Always Waiting

Always #2

by Lee McCormick, R.S. McKenzie

Sometimes love is worth the danger.

Atlas

The sins of my past have chased me all my life, and now they’re colliding with the one thing I want the most. Calvin is perfect. From the moment I saw him, I felt drawn to him—to his light, his smile, his warmth.

We both have secrets, and deadly people are working together to keep us apart as those secrets come to light. I’m willing to do anything to protect the one thing I want to be mine… whatever it takes.

Calvin

I’ve lived a quiet life the past few years. With my past, quiet suits me just fine. Then Atlas blows into my life like a whirlwind, making me think I can have something more. That I don’t have to live without feeling.

When my past rears its ugly head and my secrets are exposed, I know I have to protect Atlas from the fallout. I just hope we come out the other side unscathed.

~~~

Always Waiting is a Dual POV dark MM romance featuring a retired killer and a nurse with a dark past willing to do whatever it takes to keep each other safe. HEA guaranteed.

Genres: M M Romance, Dark, Dark Romance, Contemporary, Nursing, Serial Killer, Found Family

274 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 10, 2026

About the author

Lee McCormick has been writing since they were very young, and they've finally found the courage to offer up some of their favorite ideas to the world. Parent to two amazing kids and three pretty fantastic dogs, they've always been fascinated with dark romance and love that transcends time and reason.

When they aren't busy working on their novels, you can usually find them browsing queer romance recommendations or playing a video game. 

Reviews

[Whitney · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️
Atlas + Calvin 🖤
Contract killer | Nurse | Age gap | Silver fox | First times


A 50 year old killer that hasn't been on a date since before his adult son was born and the younger nurse who always ends up working the ER anytime the family has "construction accidents".

Been waiting for daddy Atlas's book since we met him in North's book. I liked it. I liked it for sure. But it did lack a little for me compared to book 1.
It was very refreshing to see a book where both MCs were celibate for a long time and took sex seriously rather than one or both of them just fucking anything that moved.

I look forward to Wylder's book.



⚠️ potential spoilers below in detailed tropes, content and warning lists






Tropes/content:
Nurse
Contract killer
Age gap (37 and 50)
Silver fox
Buys him flowers for their first date
Drives him home after long shift so he doesn't fall asleeo at the wheel then picks him up for his next shift
Fuck it moment
Reassurances
Atlas was married to a woman before she was killed
Calvin is divorced and his ex is the only person he's ever slept with
Both MCs dont believe in hook-up culture and have been celibate for a long time
Atlas's first time with a man
"Sweetheart"
Rimming
Hurt comfort
Supply room BJs
Cum as lube
Outdoor sex
Calvin wasnt a damsel
Doctor patient roleplay
Strict roles
Epilogue 1 month later - didnt really learn anything about their future, roleplay scene, they already moved in together earlier in the book



Warnings:
Stab wound to MC
Atlas's wife (his sons' mom) was murdered
Threats to both MCs lives
Crazy drug dealing ex who escaped prison
On page murder to bad guys
Emotional man flipping tables and breaking dishes
Grief



Bigger spoilers:
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Calvins best friend gets murdered by his ex
Mitchell, Calvin's ex husband gets killed
Keegan, the man who killed Atlas's wife gets killed at the end of the book
Calvin quits the hospital his friend was killed at

[Laura Lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Always Waiting is book two in the Always series. This MM dark romance story is about Atlas and Calvin.

After seeing North’s dad Atlas show interest in nurse Calvin in book one, I couldn’t wait to get their story. Atlas is a fifty year old retired contract killer. He is drawn to Calvin, a thirty-seven year old nurse with a dark past. It was refreshing to see them take the time to really get to know each other. I especially enjoyed their sweet moments, and Atlas for sure had me swooning. Their chemistry was amazing and they were so hot together.

Atlas and Calvin both find themselves in danger, and I loved how protective and supportive they were of each other. I also loved getting more of North and Ranen, and Wylder and Mateo definitely have me excited for their story.

[Renae Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this fun and entertaining romance between Nurse Calvin and hired killer Atlas. These two could not be more opposite in personality, and watching them navigate their growing feelings for one another creates such a fun dynamic.

I also enjoy the fun antics Atlas and his sons get into. Everyone knows there is a slight danger to this growing relationship, but Calvin and Atlas cannot deny their mutual attraction to one another, which creates such a great story that I could not get enough of. Overall, this was a story that kept you invested while anxiously anticipating the next entry.

