book has been expanded from that version. If you are a reader and a fan of M/M romances, you will find that this version contains the required number of emotions and feelings as the original shorter version, thus making it a perfectly enjoyable read. It is filled with wonderfully portrayed deep feelings. It does contain some material about 9/11, that may be difficult for some readers, as well as some BDSM-like D/b dynamics. Nothing that could be considered to be "over the top".
October 27, 2024
3.5**
October 28, 2024
C'est toujours sympathique de retrouver l'univers de Cara Dee, car oui, même si c'est une nouvelle saga, on se retrouve dans le même univers que les précédents romans. Cette fois, on retourne en 1998 auprès de Emerson et... les jeunes frères Tenley.
Je n'en dirai pas plus car le roman est déjà super court. Je m'attendais à un peu plus de dynamisme, je ne sais pas... J'imaginais autre chose derrière l'histoire de Danny Rose.
Nous sommes ici dans une romance Daddy/little boy, un peu comme le précédent de l'auteur. L'age gap est présent mais pas trop exploité... Mon problème ici est le manque de développement, tout va trop vite, tout comme les sentiments. J'aime les formats courts de l'auteur, mais là c'est vraiment trop court...
Après c'était chouette de revoir certains personnages ^^
Je n'en dirai pas plus car le roman est déjà super court. Je m'attendais à un peu plus de dynamisme, je ne sais pas... J'imaginais autre chose derrière l'histoire de Danny Rose.
Nous sommes ici dans une romance Daddy/little boy, un peu comme le précédent de l'auteur. L'age gap est présent mais pas trop exploité... Mon problème ici est le manque de développement, tout va trop vite, tout comme les sentiments. J'aime les formats courts de l'auteur, mais là c'est vraiment trop court...
Après c'était chouette de revoir certains personnages ^^
October 29, 2024
3.5 Stars
October 25, 2024
What a stellar first book in this new series from Cara Dee. I am so hooked to this world and these characters, how deftly she weaves reality of the times and fiction into a fantastic story. I completely loved Em and Danny 😍. So perfect for each other and they recognise it too there is no beating around the bush or testing waters for these two.. they are all in and it’s perfect for them. Set in the late 90’s to early 2000s around a PMC organisation - the Hillcroft Group this was just a great read. I loved that we get to see much younger Tenleys- almost like an origin story for them and I loved seeing Darius always he’s a favourite for me. The intermingling romance, action, k1nk, found family vibes and the larger geopolitical stage work beautifully to give a story I ended up reading without being able to put it down.
Expect:
* Military
* Age gap
* Daddy little
* Fast burn
* Found family
* Low angst
* Voyeurism
Expect:
* Military
* Age gap
* Daddy little
* Fast burn
* Found family
* Low angst
* Voyeurism
October 22, 2024
I’m so glad that Danny & Emerson’s story got expanded! I loved reading the first version of this when it was published in an anthology and this version was even better! I was stoked to get to the part where the anthology version wrapped up and see I still had 55% left.
I adore Danny & Em on their own but the baby Tenley’s added into the mix just makes it 10x better. I die over how much you can see their experiences in this shape who they turn into by the time they meet Shay.
If you’re a game series fan, an auctioned fan, or a renegades fan this is a must read, and I’m extremely excited to get my grubby little hands on book 2.
I adore Danny & Em on their own but the baby Tenley’s added into the mix just makes it 10x better. I die over how much you can see their experiences in this shape who they turn into by the time they meet Shay.
If you’re a game series fan, an auctioned fan, or a renegades fan this is a must read, and I’m extremely excited to get my grubby little hands on book 2.
November 4, 2024
Great book. I liked it a lot. Could have been a little longer and a little kinkier but otherwise really enjoyable.
December 9, 2025
Danny and Emerson
DD/LB / Age Gap / Kinky
Military Romance
Forced Proximity
HEA
Your favourite Tenley Twins make an appearance <3
Spice - 3/5
Story - 5/5
DD/LB / Age Gap / Kinky
Military Romance
Forced Proximity
HEA
Your favourite Tenley Twins make an appearance <3
Spice - 3/5
Story - 5/5
October 27, 2024
Another wonderfully written story by this author. My goodness there are so many warm feelings, THIS is what I love.
Meeting Danny and Emerson in 1998 was absolutely brilliant.
