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Kings of Boston #3
In Strength
They protected each other at all costs. It was them against the world until it wasn't. Now they have a chance to be stronger together once more.
When he was thirteen, Daniel Bell was ripped away from his loving parents and thrown into the foster care system. Alone, grieving, and desperate for companionship, he clung to his foster brother, Luke. They quickly became best friends, providing each other with protection and comfort through their teenage years.
Luke Allen was fourteen when he met Daniel, the small and terrified teen. That was the day he fell in love. He took Daniel under his wing and vowed to protect him at all costs, even at the expense of his own heart. No good would come from being gay and pining over your straight best friend. Eventually, his unrequited love grew too painful, so he separated from Daniel when they graduated high school.
After tragedy hit Luke, he reunited with Daniel eighteen years later to work together for Ronan O'Callaghan, the leader of the Irish mob. Luke realized his love never waned for Daniel and finally confessed to him. Both men quickly jump into a relationship, realizing their love all along. Can Luke get past his fears of Daniel being straight? Can Daniel stop obsessing about his sexuality? Will Luke’s past catch up with him and destroy the relationship he fought so hard for?
This is a friends-to-lovers m/m dark romance with HEA and no cliffhangers. There are dark elements to the story, but the romance is not dark in itself.
CW: Molestation of a child, mentions of rape, bullying, teen smoking, abuse, homophobia, PTSD, strong language, violence, and explicit sex.
Each story in this series can be read as a standalone, but it will be better understood and appreciated reading in order. You will get a better feel of the characters starting from the beginning.
Please be careful of spoilers, thank you.
When he was thirteen, Daniel Bell was ripped away from his loving parents and thrown into the foster care system. Alone, grieving, and desperate for companionship, he clung to his foster brother, Luke. They quickly became best friends, providing each other with protection and comfort through their teenage years.
Luke Allen was fourteen when he met Daniel, the small and terrified teen. That was the day he fell in love. He took Daniel under his wing and vowed to protect him at all costs, even at the expense of his own heart. No good would come from being gay and pining over your straight best friend. Eventually, his unrequited love grew too painful, so he separated from Daniel when they graduated high school.
After tragedy hit Luke, he reunited with Daniel eighteen years later to work together for Ronan O'Callaghan, the leader of the Irish mob. Luke realized his love never waned for Daniel and finally confessed to him. Both men quickly jump into a relationship, realizing their love all along. Can Luke get past his fears of Daniel being straight? Can Daniel stop obsessing about his sexuality? Will Luke’s past catch up with him and destroy the relationship he fought so hard for?
This is a friends-to-lovers m/m dark romance with HEA and no cliffhangers. There are dark elements to the story, but the romance is not dark in itself.
CW: Molestation of a child, mentions of rape, bullying, teen smoking, abuse, homophobia, PTSD, strong language, violence, and explicit sex.
Each story in this series can be read as a standalone, but it will be better understood and appreciated reading in order. You will get a better feel of the characters starting from the beginning.
Please be careful of spoilers, thank you.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2022
29 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
About the author
Courtney W. Dixon
45 books1,119 followersCourtney W. Dixon loves to write steamy hurt/comfort romance, giving her characters challenges, struggles, and sometimes trauma... Fine, a LOT of trauma. Her team teases her about charging her for their therapy bills after reading one of her books.
She loves to add variety and multiple tropes in her stories along with different types of dynamics/relationships. And she writes her characters as having flaws, imperfections, and who don't always do the right thing. Humans are sometimes frustrating, never perfect, and make a lot of mistakes in their lives. Courtney enjoys pushing her characters, making their HEAs so much more worth it when they get there. Mental health is a big feature in her books.
She loves her coffee ice cream and popcorn a little too much. And her cat, Olly, is her co-writer, where he sleeps on an ottoman under her desk as her muse. Actually, he's rather useless, but he's adorable.
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She loves to add variety and multiple tropes in her stories along with different types of dynamics/relationships. And she writes her characters as having flaws, imperfections, and who don't always do the right thing. Humans are sometimes frustrating, never perfect, and make a lot of mistakes in their lives. Courtney enjoys pushing her characters, making their HEAs so much more worth it when they get there. Mental health is a big feature in her books.
She loves her coffee ice cream and popcorn a little too much. And her cat, Olly, is her co-writer, where he sleeps on an ottoman under her desk as her muse. Actually, he's rather useless, but he's adorable.
Follow Me
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
June 14, 2022
I feel like I had a love/hate relationship with this book. The story was certainly engaging and kept me reading. I really loved the slow burn between Danny and Luke.
However, there were several things about it that I really didn’t like. Danny spent so much time in his head trying to figure out his feelings for Luke that it got tiring. I also wasn’t happy about Luke running away and I felt the things that happened at Theo’s house were very unrealistic.
However, there were several things about it that I really didn’t like. Danny spent so much time in his head trying to figure out his feelings for Luke that it got tiring. I also wasn’t happy about Luke running away and I felt the things that happened at Theo’s house were very unrealistic.
November 26, 2022
I really wanted to like this one as I loved the previous book (haven't read book 1 as it's MF).
Unfortunately, a few things effected my reading enjoyment:
- Danny's dithering about what his sexuality was - up to a point I got it, but it became annoying to me after a while. At one point he partly blames Luke for his confusion because Luke used to tell Danny that Danny was straight.. Wth lol.
- James - I didn't mind him in the last book but I didn't like him at all in this one really.
- I felt there was a lot of telling rather than showing.
- Luke's PTSD was skimmed around.
- The whole situation with Luke and Theo's family was weird and unrealistic to me.
- I found it hard for a big chunk of the book to truly believe Danny's feelings - he was unsure ALOT.
- The plot involving Gracie a bit much. While it was sweet I didn't feel Luke and Danny's relationship was strong enough yet to add her to the mix.
- In the previous book I didn't mind that both books ran to the same timeline but I was over hearing the same part of Ronan and Cat's story in this one.
I enjoyed the author's writing style once again, so I would try another of their MM books, but this one wasn't for me.