[kaye taz · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.3 ⭐️
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
format: ebook

i just knew atlas and calvin’s book would be great. their chemistry was off the charts and i loved how fierce and protective they both were of each other. i also loved getting to see north and ranen again—and getting a sneak peek at what’s to come in wylder’s book. truly cannot wait for him and mateo.

side note, that role play scene at the end might be the hottest thing i’ve ever read. dear god.

tropes:
age gap
nurse/contract killer
touch him and die
pansexual awakening

[S.S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was reading always watching book and at ch 5 just read the small Convo between atlas and calvin.......my god I just ran to check if they have a book.....mymymy and yes there is going to be a book about them 😃 I'm so happy.

[Christina Sturgill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5/5 🌟
Spice: 3/5 🌶️
Heroes: Atlas and Calvin

I have been so excited to get Atlas's story since book one and this absolutely did not disappoint.
It's dark with lots of violence but also has a ton of swoon, sweet and soft romantic moments, and steam. It had me laughing, giggling and kicking my feet, blushing, and cheesy smiling from start to finish. We also get some really touching family scenes that hit me right in the feels.

Atlas is hunting down the people employed by the man responsible for his wife's death. He's also a bit hung up on the nurse he met at the hospital (in book one). When a distracted moment leads him back to that hospital, he decides to take advantage and convince said nurse to go on a date with him.
Calvin is the nurse and while he finds Atlas very attractive, he's a bit reluctant to date again. He's divorced and his ex was a horrible person that kept secrets from him the entire time they were together. He's scared to open himself up to that again. He's also a bit helpless to say no to Atlas though so he eventually agrees. And they are a perfect match despite both of them keeping secrets from one another. Those secrets do eventually come out though, mostly because they are forced to when Calvin's ex becomes a problem.

I ate this up in one sitting. Calvin was sweet, smart, supportive, and I loved that he wanted to be part of everything right alongside Atlas. And I was obsessed with Atlas. He carried a lot on his shoulders, was the perfect gentleman, but also showed a bit of vulnerability and insecurity at times. And I absolutely love how involved he was with his boys.

I'm so intrigued and desperate to get Wylder's story now!

[Seraphina Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always Waiting
Always book 2
Lee McCormick & RS Mckenzie

Calvin & Atlas


Oh my, this was fantastic

After reading always watching with North and Ranen I could not wait to read this with atlas and Calvin

These two were so good. Their chemistry and attraction was everything

Atlas was so smooth. He had his eye set on Calvin and was willing to go the extra mile for him

I love the mystery and intrigue in this

I also adored seeing North ans Ranen and Wylder again too

Also looking forward to learning more about Mateo 👀

Lee McCormick and RS Mckenzie can do no wrong. I love when they co write together

This was so good. Sweet spicy lots of plot and mystery.

Can't wait for more from this world

So thankful for this arc

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited for this book ever since I had read book one, Always Watching last year. We had caught a glimpse of both Atlas and Calvin in book one and I just knew I was going to love seeing their story come to life. If you haven't read either of these, then I highly recommend you do!

Atlas is a retired killer who still dabbles in the murder business, but only if he needs to. His wife was taken from him twenty years ago and he has yet to track down her killer and seek out his revenge for her death. While he knows who it is, the coward stays in hiding and refuses to show his face again. So, Atlas keeps taking out his minions little by little to send him a message that he will never give up trying to find him.

He met Calvin in the first book, who works as a nurse in the hospital he went to visit Ranen in, who is his son's boyfriend. From that moment on, he has been drawn to Calvin and wanting to get to know him. He makes him feel things he hasn't in so long. Calvin has his own demons and thought he had rid himself of them. But the closer he gets to Altlas, the more those demons come to light.

I loved these two together. I loved how they supported one another, how they stuck together and only got closer despite everything thrown at them. How possessive they were of eachother. It was also nice seeing North and Ranen again, along with the other brother Wylder. This was an overall great read and I am so looking forward to Wylder and Mateo's story!

[theshadyivy · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🫦🫦🫦

After reading North’s story, I couldn’t wait to finally dive into Atlas’s. My expectations were high — and I was especially curious to see how his journey would unfold.

One of the things I loved most was how naturally Atlas accepted his attraction to a guy. There was no unnecessary inner conflict or drawn-out denial; he simply acknowledged his feelings and leaned into them. His quiet pining for Calvin felt genuine and heartfelt, which made their dynamic soft yet emotionally engaging.