Em has the Tenley twins, Reese and River, under his wing, to train them to PMC operators for the private agency The Hillcroft Group.
One day Danny Rose, a highly skilled soldier, arrives at Em’s secluded cabin, he wants to be trained by Emerson to become also a private. He was searching for him for over two years, after they worked on the same team, and finally found him.
Accidentally Em spotted a stuffy in Danny’s bag. Being a Daddy Dom his heart warmed and the inevitable happened.
The way their relationship developed, combined with the work environments, was absolutely the best!
Yes, there are characters you recognize from other stories.
A fabulous piece of work!
Meeting Danny and Emerson in 1998 was absolutely brilliant.
Em has the Tenley twins, Reese and River, under his wing, to train them to PMC operators for the private agency The Hillcroft Group.
One day Danny Rose, a highly skilled soldier, arrives at Em’s secluded cabin, he wants to be trained by Emerson to become also a private. He was searching for him for over two years, after they worked on the same team, and finally found him.
Accidentally Em spotted a stuffy in Danny’s bag. Being a Daddy Dom his heart warmed and the inevitable happened.
The way their relationship developed, combined with the work environments, was absolutely the best!
Yes, there are characters you recognize from other stories.
A fabulous piece of work!
October 26, 2024
Oh loved this❤️❤️❤️❤️ They are so cute, oh my heart!! And just reading about ‘everyone’ when they were young, how they all met, the camaraderie. Loved reading about young River and Reese! And Emerson’s and Danny’s love story, I feel like I will hit a reading slump after this book, they have my heart!
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
October 26, 2024
4⭐️
Thank you Cara for giving us more of your worlds. I devoured this book in one sitting. Loved the dynamic between Danny and Emerson. Also, I was excited to see familiar faces like Darius, River and Reese. The grin I had every time a familiar face appeared was huge. I’m looking forward to more stories about the men in the Hillcroft Group.
Thank you Cara for giving us more of your worlds. I devoured this book in one sitting. Loved the dynamic between Danny and Emerson. Also, I was excited to see familiar faces like Darius, River and Reese. The grin I had every time a familiar face appeared was huge. I’m looking forward to more stories about the men in the Hillcroft Group.
October 20, 2024
I first read this story when it was a novella in an anthology, and I was excited to get my hands on an ARC for the extended story. We get young Tenley twins you guys. That's enough said, amiright?
So basically this story is a flashback timeline-wise in the Caraverse. We start a new series with this book, diving into the men of Hillcroft (the private military company the Tenley twins used to work for). This book focuses on Emerson and Danny, two ex-military men who crossed paths a few years ago.
In this story we get Daddy kink, voyeurism, a sneak peek into the inner workings of Hillcroft, and of course, young Tenley twins! As always with Cara, the writing itself was good. There's fun banter and witty dialogue right alongside military talk and the differences between it and the world of PMC.
"Take me to Poundtown, Sir. Then to Bonneville.
And possibly Fuckistan." - Danny Rose 🤣🤣🤣
What keeps this from being a five star read for me is that it's once again a shorter story. Most of Cara's books have been shorter lately, and I really feel it's a disservice to her storytelling. We aren't getting fleshed out characters or storylines.
The relationship between Danny and Emerson felt rushed. Just because they knew each other professionally for a few months in the past doesn't mean we should just "skip to the good stuff".
I personally would much rather get a couple of books a year that were really fleshed out and told a full story than these shorter snapshots in time that we've been getting lately.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
So basically this story is a flashback timeline-wise in the Caraverse. We start a new series with this book, diving into the men of Hillcroft (the private military company the Tenley twins used to work for). This book focuses on Emerson and Danny, two ex-military men who crossed paths a few years ago.
In this story we get Daddy kink, voyeurism, a sneak peek into the inner workings of Hillcroft, and of course, young Tenley twins! As always with Cara, the writing itself was good. There's fun banter and witty dialogue right alongside military talk and the differences between it and the world of PMC.
"Take me to Poundtown, Sir. Then to Bonneville.
And possibly Fuckistan." - Danny Rose 🤣🤣🤣
What keeps this from being a five star read for me is that it's once again a shorter story. Most of Cara's books have been shorter lately, and I really feel it's a disservice to her storytelling. We aren't getting fleshed out characters or storylines.