Unfortunately, a few things effected my reading enjoyment:
- Danny's dithering about what his sexuality was - up to a point I got it, but it became annoying to me after a while. At one point he partly blames Luke for his confusion because Luke used to tell Danny that Danny was straight.. Wth lol.
- James - I didn't mind him in the last book but I didn't like him at all in this one really.
- I felt there was a lot of telling rather than showing.
- Luke's PTSD was skimmed around.
- The whole situation with Luke and Theo's family was weird and unrealistic to me.
- I found it hard for a big chunk of the book to truly believe Danny's feelings - he was unsure ALOT.
- The plot involving Gracie a bit much. While it was sweet I didn't feel Luke and Danny's relationship was strong enough yet to add her to the mix.
- In the previous book I didn't mind that both books ran to the same timeline but I was over hearing the same part of Ronan and Cat's story in this one.
I enjoyed the author's writing style once again, so I would try another of their MM books, but this one wasn't for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2022
❤️ Second Chances
🧡 M/M Trope
💛 Friends to Lovers
💚 Slowish Burn
💙 Unrequited Love
💜 Destined to Be Together
❤️ Coming of Age
🧡 First Love
💛 Best Friends
💚 With a little mafia thrown into the trope blender
I've been anxiously waiting on my boys tell all since book 1, In Silence. And with each passing book, Daniel and Luke's tension and gravitation intensified, making me want their story and HEA that much more. Lord. Have. Mercy. The wait was totally worth it. Courtney Dixon delivered. There wasn't a second of this book I wasn't glued to the pages, captivated.
I can't wait for you to read In Strength. Our duo were off the charts!! Along with their dynamic chemistry and connection, Dixon provided us with moments of sweetness that melted my heart (talk about swoon worthy), moments of anguish that broke me right along with them, moments of passion that left me hot and bothered, moments of frustration that made me want to smack the both of them, and moments of love and lightheartedness that mended my soul. Luke and Daniel, for all their faults and stubbornness, were fiercely loyal to one another. This devotion and unwavering friendship is what got me through the lack of communication, and well-meant/misguided intentions.
I loved how I connected with these heroes on a personal level, which made their journey that much more powerful. I felt their pain, their happiness, and their trepidation deep within my bones. Their love for each other and their need to protect each other, as well as their own selves flowed effortlessly off the pages; it was palpable.
In Strength has become my favorite book of the series. I can't foresee Dixon topping it. But...we shall see. Cian is up next, In Redemption, and he's one cold, brooding badass. He may just give my boys a run for their money!
🧡 M/M Trope
💛 Friends to Lovers
💚 Slowish Burn
💙 Unrequited Love
💜 Destined to Be Together
❤️ Coming of Age
🧡 First Love
💛 Best Friends
💚 With a little mafia thrown into the trope blender
I've been anxiously waiting on my boys tell all since book 1, In Silence. And with each passing book, Daniel and Luke's tension and gravitation intensified, making me want their story and HEA that much more. Lord. Have. Mercy. The wait was totally worth it. Courtney Dixon delivered. There wasn't a second of this book I wasn't glued to the pages, captivated.
I can't wait for you to read In Strength. Our duo were off the charts!! Along with their dynamic chemistry and connection, Dixon provided us with moments of sweetness that melted my heart (talk about swoon worthy), moments of anguish that broke me right along with them, moments of passion that left me hot and bothered, moments of frustration that made me want to smack the both of them, and moments of love and lightheartedness that mended my soul. Luke and Daniel, for all their faults and stubbornness, were fiercely loyal to one another. This devotion and unwavering friendship is what got me through the lack of communication, and well-meant/misguided intentions.
I loved how I connected with these heroes on a personal level, which made their journey that much more powerful. I felt their pain, their happiness, and their trepidation deep within my bones. Their love for each other and their need to protect each other, as well as their own selves flowed effortlessly off the pages; it was palpable.
In Strength has become my favorite book of the series. I can't foresee Dixon topping it. But...we shall see. Cian is up next, In Redemption, and he's one cold, brooding badass. He may just give my boys a run for their money!
April 25, 2022
So far, this is my favorite book from this series
I was so excited when I heard about the book coming out and I finally got the chance to read it.
Luke and Daniel started out as foster brothers and it was then that they started falling in love with each other. When they grew up and
left their foster home, Luke was heartbroken because he thought Daniel was straight and would never love him back. so, he left the country and decided to work for the military.
18 years later, he's reunited with Daniel and his feelings for him are stronger than ever.
To be honest, I thought Daniel was gonna have a problem with getting into the relationship in the beginning but I was pleasantly surprised that he was on board with dating Luke.
The love and devotion between Luke and Daniel were so sweet and beautiful. Sometimes, I felt like I wanted to strangle Luke but I also felt bad for him because I understood his insecurities and troubling thoughts. Luke definitely deserves lots of hugs.
To be honest, the book focused mainly on the emotional chemistry and love between the character which I didn't mind. There isn't much smut in the book, but I loved it, nonetheless.
Courtney W. Dixon is f*cking amazing at writing delightful romance books and characters who are troubled yet so sweet that you can't help but fall in love with them (just a little ;) ).
I can't wait for Cian's story !!!
I was so excited when I heard about the book coming out and I finally got the chance to read it.
Luke and Daniel started out as foster brothers and it was then that they started falling in love with each other. When they grew up and
left their foster home, Luke was heartbroken because he thought Daniel was straight and would never love him back. so, he left the country and decided to work for the military.
18 years later, he's reunited with Daniel and his feelings for him are stronger than ever.
To be honest, I thought Daniel was gonna have a problem with getting into the relationship in the beginning but I was pleasantly surprised that he was on board with dating Luke.
The love and devotion between Luke and Daniel were so sweet and beautiful. Sometimes, I felt like I wanted to strangle Luke but I also felt bad for him because I understood his insecurities and troubling thoughts. Luke definitely deserves lots of hugs.
To be honest, the book focused mainly on the emotional chemistry and love between the character which I didn't mind. There isn't much smut in the book, but I loved it, nonetheless.
Courtney W. Dixon is f*cking amazing at writing delightful romance books and characters who are troubled yet so sweet that you can't help but fall in love with them (just a little ;) ).