Compared to North and Ranen’s story, this one felt more moderate in tone and intensity. While I enjoyed the character focus and emotional development, I found myself wishing for a bit more action and tension to raise the stakes. A few additional twists or high-pressure moments would have made the story even more gripping for me.

Still, it was a satisfying continuation, and I appreciated getting to see Atlas’s side of things unfold.

🔪 MM
🔪 Age gap
🔪 Serial unaliver
🔪 Crime mystery
🔪 Found Family

43/26

[Katelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like a 3.75.

[Aleja · Rating 4 out of 5]

MM romance | Age gap (38/50) | Nurse / hired killer | Hurt / comfort | Spicy times | Opposite attracts | Found family

Tengo que decir que este libro me gustó muchísimo más que el primero!

Calvin y Atlas estuvieron geniales. Me encantó cómo su relación fue escalando poco a poco hasta convertirse en lo que es. Los primeros capítulos, con ese coqueteo de ida y vuelta, me tenían chillando de la emoción! Además, las escenas de tensión y acción estuvieron muy logradas y me mantuvieron enganchada en todo momento.

Definitivamente, Atlas nos tiene tanto a Calvin como a mí a sus pies. 🫠🫠🔥

Amo que ya pudimos ver quién será el interés amoroso de Wylder. Estoy muy emocionada por conocer más a Mateo y descubrir cómo terminará cruzándose con Wylder. El 2027 no puede llegar lo suficientemente rápido! 😭

〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️

I have to say, I liked this book way more than the first one!

Calvin and Atlas were amazing! I loved how their relationship slowly escalated into what it eventually became. Those early chapters with their back-and-forth flirting had me literally screaming! The tension and action scenes were also great—they kept me completely hooked.

Atlas officially has both Calvin and me at his feet 🫠🫠🔥.

I love that we finally got a glimpse of Wylder’s love interest. I’m so excited to learn more about Mateo and how he ends up with Wylder. 2027 cannot come soon enough! 😭

[DeeReads412 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love when Lee and RS come together to tell a story! They write together so seamlessly and create pure magic on the page. This book is no different.

I was so intrigued by Atlas and Calvin when we met them in the first book, and man they did not disappoint! Atlas is so protective, and would do absolutely anything for his family. Calvin has such a sweet nature and huge heart, but also has backbone of steel people underestimate.

My absolute favorite part of this book was that Atlas and Calvin understood each other so thoroughly. They listened to each other, and always acted together (even if it went against Atlas' protective nature most of the time). They always respected each other’s needs, and that created such a strong bond between them.

Calvin was so strong. Having survived something that would have broken most people, he picked himself up and kept living his most authentic life. Atlas was happy with his son's but Calvin brought him happiness after being alone for so long. Their love story may not have been conventional, but they carved it out together and that is what made it so beautiful!

[Alia · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is nothing I didn’t love about Atlas and Calvin, Mr Sinclair and Nurse Hayes. They are couple goals. How Calvin wanted to be included and to be recognized as Atlas’s partner and how Atlas was onboard with it melted my heart. There is an age gap, but because they are both already older they had great communication. The spice was perfect. They waited a bit, but not too long. I a looking forward to book 3.

“I don’t just love you, I need you. You’re my world, Altas Sinclair. My whole fucking world. “

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love it when two men knows what they want and that's each other 🥰 a perfect read for Valentines Day. I liked the plot, loved the found family. I'm excited to read Wylder's book!

[TJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s like Calvin is the sky, and I feel completely untethered to the world beneath me. I don’t need that, though—I don’t need an anchor, a tether. If I can leave the ground, if I can float in his atmosphere for the rest of my life, I’ll be happy to do it. Calvin can be my sun, my moon—my entire universe. I want to be helpless in a world where there’s nothing else. - Atlas

Nurse and Killer meet in ER post son-in-law(ish) assault. One saves lives, one ends them. Killers don’t quit and the date is secured. Challenges are overcome and the nurse is fullofcum. The past is eventually closed so their future can begin.