The relationship between Danny and Emerson felt rushed. Just because they knew each other professionally for a few months in the past doesn't mean we should just "skip to the good stuff".
I personally would much rather get a couple of books a year that were really fleshed out and told a full story than these shorter snapshots in time that we've been getting lately.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
October 26, 2024
The entire time I was reading this book, I kept saying losing my shit over the glimpses of characters that I know and love and seeing how they all connect. Baby Kit with his parents 😭, the twins, Darius, Elliott. I truly don’t know how Dee keeps the universe in order. I have yet to find a continuity error, which has to be SO difficult when this book pulls in 3? 4? other well established or completed series. She has to have one of those murder walls in her house somewhere.
Now, about the book. I was SO HAPPY to finally get Em and Danny’s story. They are such a huge part of the Tenleys being, well, the Tenleys, and they’re arguably one of my favorite characters in the entire universe. (Yeah yeah, they’re twins but they count as one, and if you’ve read any of the books they’re in you know you agree!)
Tropes: age gap, workplace, medium kink
Now, about the book. I was SO HAPPY to finally get Em and Danny’s story. They are such a huge part of the Tenleys being, well, the Tenleys, and they’re arguably one of my favorite characters in the entire universe. (Yeah yeah, they’re twins but they count as one, and if you’ve read any of the books they’re in you know you agree!)
Tropes: age gap, workplace, medium kink
September 12, 2026
4 🌟
I loved both Danny and Em. They made a great couple with their banter and cuteness. I also love the fact Danny was a little, however, id like to have seen more of it.
I read the game series a couple months ago and have been binge reading Cara Dee’s books ever since. I love we got to see my favourite pair of twins again, in their younger years, so we could see more of their past. Also love how we got a mention of baby Kit in there. The twins were still as funny as ever, even in their 20s.
I love how Cara takes different series and turns them into one big massive family. I love how the found family’s written and we learn more about certain characters in different books/ series.
This book does have Daddy/ Little elements but I wouldn’t go as far as to say it’s a “kinky” book. It was still a great read though!
Onto the next
I loved both Danny and Em. They made a great couple with their banter and cuteness. I also love the fact Danny was a little, however, id like to have seen more of it.
I read the game series a couple months ago and have been binge reading Cara Dee’s books ever since. I love we got to see my favourite pair of twins again, in their younger years, so we could see more of their past. Also love how we got a mention of baby Kit in there. The twins were still as funny as ever, even in their 20s.
I love how Cara takes different series and turns them into one big massive family. I love how the found family’s written and we learn more about certain characters in different books/ series.
This book does have Daddy/ Little elements but I wouldn’t go as far as to say it’s a “kinky” book. It was still a great read though!
Onto the next
October 22, 2024
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
The Story of Danny Rose by Cara Dee hit the spot. A top of his class soldier who is the best at everything he does but has a bit of a temper and sometimes just wants to snuggle his stuffie and needs a hug. Seriously Danny Rose is one of those characters who I want to protect at all costs. Does he need it ? Absolutely not but I want to anyways lol I loved Danny and his Daddy Emerson, and I adored the twins who I assume will be getting a book which I can't wait for! The only thing holding me back from 5 stars is that I wanted more Daddy/little time ( which is something I never thought I would ever write ) but I definitely wish they was more time shown of Danny finding comfort letting go as a little.
The Story of Danny Rose by Cara Dee hit the spot. A top of his class soldier who is the best at everything he does but has a bit of a temper and sometimes just wants to snuggle his stuffie and needs a hug. Seriously Danny Rose is one of those characters who I want to protect at all costs. Does he need it ? Absolutely not but I want to anyways lol I loved Danny and his Daddy Emerson, and I adored the twins who I assume will be getting a book which I can't wait for! The only thing holding me back from 5 stars is that I wanted more Daddy/little time ( which is something I never thought I would ever write ) but I definitely wish they was more time shown of Danny finding comfort letting go as a little.
October 29, 2024
Danny Rose and Emerson Payne! Such an amazing couple and an awesome start to the Hillcroft Group! I am obsessed with the timing of this story (late 90s into early 2000s). I was in seventh grade during these events and remember it all so vividly! I’m looking forward to more in this series and seeing events unfold for this group!
