Alistair wasn’t the kind of man to let the bad keep him down. His ex-wife may have left and taken his kids, but when his little brother offered him a lifeline, he took it and pulled himself back up. He joined a temp company, started working again, and did what he could to heal after a military mission gone wrong. He doesn’t expect to face his issues so soon, but when Isaac asks him to help a friend, the least he can do is give the man a ride. Right?
Elijah just wants to help others. It’s all he’s ever wanted. But with powers like his, powers that unnerve people, he’s learned the best way he can help is by keeping his distance. But when a plumbing disaster leaves him homeless, he finds himself crashing with one of the few people he considers a friend, along with said friend’s grumpy older brother with arms like a fantasy and eyes full of shadows. And when the brother decides he needs protection? He can totally resist a man like that. Right?
Not all telepaths are bad, Elijah just wants to help, Alistair has hit rock bottom, it’s all up from here– right?, Alistair gets protective, some things aren't as they seem, give Elijah alcohol and hilarity ensues, accidental bonding, Alistair is okay with it, Guaranteed HEA
6 ⭐️ Honestly this series is amazing, it quickly became one of my favorites. I have 0 complaints about it. I wish I would have the ARC for the next book in it, but oh well. You will find that my reviews for each and every book might look very similar, it is because I wrote them all at the same time after I finished the books since I binge read them all in a span of a couple of days. They were addicting. Now now now for our lovely, sweet, cinnamon roll chocolate brownie fluffy pancake Elijah 😍 I just want to say that I would, easily and in a heartbeat, fight all supernaturals for that ginger freckled hazel eyed man. I am IN LOVE with him. I swear he made everything better. He is so powerful yet precious at the same time. Every time he smiled cutely I smiled with him like a lunatic 😁 And let me tell you, hot silver haired big ass Alistair is one sexy man 🤤 drool worthy. Argh I just want to lie like a mat under him and drool. The sex scenes might be my favorites from this series ❤️🔥 The way they helped each other, soother one another, and just trusted and loved each other was so sweet and heartwarming ❤️ Honestly 10/10 no complaints, amazing writing, good chemistry, all in all, again and again, chef’s kiss 😚 (honestly at this point, author if you are reading this, the chef doesn’t only deserve a kiss, they deserve a good passionate loving scorching hot fucking against the nearest wall, and I say this in the least creepy way, and the most loving one. I’m sending hugs and kisses towards you 😗).
Its real hard to say which book I liked the best in this series but this one is really at the top. I had so many feels reading Elijah's plight being a telepath and really the most hated person living. He just want to have people in his life...just friends and not be lonely. He is so sweet...smh...so when I first was introduced to him in the previous books, I did feel sorry for him a bit and wished he had his chance. Well fate put Alistair and him together and their romance was sweet. Alistair had his own issues with his magic and somewhat was hesitant to get close to Elijah but all those reservations came crumbling down. Elijah was just too sweet and genuine of a person to not to trust and love.
I will say their romance was whirlwind...came together quickly and I love it...no push n pull...no misunderstanding or secrets. I enjoyed their journey and their HEA. 5STARS!!!!!!
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was disappointing. I liked the characters and the plot for the most part but felt like the author cut too many corners on the story. There was way more telling than showing.
Plus, it annoyed me that being in a relationship magically made Elijah's magic acceptable.
And finally, the laziness of not researching anything about how permits work when you get a big home repair. No one jumps on a floor to prove the fix will hold. A qualified building inspector makes sure things are done to code.
Also... the loyalty interviews gave me the heeby jeebies.
Sadly, this didn't work for me and I rushed through.
The latest in the series delves into Elijah the Spellbounds telepath who does everything in his power to not read the minds around him. Alistair is home from being a battlemage for years and now dealing with the repercussions. When he and Elijah open up to each other they learn to trust and be truly accepted as they are. This one had quick love imo which worked for the characters yet I still felt it should have been at a slower pace due to their past trauma. I would have liked to have seen more interaction with Alistair and his children along with the others who to me should have protected him. the Spellbound team shows how loyal they are and it was nice to see them interact with one another as their mating bonds have settled throughout the series. I cannot help but wonder who is next to get a story from this universe.