My Very Amateur Opinions
I can’t decide which I like better, Atlas & Calvin or North & Ranen. I surprised myself by reading two longer books back to back, my attention span is NOT that great, so that says something! One of the things I liked was how Atlas has never been with a man, but it’s not the center of attention, it just is what it is. No big bi-awakening, no internal or external homophobia, it’s just another thing he’s learned about himself. I did cry a couple times reading this one, apparently I’m a crybaby but that’s fine by me. The spice was nice, not over the top but what they did switched up at least, loved the variety and the passion you could feel between the two. The story flowed well and nothing felt like it was super unnecessary to have in the story. Ranen was even more of a sweetheart in this one. I enjoyed the back and forth with Wylder and Mateo, but I don’t do well with books that don’t have both MCs obsessed and lovey immediately so we’ll see but I’m sure it will be good. I loved how Atlas didn’t fight Calvin being part of everything that went down. North owned Ranen in book 1, but I think Atlas would let Calvin own him for sure. Really appreciated the scene with Atlas begging *yes please*. Atlas’ dirty talk was everything. I just really enjoyed this one. Is it bad that I wanted flashbacks to Atlas meeting Julia and Atlas discovering Julia's passing? I love how they wrote in a way you can feel exactly what they're feeling and wanted a front row seat to Atlas' feelings in those moments.

Overall: 4.5/5

Calvin Hayes:
I’m not ashamed of the way I’m begging—I’d get on my knees every day for him if he wanted. I’d wake up every morning with a prayer on my tongue just for him. - Atlas
37, divorced, nurse, likes feminine clothes and makeup

Atlas Sinclair:
He gave me back who I am and helped me become who I wanted to be. - Calvin
50, widow, owns a construction company, semi-retired killer

Trigger/Content Warnings:
- Violence, Murder, Assault
- Mentions of deceased partner (past)
- Death of a side character(s) (on page)
- Terminal Illness of a side character(s)

Tropes/Themes:
Age Gap, Nurse x Semi-Retired Killer, Hurt-Comfort, First Time with a Guy, MM Romance, Rescue/Save

Sugar, Spice, and Everything Nice Naughty:
I drop my hand between us as I roll him over, slipping three fingers into his stretched hole as I do. “Do you feel that?” I lean down, whispering my words against his lips. “That’s both of us inside you. Mixed together… you and me.” I slick my fingers through the mess of our combined cum until he’s shivering and arching up, and he fixes his fucked-out gaze on me. - Atlas

- First Time with a Guy
- Anal (Bareback)
- Super employed, they have all the jobs: Blowjobs, Handjobs, Rim jobs
- Fingering, gloved and ungloved ;)
- Smexy time with a chance of being caught in semi-public
- Outside sex
- Multiple orgasms
- Strict roles
- Cum as lube, Cum play
- Grinding
- Doctor roleplay


Major Side Characters:
- North:
“What’s wrong? Do I need to come home?” And then, after a pause, “Did North kill someone he shouldn’t have again?” - Wylder
Atlas’ son, works with Atlas at his construction company, willing to murder anyone who touches Ranen. Messy, murdery psychopath. We love North.
Always Watching, (Always #1)
- Ranen:
“Atlas is mostly retired, so it won’t be too much. North calls him sometimes, though. He has a hard time letting people who bother me live.” - Ranen
North’s partner, essentially Atlas’ son-in-law, sweetheart, cam boy
Always Watching, (Always #1)
- Wylder:
“Good to see you again. Though I wish it wasn’t with my dad ready to bend you over a counter.” - Wylder to Calvin.
Contract killer, Atlas’ son, Portrays as an emotionless void but seems more likely that it’s just been shoved into the world’s tiniest box but his trauma warrants it.
Always Wanting, #3 not yet released
- Mateo:
“I try to avoid him.” “You know you love me, Princess.” “I’ll slit your throat while you’re sleeping, Wylder.” - Mateo & Wylder
IT genius, “Princess”, Might kill Wylder, might fuck Wylder, both seem equally likely ;)
Always Wanting, #3 not yet released

“Love how you say my name,” he whispers, his hand tightening on my back, as if to make sure I don’t leave the circle of his arms. Like I’d imagine going anywhere else. “Say it again.” I breathe a chuckle, but a moan cuts me off when Atlas grips my hip in a way that makes my toes curl. “Fuck, Atlas.” “There you go,” he whispers before dipping back in to kiss me more. - Calvin

The Boring Stuff:
Book #2: Standalone, but better to be read up order (Always series)
Published 10 Feb 2026 at 274 Pages
Read 25 Feb 2026 via Kindle Unlimited
1st Person, Dual POV



Reviewer Note: I think I give stars away way too easily but I can’t help myself. It can be safely assumed all of my reviews are from books that the animal lives, are 1st Person, have a HEA, and have no intimate or spicy scenes with anyone/thing other than MC(s) unless otherwise detailed. I try to rate books objectively if they have something I don’t typically like (i.e. Break Ups, SA, 3rd Person, Single POV, Sharing Partners). If it’s still written well the author deserves the praise but I will make note to avoid for myself in the future. I do my best to mark different triggers/warnings as well as the intimate acts performed in case anything listed/done might not be something you would want to read. If M/M, Age Play, Interspecies, Insta Love, Erotica, MPreg, or Incest are something you actively avoid, you are probably better off avoiding most of the books I review.