Danny and Emerson complement each other so well. They truly just need each other. Em needs to be a daddy dom and to be fulfilled and have someone to care for. Danny needs to be loved, cared for and have structure. He had a less than desirable childhood and needs the love and support that Em can give him.
Seeing their dreams come true together warmed my heart! I loved their relationship and can’t wait to see more of them in the future! Also, seeing River and Reese in their young age was AMAZING!
Danny and Emerson complement each other so well. They truly just need each other. Em needs to be a daddy dom and to be fulfilled and have someone to care for. Danny needs to be loved, cared for and have structure. He had a less than desirable childhood and needs the love and support that Em can give him.
Seeing their dreams come true together warmed my heart! I loved their relationship and can’t wait to see more of them in the future! Also, seeing River and Reese in their young age was AMAZING!
October 24, 2024
The Story of Danny Rose is book one the Hillcroft Group series.
This is your vibe if you like
Daddy/Boy
Age gap
Military romance
It will come as absolutely no surprise that I ate this up. Absolutely devoured every crumb! Not only did we get Emerson's story (If you read other Cara series you've meet him) but we got the Tenley twins in their prime haha.
I really enjoyed the dynamic between Danny & Emerson. But I think seeing Tenley twins the early days really had my hooked. The story is not theirs, but they get some great page time.
Im looking forward to more from this series and more glimpses at our Cara faves.
This is your vibe if you like
Daddy/Boy
Age gap
Military romance
It will come as absolutely no surprise that I ate this up. Absolutely devoured every crumb! Not only did we get Emerson's story (If you read other Cara series you've meet him) but we got the Tenley twins in their prime haha.
I really enjoyed the dynamic between Danny & Emerson. But I think seeing Tenley twins the early days really had my hooked. The story is not theirs, but they get some great page time.
Im looking forward to more from this series and more glimpses at our Cara faves.
March 18, 2025
I’ve read most of The Game series, and I have complicated feelings about all of it. But I am fascinated by Cara Dee’s writing and immersive stories of kink, so I picked this one up. This was definitely much tamer than The Game, and I wouldn’t even consider it a romance at all. The romance is sidelined in favor of describing the military aspects of the story. It was all about how SAS operatives are trained, like a textbook. It felt like a big info-dump about military stuff that I’m not interested in and don’t care about. So it was very disappointing in that regard. But it was written well and it wasn’t hard to read. Just not what I was expecting it to be.
October 23, 2024
Another sweet Daddy stories with ex military ~
Another good story from Cara. ❤️
The cherry on top? The Tenleys twin in their twenties 😍😍🤩 ! OMG love love and love.
Emerson & Danny are just sweet and fun together ~ fast pace, fast read, just love it.
Ex instructor and ex military reunited years later ! Danny was just so sweet and I love that the daddy kink is not super deep in this story ~ it’s just sweeeeet !
I love the Caraverse 🥰
Another good story from Cara. ❤️
The cherry on top? The Tenleys twin in their twenties 😍😍🤩 ! OMG love love and love.
Emerson & Danny are just sweet and fun together ~ fast pace, fast read, just love it.
Ex instructor and ex military reunited years later ! Danny was just so sweet and I love that the daddy kink is not super deep in this story ~ it’s just sweeeeet !
I love the Caraverse 🥰
October 19, 2024
This is officially one of my FAVORITE Cara Dee books EVER EVER EVER!!!! I love absolutely everything about Danny & Em. Their dynamic is what dreams are made of. Perfect. Just complete perfection. I don't know how to express just how much I loved this book. I squealed, I kicked my feet, I laughed. Just all of the emotions.
Also, seeing so many of my favorite Cara Dee characters in their younger years was AMAZING! I am so beyond excited for the rest of this series.
-Age Gap
-Daddy/Boy
-Coworkers
-Military/PMC
Also, seeing so many of my favorite Cara Dee characters in their younger years was AMAZING! I am so beyond excited for the rest of this series.
-Age Gap
-Daddy/Boy
-Coworkers
-Military/PMC
October 25, 2024
This book has become one of my absolute favorites. I loved every word on every page, and I couldn't read it fast enough or slow enough. I couldn't wait to see how it ended, but at the same time, I didn't want it to ever end.
This author is one of my one click buys. If Cara writes it, I read it. Every single book she puts out is an automatic preorder.
