Not So Innocent

The Real Thing #2

by Emma Lyon

You shouldn’t want what you can’t have.

Holden

That’s the first thing I think when I see Ethan Garrett—young, beautiful Ethan Garrett, son of Senator Garrett, the man I’ve been hired to protect. Did I mention young? Not that Ethan sees himself that way. Nearly twenty-three and fresh out of college, he thinks he knows what men like me are like. But the thoughts I have about him aren’t anywhere near innocent or nice.

Indulging a secret romance while trying to do my job can’t possibly end well, but Ethan’s made no secret that he’s put his sights on me. And I’m fast discovering that what Ethan wants, he finds a way to get.

Ethan

I don’t want nice, and I’m sure as hell not innocent. I don’t care that Holden thinks he’s too old for me—he’s the only one who doesn’t make me feel like a failure for not knowing what I want to do with my life. He might be leaving as soon as his job is done, but until then I’m not letting his hangups stand in our way. I’ll take whatever I can get from him, even if he breaks my heart.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, LGBT, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Military Fiction, Politics

203 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 22, 2021

About the author

Emma Lyon writes feel-good, sexy M/M contemporary romance that always has a happily ever after. She lives in Maryland in a house on a wooded hill, with two indoor cats and various outdoor wildlife she watches from her office window.

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Reviews

[ivy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked this book even more than the first in the series. This time we have the brother of the MC in book one.

Ethan is the exact character that I have a soft spot for - confident enough to say what he’s thinking, intuitive, a little bratty and moody, a little lost in life, sardonic, relentless, sexy in a messy not even trying way.

Holden - the bodyguard/security expert really tried his best not to give in but we all know how that goes. When Ethan really wants something, he gets it.

Lots of UST due to the fact they were stuck in close proximity but Ethan (politician’s son) was off limits.

Enjoyably predictable low angst read for when you need that.
Age-gap (no daddy kink)
Politician’s son/Security guard

Can be read as stand-alone but you will probably like the MC more if you meet him first in book one and many cameos of the first couple with continuation of their story.

[Miriam still reading! HIATUS from GR · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 no real couple time stars story.

[Ziezie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.6 stars

[ML · Rating 4 out of 5]

We got a glimpse of Ethan in Lane and Zach’s book, Not So Fake. I’m happy we got Ethan’s story so soon in the series.

Of course Ethan would go for an older guy....
They meet at a local bar and sparks fly but nothing happens until Holden is brought in as a security consultant to protect Ethan’s family from a potential threat.
The close proximity and feeling such a mutual connection made this for a very sexy story.
Holden makes mistakes. You kept waiting for the other shoe to drop. It didn’t go exactly how I thought it would though. I wish there were more story on them being together together but sadly there wasn’t.

The epilogue was sweet if not a bit awkward BUT I’m looking forward to book 3 , Ryan’s story.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Holden and Ethan’s story! After devouring this author’s first book, I was so eager to know Ethan’s story. Ethan was struggling to find his footing after graduating college and moving back home. A night out puts him in the same place as Holden. After sharing an off the charts HOT kiss, he assumes he’ll never see him again. Cut to Holden the morning after as his family’s temporary new security detail! As you could imagine, some intense sexual tension ensues as the confidence in Ethan comes out to get what he wants - Holden. Their sexy times were super hot! What I think I loved most, was that Holden helped fill in the gaps in Ethan. Without realizing it, Ethan seemed to help Holden come to terms with his own life changes. Their story was light-hearted, sweet and drama free. I also loved getting some glimpses of Lane and Zach who we met into the first book. The ending put a huge smile on my face!

[Stefanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three stars on GR mean 'I liked it' and I did, I liked it, but it wasn't amazing

I was never bored, I always wanted to know how Ethan and Holden's relationship would develop, so I kept on reading. Mostly, that was because because of the amazing physical attraction between the two MCs and their steamy physical relationship; that's something the author is clearly really good at writing.

What I didn't really like was the pace of the story. As mentioned, it was never boring but it was a lot of scene hoping and I would have wished for a little (a lot) more storytelling and more connections between scenes. I think that would also have contributed to a stronger and more obvious mental relationship between the MCs. I was a little surprised about the three words being spoken because apart from pining over one another you never really know what each of the MCs feels for the other. And even when those three words are finally spoken the other MC is reduced to his outer appearance in the explanation.
Also Ethan comes across as being a 15 yo. teenager brat and not a 22 yo. philosophy graduate (with honors!) - I would have loved for him to share some of his philosophical ideas, but there was nothing.
I hoped for the crime and thriller part of the book to be a bit more relevant, so I was disappointed that it merely functions as an excuse for the MCs' forced close proximity.
And the end, the epilogue, was a bit much.

