Ammo and Enchiladas

Border Crossing #2

by B.A. Tortuga

A Border Crossing Novel

After a night at the movies in Albuquerque, NM, Brantley’s best friend, Matt, is shot right in front him during a robbery. Stunned and devastated, Brant tries to help Matt’s husband, Travis, deal with the funeral details even as he struggles with his own grief and Travis’s blame. When Travis’s best friend arrives, Brant is both annoyed and grateful, because he is so darn tired and can use the help.

Lex Espana is ashamed to admit he hasn’t seen his childhood best friend since Travis’s wedding. He’s even more amazed that he barely remembers Brant from that wedding, because he’s sure interested now. While it’s weird to fall for someone at a funeral, his feelings for Brant are real and make him long for a life he didn’t realize he was missing.

Neither Lex nor Brant knows how to be part of an us, though, and they both have a lot to work through before they can settle in. To become a real couple, Brant and Lex will have to dig deep to get past the roadblocks in their relationship.

Genres: Romance, M M Romance, Gay, Contemporary Romance, Military Fiction

213 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 11, 2019

About the author

Texan to the bone and an unrepentant Daddy's Girl, BA Tortuga spends her days with her hounds and her beloved wife, texting her grandbabies, and eating Mexican food. When she's not doing that, she's writing. She spends her days off watching rodeo, knitting, and surfing Pinterest in the name of research. Following their own personal joys, BA and Julia heard the call of the high desert and they now live in the New Mexico mountains. BA's personal saviors include her wife, her best friends, and coffee. Lots of coffee. Really good coffee.

Having written everything from fist-fighting rednecks to cowboy daddies to werewolves, BA does her damnedest to tell the stories of her heart, which is committed to giving everyone their happily ever after. With books ranging from hard-hitting BDSM, to fiery passions, to the most traditional of love stories, BA refuses to be pigeon-holed by anyone but the voices in her head.

Reviews

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4.25 stars

Ammo and Enchiladas is the follow up to another great book in the Border Crossing series, Bombs and Guacamole. When I got the opportunity to review this one, there was no doubt I wanted to read it and B.A. Tortuga has written an awesome second installment. I love the way she breathed life into Brant and Lex. These guys were real. Their grief, their exhaustion, their need to be there for Travis…it’s all so well written. The dialogue is natural and smooth. I’m not sure if I’d classify this as insta-love, but it’s close. That also feels real. It never gives off the feeling of a “quicky” situation. These guys are in it all the way.

Brant and Lex are good men. They’re noble and supportive, both with Travis and with each other. They’re both very strong. Brant is a nurse who had served in the military, and Lex is a cop, so they’ve been through a lot of stressful situations. In fact, Lex played a pretty important role in Bombs and Guacamole. I don’t want to give anything away, but that was very stressful. I also love the absolute dedication Brant and Lex have to their friends and each other. These guys are just so easy to like and root for.

Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.

[Serena Yates · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Ammo and Enchiladas’ is about as crazy a title as ‘Bombs and Guacamole’ – and not just a perfect fit for another book in this series, but also a great title for the kind of balance between sadness and hope, laced with lots of humor, that BA Tortuga is so good at writing. Angst and sadness are fighting for balance with new love and hope for a future together, and with a lot of local details (especially all the yummy food!) it makes for an entertaining read despite the underlying grief about the life of a good friend suddenly lost and coming to terms with a new reality without him. The “ammo” part of the title is really only present at the beginning, this volume is mostly “enchiladas” – well, that and other enjoyable kinds of food.


Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.

[Kendra Patterson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Brant was a medic in the army and after a life changing injury he became a RN for a pediatric Dr office. He decided to move to New Mexico to be close to his best friend Matt. On the BFF's movie night Matt is shot and killed leaving Brant to blame himself.

Lex is a police officer that is best friends with Travis, Matt's husband. He's come to help Travis with the funeral and to support him in his grief.

Brant and Lex met each other at Travis and Matt's wedding but didn't make an impression on each other. Now meeting again at the funeral sparks fly. Brant and Lex are dealing with losing Matt and Travis's grief. Lex decides to move to be with Brant and the easy relationship turns not so easy.