I can't wait for Cian's story !!!
April 1, 2022
Where do I start? This book had me hooked from the beginning. The story of Luke and Danny was something I realy enjoyed, especially from how they met to how their relationship developed and changed over the years.
Both Danny and Luke ended up in foster care at young ages where they immediately bonded to start their amazing friendship 😍 Danny was the small nerdy child who was always picked on but Luke was the 1 who stood up for him and loved him how he was.
After an incident their bond grew stronger and I just fell in love with the characters more 🖤 At an older age they went in different directions before coming back together as adults years later. I enjoyed seeing how they have both changed in their lives from being apart but when they met each other again it’s like their worlds became 1.
This book is an emotional ride with both suffering from different insecurities and issues. I loved seeing how they finally worked through it together to become stronger as a unit.
There is some seriously hot spice through this book 🥵 I love MM relationships and this was brilliant. The ending was amazing and made my heart nearly burst.
This is a duel POV book from both MC which I enjoyed a lot seeing how they both felt and dealt with situations 🖤
Both Danny and Luke ended up in foster care at young ages where they immediately bonded to start their amazing friendship 😍 Danny was the small nerdy child who was always picked on but Luke was the 1 who stood up for him and loved him how he was.
After an incident their bond grew stronger and I just fell in love with the characters more 🖤 At an older age they went in different directions before coming back together as adults years later. I enjoyed seeing how they have both changed in their lives from being apart but when they met each other again it’s like their worlds became 1.
This book is an emotional ride with both suffering from different insecurities and issues. I loved seeing how they finally worked through it together to become stronger as a unit.
There is some seriously hot spice through this book 🥵 I love MM relationships and this was brilliant. The ending was amazing and made my heart nearly burst.
This is a duel POV book from both MC which I enjoyed a lot seeing how they both felt and dealt with situations 🖤
April 4, 2022
I LOVED THIS SO MUCH!! This book is my favorite of the series so far!! It was so raw and real and emotional!!
Luke and Daniel were foster brothers. They endured a lot from their foster father. When Luke turned 18, he and Daniel moved out to get away from him. When Daniel got into college, Luke decided to go into the military.
18 years later, Luke is honorably discharged and is headed back to the states. He and Daniel only minimally communicated over the last 18 years but Luke knew he wanted to see him. Daniel welcomed him into his life, trying to rekindle their friendship. But Luke doesn’t want a friendship. He’s been in love with Daniel from the moment they met.
How will Daniel take the news that Luke loves him? Daniel is straight. Will Daniel feel the same way as Luke?
This was seriously an emotional and captivating story! They have been best friends for most of their lives so they just fit together. I could not put this down! The struggles they faced were heartbreaking. Courtney was able to tell a story about so many topics (death, PTSD, homosexuality, pan sexuality, violence, kidnapping and more) but they blended together to create a wonderful story.
Courtney every time I read your books, I’m blow away!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 5
🌶🌶🌶.75/ 5
Luke and Daniel were foster brothers. They endured a lot from their foster father. When Luke turned 18, he and Daniel moved out to get away from him. When Daniel got into college, Luke decided to go into the military.
18 years later, Luke is honorably discharged and is headed back to the states. He and Daniel only minimally communicated over the last 18 years but Luke knew he wanted to see him. Daniel welcomed him into his life, trying to rekindle their friendship. But Luke doesn’t want a friendship. He’s been in love with Daniel from the moment they met.
How will Daniel take the news that Luke loves him? Daniel is straight. Will Daniel feel the same way as Luke?
This was seriously an emotional and captivating story! They have been best friends for most of their lives so they just fit together. I could not put this down! The struggles they faced were heartbreaking. Courtney was able to tell a story about so many topics (death, PTSD, homosexuality, pan sexuality, violence, kidnapping and more) but they blended together to create a wonderful story.
Courtney every time I read your books, I’m blow away!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 5
🌶🌶🌶.75/ 5
April 4, 2022
Keeps getting better with each book!
The story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The heat: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
This story is not your average friends to lovers romance! In Strength shattered my heart into a million pieces and then slowly wove it back together again as the story went on! Luke and Daniel's story is a heartwrenching journey with pain and pleasure along the way. As the book went on I loved reading how perfectly the two were made for each other to the point of shouting for them to make it work! That is one thing I can always count on with this authors writing, she makes me experience a gamut of emotions while making me feel completely absorbed in the story!
The story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The heat: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
This story is not your average friends to lovers romance! In Strength shattered my heart into a million pieces and then slowly wove it back together again as the story went on! Luke and Daniel's story is a heartwrenching journey with pain and pleasure along the way. As the book went on I loved reading how perfectly the two were made for each other to the point of shouting for them to make it work! That is one thing I can always count on with this authors writing, she makes me experience a gamut of emotions while making me feel completely absorbed in the story!
April 5, 2022
In Strength by Courtney W. Dixon is the third book in the Kings of Boston series. This book is 266 pages of tragic heartbreak, new beginnings, and steamy romance. The Kings of Boston series gets better and better with each new book. Luke and Daniel have become my new favorite couple of this series, and I can't wait for the next release.
I urge you to read this book, this series, and anything Courtney W. Dixon produces. She weaves stories that grab you by the heart. As always, I give In Strength five stars!
I urge you to read this book, this series, and anything Courtney W. Dixon produces. She weaves stories that grab you by the heart. As always, I give In Strength five stars!
March 28, 2022
Having met Danny and Luke in Courtney’s previous books, I was looking forward to finding out more about them.
Their story is full of heartbreak, first meeting in foster care Luke feel hard for Danny. Protecting him at all costs, he left Danny for nearly 20 years to “get over” his love for him and in the hope that Danny would have a better life.
When Luke returns things click back into place and one kiss and a confession from Luke leads to a Rocky romance.
I was so happy to see them get the HEA they both deserve love.
I received an early copy from the author in return for my honest review
Their story is full of heartbreak, first meeting in foster care Luke feel hard for Danny. Protecting him at all costs, he left Danny for nearly 20 years to “get over” his love for him and in the hope that Danny would have a better life.