Generally it was a really good writing style with a lot of potential especially in storytelling.

I received an ARC from GRR - thank you!

[Kirk · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Holden and Ethan met, my first thought was how are these two going to find what they need in each other as they were such different characters at very different stages in their lives? But as we dug a little deeper and got to know them, it became apparent that what they saw and found in each other was just the missing piece of the puzzle that they'd each been missing and they balanced each other out beautifully. There was great character development here, and the more I got to know them both, the more I liked them. While the sex was really very hot, it didn't leave behind the emotional connection which was really important and really gave depth to the story. I adored Lane and Zach (whose story we got in Book 1) and I liked Ethan's relationship with them both. I enjoyed the heck out of this book and I'm looking forward to Ryan and Nathan's story next.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so glad I found this new to me author last month. I devoured her debut book and loved it and was looking forward to Ethan's story.  Ethan was great--a very confident, outgoing, snarky young man that needed to find his footing in life.  He and Holden clicked right away and heated up the sheets in a no-strings attached hook-up. Amidst drama surrounding Ethan's dad the Congressman, he and Holden evolved into more.  I really liked how Holden helped Ethan grow up a bit and realize how to find his best path forward. Their conversations were great with a lot of snarky dialogue, which I loved. We also got to revisit with Lane and Zach who I adored from book 1. This was a nice, sweet, steamy, feel-good, romance. Looking forward to getting Ryan's story next!

[kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Holden and Ethan’s story. At first glance you think what can these two possibly have in common, other than the obvious physical attraction. As the story progresses you see that they are exactly what the other didn't know they needed.
There is much more to these two than the intense attraction they feel. The emotional connection is as strong, if not stronger.
Watching them grow and evolve is amazing. I loved their journey towards their HEA!
I can't wait for the next book in this series.

[Steph (Teacups & Tropes) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5✨

I loved Ethan in the first book, and I’m excited he got his own HEA. Holden was a big hunk of burning love and was the perfect match for Holden.

The next book features Ethan’s BFF and his rich as sin boss. So, you know, I’m automatically in. 😍

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Emma Lyon. I can't believe this is her first series, and this only her second published book. I want a gazillion more. "Not So Innocent," the second book in her The Real Thing series, is an amazing followup to "Not So Fake," which was a *chef's kiss* perfect take on fake dating. "Not So Innocent" does the same thing with age gap romance.

Ethan, the sardonic younger brother of "Not So Fake" protagonist Lane, is having a tough time. He's just been dumped by his boyfriend. He's living at home with his parents. He's not really on speaking terms with his senator father. He still hasn't found a job, and he graduated college six months ago. He doesn't know what he wants to do with his life, but he knows he doesn't want to be doing what he is now. When he meets a handsome older guy at a bar, he throws himself at him, only to be rejected. Ouch.

The man in question is Holden, who's in town to work security for Ethan's family while on leave from foreign service to handle the estate of his recently deceased parents. He only plans on spending enough time stateside to see to funeral arrangements, sell his parents' properties and see the job with Ethan's family done.

The immediate chemistry and burning attraction throws a wrench into Holden's plan, especially when he ends up staying at Ethan's parents' house for the duration of his security assignment. Ethan knows what he wants, and Holden's professionalism isn't going to get in the way. Of course, Ethan's wiles wear down Holden, and the pair embark on a secret love affair that both tell themselves is nothing but lust.

While the heat level is high and the bedroom scenes numerous, "Not So Innocent" also manages to get in a good amount of emotional heft for both Ethan and Holden. Ethan's frustration at his directionless life will feel familiar to a lot of people out there: he wants to do something, but he's not sure what, and he hates that he hasn't gotten it all figured out yet. Then there's the understandable tension between him and his father, which is rooted in a childhood where his father didn't show up when he needed to, taken away by the demands of being in politics. Holden has a fraught history with his deceased parents: they kicked him out of their lives when he came out as gay eight years before, and he never reconciled with them. He buries a lot of those emotions and isn't honest about that with Ethan.