This story could've been great IMO. The story would've been way better if the author hadn't chose to kill off Matt. A serious injury or just a visit from Lex could've gotten the couple together. Instead the death, the way people deal with the death and the way Brant doesn't deal with Lex's job made for a depressing story. Throw in some really cheesy dialogue bordering on cringe worthy and this was a difficult book to finish. There was quite a bit of incomplete and run-on sentences noted. The book has a good premise but it didn't hit the mark for me. This is the only book of B.A.'s I've read and I'm sorry to say it didn't work for me. When I noted that this was book 2 I was excited to check on book 1, but now not sure I'm going to. Hopefully this is just a miss for me and others will like it.

ARC received for an honest review.

[Denise H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lex and Brantley find unexpected love !
Matt has been killed at a gas stop, and life long friend, Brantley, saw it from inside the car. Travis is Matt’s husband, who is devastated. Lex, is Travis’s friend and goes there to help him through. Lex and Brantley, 30s, are fast friends.
Ex-soldier, blonde Brantley, a buff Pediatric RN,

already has a busted hip and trauma from Army combat.
Lex is a Cop, dark hair and built,

fresh from the bombing that occurred back at his job.
Travis is grieving and angry, and lashes out at Brantley. Lex understands, but continues to see Brantley, and their actions are resulting in much wanted sexy times. These men really fit together in every way. Just being together is easy, and their sex is glorious. These two are both strong, dedicated, caring and steady.
Their relationship moves along, and Travis settles himself.

Lex makes a huge decision, and intends to stay.
Brantley is struggling with his anxiety, and wants Lex in all ways. Will they be able to work it out?
This story is heartbreaking and heartwarming.
B. A. Tortuga writes a smooth flowing story, and we get fantastic characters, new events, and a satisfying tale.
ENJOY !

=====

[Zane Kage · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

Wow. This one wasn't the easiest to read. Angstier than usual from BA Tortuga, but what a story....I was pulled in right away, feeling the pain and loss, full of empathy and sympathy as I got to know the characters, both main and secondary. This is truly a story of loss and love found through loss, and I loved the slow, smooth pacing, loved Lex and Brant getting to know each other and still dealing with all that transpired. I do like some good old-fashioned insta-love when done right, and here it was done right. From beginning to middle to I love you to this is the real deal, I was in. I was SO in. Unfortunately, something shifted, and I lost my footing. The bump in the road felt kind of like a crater, and issues being glossed over and not resolved plus an abrupt, too-open ending took me a bit out of things. But I walked away still loving them, and still loving this author, who always knows how to make me feel, even if it isn't the way I expected.

***Received an ARC from the author***

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have previously read the other book in the series, Bombs and Guacamole and I loved it so much.
So when B.A. Tortuga wrote Lex’s story, I was totally on board with it. I waited anxiously and eagerly.
It was a good story, but it lacked something. I haven’t quite figured it out. Dusty and Nate were a solid fun ride with lots of action and humour.

Lex and Brant were a good match. The beginning was so emotional and heartbreaking. I felt for both Brant and Travis. I had tears.
But the story kinda went off the rails a bit? Lex stayed in Albuquerque to console Travis but really he stayed for Brant.
The relationship between Lex and Brant seemed quick and easy. I kept waiting for the shoe to drop, considering that the person who died was Brant’s best friend from childhood. They kept hinting at something happening.
But it never did.

That being said, this book is full of B.A’s trade mark Texan humour and sweet relationship moments and oh my God the food.

I enjoyed the story. Lex and Brant were so adorable together. I just wished that it didn’t feel rushed and there was more of emotional impact at the end.

[Vanessa C · Rating 2 out of 5]

What the???

The book was good, but it literally ended in the middle of a scene. There was really no HEA . The we’re eating dinner and he asked if he would make him enchiladas. Then BAM book over. Seriously, the widow is a drama queen being unbelievable cruel, then a week after his husbands death he wants to get rid of all his stuff. 1 week. All this drama about the MC being a cop and he’s worried and still no resolution on that. I just wasn’t feeling this book. Try at least showing where they are a year into the future. That might help a lot of your books.

[Sue B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has an unusual start in that the two MC’s already know each other, or at least have met. Brantley was Best Man when his long-time best bud Matt married Travis. Lex, being Travis’ long-time best bud, was the other Best Man. Based on that one shared experience Brantley and Lex knew each other, or at least knew of each other, but that was about it. Since Lex no longer lives in Albuquerque (where he and Travis grew up and where the others all currently live) he hasn’t really been around; then tragedy strikes.