This author is one of my one click buys. If Cara writes it, I read it. Every single book she puts out is an automatic preorder.
December 20, 2024
There was no substance to this book.
February 2, 2025
This book did not work for me. I knew it was a military romance going into it, and it had a strong start for me. I really liked Danny and Emerson, thought they were good characters. But, there were so many explanations about military info, and it got to be too much for me. And it took forever for anything to start between them. However, I really like the cover and the writing style was good.
September 10, 2026
Tropes and Themes :
Daddy / LB
Age gap
Military
PMC
What I liked / loved :
I mostly read this book for the glimpses of the Tenley twins and Darius. I yet have to read the twins’ story, but I’ve loved them in the Auctioned and the Renegades series. That’s where I’d met Emerson and Danny, so it was nice to read their story too, even if the daddy kink somewhat ruined a part of it for me. But I still loved to see the beginnings of Emerson and Danny, how they got together, and how it all developed at Hillcroft Group and how it began for Darius, the twins and even Elliott. The passage with Darius was awesome, it was just him being himself, the guy who’s so posed, unyielding and not showing anything. I loved the allusions to his future, and that one, « He was a natural gray man », LOL! He sure will be Gray-ed a couple decades later. Or that one « If your job is to bring someone home or escort someone to safety, that’s your one and only task—and you don’t do anything to jeopardize it. »
Since the story is set in 1998, it was interesting to see all the allusions to the past, like Clinton and his mistress, the shit brewing in the Middle East, the guesses about the next war when we know how tragic it got with 9/11, and the aftermath. All stuff that was already mentioned in the other series with how it changed things for all these characters in the army or as PMC. Btw, the bit of epilogue set on 9/11 gave me chills. I clearly remember breastfeeding my first son that day, watching some game on TV, and the program was interrupted with breaking news and images of the first plane crashing into the tower, then hugging my baby while tears fell.
What I disliked / hated :
I was expecting a lot of action to be honest. To be taken back to strong plots like those of Auctioned and Renegades, so I’m quite disappointed in this one. There’s no secondary plot to the romance building between Em and Danny.
The lack of optimism. It is so clear that they’ve wanted each other for so long and it’s good that their relationship starts quickly, but there’s always that pessimism that authors need to add in every book. They’ve barely started that Em keeps thinking, « the day he goes away ». Of course, it can’t be all clear and sorted out from the beginning, and the relationship has to develop, but why always think about the end?
« The day he walked out was going to hurt. »
« I’ll be here until you walk out and don’t return. »
Well, the daddy kink. That’s just getting less and less my cup of tea in Dee’s books. Though it wasn’t as bad as it was in Power Play, or worse, in Just Sign Here.
And then one point: we’re being teased about Em having changed his name from Sinclair to Payne to get away from a scandal in which his father was involved but we never learn why or what happened. Why mention it if it’s not explained?
Dee’s recurrent expressions
The blunt nails
Characters :
Emerson Payne: 40yo, born 1958 then, 2 brothers, one died in 1985, the other is in army, one sister. Born in London, school years in DC, enlisted as an SAS operator at 22
Danny Rose: 28yo, born 1970, former soldier with an attitude but who was excellent at the job, huge ego, speaks 4 languages
Leighton Watts: book 2, not met in this book
Bo Beckett: book 2, not met in this book
TJ Daniels: born 1972, Terrance’s son
Quinlan Winters: Arthur’s son
Arden Sinclair: Em’s younger brother
River and Reese Tenley: twins, 20 in this book. Reese is the loud one.
Darius: from Auctioned series
Terrance Daniels: started the Hilcroft group
Arthur Winters: started the Hilcroft group, died in 1988
Paul: another Operator whom Em goes to support for the end of an operation in Kabul
Elliott Jones: from the Renegades series, a young soldier in this book.
Full story (spoilers ahead) :
Em and Danny, I met in Auctioned and The Renegades series where they appear as an old, solid couple. They managed the PMC Hillcroft Group.
This book is set in 1998. Em has just met the Finley twins who are 20, and is taking them to his cabin in the mountains. As they get closer, Em’s attention is dragged to printed notes here and there, with intel on him, and when they reach the cabin, someone is there. He recognizes Danny, a soldier with an attitude who’d given him nightmares the two months he’d spent around him a few years ago.