I absolutely love this book. Ethan's voice is so distinct; it's the right mix of young angst and sass. Holden is upright and focused, and the way that Ethan moves about the world brings a lightness into his life that he sorely needs. Holden's steadfastness anchors Ethan, and they are just so good together, I can hardly stand it.

Then there's Ethan's friend Ryan, who is supportive and sweet and really deserves his happy ending, too (which is the next book, and it cannot get here fast enough!)

Overall, an amazing, can't miss read. It's solidified Emma Lyon as a no-brainer, instant-purchase for me.

| I received an ARC, and this is my honest review. |

[Maddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not so innocent indeed! This book is packing some serious heat, so it is definitely not about some innocent love. It is passion, desire and lust that blooms into something more, without either of them even noticing.
Ethan and Holden meet in a bar, where they have a brief chat and Holden wards off Ethan's advances, because he thinks Ethan is too young and too drunk. He puts him in a cab and sends him home, but not before Ethan manages to plant a kiss on him and turn his life upside down. They both decide it will be a story of "the one that could have been", but fate has different ideas. When Ethan's father receives some bomb threats, because of his job as a senator, the family brings in some extra security. And who should come to stay with them as a security specialist? Holden. The same Holden Ethan met at the bar and kissed. They try to resist the pull of their desires, but eventually they give in, because it is just too strong to ignore.



I loved how they interacted and the intimate scenes were hot as hell. I liked their personalities and how each struggled with something, that was not overly dramatic or easily resolved. Their struggles seemed real and something we can all relate to, which made the characters all the more special. Of course, the moments of snark and humor were also appreciated. They made the story lighter, less packed with heavy stuff and it worked well in the context. I also absolutely adored Lane and Zach as supporting characters, they were just too cute for words! Overall, this was a good book with a pretty high heat level, snarky and lovable characters as well as a little thriller action on the side to spice things up.

**I was provided an ARC of this book from the GRR for an honest review**

[Mami Bear · Rating 3 out of 5]

Torn between 2.5 and 3 stars..

I preferred book 1. I felt the MCs were more likeable and I preferred the storyline. I really wanted to like this one but a few things just didn't work for me:

1. Ethan - just didn't like him to be honest. He was spoilt, bratty, took no responsibility for anything (dude if your consistently getting pain and someone more experienced and knowledgeable than you says it sounds like an ulcer just get it checked)! Also his handling of job hunting / botching the interview urgh. And the scene when Holden takes him to the cabin and opens up about his parents? I was officially done with Ethan after that.
2. Ethan and Holden had very little on page time together that wasn't sexual and yet at the end of the book they were declaring their love for each other - how?
3. Author missed a trick by not giving us the Christmas dinner scene surely that would have been good reading!

Also based on Ethan's interaction with Ryan and the blurb of the next book I'll not be reading book 3 sadly. I may be wrong but I'm seeing a doormat employee in love with a boss who treats him like rubbish (will assume the boss is big, alpha and strictly a top too) but the minute the boss shows an interest employee crumbles, has no backbone and is walking on air because he's finally been granted the magic D..


Anyway I've gone of on a tangent. To summarise my thoughts. This is a well written book so I'm not criticising the writers skill I just didn't find the love aspect of the romance believe able and I didn't like Ethan (might not have mentioned that ;))

Also I feel like there were a lot of missed opportunities to add more depth - Holden dealing with his estrangement from his parents and their deaths - he didn't seem to have any friends? Ethan and his relationship with his father. Basically it was all very one dimensional and nothing new to the genre.

[DebbieReadsBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Independent reviewer for Gay Romance Reviews, I was gifted my copy of this book.

Holden was hired as extra security for Ethan's dad. They have chemistry, but Holden is at work, Ethan is young, and Holden will be leaving when the threat is diminished.

This is book 2 in The Real Thing series, and I have not read book one. I want to, now though because I want to know some things that obviously happened in that book, that aren't fully explained here. I don't feel it NECESSARY, just me and my stoopid brain with those darn questions! It didn't affect my enjoyment of this book, but I needed to mention it, is all.

I liked this, a lot.

I liked what Holden does when they first meet. I liked that they really do TRY to stay away from each other, and fail miserably! I liked that both guys have a say, so we really do get it all.

We get Ethan's powerful attraction to the bigger man, and how much that man makes Ethan FEEL. Holden makes Ethan FEEL the whole gamut of emotions but mostly, that Holden makes Ethan feel safe, and secure and loved.