When Luke returns things click back into place and one kiss and a confession from Luke leads to a Rocky romance.
I was so happy to see them get the HEA they both deserve love.
I received an early copy from the author in return for my honest review
April 1, 2022
MM and hot hot hot…
this book will break you down just to build up back up again. I love s good second chance romance because the characters always know the other like they know themselves. these two grow from kids to adults together and the trauma they’ve seen in their childhoods bonds them deeper.
@cwdixonauthor really did a great job with this book. I cant wait for the next
this book will break you down just to build up back up again. I love s good second chance romance because the characters always know the other like they know themselves. these two grow from kids to adults together and the trauma they’ve seen in their childhoods bonds them deeper.
@cwdixonauthor really did a great job with this book. I cant wait for the next
April 2, 2022
I've known since the previous book that they were meant to be😍
April 7, 2022
Courtney W. Dixon has done it again with In Strength, the third book in The Kings of Boston series!! There are so many wonderful things packed into this single story, it is a definite must read for any MM, mafia, second chance, best friend/friends to lovers, coming of age, unrequited love romance loving fan! Just be prepared as this book will break you, piece by gut wrenching piece, before finally putting you back together again.
Our two MCs, Luke and Daniel, are best friends that grew up in foster care together and have always had a special bond. You feel their connection right away, and it totally sucks you right in to their story. This is a classic heartbreaking coming of age story for these two as they go from innocent young kids to adults that have experienced so much pain and trauma that you can only hope it will bring them closer together instead of tear them apart.
Luke, who pretty much always knew he was gay, has been in love with his foster brother Daniel from the moment they met, always protected Daniel—hiding the worst from him. Daniel meanwhile, struggled with his feelings towards Luke, and thinking he was straight himself, focused primarily on relationships with woman. Luke, knowing he’d never have the love of his life and unable to bear the pain any more, joins the military as soon as Danny is off to college and the two slowly drift apart…until 18 years later.
Luke, a veteran released from duty due to a traumatic accident, suffers from severe PTSD and finds himself with no other choice then to go back home…and to his once best friend Danny—who just so happens to work for the Irish mob. Working together these two are quickly reunited and boy is it emotional! When things finally come to head one night, everything changes. Even with Danny still at odds with his sexuality, and Luke still recovering from his trauma, there’s no denying the sparks that fly between these two as they reconnect and rebuild their relationship. Will the devastating secrets they're both hiding bring them closer or drive them apart? Will they be able to overcome their past and current struggles to finally have the ending they so rightly deserve?
This story was so phenomenal and so well written it was definitely worth waiting for as I couldn’t put it down! Dixon definitely knows how to weave a tale so heartbreakingly devastating and full of unimaginable struggles and deep pain that it just makes you feel every single moment along with her characters—and I’m 100% there for that heartbreak because it makes the coming together that much sweeter and rewarding!!! I also loved being able to see flashes of the first book and previous charters that we fell in love with.
Overall this was story was heartbreakingly devastating but oh so utterly captivating! Full of so many emotions, this story will take you on a true emotional angst filled roller coaster ride—anger, pain, love, violence, revenge, suspense…this book has it all and is a definite must read for any MM Irish mafia second chance romance fan! So much fire and passion I didn’t want it to end! Just be sure to check your trigger warnings carefully before proceeding.
Our two MCs, Luke and Daniel, are best friends that grew up in foster care together and have always had a special bond. You feel their connection right away, and it totally sucks you right in to their story. This is a classic heartbreaking coming of age story for these two as they go from innocent young kids to adults that have experienced so much pain and trauma that you can only hope it will bring them closer together instead of tear them apart.
Luke, who pretty much always knew he was gay, has been in love with his foster brother Daniel from the moment they met, always protected Daniel—hiding the worst from him. Daniel meanwhile, struggled with his feelings towards Luke, and thinking he was straight himself, focused primarily on relationships with woman. Luke, knowing he’d never have the love of his life and unable to bear the pain any more, joins the military as soon as Danny is off to college and the two slowly drift apart…until 18 years later.
Luke, a veteran released from duty due to a traumatic accident, suffers from severe PTSD and finds himself with no other choice then to go back home…and to his once best friend Danny—who just so happens to work for the Irish mob. Working together these two are quickly reunited and boy is it emotional! When things finally come to head one night, everything changes. Even with Danny still at odds with his sexuality, and Luke still recovering from his trauma, there’s no denying the sparks that fly between these two as they reconnect and rebuild their relationship. Will the devastating secrets they're both hiding bring them closer or drive them apart? Will they be able to overcome their past and current struggles to finally have the ending they so rightly deserve?
This story was so phenomenal and so well written it was definitely worth waiting for as I couldn’t put it down! Dixon definitely knows how to weave a tale so heartbreakingly devastating and full of unimaginable struggles and deep pain that it just makes you feel every single moment along with her characters—and I’m 100% there for that heartbreak because it makes the coming together that much sweeter and rewarding!!! I also loved being able to see flashes of the first book and previous charters that we fell in love with.
Overall this was story was heartbreakingly devastating but oh so utterly captivating! Full of so many emotions, this story will take you on a true emotional angst filled roller coaster ride—anger, pain, love, violence, revenge, suspense…this book has it all and is a definite must read for any MM Irish mafia second chance romance fan! So much fire and passion I didn’t want it to end! Just be sure to check your trigger warnings carefully before proceeding.
April 1, 2022
I had the please of BETA reading this book. I love this series so much. This book will rip your heart out and then pick up the pieces and give it back to you, a little bit damaged but as whole as it can be. Please check the trigger warnings.
Daniel was thrust into foster care at 13 after his parents died. Scared, hurt, heartbroken and lost he made friends with his 14 yr old foster brother. Like protected Danny at all costs. He even fell in love with him but he could tell Danny that even though he was openly gay. Like endured the worst so Danny didn’t have to, but he never told him. After graduating, Luke joins the military knowing he couldn’t have the love of his life and not wanting to hold him back.