DNF: Something off, couldn’t finish because of it. Maybe me, maybe the book.
1 Star: Just.. Just no, thanks. Do not recommend it. Need mind eraser.
2 Stars: Oh that was something but it was not something for me or the author really fell short on this one.
3 Stars: Decent, enjoyed enough. Hit marks it was supposed to but something turned me off from it.
4 Stars: Really enjoyed it, better than I though it would be. Would recommend.
5 Stars: I can see myself reading this again. Thoroughly enjoyed. Would recommend.

[Julia (bookish.jka) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"He melts against me, his body moulding perfectly to my front, and I realize how whole I feel for the first time in a long time. All those missing pieces suddenly realigned in the shape of him."

Always Waiting is the second book in the Always series by Lee McCormick and R.S. McKenzie and whilst I love both their individual writing styles, their co-writes never quite hit the same mark for me.

This is Atlas and Calvin's story, and whilst this book has dark elements, it wasn't what I'd call a dark romance. The sweetness and honest communication between these two added to the romance, even with the revenge trope playing out in the background.

Whilst this can be read as a standalone, you really need to read the series in order (book 1 and book 3 are the brothers, North and Wylder's stories - Calvin is their father) to appreciate the overarching story arc and the characters' roles within that.

What To Expect:

🖤MM romance
🖤Revenge trope
🖤Spicy first times
🖤Dark themes
🖤Opposites attract
🖤Age gap
🖤Found family
🖤HEA

Looking forward to Wylder and Mateo's story in Always Wanting.

3.75 stars rounded up

[369Pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️
If you read book one, you’ll know that North’s silver fox dad, Atlas, absolutely had a thing for the nurse at the local hospital. This book follows their story!
Atlas is persistent in his pursuit of Calvin, and Calvin is happy to be pursued 😈

This book was actually quite refreshing! Though it dealt with a lot of dark romance content like:
-m*rder (check TW)
-dark pasts
-action and violence

It also had a shockingly healthy relationship. These two aren’t toxic with each other at all. Their communication is great. They respect each other. They’re thoughtful about each other’s needs. They’re honest. I loved that 😂

This book also has:
-age gap 38/50
-nurse / hired killer
-attentive older MC
-a friendly murder family
-getting back at evil people

Though the plot was basic and easy to follow, it was satisfying for both MCs, and got me excited for the next book. I loved that the dynamic between Calvin and Atlas was fresh and healthy!

[Wicked River Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series so much!!! I’ve loved Calvin ever since we were introduced to him in book one as Ranen’s spit fire no nonsense nurse and Atlas is so smooth for a killer who has raised killers!! I loved their dynamic and I really appreciated that Atlas wanted to make sure there were no lies between them before anything truly developed. The morning coffees were sweet and their communication was great to see! They established themselves as a team and made sure to uphold this when times got hard. I really liked that Atlas paid enough attention to Calvin to know when he may need someone or something other than him to help Calvin through his difficult times. These two dealt with a lot of past trauma and seeing them get through it in current circumstances together was nice. I always have a good time when North and Wylder pop up! I’m excited for book three!!

🩵ARC REVIEW🖤

☑️ Trigger Warnings

[The Naughty Booknook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Atlas, every time I read him, say sweetheart. I think my heart melted just smidge. Something about reading an older character that says sweetheart just gets to me every single time. I'm not sure why, but it just does. And Calvin, I really loved the few glimpses we got of him in book one. Their dynamics together were perfect. The sexy scenes were smoking hot and how their painful pasts brought them even closer well lets just say justice was served.

I am beyond excited for Wylders and Mateo's book because I have a feeling that one is going to be ride.



❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
🔥🔥🔥🔥

[True Loveislovereview · Rating 5 out of 5]

Atlas Sinclair is a fifty-year-old killer, he has probably killed more people than Calvin saved. Atlas is damn handsome and charming.