We get Holden's reactions to Ethan, how Ethan makes him think about what he wants, about WHO he wants. He just doesn't know if he can keep Ethan after this job is up.

And what I especially loved about this book was the fact that their deepest feelings are not voiced, even to themselves, very well! All too often, we get the "I love you" way too early, but here?? Right near the end! Oh it's hinted at, for sure, but the WORDS are not said. And I loved that. Maybe I'm becoming a grumpy old lady for liking that fact but, that's what I thought!

The danger to Ethan's dad was a kinda wet blanket for me. There was the threat, and then they caught him. But I wanted to know more, and I don't get it. Just me, being greedy!

All in all, a very good read.

4 solid stars

**same worded review will appear elsewhere**

[Juniper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where this novel really shone for me was in the depictions of familial relationships: Ethan’s tense standoff with the father who loves him theory but who has never really made time for him in real life parallels Holden’s struggle to come to terms with the recent deaths of the parents who cut him out of their lives entirely eight years earlier. The contrast of the cautious hope of something getting better between Ethan and his dad with the struggle Holden has with all the unanswered questions and unfinished business his parents left him feels very bittersweet, and realistic, in ways that humanize them both. There’s plenty of physical chemistry between them, and a very real emotional connection as well, although I think I would have liked to see that develop a bit more-- and for them to talk a bit more, and move more through the process of a relationship-- beyond the nascent steps from complicated and ill-advised hookup to something much more emotional and caring, which are beautifully illustrated. While those early stages are beautifully portrayed, it feels like some of the ones that should follow get short shrift. Beyond my issues with the romantic pacing, however, I found the plot to be both plausible and engrossing-- there’s some danger, some significant milestones, romantic and otherwise, and some day-to-day life struggles that give readers plenty to invest in as the book progresses. Well worth a read.

*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jacqueleen the Reading Queen♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Falling in love with the bodyguard is always a fun trope. I love all the sexual tension in the beginning when the bodyguard is trying his hardest to resist temptation. The flirting, the innuendo, the long looks all usually lead to explosive hot sexy times when they finally give in. This book did not disappoint on that front. The rest of the book went as expected with the MCs hooking up in secret unbeknownst to Ethan's parents that the man they hired to protect their family was also shagging their baby boy. Having gone back to my review of book one Not So Fake ( which was why I kept thinking the Ethan's brother and his fiancé's names were so familiar) I didn't know how Ethan's dad, the senator, was going to take the news. I didn't want another repeat of the martyr bullshit like before.

While reading and getting little snippets of Ethans best friend Ryan I was definitely happy when I learned his book is going to be next. Nothing like a little boss and employee fraternization. Ryan's boss also appears to be a hard ass so I expect I'm going to enjoy his downfall. Nothing like reading about an alpha male being brought to his knees by the man he loves.


** This arc was provided by GRR. This was my unbiased review **

[LucyLui · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title - Not So Innocent (The Real Thing #2)
Author - Emma Lyon
Genre - MM Romance
Published - April 2021
Pages - 203 Pages

Summary - Ethan is the son of a senator, when his father receives bomb threats against him he hires extra security to protect him and his family, when the man shows up to protect the family its none other than the guy Ethan tried to pick up in a bar the night before. Holden, Holden is everything Ethan shouldn't want and Ethan is everything Holden knows he can't have not in his line of work. The fire and passion between the two is unmistakable able but carrying on a secret affair while Holden is meant to be working is a bad idea. But these two can't stay away from each other. With Holden planning to leave after his job is done, Can either of these men get out without a broken heart?

What I thought about this book - This book was amazing, I haven't read the first one but I very much intend to now. I really enjoyed the characters of Holden and Ethan and I also enjoyed the side characters of his brother and his brother's fiance which I am guessing is what the first book is about (I really need to look this up lol) Anyway great plot, fantastic characters. Really kept me hooked only reason it took me so long to read was that life kept getting in the way.