As friends do, Matt and Brant went out one evening to catch a movie. On the way home they stop at a gas station for a quick fill-up. Unfortunately, they arrive just as the place is about to get robbed. With the unexpected new development, the robber panics and shoots Matt. Brant was in the car, and saw the whole thing, but it happened so fast there was nothing he could do to stop it. What’s even worse, it was a head-shot, so even though Brant is a skilled registered nurse there was nothing he could do to save Matt after the fact – his best friend was already dead.

Travis, as a brand-new widower, is rocked to the core, and calls Lex to come. Travis is in shock, and can barely function, let alone handle all that needs to be done. Lex and Brant step up as best they can. Lex also takes point on helping walk Travis and Brant through the steps of the investigation as he’s a police officer. All three men are grieving in their own way. Brant is dealing with some major survivor’s guilt, Travis is reeling and blaming Brant for not being able to save Matt, and Lex is feeling guilty because he’s kind of been MIA from Travis and Matt since the wedding. Then there’s the messy feelings starting between Brant and Lex to make things even more complicated.

When someone dies, even when it’s expected, there is no such thing for those left behind as “getting back to normal.” Instead, it’s about creating a “New normal”, however that ends up looking. In this situation Lex and Brant have something potentially really good to gain, but they have to ask themselves if it’s even appropriate given what they’ve all just lost. Would trying to build something together only throw a spotlight on what Travis no longer has? Matt’s sudden death is a reminder for Lex and Brant to “seize the day” because you never know just how many tomorrows you have. But at the same time they don’t want to salt Travis’ very fresh wounds.

This is at its root a story of loss, healing, and the return of hope. All three men do eventually at least start to find a new normal. For Brant and Lex it’s a relationship (partway through the book Lex resigned his job to take a position and promotion with the Albuquerque police), and for Travis it’s finding a way to let got of his anger towards Brant and start to move forward. The book spans roughly a year of time, so the progress feels natural, even with the awkward set-up.

Bottom Line – 4 stars out of 5; the only thing I thought was missing was more interaction between Lex and Travis. Travis was the 3rd wheel, so to speak, but given the setting I think his POV should have come into things a bit more.

[Ulysses Dietz · Rating 4 out of 5]

REVIEWED BY ULYSSES DIETZ
MEMBER OF THE PARANORMAL GUILD REVIEW TEAM
I found this a curious kind of story. I enjoy BA Tortuga’s writing, which is intentionally informal and colloquial. In this case I especially liked her deep-dive into the personalities of both Brantley Dime and Alex España. Brant is a Texas-born veteran and a pediatric nurse in Albuquerque. Lex is a policeman, born in the Burque (which I learned is the nickname for Albuquerque, where my father was born and raised) but now working in Las Cruces.

The oddness of the book is that is starts out with a powerful scenario in which Lex meets Brant again after a decade, in the aftermath of the random shooting death of Brant’s best friend Matt. When they first met, Brant was Matt’s best man at his wedding to Travis Garcia, Lex’s best friend and best man. Lex is called at three in the morning to drive up to Albuquerque to comfort the shattered Travis, while Brant, himself in shock as the sole witness to the brutal killing, does his best to help his best friend’s grieving husband.

The opening chapters revolve around this confluence of horror and grief, as families and friends arrive, and the various players adjust to the reality of the awful situation. Lex and Brent, who really don’t know each other, are tied to the murder in different ways, and through this shared tragedy begin to connect in unexpected ways.

Following this intense opening, the entirety of the rest of the book is all about Lex and Brant, and the surprising rapidity with which their connection blossoms into something neither of them have ever hoped to experience. Both men have some baggage, which complicates their budding relationship, but Tortuga takes us step by step through the evolution of something beautiful germinated by something ugly.

It’s as simple as that. In description it might seem a little slight, but in the reading is was surprisingly satisfying. While the healing power of love is in there, what it’s really about is the surprising ability of love to grow in unexpected places.

If I have reservations about the story, it’s simply because Lex and Brant are not the kind of gay guys who would ever have been my friends. Big, butch gay men have never been part of my reality, and while it’s great to read about a world in which these guys face almost no intolerance for who they are, it felt more like a fairy tale than real life

[Samsunthunderpaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

I asked for an advanced copy of this book to read and review.


Ammo and Enchiladas is the second in the Border Crossing Series by BA Tortuga. It can be read as a standalone without the benefit of reading the prior books in the series.