Danny has a big ego, is quite full of confidence and knows how good he is. He’s also handsome af. He taunts Em and pushes him with intel he’s not supposed to have but admits he got it from Arden, Em’s younger brother. As soon as the twins are back with the car, he sets off to the closest town where he calls Arden from a phone booth, pissed off that he’d divulge such information. Arden says that Danny already knew a lot and he was cautious to also get intel about Danny who wanted to know where he could find Em, where he worked and if he has started a family. He also advises him to read Danny’s file which he faxes to him, from a different perspective, ie from a daddy dom. From the file he mostly learns that Danny had a shitty and abusive childhood, which gets to him.
Back home, he has dinner with the guys, and them having discussed while he was away, the twins ask for some similar training Em had given Danny. They’re not in a similar geographical location but Em comes up with a scenario and the twins leave for 12 hours right after dinner.
Em has guessed that Danny wants to become a PMC but Em has doubts on his capacity to erase a decade of military behaviour where soldiers operate in troops and learn to work on his own or in much smaller groups with little to no back up. Danny’s anger, rising from abandonment, a sad childhood and his constant need for competition and validation has him almost run away but Em pulls him into a hug and keeps him there until Danny relaxes, Em himself at war with his own needs and desires, and some obvious attraction too. As Em prepares Danny’s bed, yielding to his own protective and caring daddy kinks, he spots a stuffed animal in Danny’s bag, which sets on his kinks even more.
The next morning, Em is alone and just as he starts cleaning up in the lake, naked, Danny returns from an errand on his bike, bringing back breakfast. Em can’t help questioning whether Danny is gay, if he could be a Little, though Arden seemed to be certain. The progress is fast and his resolve weans off quickly as he openly calls Danny Little One. After the twins are back from a sleepless night and they have breakfast, the twins go to sleep and Em watches Danny get clean in the lake. It carries on with kisses and sex in the orchard, with the twins watching.
After a couple days back home, with Danny instantly sharing Em’s room while the twins have their own, Em takes Danny to the Hillcroft building for an interview with the boss, Terrance Daniels. He passes the interview easily with interesting views on geopolitical issues, potential future conflicts, and America’s situation and involvement in good and bad things. He also comes out right away for both of them.
Over the next two weeks, Danny starts his training and a routine is set while their relationship develops, BJ in the morning shower, breakfast, work, bonding with the twins, sex in the evening, dates. One evening, Em tells Danny about a guy he recruited thanks to a story he told him about Danny, it’s Darius, and Danny would like to befriend him. Then Em is sent on a mission in Kabul for two weeks.
Two weeks later, Emerson is back to the US with Paul, another operator. At a bar in Norfolk, Em meets Elliott Jones who’s still a soldier then. When they finally make it back the next day, Em goes to the classroom where Danny is attending a tactics course, and during a break, they have a private moment to hug and kiss. Danny is extra happy with the stuffie Em bought for him in Norfolk. That night, after dinner with the twins, they close their door for privacy for once and have sex.
A month later, Em is having lunch with Darius who’s about to go on a mission. Danny shows happy because he excelled at all the tests he took. He asks advice to Darius about how to be grayer and Darius explains that he needs to train a lot to learn how to not show emotions, or to show other emotions he wants. The conversation is full of allusions to Auctioned. The next Monday, Em w tchèque a sparring class where Danny faces both the twins. That night, the twins reveal they won’t go to Ecuador for the final tests in November because the higher ups want them to train more for higher positions in management. Later, Em and Danny confess their love, Em asks him to permanently move in with him.
Epilogue
In November, Danny passes the test in Ecuador, returning first after the two week trek alone in the jungle.
In August 1999, Em and Danny are looking at houses to buy where they could have their farm of rescue dogs. The twins are back from four months in Qatar and close to graduate.
In July 2000, they live in their house with their rescue dogs. Upon getting to work, they overhear an argument between Terrance and his son about pushing again the twins’ test in Ecuador, and their need to have more contractors and more instructors.
In April 2001, the twins are back from Ecuador having finally graduated as operators. Em considers them as family, like sons.
In September 2001, the 11th, they’re at work when the news of the planes hitting the world trade centre and the pentagon hit. The US is at war.