Calvin Hayes is thirty-seven, he’s a nurse, he met Atlas a few times at the ER, he did try to resist him, but at some point he couldn’t anymore, the man is too damn magnetic.

Atlas is ten steps ahead of the present; he’s head over heels; he imagines Calvin as his, with security, in his home. He can’t kidnap him, but gosh he would love to.
Both men have something to hide. Dangerous pasts. When those pasts collide, it could break their relationship; instead, this is exactly what made it unbreakable.

As a team Atlas, Calvin, and Atlas’ sons, have to fix what’s wrong, and oh my goodness fasten your seatbelts.
It’s harsh and cruel, there’s angst, but in between there’s Calvin and Atlas’ love that gets stronger by the day.

Wow, I loved this strongly-written story, it was balanced, with enough room for romance, and enough room for the harder parts. I loved the whole content. The MCs were solid personalities and so lovable, the sons were hugely interesting. I didn’t read book 1, but bought it right away.
These two authors, what a great combination!

[Mariansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was just as amazing as book 1!
It’s thrilling, spicy and with some snarky moments that I just loved!
Love Atlas so much, and the way he just knows Calvin is his! Without hesitation!
Calvin was a surprise. I did not see his protective side coming 💛 Love the dynamic between them!

[Leilani Noack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this book was so…amazing. I couldn’t put it down (I’m definitely going to go back to North’s book) but I love Atlas and Calvin so much. I cried during a certain death but I’m so glad that Calvin had someone like Atlas and his sons in his life. I can’t wait to read Wylders story.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving Again

Dee’s Grade: A

These two both unexpectedly find love again after losing their first love for different reasons. Calvin was great as he was no damsel and he was ten toes down for being Atlas’s partner in every way.

[SM2024L · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF @45%
The characters are plain, plot is not exciting. Just meh

[Ziezie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Wren Vale · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved book one in this series, North and Ranen are something special.
Atlas and Calvin however, all holy h*ll, this pair are phenomenal.
Calvin is happy hiding in his work, living a low key quiet life and successfully out running his past. Atlas is having none of it. His Heath has told him Calvin is his and he's stopping at nothing to show Calvin this.
Hot and heavy whilst also sweet and romantic!

[Cecilia · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️

I’m not going to pretend this was good but I’m also not going to pretend like I didn’t download it the day it came out and read it in less than 24 hours.

[Sara Husser · Rating 5 out of 5]

💙☠️One kiss is enough to make me realize Calvin is worth breaking every rule I've ever made🩸🖤

"Do you think making a body so you can call an ambulance counts as building a relationship on a lie?"

"My entire torso is covered in scars, knife wounds, bullet wounds. A few burn marks. It's a map of all the ways I've put myself in danger over my lifetime, and all the ways I've cheated death when I knew the bas**** was coming for me."

"Being in the hospital and realizing that I still have it in me to flirt, that someone can still make me feel something...well, it made me realize I'm more than tired. I'm lonely."

"S***, when was the last time I felt nervous? I didn't think killers were supposed to feel nervous. I didn't feel this was when I was killing someone."

"One kiss is enough to make me realize Calvin is worth breaking every rule I've ever made."

"Well, then I'll decide if Calvin is the kind of man I can bring home, when home is a place filled with dead bodies and blood."

"You could burn my entire world to the ground, Calvin. I'm giving you the keys to my fate because I think there's something here between us, something real...but I refuse to build it on a lie."

"You gave me back pieces of myself I didn't know still existed, but they were right here. In your heart."

"I love you so much, it's almost a physical ache. I don't just love you, I need you. You're my world Atlas Sinclair."

"It's not kidnapping if he's a willing adult who got into the car to begin with, right?"

This was such a fantastic follow-up to Always Watching. I have been waiting for Daddy Sinclair and his story! The plot in this was great and had me engaged the whole time. The emotions had me in my feels. The spice was spicing 🔥🔥🔥. This duo of writers always does a great job of drawing you in and making you love everything they write 😍.

This story follows Atlas and Calvin. We met these two in the last book when Ranen was hurt. Calvin was his nurse and Atlas kept flirting with him in the hospital. Atlas never stopped and Calvin finally gave in and went on a coffee date. This led to more dates and they quickly fell hard and fast. Atlas didn't want to hide who he is and what he does anymore. Calvin ends up needing space to process, but then his demons come back to threaten him. With Calvin's ex-husband who escaped from prison on the lose, and the hitman who stole Atlas's wife's life targeting them, who will make it out alive?