The loss of a spouse is bad, but the loss of a life-long friend is a harder loss. Brant and his best friend, Matt did everything together since kindergarten. Matt moved from Texas to New Mexico, and convinced Brant it was the best place to be. When Matt got married, Brant stood by his side as his best man. Brant would be Matt's plus one when Matt's husband, Travis was unable to make movie night or any other occasion. One movie night, Travis had too many papers to grade, leaving Matt and Brant to go to the movies together. After the movie, the men stopped for gas, and an armed assailant with a hair trigger, shot and killed Matt before Matt could hand over his money. Brant was witness to the morbid scene, and could do nothing to save his best friend's life.

Alex, or Lex, is a cop just off shift when his best friend, Travis calls to tell him Matt was dead. Lex stood as Travis's best man at his wedding to Matt. Now he needs to support his friend in one of the worst losses a person could have.

Lex remembers nothing of Brant from the wedding, but what he does notice is his attraction to the grieving ex-military medic. The two find each other mutually attractive while still supporting Travis, the grieving widower. This story is told from the point of Matt's best friend, Brant, and how his grieving is just as strong if not stronger than the grief of the widower. As they all walk through the morass of the shock and grief, emotions spill over to words said in anger. Then missed or miscommunication complicates matters on many relationship fronts. I found a few inconsistencies in the story, and maybe that is the way BA Tortuga meant to write it—to chalked it up to the way people remember or recall things while in the craziness of loss and grief. In the end I am pulling for both Lex and Brandt to work through the pain and heartache and to find love and their HEA.

Playlist—things that played in my head as I read this book:
Only the Lonely – Roy Orbison
Keep Me in Your Heart – Warren Zevon
One is the Loneliest Number – Three Dog Night
Hunk of Burning Love – Wynona Judd version
Yours If You Want It – Rascal Flatts

[Tim · Rating 1 out of 5]

After going to the movies with his best friend Matt, pediatric nurse Brant watches in horror as a stranger walks up and shoots Matt dead in the streets of Albuquerque. After the death notification, Matt's husband Travis calls his own best friend, Lex to come help him. Police officer Lex rushes from Las Cruces to Albuquerque to support and grieve with Travis, help plan the funeral, and deal with the aftermath. Lex and Brant were best man to Travis and Matt, but only met the once, at the wedding, and in fact, Lex doesn't remember Brant at all. But they are both physically attracted to each other and wind up fucking within a few days. Classy, that. So, after an obligatory joke about how lesbians move in together on the second date, the next week they're moving in together. *eyeroll.

This is a typical Tortuga MM romance, where the characters are SOOO compatible they begin speaking in sync and they're in a instant relationship The first 30% of this was a bit slow, but several things raised my eyebrow. All the characters are calling each other hon(ey), darling, babe, and kissing each other. Sorry, I don't really find this realistic even within very sexualized gay male groups, much less rural western or cowboy areas. The writing just comes across as a straight woman's fantasy of how gay men act, behave, and treat each other. The fast pacing of the plot in the second 30% slams into a brick wall as the two main characters fuck, decide they're in a relationship, and then move in together. It got boring and I made it to 75% and DNFed.

The other issue I noticed is the uneven character development. While Lex's character gets some work, Brant barely gets developed other than a sad backstory explaining his thigh wound.

Not interesting, no good, do not recommend, one star.

[Tiuri · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading the previous one in the series and this one, I've been looking at Mexican restaurants because I really want to try out some of the food that's mentioned. These characters sure do love their food. That's the food out of the way. I loved the love story between these two characters and I love that it's a slightly unusual love story. There's the way they meet, which wasn't in the best circumstances to begin with and then there's the fact that they move in together about half way of the book, which is usually very near the end for romances. But not in this case and I really liked to see a couple getting to grips with what brought them together - the loss of a loved one - and the stresses of work. I also loved the cats and the way in which the MCs from book one make an appearance. Often writers manage this in a cameo-like or totally contrived way, but this felt natural and made sense in the framework of the storyline. Even taking into account the insta-love, which to be fair is the basis for most romances, this felt both very real and realistic. As much as I love my shifters and fantasy books, occasionally a contemporary romance is a nice change of pace and this one couldn't be nicer. I think and hope there will be more books in this series. Recommend for everyone who likes a contemporary romance that feels real while still being sweet and hot (and I'm not taking about the food here).

[Soumets et' Obéir · Rating 4 out of 5]

Travis and Matt are married. Matt's best friend Brant moved from Texas to New Mexico after his friend told him that he loved the place. Matt and Brant have been friends since the were in primary school. On a movie night out, Travis home grading papers, Matt is shot and killed whilst getting petrol. Travis is devastated by the call from police, calling his best friend Lex to come for support.