18 yrs later, Luke and Danny came together when he got out of the military. The secret Luke is hiding from Danny is heartbreaking. But, Danny is no longer the scared little boy and is working for the Irish mob. Now working together, Luke confessed his love, they start one hot relationship. Though Danny is still confused of his sexuality and it may be too soon for Luke after his loss in the military. Sparks fly, love will grow but danger still lurks everywhere. Can their love withstand what these two will go through? Will their pasts catch up to them and ruin everything? Will working for the Irish mob pose a bigger threat and take them from one another?
This book will make you feel every emotion possible. Pain, anger, disgust, heartbreak, happiness, sexy and it’s filled with violence, revenge, angst, suspense, bullying, love, romance and more. I love we get to see some of the same events in previous books play through and how they affect Luke and Danny. Seeing Roman and Kat and Charles and Brady was amazing and even more secondary characters from previous books. Keep in mind, this is a very dark friends to lovers, second chance, M/M romance. The ending was everything I wanted for Luke and Danny after everything they went through. I seriously do t want this series to end after In Redemption, I might cry just a little more when it does.
Daniel was thrust into foster care at 13 after his parents died. Scared, hurt, heartbroken and lost he made friends with his 14 yr old foster brother. Like protected Danny at all costs. He even fell in love with him but he could tell Danny that even though he was openly gay. Like endured the worst so Danny didn’t have to, but he never told him. After graduating, Luke joins the military knowing he couldn’t have the love of his life and not wanting to hold him back.
18 yrs later, Luke and Danny came together when he got out of the military. The secret Luke is hiding from Danny is heartbreaking. But, Danny is no longer the scared little boy and is working for the Irish mob. Now working together, Luke confessed his love, they start one hot relationship. Though Danny is still confused of his sexuality and it may be too soon for Luke after his loss in the military. Sparks fly, love will grow but danger still lurks everywhere. Can their love withstand what these two will go through? Will their pasts catch up to them and ruin everything? Will working for the Irish mob pose a bigger threat and take them from one another?
This book will make you feel every emotion possible. Pain, anger, disgust, heartbreak, happiness, sexy and it’s filled with violence, revenge, angst, suspense, bullying, love, romance and more. I love we get to see some of the same events in previous books play through and how they affect Luke and Danny. Seeing Roman and Kat and Charles and Brady was amazing and even more secondary characters from previous books. Keep in mind, this is a very dark friends to lovers, second chance, M/M romance. The ending was everything I wanted for Luke and Danny after everything they went through. I seriously do t want this series to end after In Redemption, I might cry just a little more when it does.
April 1, 2022
So much pain and love in this book! Once again Courtney managed to pull at my heartstrings and adore Luke and Daniel. But first, make sure to check your trigger warnings, there's mention of CSA/SA, foster care abuse, PTSD, and bullying.
Luke is a man who has been in love with his foster brother Daniel from the moment they met at the ages of 13 and 14, becoming instant best friends and protective of each other and promising to always be together no matter what. To escape the pain of having to witness Daniel fall in love/be in relationships with women, Luke decides to leave for the military the moment Danny is accepted into college.
Fast forward 18 years, Luke is now a military veteran who suffers from server PTSD. After having suffered a traumatic accident, he is released from his duty as a soldier, leaving him with the only choice of going back home to Danny. Lukes's hopes of being over his best friend are crushed the moment he begins to live with him and work for Ronan O'Callaghan as his bodyguard along with Danny.
Unable to stand his jealousy one night, Luke finally explodes and admits his feeling for Danny. Causing a chain reaction of love, pain, secrets, and questioning of Danny's sexuality to begin, yet willing to try a relationship and find happiness to begin.
This friend to lovers book, in the Kings of Boston Series, will have you wanting to hurt Mr. Stevens( don't even get me started on him 🤬), hug both Luke and Daniel, and yell at Luke certain times that he is worthy of love and to stop doubting Danny. Though, I must admit that the last chapter was perfect for them.
Luke is a man who has been in love with his foster brother Daniel from the moment they met at the ages of 13 and 14, becoming instant best friends and protective of each other and promising to always be together no matter what. To escape the pain of having to witness Daniel fall in love/be in relationships with women, Luke decides to leave for the military the moment Danny is accepted into college.
Fast forward 18 years, Luke is now a military veteran who suffers from server PTSD. After having suffered a traumatic accident, he is released from his duty as a soldier, leaving him with the only choice of going back home to Danny. Lukes's hopes of being over his best friend are crushed the moment he begins to live with him and work for Ronan O'Callaghan as his bodyguard along with Danny.
Unable to stand his jealousy one night, Luke finally explodes and admits his feeling for Danny. Causing a chain reaction of love, pain, secrets, and questioning of Danny's sexuality to begin, yet willing to try a relationship and find happiness to begin.
This friend to lovers book, in the Kings of Boston Series, will have you wanting to hurt Mr. Stevens( don't even get me started on him 🤬), hug both Luke and Daniel, and yell at Luke certain times that he is worthy of love and to stop doubting Danny. Though, I must admit that the last chapter was perfect for them.
April 1, 2022
Oh man, Courtney really knows how to pull the heart strings.
Throughout the previous books, we see Luke and Danny, but never really knew what was happening with them. Andddd oh boy do we find out.
It’s so endearing and heartbreaking, seeing the love that Luke has for Danny. Ever since Danny came into his life, Luke has loved him more than friendship. Luke has always protected Danny, no matter the cost. Being a year older, once Luke ages out of the system, he takes Danny with him to escape their foster house. But he struggles with his feelings, and once Danny is off to college, he moves away.
Throughout the years Luke has always held on to his love for Danny, which impacted his relationships. When he comes back home almost 20 years later, he struggles with his past trauma and his feelings. With Luke back in Danny’s life, he starts questioning his past relationships and his sexuality. Danny has always been comfortable with Luke’s affections, and never really put that in question.
Ughhh this was a rollercoaster. We do get that HEA, but not after some trials. Being the security for the mob, they both have to deal with the dangers of life and how their relationship dynamics are changing. I loved Luke and Danny from the beginning, and their story really confirmed that. I love this world, and can’t wait to read more about the others!
