***3.25 Stars***
Alright, gather around and let's talk for a minute about this series and my relationship with it.
You see, this whole series (with kind of the exception of book 5) has a boatload of editing issues. I'm talking about random commas thrown in, random periods creating awkward and incomplete sentences (and not the kind to show style or manner of speaking, but actual grammatical mistakes), missing words, extra words, wrong words (there/their, to/too) and so on.
But, you see, I keep coming back. There's just something addicting about the author's over the top characters and storytelling that pulls me in with every release.
Her men are oversized alphas with rippling muscles and an ooey gooey center, with no fear of showing their vulnerable side. They're badasses who work hard and love hard.
Are they cheesy? Yep. Almost to the point where it crosses over into comical. Do I still gobble it up? Yep.
Are you going to roll your eyes while reading? Probably. Are you going to laugh out loud at the least expected moment and be charmed by something utterly ridiculous? Probably.
You see, that's my dilemma with reviewing this series. I have a list of things that bug me (besides the editing, there's almost always a fact that's wrong where a simple Google search would have shed some light on the right answer.)
Also, Free spent a large chunk of his life in England, so he has a bit of a British accent....which unforunately, is only remembered by the author on occassion. And it comes off weird. And forced. And awkward. Any why does he end his sentences with the word "yes?" And sometimes he says y'all.
Like I said....I have issues.
But like I also said...I keep coming back.
So now on to my review.
Here you have Hart, big ol' HAIRY Hart. If you got a thing for bears, this is the book for you. Because Free is obsessed with Hart's body hair and so is the author, because no opportunity went by where it wasn't mentioned. At times...cute. At other times....not really my cuppa. I'm not all about sticking my face in anyone's armpit and taking a big whiff. But it was Free's thing, and it was Hart's insecurity (because his ex-wife was a Grade A abusive bitch), and it was cute most of the time.
Free has some issues with big men. He had a sketchy past with his father (this really wasn't developed well enough) and oversized men were used to intimidate him and now he's got some PTSD going on. But, of course, he feels safe with Hart. Protected.
The two have been crushing on each other for a while, but afraid to make a move. Especially since this will be Hart's first time with a man. He's known for most of his life that he was gay, but after spending 20+ years in a dysfunctional and abusive marriage, he doesn't really have the confidence to approach someone like Free.
The two are adorable in their "I'm gonna try and flirt" awkwardness and the dance of finally going for it put a smile on my face. From there, the two wonderfully evolve into an easy relationship. They're open and honest with each other, and oh so patient.
The sweetness factor stradles the fine line of tooth decay, but it worked for me. Both men were so gentle and affectionate when needed, yet assertive and passionate too. These two definitely had some serious chemistry.
The focus is more on the relationship and their roles at work, rather than the usual action packed adventure we're used to in this series, but I liked that. Don't fear, there's still some of the signature A.E. Via over the top chases and dramatic moments, but it isn't something that overshadows the romance.
But there's also the signature A.E. Via underdeveloped and rushed resolutions. The bitchy ex-wife suddenly flips a switch and apologizes for her behavior, Free all of a sudden goes badass and stands up to a bully, etc.
So you see, complicated relationship with this series.
But I'll tell you one thing, I'm already intrigued by the set up of the couple in the next book and can guarantee you that I'll be picking it up when it comes out.