Travis had my sympathy until he told Brant that he wished Brant had been the one killed. Not once but twice. Realize that a death close is horrible, but to say that to your spouse's best friend is not cool. He did apologize. But the words were hard to let go. Had something similar happen to me. A callous comment about how they thought I'd wished it were them. No. The words shocked me and the relationship never the same. Glad that Travis put forth an effort. Emitions are high, but words can cut deep.

The book follows the development of a relationship between Brant and Lex. Brant having trouble with Lex's job after the couple moves in together. Talking would have helped, keeping everything bottled up finally blowing up. At least they talked then.

3.5 rounded up. Something was missing here and I felt the story wasn't complete.

[Cathy Brockman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ammo and Enchiladas Is book two in the series but it did read ok alone. You may want to read Bombs and guacamole to meet Nate and Dusty and Lex as well.
Lex is a cop and receives a call from his best friend in Albuquerque that his husband has been killed. Travis goes to see how he can help.
Brant was with Matt when he was killed and there was nothing he could do to help. He is taking his friend's death hard. Lex and Brant are immediately attracted and become friends while trying to console Travis.
The story is very angsty and sad. After the funeral part is over, it moves on to the blooming relationship of Brant and Lex. There is also lots of hot man-sex. The story had a great premouse, especially with the title. I guess I just expected more from the story. Something that tied in the ammo part of the title. Mostly it was a lot of great food, sex, and bonding which don't get me wrong as a good story. I just expected some action and answers. I did like the book, the characters, and romance. I also thought the book ended kind of abruptly.
If you like angst, insta lust/love, cops, nurses, best friends, teachers and a happy for now at the least ending you will like this.

[Susana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Every cloud has a silver lining… and from a devastating tragedy, a love story can be born...
When his best friend’s husband is assaulted and killed in a gas station, Lex Espana leaves everything to be with Travis, his childhood friend. He finds him desolated and irrationally anger at Brant, Travis’ husband’s best friend and the one who happened to be with him at the assault. But Lex is not angered at Brant, who is as devastated as Travis. In fact, he finds himself irresistibly drawn to the handsome nurse, who seems to reciprocate … Can these two different men make it work?
This is a cute story about two men who, despite having met before (both were best men of their best friends’ wedding), it is the second time they meet, under terrible circumstances, when they feel undeniably attracted to each other. While dealing with the pain of losing somebody they loved, they find consolation and understanding sharing food and memories. There are many issues they have to work through to make it work, but eventually they seem to reach a HEA… of sorts.
It is a good story, well written, with a lot of anguish at the beginning, it flows smoothly and the relationship builds up a bit too fast… I really liked both main characters, and how their personalities seem to complement, but my only concern is that their happy end feels a bit like a happy for now… I think there are issues that have not been addressed, and there are wounds that will open again. I envision Lex and Matt’s future with more trouble than blessings but… That’s life I guess.
Very entertaining

[EQUUS · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not enough ammo, too many enchiladas...

I think the title of my review sums it up, so I'll keep this short. I was drawn in by the blurb. It was promising but I didn't get what I was hoping for. The writing is good and characters well fleshed out but the author started loosing my interest at 30% of the book. The drawn out meaningless chater about food etc. was boring and unnecessary. I get that MC's were starting to know each other but you don't need to write it down word by word. Shorter versions would work better. It was like watching an action movie and the director decided it was a good idea to show beautiful and exotic locations for 5 minutes each with nothing meaningful going on when 10 seconds would be enough to take the point across. The ending left me wanting for something more. Too bad, this could easily be a five star read.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

For the full review visit https://wp.me/p220KL-h7v

From the review:Lex Espana, a police officer, played a major part in the first novel in the Border Crossing series. However, he was without a romantic partner and alone, even with friends after the traumatic events of Bombs and Guacamole.  Now in Ammo and Enchiladas, Lex is called back to his hometown when his childhood friend's husband is killed in a gas station robbery done bad.  Travis is falling apart and needs Lex to handle things.  Also on the scene is Brant, the husband's best friend. Brant was also with Matt at the time of the robbery and is dealing with not only his own grief at losing his best friend but guilt at surviving when Matt is dead.


For all our reviews, check out http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...