Throughout the previous books, we see Luke and Danny, but never really knew what was happening with them. Andddd oh boy do we find out.
It’s so endearing and heartbreaking, seeing the love that Luke has for Danny. Ever since Danny came into his life, Luke has loved him more than friendship. Luke has always protected Danny, no matter the cost. Being a year older, once Luke ages out of the system, he takes Danny with him to escape their foster house. But he struggles with his feelings, and once Danny is off to college, he moves away.
Throughout the years Luke has always held on to his love for Danny, which impacted his relationships. When he comes back home almost 20 years later, he struggles with his past trauma and his feelings. With Luke back in Danny’s life, he starts questioning his past relationships and his sexuality. Danny has always been comfortable with Luke’s affections, and never really put that in question.
Ughhh this was a rollercoaster. We do get that HEA, but not after some trials. Being the security for the mob, they both have to deal with the dangers of life and how their relationship dynamics are changing. I loved Luke and Danny from the beginning, and their story really confirmed that. I love this world, and can’t wait to read more about the others!
April 1, 2022
In Strength is the third book of the Kings of Boston series by Dixon. This is a M/M romance where we meet Luke and Daniel- having them be best friends in foster care together, their relationship was always something special from the very beginning. Luke always known that he was gay, Daniel struggled with his feelings towards Luke because Daniel was “straight”. Daniel later discovers he is indeed pansexual, and his love story to Luke is absolutely beautiful. The struggles from their past and present and watching them get their HEA, it was heartfelt.
I love Dixon’s books because she does not HOLD BACK. She has all the damn feels and I can’t wait to read more from this upcoming author.
In Strength can be read as a stand alone, but of course it is recommended and way better to get the whole picture of Dixon’s world.
❤️ Second Chances
🧡 M/M Trope
💛 Friends to Lovers
💚 Slowish Burn
💙 Unrequited Love
💜 Destined to Be Together
❤️ Coming of Age
🧡 First Love
💛 Best Friends
💚 With a little mafia thrown into the trope blender
Please check trigger warnings for the book
I love Dixon’s books because she does not HOLD BACK. She has all the damn feels and I can’t wait to read more from this upcoming author.
In Strength can be read as a stand alone, but of course it is recommended and way better to get the whole picture of Dixon’s world.
❤️ Second Chances
🧡 M/M Trope
💛 Friends to Lovers
💚 Slowish Burn
💙 Unrequited Love
💜 Destined to Be Together
❤️ Coming of Age
🧡 First Love
💛 Best Friends
💚 With a little mafia thrown into the trope blender
Please check trigger warnings for the book
April 2, 2022
5⭐️
4🌶
______________________
Besides Ronan and Cat in book 1, this is by far a favorite.
Luke and Daniel are such a hot couple. While it’s not really a second chance, it is a second chance. Luke protected Daniel in their foster home and in school as they grew up. Daniel was such a meek child. At times I wanted to shake him by the shoulders and be like GROW UP! But he definitely does as he gets older and goes through college without Luke.
When the two are reunited it’s like trying to become friends all over again. Luke is unsure if his feelings will get in the way and Danny is trying to find himself.
This does have a mafia backstory in it and you get most of that story in book 1. But this book continues on with that story. You can read this as a stand-alone but I HIGHLY recommend Ronan and Cat because that is my all time favorite and I love Ronan.
4🌶
______________________
Besides Ronan and Cat in book 1, this is by far a favorite.
Luke and Daniel are such a hot couple. While it’s not really a second chance, it is a second chance. Luke protected Daniel in their foster home and in school as they grew up. Daniel was such a meek child. At times I wanted to shake him by the shoulders and be like GROW UP! But he definitely does as he gets older and goes through college without Luke.
When the two are reunited it’s like trying to become friends all over again. Luke is unsure if his feelings will get in the way and Danny is trying to find himself.
This does have a mafia backstory in it and you get most of that story in book 1. But this book continues on with that story. You can read this as a stand-alone but I HIGHLY recommend Ronan and Cat because that is my all time favorite and I love Ronan.
March 31, 2022
In Strength is an emotional, heart wrenching mm friends to lovers romance! Luke and Daniel meet in foster care. Luke is a strong, gay teen who falls hard and fast for Daniel, a straight, nerdy teen in need of protection. The heartbreak that Luke experiences while in his teens, loving Daniel but never being able to act on it, leads to his decision to join the military. They separate for 18 years only to be reunited once Luke leaves the military. One kiss and a confession and Daniel is all in! Their relationship, even with every hardship, torment, and time away from each other, exudes love and loyalty and soulmates. This story is so well written, flowing effortlessly from the past to present, making me feel every emotion and experience with Daniel and Luke. What an emotional ride!
April 1, 2022
I have to say, by the end of this book, my heart broke for Luke so many times... 💔
But I really liked that he recognised early on, that his love for Daniel was not healthy for him and made the decision to leave. I just wished that, that time and space he’s taken would have healed him though.
I also wish this book would have been darker. Daniel and Luke work for the mafia – so I was definitely expecting some darker scenes.
They had a lot of stuff to work through but I’m glad they got their HEA. I absolutely loved how Daniel fought to reassure Luke that he was there to stay even when Luke tried to push him away.
One of the most beautiful parts for me was the little surprise at the end... Was totally unexpected and I absolutely loved it... 💙💙
But I really liked that he recognised early on, that his love for Daniel was not healthy for him and made the decision to leave. I just wished that, that time and space he’s taken would have healed him though.
I also wish this book would have been darker. Daniel and Luke work for the mafia – so I was definitely expecting some darker scenes.
They had a lot of stuff to work through but I’m glad they got their HEA. I absolutely loved how Daniel fought to reassure Luke that he was there to stay even when Luke tried to push him away.
One of the most beautiful parts for me was the little surprise at the end... Was totally unexpected and I absolutely loved it... 💙💙
December 6, 2022
Luke and Daniel grew up in the foster system. One gay, one straight, they forged a closeness and reliance without Danny realizing Luke loved him. Separating for college and the Marines, life divided them and reunited them. They both struggled terribly but besides the angst there is tender love and passion with undying devotion. This book brought tears along with the violence in the mafia wars. As usual for this series, accompanying stories are included simultaneously. I don't know how Courtney keeps all the balls juggling at the same time. This is a great series of novels of friends and family in an Irish Mob. I received a copy of this book and this is my voluntary opinion.