In May 2002, they’re extracting some information in Afghanistan, where they’ve been for four months. They get what they’re after and their own extraction is done by the twins who are flying a Blackhawk and they don’t even have the certification.
In September 2002, they’re about to go on another mission and have a drink at a bar where Em meets Elliott again, and decides to recruit him.
Daddy / LB
Age gap
Military
PMC
What I liked / loved :
I mostly read this book for the glimpses of the Tenley twins and Darius. I yet have to read the twins’ story, but I’ve loved them in the Auctioned and the Renegades series. That’s where I’d met Emerson and Danny, so it was nice to read their story too, even if the daddy kink somewhat ruined a part of it for me. But I still loved to see the beginnings of Emerson and Danny, how they got together, and how it all developed at Hillcroft Group and how it began for Darius, the twins and even Elliott. The passage with Darius was awesome, it was just him being himself, the guy who’s so posed, unyielding and not showing anything. I loved the allusions to his future, and that one, « He was a natural gray man », LOL! He sure will be Gray-ed a couple decades later. Or that one « If your job is to bring someone home or escort someone to safety, that’s your one and only task—and you don’t do anything to jeopardize it. »
Since the story is set in 1998, it was interesting to see all the allusions to the past, like Clinton and his mistress, the shit brewing in the Middle East, the guesses about the next war when we know how tragic it got with 9/11, and the aftermath. All stuff that was already mentioned in the other series with how it changed things for all these characters in the army or as PMC. Btw, the bit of epilogue set on 9/11 gave me chills. I clearly remember breastfeeding my first son that day, watching some game on TV, and the program was interrupted with breaking news and images of the first plane crashing into the tower, then hugging my baby while tears fell.
What I disliked / hated :
I was expecting a lot of action to be honest. To be taken back to strong plots like those of Auctioned and Renegades, so I’m quite disappointed in this one. There’s no secondary plot to the romance building between Em and Danny.
The lack of optimism. It is so clear that they’ve wanted each other for so long and it’s good that their relationship starts quickly, but there’s always that pessimism that authors need to add in every book. They’ve barely started that Em keeps thinking, « the day he goes away ». Of course, it can’t be all clear and sorted out from the beginning, and the relationship has to develop, but why always think about the end?
« The day he walked out was going to hurt. »
« I’ll be here until you walk out and don’t return. »
Well, the daddy kink. That’s just getting less and less my cup of tea in Dee’s books. Though it wasn’t as bad as it was in Power Play, or worse, in Just Sign Here.
And then one point: we’re being teased about Em having changed his name from Sinclair to Payne to get away from a scandal in which his father was involved but we never learn why or what happened. Why mention it if it’s not explained?
Dee’s recurrent expressions
The blunt nails
Characters :
Emerson Payne: 40yo, born 1958 then, 2 brothers, one died in 1985, the other is in army, one sister. Born in London, school years in DC, enlisted as an SAS operator at 22
Danny Rose: 28yo, born 1970, former soldier with an attitude but who was excellent at the job, huge ego, speaks 4 languages
Leighton Watts: book 2, not met in this book
Bo Beckett: book 2, not met in this book
TJ Daniels: born 1972, Terrance’s son
Quinlan Winters: Arthur’s son
Arden Sinclair: Em’s younger brother
River and Reese Tenley: twins, 20 in this book. Reese is the loud one.
Darius: from Auctioned series
Terrance Daniels: started the Hilcroft group
Arthur Winters: started the Hilcroft group, died in 1988
Paul: another Operator whom Em goes to support for the end of an operation in Kabul
Elliott Jones: from the Renegades series, a young soldier in this book.
Full story (spoilers ahead) :
Em and Danny, I met in Auctioned and The Renegades series where they appear as an old, solid couple. They managed the PMC Hillcroft Group.
This book is set in 1998. Em has just met the Finley twins who are 20, and is taking them to his cabin in the mountains. As they get closer, Em’s attention is dragged to printed notes here and there, with intel on him, and when they reach the cabin, someone is there. He recognizes Danny, a soldier with an attitude who’d given him nightmares the two months he’d spent around him a few years ago.