[Heather Rawlins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew that I was going to love Lex’s story and I totally did. The food got better in this book after all the tempting in Bombs and Guacamole. I am going to Albuquerque this year and I can’t wait to find some of this yummy food. The food is most definitely a secondary character in this book. I love stories that deal with tragedy and watching the men find a way out to the other side. I also love instant-like/love stories and this one hit that so well. I hope there’ll be another story for Travis and we’ll get a chance to see more about Lex and Brant and Nate and Dusty. I absolutely recommend this book.

I won an ARC and I already have it in my DSP bookshelf to download. I've had it in my bookshelf since Feb 13, I couldn't wait any longer.

[D · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Lex goes to his best friend, Travis, to holp him weather the loss of his husband, Matt; he spends time with Brant [Matt's best friend].

Finally, Lex--from the Bombs and Guacamole book--finds his man. Nate and Dusty help Lex move in with Brant. Trouble for the couple starts when Lex returns to work as a policeman trying to become a detective.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The beginning of this story broke my heart. I just was feel so emotional for Lex and Brant. These two might be having a tragedy but I love see how they grow from it and together. This is a great insta lust/love and angst story.

[Betsy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Straight ahead romance in the aftermath of a friend's killing. The relationship arc is a relaxed respite from the drama around them.

[Lora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ended a bit sudden for me. I thought I accidentally speed flipped on my ereader.
Oh well, it just means the series needs to keep going.

[Marlobo ♥ epilogues]

DNF at 18%

It bored me, I didn't see any spark.

[Kobie · Rating 3 out of 5]

sorta much ado about nothing.   Bombs and guacamole was a favorite,  so this was a tad disappointing. I still enjoyed it, but not epically so.

[Paige · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5*

[ds321 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. It’s solid, but formulaic for BA Tortuga. Lots of “hooted,” dork and butthead. It’s ok.

[Kelvin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sad beginning you hurt for Travis and Brant. Travis was kind of a prick but you have to cut him some slack he did just lose his husband. Lex man I love his easy going way to handle both of them.
Honestly I wish I had that type of connection with someone, that more then a friend, more than a lover, almost a soul mate connection. And the food need to learn to make some of them dishes.

I hate putting this book down at the end of my breaks. Well write and lovable characters.

[Serena Yates · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Ammo and Enchiladas’ is about as crazy a title as ‘Bombs and Guacamole’ – and not just a perfect fit for another book in this series, but also a great title for the kind of balance between sadness and hope, laced with lots of humor, that BA Tortuga is so good at writing. Angst and sadness are fighting for balance with new love and hope for a future together, and with a lot of local details (especially all the yummy food!) it makes for an entertaining read despite the underlying grief about the life of a good friend suddenly lost and coming to terms with a new reality without him. The “ammo” part of the title is really only present at the beginning, this volume is mostly “enchiladas” – well, that and other enjoyable kinds of food.


Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.

[Love Bytes Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed by Cindy

When I pick up this book I had no idea it was book two in a series. Now I can’t wait to read the first one.

Lex is just doing his best to be there for his best friend when Travis’s husband is gunned down in cold blood. He isn’t really sure how to help him but he’s using his best instincts to help get him through.

Brant could use a friend too. Travis’s husband Matty was Brant’s best friend and losing him is like losing a piece of himself. His guilt and sorrow is almost overwhelming but Lex is a balm to his soul.

There’s something particularly sweet about this story. The author has a really great understanding of how people talk to each other and it makes the story so much easier to get lost in. I also like how things aren’t perfect right off the hop, how these two men have moments of uncertainly and doubt, just like everyone else. I had no problems connecting with both of them and once I started reading, it was hard to put it down. But bothersome things like work and sleep kept getting in the way.

Travis is sad and wonderful and my heart broke for him. He’d found his person that loved him no matter what and then lost him to a senseless act of violence. The author did a wonderful job of conveying his justified grief and anger. But he was also a good friend to Lex and Brant eventually and I loved that about him too.

This story strikes a chord because we see so much of this kind of tragedy happening around us every day and know that it could happen to anyone we know. This brings it up close and personal and it left me sobbing in places.

I loved everything about this story, including the sex. It had moments of rare intimacy that made you feel like these two were truly making love and it felt a little like the reader is intruding on something special.

There are some triggery moments if you are someone who has had to deal with this kind of violence but it’s so well done, I think that’s forgivable. Brant and Lex are so lovely together that it’s worth the sad and angsty parts to get to the happily ever after.

I highly recommend this story and one side effect was that I was left hungry a lot of the time because these boys in this story know how to eat! (I went out and bought some Rotel tomatoes and Velveeta so I could make my own queso after reading this, I swear)

This book was provided for free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.