I love this series! Another banger ☺️ ahhh the gentlenesses, the cutest! Our telepath finally found his match and I couldn’t be happier. Allister came with a lot of baggage, scratch that they both do. But when fate is involved and mate wind is in the air all is possible. There was trauma, hurt and uncertainty, but also love and as we all know it concours all!
These two were so adorable with each other. So much so that I found myself a little irritated when the focus shifted off their relationship.
I also wish that some things weren't glossed over and just told, I would've liked to have seen the binding ceremony with Al's family.
Was Issac a part of the circle during the magical healing? Did Al start living with Eli after they bonded?
I would've also liked more love declarations aside from that singular time. And worst of all... how dare the author tease me with a " will you marry me?" That is completely disregarded and not brought back up?!?!?!?!?! That almost annoyed me enough to lower my rating by a lot but I love the couple too much to let it get to me. 😭
It was so nice to see Eli be appreciated and I loved how instantly devoted Al was ( thought it's just me but I would've loved to see a little more of that jealousy that was hinted at)
So overall, I wanted more focus on the romance but there was still enough there that made this highly enjoyable, the MCs were so lovable and there was no drama and angst between them. 🥰
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The Telepath's Associate is the 5th book in the Charmed Away Temp Agency series. In my opinion this series is best read in order. This is the story of Elijah a telepath and Alistair a broken battlemage. I really loved these two, who both have serious issues to work through. I loved watching the guys become a couple. I had tears at some points as I read this book because I just wanted to reach out and hug both Elijah and Alistair. Amy Padilla does such an amazing job of bringing the characters to life. I can't wait for the next book in the series. I would definitely recommend this book and series. received a free review copy
Oof that was a lot of hate. I think that was worse treatment than the dragon. I liked Alistair and his possessive protectiveness despite his own problems. Would've liked to see more on the Tony and Alistair side. The group is growing and I am forgetting who is who. Whole lot of hate and fear, whole lot of sweetness and support.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Sweet, cute, two broken men who find each other and make the other whole. Great way to spend a couple of hours, low angst and just a general fluffy story to make you smile.
Here's Amy Padilla's "The Telepath's Associate" is the fifth novel in her latest series, Charmed Away Temp Agency.
["Alistair wasn’t the kind of man to let the bad keep him down. His ex-wife may have left and taken his kids, but when his little brother offered him a lifeline, he took it and pulled himself back up. He joined a temp company, started working again, and did what he could to heal after a military mission gone wrong. He doesn’t expect to face his issues so soon, but when Isaac asks him to help a friend, the least he can do is give the man a ride. Right?
Elijah just wants to help others. It’s all he’s ever wanted. But with powers like his, powers that unnerve people, he’s learned the best way he can help is by keeping his distance. But when a plumbing disaster leaves him homeless, he finds himself crashing with one of the few people he considers a friend, along with said friend’s grumpy older brother with arms like a fantasy and eyes full of shadows. And when the brother decides he needs protection? He can totally resist a man like that. Right?"]
And the bonus tags (because they're arguable better than the blurb itself): ["Not all telepaths are bad, Elijah just wants to help, Alistair has hit rock bottom, it’s all up from here– right?, Alistair gets protective, some things aren't as they seem, give Elijah alcohol and hilarity ensues, accidental bonding, Alistair is okay with it, Guaranteed HEA."]
I cannot believe I ever disliked Elijah. Granted, it was only for a few chapters and that was books and books ago. But this man, this poor man, deserves all of the cuddles and cocoa. All of it.
So does Alistair.
They've both been through sooo much, and together, they were able to heal. It was beautiful to experience. They helped each other overcome previous traumas and help each other regrow their confidence. Plus all of the found family?! D: This book was glorious.
As was all of the wine. ;)
Trigger Warnings: trauma, PTSD, POW, flashbacks, disability, violence, guilt, discrimination, and more.