Danny has a big ego, is quite full of confidence and knows how good he is. He’s also handsome af. He taunts Em and pushes him with intel he’s not supposed to have but admits he got it from Arden, Em’s younger brother. As soon as the twins are back with the car, he sets off to the closest town where he calls Arden from a phone booth, pissed off that he’d divulge such information. Arden says that Danny already knew a lot and he was cautious to also get intel about Danny who wanted to know where he could find Em, where he worked and if he has started a family. He also advises him to read Danny’s file which he faxes to him, from a different perspective, ie from a daddy dom. From the file he mostly learns that Danny had a shitty and abusive childhood, which gets to him.
Back home, he has dinner with the guys, and them having discussed while he was away, the twins ask for some similar training Em had given Danny. They’re not in a similar geographical location but Em comes up with a scenario and the twins leave for 12 hours right after dinner.
Em has guessed that Danny wants to become a PMC but Em has doubts on his capacity to erase a decade of military behaviour where soldiers operate in troops and learn to work on his own or in much smaller groups with little to no back up. Danny’s anger, rising from abandonment, a sad childhood and his constant need for competition and validation has him almost run away but Em pulls him into a hug and keeps him there until Danny relaxes, Em himself at war with his own needs and desires, and some obvious attraction too. As Em prepares Danny’s bed, yielding to his own protective and caring daddy kinks, he spots a stuffed animal in Danny’s bag, which sets on his kinks even more.
The next morning, Em is alone and just as he starts cleaning up in the lake, naked, Danny returns from an errand on his bike, bringing back breakfast. Em can’t help questioning whether Danny is gay, if he could be a Little, though Arden seemed to be certain. The progress is fast and his resolve weans off quickly as he openly calls Danny Little One. After the twins are back from a sleepless night and they have breakfast, the twins go to sleep and Em watches Danny get clean in the lake. It carries on with kisses and sex in the orchard, with the twins watching.
After a couple days back home, with Danny instantly sharing Em’s room while the twins have their own, Em takes Danny to the Hillcroft building for an interview with the boss, Terrance Daniels. He passes the interview easily with interesting views on geopolitical issues, potential future conflicts, and America’s situation and involvement in good and bad things. He also comes out right away for both of them.
Over the next two weeks, Danny starts his training and a routine is set while their relationship develops, BJ in the morning shower, breakfast, work, bonding with the twins, sex in the evening, dates. One evening, Em tells Danny about a guy he recruited thanks to a story he told him about Danny, it’s Darius, and Danny would like to befriend him. Then Em is sent on a mission in Kabul for two weeks.
Two weeks later, Emerson is back to the US with Paul, another operator. At a bar in Norfolk, Em meets Elliott Jones who’s still a soldier then. When they finally make it back the next day, Em goes to the classroom where Danny is attending a tactics course, and during a break, they have a private moment to hug and kiss. Danny is extra happy with the stuffie Em bought for him in Norfolk. That night, after dinner with the twins, they close their door for privacy for once and have sex.
A month later, Em is having lunch with Darius who’s about to go on a mission. Danny shows happy because he excelled at all the tests he took. He asks advice to Darius about how to be grayer and Darius explains that he needs to train a lot to learn how to not show emotions, or to show other emotions he wants. The conversation is full of allusions to Auctioned. The next Monday, Em w tchèque a sparring class where Danny faces both the twins. That night, the twins reveal they won’t go to Ecuador for the final tests in November because the higher ups want them to train more for higher positions in management. Later, Em and Danny confess their love, Em asks him to permanently move in with him.
Epilogue
In November, Danny passes the test in Ecuador, returning first after the two week trek alone in the jungle.
In August 1999, Em and Danny are looking at houses to buy where they could have their farm of rescue dogs. The twins are back from four months in Qatar and close to graduate.
In July 2000, they live in their house with their rescue dogs. Upon getting to work, they overhear an argument between Terrance and his son about pushing again the twins’ test in Ecuador, and their need to have more contractors and more instructors.
In April 2001, the twins are back from Ecuador having finally graduated as operators. Em considers them as family, like sons.
In September 2001, the 11th, they’re at work when the news of the planes hitting the world trade centre and the pentagon hit. The US is at war.
In May 2002, they’re extracting some information in Afghanistan, where they’ve been for four months. They get what they’re after and their own extraction is done by the twins who are flying a Blackhawk and they don’t even have the certification.
In September 2002, they’re about to go on another mission and have a drink at a bar where Em meets Elliott again, and decides to recruit him.
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