Would I Recommend - Yes

Would I Read Again/Continue The Series - Yes/Yes

Rating - 5*

Reviewed by LucyLui

[Sascia Weyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet romance, low angst but lots of little sizzles. The perfect read for a smooth and lazy summer weekend on your balcony or vacation. A fresh flowing storyline with main characters just to fall in love with.
Beautiful Ethan, who just finished college, is the typical adorable guy inbetween youthful stubbornness and blooming young adulthood, it plastered a wide smile over my face and I could really feel with him. He is falling in love with Holden, an ex Navy guy, which brings not only butterflies in their bellies but also some light complications. While this is not a typical age-gap romance, it rather is a very heartwarming lovestory which leaves you with a satisfied sigh after the very happy ever after.
This is my first book by Emma Lyon, but for sure not the last! I absolutely loved her fresh and easy flowing writing style, with healthy pinches of humor, heat and only little tension. It made me feel like diving into that sweet every-day-story as if I was standing just next to the characters. Being the second book in this series, it can definitely be read as a standalone. Anyhow I now cannot await to read more of her books now. I can truly recommend this book for all lovers of sweet and easy to digest romances, it just brings you happiness.
I received this book for free but leave a review freely and voluntarily because I really enjoyed reading it.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the writing, the voices of the MC's were distinct enough and each had their own issues to resolve or deal with before finding a future together. Though I would have liked to see them with a little more of the settling part, like how they made their lives together. The scene at the wedding was pretty adorable and right on brand for both men so even if we didn't get much more of them after the reconciliation, that was a really good moment.

There was a feeling of unresolved angst in Ethan's life with his father, but where we're left was actually a hopeful place despite not having him or his father open up and do a whole sharing bit. What we got spoke to a positive progression rather than a stagnation or a decline, but that's mostly up to the interpretation of the reader than what's actually on the page.

Ethan was the younger partner and despite his lackluster enthusiasm for life after college and professions, he had good moments of maturity and insight that helped Holden see a lot of sense. Overall it was a nice story, though character growth was lacking, but it was one that got me really curious about the series beginning with Zac and Lane. 3.5 stars.

[K-Me · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Bodyguard Romances and this one did not disappoint!! This one has it all.. We have Size Difference, Age Gap, Bomb threats, Snarky Banter and Steamy Chemistry!! Ethan is a 22 year old college graduate back home with his Parents. His Dad is a Senator and threats have been made against him and the family. Ethan is out getting drunk after being dumped by his Ex and spies big hunky Holden across the Bar. Holden is immediately attracted to our young spunky Ethan but turns him down since he is so young and druml. Ethan gives him a Hot Kiss goodnight though! I was glad only a kiss happened here to build up the the tension! When they meet again to find out Holden is in charge of the new Security at his home.. some funny banter and thoughts begin between these too. It is told from Both POV so you get to here it all from both sides! And so the adventure begins as Holden tries to resist Ethan's relentless flirting!! I received an ARC of this book and I highly recommend you read to see how the sneaky, steamy relationship between these two evolves!! Great addition to series!!

[ReadingAddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so glad that I got this book as an ARC because otherwise, I don’t think I would have found this author. And then I would have missed out on an amazing book!

Ethan is the son of Senator Garrett. He does not have his life in order. When his family is threatened, he gets a bodyguard that has been hired to protect him. Holden just lost his parents and is charged with protecting Ethan. But they have met before and shared an amazing kiss. Ethan wants Holden, but Holden wants to keep his job.

I loved this book. The characters were amazing, the chemistry was right and the story also great. I did not read the first book, but I will remedy this right now. Even though I did not read it yet, I had no trouble at all understanding the book. The book felt real. I just would have wished for a more extended epilogue and that the story was not over that soon.
Definitely a recommendation!

*I received this book as an ARC. I chose to leave an honest review.*

[Grace ❤️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was good! I’ve been in a little bit of a reading funk and this got and kept my attention really well! I hadn’t read the first book and I did feel like I was missing context sometimes but I wasn’t completely lost or unable to figure out what was going on in this book. For being a bodyguard trope romance it was relatively low angst which I really liked! I really enjoyed all of the characters especially sassy flirty Ethan though his poor me angst with his family was over the top and played out by the end. My biggest complaint is that the ending felt rushed and the pacing was off to me. The first 85% of the book was flirty snarky banter and super hot chemistry but light in actual emotional depth and bonding and the last 15% had all the other elements of a HEA all squished in. It left me feeling a little unsatisfied and a lot wishing there was more of their actual relationship. Overall a solid enjoyable read!

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A super hot protector/age gap story with some serious emotions to go along with the heat. Ethan is a wonderfully realistic character. He's a young man with lots of potential who has drifted through life fulfilling people's expectations but he hasn't a clue as to who he really is or what he wants to do with his life. He could feel like a really shallow character, but he never does. You genuinely feel his confusion and his desire to find a direction. Holden has his career as a body guard/security man, but he hasn't found the person to make a lifetime commitment with. How complicated can it get when he starts to find that connection with Ethan and there are Ethan's political family, their age difference and his desire not to take advantage of Ethan added to his job? Pretty complicated both professionally and personally. I loved the plot and these two characters. Book one in the series was good, but this one is even better.