April 1, 2022
If you love all things mafia with a side of M/M characters then pick up this book!! Luke and Daniel are officially my favorites from this series (yes, I know I say that with each new release😂) but I really mean it this time! The love these two men have for each other spans decades and no matter the circumstance, they keep coming back to each other. The spice was kicked up a notch with this book 🥵🥵 and Courtney tackles some intense scenarios in this book so make sure to check the trigger warnings!! Overall this is a must read from me!!! ⭐️:5/5 🌶: 3.75/5
April 1, 2022
Beautiful Friends to Lovers
This book was so beautiful written! I was very excited to finally get Luke and Danny’s story because Courtney is so good at foreshadowing in this series! I loved Danny’s struggle with figuring out what exactly his sexuality is (I can relate), but ultimately he doesn’t need a sexual identity because they were simply meant to be regardless. Luke has so much baggage and he doesn’t find himself worthy of Danny’s love but nothing could be further from the truth. The spice was so good and the ending was incredible! Read. this. series.
This book was so beautiful written! I was very excited to finally get Luke and Danny’s story because Courtney is so good at foreshadowing in this series! I loved Danny’s struggle with figuring out what exactly his sexuality is (I can relate), but ultimately he doesn’t need a sexual identity because they were simply meant to be regardless. Luke has so much baggage and he doesn’t find himself worthy of Danny’s love but nothing could be further from the truth. The spice was so good and the ending was incredible! Read. this. series.
March 31, 2022
This book was EVERYTHING!! I am so in love with it and the characters, Danny and Luke! Their love story was so beautiful. I couldn't stop thinking about this book WELL passed finishing it. It's a story that will stick with you long after you're done with it!! Well done Courtney Dixon, well done!!
June 20, 2022
Oh my !!!!
Good gravy this book was intense but so darn good!!!! I loved Danny and Lukes story!!!! They went through a lot together but they conquered it and finally fell in love!!!! So much good!!
Good gravy this book was intense but so darn good!!!! I loved Danny and Lukes story!!!! They went through a lot together but they conquered it and finally fell in love!!!! So much good!!
April 13, 2022
😍😍😍😍
Lots of action in this book!!! So good!! Love these type of action booms!! Be warned there are some triggers in this one! It didn't bother me at all!
Lots of action in this book!!! So good!! Love these type of action booms!! Be warned there are some triggers in this one! It didn't bother me at all!
April 25, 2022
In Strength focuses on bodyguards, Daniel and Luke. The two men have been friends since they met while in foster care as young teens. Luke was older and bigger and protected Daniel from bullies and sexual predators. The two became brothers. Even though he knows that Daniel is straight, Luke, who is gay, has always loved Danny. When Daniel left for Harvard, Luke joined the Marines to get away from Danny and a love he didn’t think would ever be reciprocated. Fast-forward eighteen years later, and the two men are reunited when Danny calls Luke to join him working for the O’Calloghan mob family in Boston.
When Danny and Luke are back together, Luke finally admits his feelings. Danny is confused, but knows he has feelings for Luke even if he’s not gay. Finally free to explore their feelings, the two fall in love only to have setbacks brought on by fears, confusion, and life-threatening danger from rival mob families. Luke is tormented by his time in the military and the loss of a former love. Daniel is confused about his situation and unsure how to proceed. Whether or not they can truly be together is a big question.
Dixon gets the emotions in this story just right. I truly feel Luke’s pain when he believes his love for Danny can never be returned. The characters are strongly written, and learning about their foster home background adds a real depth. Whether you are gay or straight, you will understand the emotions of the two main characters.
While In Strength can be read as a stand-alone, you’ll truly enjoy it more if you read the series from book one. Be sure to let me know what you think about Daniel and Luke’s story! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
When Danny and Luke are back together, Luke finally admits his feelings. Danny is confused, but knows he has feelings for Luke even if he’s not gay. Finally free to explore their feelings, the two fall in love only to have setbacks brought on by fears, confusion, and life-threatening danger from rival mob families. Luke is tormented by his time in the military and the loss of a former love. Daniel is confused about his situation and unsure how to proceed. Whether or not they can truly be together is a big question.
Dixon gets the emotions in this story just right. I truly feel Luke’s pain when he believes his love for Danny can never be returned. The characters are strongly written, and learning about their foster home background adds a real depth. Whether you are gay or straight, you will understand the emotions of the two main characters.
While In Strength can be read as a stand-alone, you’ll truly enjoy it more if you read the series from book one. Be sure to let me know what you think about Daniel and Luke’s story! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 19, 2022
In Strength is Book 3 in the Kings Of Boston series. We travel deeper into the world of the Irish mafia to uncover the story of Daniel and Luke. This story is a dark MM, friends to lovers, slow burn romance that is packed with suspense, passion, angst and not a little dose of love.
Daniel Bell was thrown into foster care after being ripped away from his parents. Scared and alone, he clung to the safety he found in his foster brother, Luke. It follows them as they go from kids to adults. Daniel struggled with the feelings that he started to develop for Luke, and believing him to be straight, spent all of his time throwing himself into nights with women.
Luke, who has always known he was gay, has been in love with Daniel since the moment they met. He always made sure to protect him while they were growing up. Knowing that he would never be able to be with the love of his life, he joined the military as soon as Danny heads off to college.
Skip forward eighteen years and Luke is a veteran being released from duty after a traumatic incident leaves him suffering from severe PTSD. He has no other option than to return home. To where his once best friend Danny now works for the Irish mafia. They are thrown back together when Luke starts working for the Irish mafia, and damn is their reunion emotional.
One night, things come to a head, and changes the course of their lives. Danny, still struggling to come to terms with his sexuality, and Luke trying to recover from his trauma, are both thrown off kilter at the intensity of the connection. But both are hiding secrets from each other. Secrets that risk everything they are building. Will they gather the courage to confide in each other before they are torn apart?