This is the fifth book in the Charmed Away Temp Agency series. It can be enjoyed as a standalone read but I would highly recommend that you read the series in order. It is the same group of recurring characters in all of them. This is the story of Alistair and Elijah. Alistair is Isaac's big brother. He was a war mage who was taken prisoner and tortured. He now suffers from PTSD and has been released from the military. He has to start over to rebuild his life so his brother takes him home and helps him get a job with the same temp agency - Charmed Away. This will give him exposure to many trades and business while he learns what he wants to do. Elijah is a telepath. He is one of the good ones but no one seems to want to find out. He suffers from people reacting with fear and hate once they know what he is. No one wants to be his friend nor touch him in case he reads their mind. His only steady com[anion is Helios his maine coon. And in that relationship, the cat is definitely the boss. When busted pipes force Elijah and Helios from their home, they end up staying at Isaac's home. Then fate gives them a push when Alistair is assigned as a temp at Spellbound and ends up working for Elijah. This is their story. The book is very well written and easy to read. I loved seeing how the trust slowly built between them. Alistair started taking a protective roll and wanted to help Elijah. He quickly realized that Elijah was a people pleaser and was taking measures that were hurting him in order to make others comfortable. Good thing that a war mage has little problem getting their point across to those that disrespect Elijah. I especially liked how they lifted each other up. And there are a few people that I have added to the list that I hope karma will take of. They deserve everything that is coming to them. I received a complementary advanced review copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review. To be honest, I have really enjoyed this series to date but I have to say that this is my favourite book out of all of them. I loved the found family joining with the blood family. Another excellent book in this series.
The Telepath's Associate is the fifth novel in Amy Padilla's Charmed Away Temp Agency series. It can be read as a standalone, although there's so much backstory and previous MCs cameoing in. Reading the books in order provides a richer experience. The world hates and distrusts telepaths, and Elijah suppresses his magic as much as he can to make people like and are comfortable with him. The suppression is slowly killing him. Elijah needs friends and a hug. Actually, lots of hugs. Alistair was a battlemage, taken prisoner and tortured tortured by an enemy Elf telepath. Living with his brother, Isaac, and Isaac's dragon shifter mate, he works at Charmed Away until he has an idea of what he wants to do with the rest of his life. Contracted for a temp job at Spellbound, Alistair's protective side kicks when he sees how the other employees treat his new boss, Elijah. Despite initially fearing Elijah, he makes it his mission to get others to see the kind and caring man, rather than a telepathic monster. There's lots of humor in the story (never give a telepath wine) with found and blood family. Just a tad bit of angst, Elijah is touch starved and Alistair misses his kids. Lots and lots of hugs and cuddling. And a cat, Helios, to rule them all. This was my favorite of the Charmed Away books. And yes. I have said that about each one. The found family is awesome and the story lines are all interweaved. There are at least two more books in the series (well Spellbound has lot's of employees and executives). So a real big yay from me and greedy hands for the new stories. Light and fun. A quick read. I read a lot of advanced copies, but I snuck this one to the head of the line. It was that anticipated and did not disappoint. I received an advanced copy of this book from the author and this is my review.
I really enjoyed this. Now, just in case anyone else does what I did - I jumped into this one without reading any of the others in the series - then you can do so without feeling lost at sea, you’ll just get spoilers for the previous couples and some company stuff.
I’m also a sucker when an MC has a pet, and her Elijah has the most spoilt Maine Coon, Helios. It was just a nice little addition.
This book is excellent hurt/comfort, for both MCs. Poor Elijah is treated like a pariah due to his magic whilst Alistair has severe PTSD to the point he doesn’t trust his own mind and has to wear magical suppressors. Seeing how they comforted each other whilst being super protective of one another was lovely. Also, Elijah was severely touch starved so Alistair pretty much spoils him in that regard.
This isn’t a super sex filled book, fine by me, as I’m in a low spice mood right now. But the scenes are hot. I’m glad it was focused on the emotional connection and getting them both better - Elijah has his own, plot spoiler, issues health wise too.
Could it have been better? Yes, I’m a vengeful soul and frankly Alastair’s ex wife/her family needed some actual consequences rather than a firm telling off. Plus, arranged marriages where both parties are miserable- like why did Granny historically allow this when it’s clearly making people unhappy? I don’t like it when family members don’t answer for their past actions. Also, Elijah’s has a brother, and that issue was still outstanding at the end.
So I enjoyed the MCs and their relationship, I just needed some wider closure which didn’t happen. I think I will look at the other books, maybe pick up Alistair’s brother’s one next.
The Telepath’s Associate Charmed Away Temp Agency Book Five By Amy Padilla
Two more books! It isn’t over yet thank goodness. I am not prepared for this series to end.