[Tammy Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ethan is used to getting what he wants, so when he drunkenly approaches Holden, he is shocked to see his night end with only a kiss (a really, REALLY good one) right before he is stuffed in an uber and sent home. Ethan wishes he would've got the guy's number because he really wanted MORE of that! It's a pleasant surprise when Ethan is introduced to his father's new security expert....Holden. The sexual attraction between these two is off the charts but Holden has an important job to do protecting Ethan's family. Holden tries to ignore Ethan's flirtations but their passion is too hot to contain and he gives in to his desires. Their connection is intense and extremely hot! I loved how they both seemed to open themselves up to each other and show their vulnerabilities. The drama that surrounded the household also played a big part in bringing these two closer together.

[Dawn Siemer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Is it real, though?

Ethan and Holden create sparks. They have great sex, and quite a bit of it. What they don't have is intimacy. Holden doesn't tell Ethan his parents recently died until the book is almost over, and Ethan never tells him what he has against his dad.

This does not seem like the beginning of a healthy relationship. Holden's parents just died. Ethan just got dumped by a guy he thought he loved. Not really a good emotional place to start a relationship, even if they were both good communicators, which neither of them are.

The story itself was fine. There was relationship conflict and a bomb threat. What was missing was getting to know the characters, and for them to get to know each other. And for them to have something in common or balance each other in some way.

[Deanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a bit to decide on a rating for this, I think I'm more on the 3.5 side, but I went ahead with a 4. I did overall like the book, I just wasn't crazy about Ethan. He was a bit too much of an immature, bratty, spoiled rich kid for me. I was desperately waiting for someone to call him out on it. Holden was very easy to like, and his steady, care taking ways were things Ethan definitely needs in a partner. I must admit that I would love to have a chapter on that Christmas dinner. Also, I'd love to have more story between when they became an actual couple and the ending. I liked the side characters, so I wanted to have more of them with Holden and Ethan together. The ending was sweet, and the next book in this series sounds like it'll be a good one.

[Kirsty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so glad I discovered this author. I’ve loved both books in the series so far.

Ethan is the son of a senator, his life isn’t all that together when he meets Holden at a bar and sparks immediately fly. Holden thinks he has his life planned out but he wasn’t expecting Ethan They both get a shock when they learn Holden has been hired to protect Ethan & his parents who have received threats.

Ethan and Holden try to deny their attraction but thankfully fail miserably! Their story is full of forbidden secret steamy filled moments, navigating family dynamics, a bomb threat and love. It’s low on angst and very well written.

[Mariansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Senator’s son and security expert.

I was lucky to get an ARC of this book, but this is my honest review.

The first meeting between them sends sparks flying! Holden is trying really hard to stay away from Ethan, his self discipline is being tested. There’s definitely some sexual tension in the air. And the sex scenes are hot!

I liked that we got to know their family and backgrounds. I really would have loved to get to know more about Holden’s social life though.

The writing in this book is just how I like it. Easy to read, not a book where you have to get through the beginning to enjoy it. And I could picture everything perfectly!

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

You are as old/young as you feel! Holden, bodyguard was hired to protect Ethan, the Senator's son. The Senator, cares but he is busy with his job. He hasn't reached the 'spend more time with family' state yet, and it shows. Holden does his best to remain professional. Ethan is temptation personafied! He is attracted to Holden and doesn't see barriers. Will Holden, put his age in his pocket and indulge? Will Ethan find the key to unlock Holden's feelings? Will Holden succeed and keep Ethan safe? Their relationship is a tango of ups/downs, back and forth and lots of ducking and snark. Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Siobhan Flynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a potential hook up turns into a client it could get awkward but ethan and Holden have something special for a little while. Ethan was such a tease and cheeky flirt while Holden was just delaying the inevitable and soon they fall together. I do wish Holden would of fought for what he wanted sooner but he was under a tremendous amount of stress and pain. Ethan was floundering after a shaky break up and no direction but that doesn't stop him worrying about life which causes problems for him. Loved the sneakiness and secretive nature of the tryst and how you can never fool your mother, they always know. Enjoyed getting a feel for the next book.