Calvin and Atlas were so adorable, sweet, and sexy. The chemistry between these two was scorching but sweet 🥵🥵. I love how protective they both were of each other. I love how Calvin wanted to be his equal and learn how to protect Atlas. Seeing Atlas teach him some survival skills made me swoon 😍. Their relationship had a few bumps in the road, but their trust and loyalty made their relationship flourish. The spicy scenes were also delicious 🔥🥵😉😏. These two deserved their HEA. To see Atlas finally at peace, avenging his wife's murder was everything.

I loved seeing Ranen and North again. They will always be my favorite couple. It was so funny when North saved the dog for Ranen 😂. I can't wait for Wylder and Mateo's book. Those two are an interesting and fiery couple already. This family is so adorable and I loved seeing Calvin fit right in with them. Such a fantastic series so far. 🖤💙☕️🏨🏪🥼🩸🔪☠️

[Alex's Books and Brews · Rating 4 out of 5]

ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨
𝔸𝕝𝕨𝕒𝕪𝕤 𝕎𝕒𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘
𝕃𝕖𝕖 𝕄𝕔ℂ𝕠𝕣𝕞𝕚𝕔𝕜, ℝ 𝕊 𝕄𝕔𝕂𝕖𝕟𝕫𝕚𝕖
Always book two

𝕆𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕒𝕝𝕝 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ℙ𝕝𝕠𝕥 📚📚📚📚
𝕊𝕡𝕚𝕔𝕖 🌶🌶🌶

I was excited for Atlas and Calvin after the first book, and their story wastes no time picking up. From the start, there’s tension, secrets, and that undeniable pull between them. Both men are carrying things they’re not proud of — and when those truths are finally trusted to each other, it doesn’t weaken them. It strengthens them. Their relationship isn’t built on perfection, it’s built on choice.

Atlas has crafted this monster persona — the man who believes in bullets, in control, in being feared. But Calvin quietly dismantles that image. He sees the father. The protector. The man who loves fiercely. Watching Calvin break through those walls without trying to change who Atlas is — just loving him fully — was such a powerful thread through the story.

What stands out most is that Atlas is a father first. His boys are his priority, and that depth adds weight to every decision he makes. Calvin fitting into that family (and his friendship with Ranen) brings a warmth that balances the darker elements beautifully.

We are reminded that Atlas is older, but wow - for an inexperienced old dude he sure can deliver a hell of a lotta spice! And not to spoil anything, but Dr Sinclair? Whew! What a way to end!

The main conflict resolves fairly quickly, but the strength of the story is in the build-up and the family unity. It’s about standing together. About refusing to see the man you love as a monster.

And now I am more than ready for Wylder and Mateo. Their dynamic already feels different… and I need to see how that unfolds.

[VicReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝙰𝚕𝚠𝚊𝚢𝚜 𝚆𝚊𝚒𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐

🄰🅁🄲 🅁🄴🅅🄸🄴🅆

4.5/5 ⭐️
1/5 🌶️

↓↓
Ok Daddy!!!! I love a silver fox, they just do something for me. Add in a little dark side but also an absolute gentlemen and you have yourself a perfect man, aka Atlas. He really deserved to find someone who loves and accepts him for him.

Calvin is just the sweetest. He was a little apprehensive in the beginning but I love how he opened up and could look past Atlas job as a "retired" contract killer. Atlas really showed up for Calvin with the coffee's, the dates, the little things that he did to show he cared.

For this to be a bit of a darker book with some heavy topics at times, these two surprisingly had a nice, sweet, toxic free, relationship. It worked really well for them, it was like the world around them was going to shit from their past but when they were together it was as if nothing else was happening.

One of my biggest thing is communication, is it a turn on, eh who knows, maybe. But these two, had me squealing with joy with their impeccable communication. It took a little time for them to open up about their past but once they did, there was never any doubt of lies or secrets between them.

North and Wylder are absolutely hilarious and the connection they have with their dad is incredible. They accepted Calvin for their dad and in to the mix with no questions asked. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book!

𝕋𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕤 / 𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝔼𝕩𝕡𝕖𝕔𝕥
🗡Revenge
🖤 Hurt/Comfort
🗡Killer x Nurse
🖤Age Gap
🗡Protective/Possessive x2
🖤Found Family
🗡Pan-Awakening