We’ve seen both Elijah and Alistair before in previous books. We knew Alistair was traumatized after his military service and that Elijah wasn’t treated well by most supes. I still wasn’t prepared for the frustration and upset that filled me as I read their story. From how Alistair was literally left behind by the military when they couldn’t “fix” him to how his coworkers treated Elijah based on their biases. Ugh.
Do you know what made up for all that? The SPARKS between Alistair and Elijah. Oh my goodness! From the very beginning there is something flowing between them even with Alistair’s magic locked down by the bindings. Oh I absolutely adored how Alistair stood up for Eli from the very beginning!! Once he realized that he could trust him, Al was all in as Eli’s friend. When he realized what Eli was doing for others and he said no more, oh my gosh I was fanning myself it was so powerful. The energy between these two, I think it completely melted the pages in my ebook. Either that or it melted my brain and turned my heart to mush. I stayed up all night! Well actually I couldn’t sleep and so I got up to read for a bit and then stayed up to finish the ENTIRE BOOK! Amy Padilla is amazing! This series is rocketing to the top of my favorites list.
* I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.*
Alistair is a battle-scarred veteran rebuilding his life after heartbreak and trauma. With his ex-wife gone and his kids taken, he finds purpose again through a temp agency and his brother Isaac’s support. He’s not looking for emotional entanglements—until a simple favour for Isaac introduces him to Elijah, a man whose quiet pain mirrors his own. Elijah has always wanted to help, but his telepathic powers make others uneasy. Isolation feels safer—until a plumbing disaster forces him into close quarters with Isaac’s gruff, guarded brother. Alistair’s protective instincts awaken something Elijah thought he’d buried: hope, desire, and the possibility of being truly seen.
I loved this story with the military trauma that Alistair had endured, as well as the loneliness and restrictions that Elijah was enduring. Alistair’s instinct to protect meets Elijah’s deep need to be accepted. But both are terrified of what that intimacy demands. I loved that their emotional defences clashed—Alistair’s stoicism versus Elijah’s vulnerability—but also complement each other. Alistair offers safety; Elijah offers emotional truth. The story becomes a slow unravelling of armour: Alistair learns that strength includes softness, and Elijah discovers that being seen doesn’t always mean being feared. This was an MM story with mature content.
It's hard to say which of these incredible Charmed Away stories are the funniest or my favorite because they all qualify! I loved Elijah and Alistair's relationship development. Poor Elijah was so shunned by the supernatural community because very few people ever took the time to get to know him due to his species identification as a telepath. His slow burn relationship with Alistair was sweet and seemingly pure. Alistair was so patient with Elijah as they explored one another and everything they were feeling. And once Alistair's serious protective instincts really kicked in, the story really took an interesting turn. I hated to see all the bullying and mistrust so many of Elijah's co-workers showed him, but I was so happy to see his growing found family within Alistair & Isaac's bubble. He finally found that piece to fulfill his need for company to combat his ongoing loneliness.
The biggest disappointment for the book to me was the lack of resolution for Elijah & Hugo's relationship as brothers. They both deserved more than a few cursory scenes together, although that may be addressed further in the following book which appears to be Hugo's story.
The Telepath's Associate was a fantastic read and a perfect addition to the Charmed Away Temp Agency series. I love this collection of MCs and their interactions with one another. The stories are just so much more fun in a series format with lots of interacting characters that you can grow to love.
I received an authorized copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
SO sweet omg. been waiting for eli's story and was NOT disappointed. plus also forgot alistair is isaac's brother and that was delightful also.
thoughts n feelings: -the rest of the books in this series all kind of follow a similar structure -- person meets person, they're fated mates but they don't know about it, there are issues until they figure that out -- and i'm rly glad this one didn't do that bc i was getting real tired of it. -this story was really sweet and the conflicts didn't really have to do with the main relationship directly, which I usually prefer -- I usually really like the main relationship to be solid and for the conflict to kind of happen around them and that's how this was. -i literally never say this but honestly....I could've done with more intimate scenes. like idk but whenever we start w a a character who has no sexual experience I feel like more scenes are needed while they're learning. probably just personal preference tho -really wanted more resolution with Eli's relationship with his brother, but I assume that'll be addressed in the next book since it's abOUT his brother
TLDR: cute and fun and lighthearted, no complaints
Fifth in series (Charmed Away Temp Agency), can be read as a standalone but might be more fun if read in order. Paranormal. Close proximity. Hurt/comfort. Found family. Dual POV.
Everyone keeps their distance from Elijah, being a telepath isn’t easy, but then he meets a protective mage that overcomes his own fears to help Elijah. Alistair is trying to get his life back on track, and when he realizes Elijah needs someone in his corner he is determined to be there for him, especially as feelings between them grow.
Both Alistair and Elijah have had hardships to overcome and are still struggling, but somehow together they are stronger with each other's unconditional support. Alistair and Elijah are likable characters, surrounded by supportive friends and family, and fall immediately for each other in the sweetest way. I do wish we had more background about Elijah’s brother Hugo, and more time spent with Alistair’s kids. Overall, I enjoyed their quick courtship, their mutual acceptance and protectiveness, and how their story became an HEA. 4.25
This is book 5 in the series, and while it can be read as a standalone, why not enjoy them all. This one features Elijah and Alistair. We met Elijah when he was sent to help Maverick and Isaac. Being a telepath, he is often shunned and misunderstood. Alistair is Isaac’s brother and he is staying with Maverick and Isaac to help with his recovery after being discharged from the military. Isaac told Alistair he should join Morana’s team at Charmed Away for jobs. One morning Elijah was getting ready for work when his ceiling caved in due to leaky pipes. When Isaac heard what happened, he opened up his home instead of staying at a hotel. When Elijah and Alistair met, Alistair was nervous as Elijah is a telepath. But as time went on, Alistair was more comfortable with him. I loved the way that Alistair was so protective of Elijah, especially after he was hired as his assistant. These two just clicked and we also find out how Alistair had to put on magic blockers to see his children. I love this world and cannot wait to read more in this series.
I loved the first few books on the series, but it is clear it has lost it's stride. I can talk about the lack of charachter depth and growth, but I would rather focus on a primary focus of this book which really frustrate me. the major plotpoint is that Elijah is tasked with doing loyalty interviews (that is what they are officially called) -- that is see an employees thoughts and feelings about the company. The started motive is that in a previous book some guy some company secrets and formed a competing company so they are afraid there are spies. Am I crazy or outs that absolutely bonkers?? These interviews are "optional", but not really at all because you will essentially be fired if you don't consent. They present this whole thing as perfectly rational and that the company is awesome. The whole time Alistair is like I really don't see what is good about this company and I totally agree. That is crazy and has to violate numerous labor laws. Also whose loyal to a company anyways??? Give me a break
Telepath Elijah has lead a very lonely life as his ability is usually misunderstood by others so they don’t engage with him unless absolutely necessary. Alistair is a former battle mage whose life is crippled by PTSD causing marital collapse and isolation from his family. Circumstances having these two wonderful me crossing paths and it’s not long before they both feel the growing connection between them and start to explore their newfound relationship. They also find themselves working together and Elijah certainly brings out the very protective nature of Alistair. There’s a couple of little twists that keep things interesting as well as characters from previous books who can’t help themselves from getting involved. My favourite scene, which had me in hysterics, is Elijah after having indulging in a wine or two. He’s just so cute! I found myself fully immersed in this book and was left with a very happy heart when Alistair and Elijah got there well deserved HEA.
I love the Charmed Away series and I think this might be my favourite so far - I may have said that before, but they do seem to get better and better. Elijah has been a side character for a while and his problems with everyone being scared of him are not news. I felt so sorry for him. All he has ever done is try to put people at ease and now we get to see the effort he has put into that. Alistair is Isaac's brother and is also a returning character. Suffering from crippling PTSD he has made just as much effort to keep others safe. This is a sweet story of building trust and helping one another through difficulties. Both of these guys are so protective of each other, it made my heart so happy. Amidst the heartache, there were some genuinely laugh out loud moments, especially after a glass of wine. Some plot twists definitely kept everything interesting and it was great to catch up loads of old friends from Spellbound Inc as well. I really hope there's more to come
I adore Elijah completely. Such a big heart, so compassionate, chronically lonely and touch-starved. Seeing him previously in the series, I so wanted him to get his HEA and The Telepath's Associate did not disappoint. Alistair has also appeared briefly before in The Dragon's Aide, his brother Isaac's book, and it made sense that he also had a chance to find his happiness at Spellbound. My heart actually broke for both of them, with what they've both been through and continued to endure. They were both very strong people, even though neither of them believed that about themselves but absolutely could see that about the other. They truly were better together, complementing each other perfectly. Alistair was fiercely protective of his telepath and Elijah helped ease all his battlemage's pain. I love their backstories, I loved their romance, I loved seeing all the other familiar faces from the series, and I loved seeing Elijah drink wine.
I've read every single book in this series and loved every single one of them for their own merit, but this one really hit home. Seeing two beautiful, broken people who struggle with their own deep seated hurts find each other and be so determined to help each other was so beautifully powerful. Eli struggles with trying to please everyone but constantly being shunned and avoided to the point where he is so starved for connection. Alastair is a broken war POW struggling with severe PTSD and flashbacks. The struggles of both men were written so well and with a well of depth and understanding of both the issues and the stigma surrounding them. The humor of things balanced the heartbreak and emotional trauma and the HEA was the perfect dessert. I one-thousand percent recommend this book (and this series).
I enjoyed this sweet story. Elijah leads a lonely life as people have always been unnerved by his abilities. He does not have many people he can count on but one such person is there to help when he needs it. When Isaac gives him a place to stay it turns out that Alistair is also staying there. Soon the two begin a tentative friendship which begins to turn into something more. As the two spend more time together emotions begin to take shape. Alistair begins to see the good in Elijah and not the monster that others see. The two are good together and it was nice to see the way their story plays out. Both men are much stronger than they believe and together they find a way to work towards healing. Their story moves at a nice pace and has a good mix of emotion and angst making this a nice addition to The Charmed Away Temp Agency series.
I waited months for this book to come out, and I was so disappointed. I absolutely loved this series and was so excited to finally read Elijah's story, but the author seemed to have been unable to connect with the characters. Elijah's dialogue is extremely repetitive; it's basically the same thought process the entire book with very little character growth, especially pertaining to his confidence. It just seemed the author's story didn't flow like the previous books, and everything felt forced. The author tried to throw in some twists at the end, I'm guessing to try and keep the story interesting, but the twists were way too late in the book and were totally unnecessary. I was shocked at the decline of this book because the previous books in this series kept getting better and better.
I've enjoyed most of this series. it's sweet, mostly fluffy, and fun. I was looking forward to this one as Elijah has gotten the bum end of the deal with no one wanting to be near the telepath. And I really wanted to see Alistair, Isaac's brother, get better. But the 1st time they get together is under the influence, which slides into non-con. The scenes before that? Adorable and hilarious as the side effects of the alcohol on his magic are definitely unconventional. But drunk or tipsy steam scenes do not belong in otherwise consenting stories. It ruined the whole book. Alcohol prohibits true consent. Had they just cuddled through it and decided to take their relationship to the next level the next evening? Sure, 100% behind that. I really wish authors would quit with alcohol induced steam in books.
Elijah is a telepath that has gone to extreme measures to stifle his powers just to make everyone else comfortable. This is affecting him negatively but he won't stop. He has a very valid reason for doing this that made me choke up. I could feel his pain and loneliness. 😪 He's a selfless person and I liked him from the beginning. 😍Just don't let him drink because then things get hilarious. 🤣
Alistair is a retired military man who's broken inside. He experienced something terrible and now just to stay sane, he wears suppression bands. It allows him to somewhat function but it keeps him separated from his magic. Even with all this, he's still a really good guy. 🙂 He unconditionally accepted Elijah from day one and I loved that about him. 😍
These two are perfect for each other. The relationship felt authentic. Their chemistry is sweet, romantic and hot. I love that through the whole series the author kept the characters from the previous books involved. 😍The story was so good I couldn't stop and read it in one setting. I liked the mission that Elijah is involved with and the outcome. This is my favorite book of the series. I highly recommend this book, series and author. 😀
Yet another wonderful story involving the amazing characters from Spellbound and the Charmed Away Temp Agency. This one was a tad confusing in places, but everything unwound & resolved rather beautifully in the end. I loved how several seeming coincidences turned out to be connected in unfathomable ways. Alistair and Elijah were great for each other, even though both were wary & guarded for their own safety & reasons. With a lot of help from their families & friends (found family from work), they found their way through so many obstacles that popped up in their way. Can't wait to come back for more stories of love centered in this company & cast of characters. Heat, heart, humor, and home are woven throughout this tale, and some interesting trust-building ideas. Looking forward to more.