My heart is both broken and mended for these two. Despite their faults, they are fiercely loyal. Even with their misunderstandings and their sizzling passion, you got a glimpse of the love and devotion that they have. The friendship that never failed them. Even if I did want to give them a good shake at times, telling them, 'Good Lord. Talk to each other already.' Their relationship felt real and heartbreaking. The trials they went through to be together. And had you cheering when you reached the end.
Daniel and Luke's relationship was a slow progress through In Silence and In Retribution. They gravitated towards each other. Their sexual tension intensified with each book. It had you hoping to see them get their own book. And it was more than worth the wait. Their story had me on the edge of my seat the entire time.
Daniel Bell was thrown into foster care after being ripped away from his parents. Scared and alone, he clung to the safety he found in his foster brother, Luke. It follows them as they go from kids to adults. Daniel struggled with the feelings that he started to develop for Luke, and believing him to be straight, spent all of his time throwing himself into nights with women.
Luke, who has always known he was gay, has been in love with Daniel since the moment they met. He always made sure to protect him while they were growing up. Knowing that he would never be able to be with the love of his life, he joined the military as soon as Danny heads off to college.
Skip forward eighteen years and Luke is a veteran being released from duty after a traumatic incident leaves him suffering from severe PTSD. He has no other option than to return home. To where his once best friend Danny now works for the Irish mafia. They are thrown back together when Luke starts working for the Irish mafia, and damn is their reunion emotional.
One night, things come to a head, and changes the course of their lives. Danny, still struggling to come to terms with his sexuality, and Luke trying to recover from his trauma, are both thrown off kilter at the intensity of the connection. But both are hiding secrets from each other. Secrets that risk everything they are building. Will they gather the courage to confide in each other before they are torn apart?
My heart is both broken and mended for these two. Despite their faults, they are fiercely loyal. Even with their misunderstandings and their sizzling passion, you got a glimpse of the love and devotion that they have. The friendship that never failed them. Even if I did want to give them a good shake at times, telling them, 'Good Lord. Talk to each other already.' Their relationship felt real and heartbreaking. The trials they went through to be together. And had you cheering when you reached the end.
Daniel and Luke's relationship was a slow progress through In Silence and In Retribution. They gravitated towards each other. Their sexual tension intensified with each book. It had you hoping to see them get their own book. And it was more than worth the wait. Their story had me on the edge of my seat the entire time.
February 16, 2023
Danny was 13 when he entered foster care and met 14year old Luke. Scared, hurt, and alone, he turned to Luke for comfort and Luke became his protector at home and at school. When Luke graduated from high school, he moved out of the foster home, keeping Danny with him until Danny left for college and Luke went into the service.
Luke was gay and loved Danny, he never said or did anything, but he knew he needed to be away from Danny so he spent the next 18 years away, only keeping in touch occasionally as the years passed, still in love , never forgetting Danny, but getting by. After getting out of the service, Luke reached out to Danny and joined him in Boston to work as bodyguards for the Irish mafia with Danny. Living together was difficult, but one drunken night Luke confessed how he had felt all these years about Danny, and even though Danny identified as straight, the two began a more physical relationship.
Things did not always go smoothly. Luke believed Danny was still straight, Danny didn’t know what he was, Luke still suffered from PTSD, events from the past kept intruding, there were dangers from rival mafia groups and challenges at every turn, but both clung to the knowledge that they were each other’s missing half, fighting to stay together.
This story really pulled me in, from the time of the first meeting in foster care until Danny left for college, then after Luke returned as they tried to accept their feelings. There was quite a bit of action, both main characters were strong and compelling, peripheral characters added to the drama, and I was on the edge of my seat a few times as they hit difficult situations. The conflicted feelings and self talk of both characters struck me as very realistic for the situations in which they found themselves, both as teens and adults. I couldn’t put it down, finishing in one seating. Great read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Luke was gay and loved Danny, he never said or did anything, but he knew he needed to be away from Danny so he spent the next 18 years away, only keeping in touch occasionally as the years passed, still in love , never forgetting Danny, but getting by. After getting out of the service, Luke reached out to Danny and joined him in Boston to work as bodyguards for the Irish mafia with Danny. Living together was difficult, but one drunken night Luke confessed how he had felt all these years about Danny, and even though Danny identified as straight, the two began a more physical relationship.
Things did not always go smoothly. Luke believed Danny was still straight, Danny didn’t know what he was, Luke still suffered from PTSD, events from the past kept intruding, there were dangers from rival mafia groups and challenges at every turn, but both clung to the knowledge that they were each other’s missing half, fighting to stay together.
This story really pulled me in, from the time of the first meeting in foster care until Danny left for college, then after Luke returned as they tried to accept their feelings. There was quite a bit of action, both main characters were strong and compelling, peripheral characters added to the drama, and I was on the edge of my seat a few times as they hit difficult situations. The conflicted feelings and self talk of both characters struck me as very realistic for the situations in which they found themselves, both as teens and adults. I couldn’t put it down, finishing in one seating. Great read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 24, 2023
There was a lot to unwrap emotionally in this dark mafia romance. This is book 3 in the Kings of Boston series and while I have not read the prior books, I definitely felt I could read this as a standalone. The other characters are featured in this book as part of the storyline but I felt the focus was really on Daniel (Danny) and Luke and their relationship.
Definitely check the content warnings before reading this book as there is on page violence, mentions of past abuse, PTSD as well as some others in the author’s description.
Both Daniel and Luke come from traumatic backgrounds dealing with past abuse and devastating loss that continues to affect their lives and relationships into adulthood. They were thrown together in the same foster home as teens and dealt with the challenges and abuse they faced with their foster parents. There is so much to deal under those circumstances and then add the pressure of questioning identity and unrequited feelings. Luke stays away from Danny for almost two decades and I can’t imagine dealing with those unreturned feelings for all that time. The dual POV was great and added to the angst and drama. In an emotionally charged book like this, you get a sense of where each character is at that particular time.
Both characters are a bit of a mess emotionally with Danny overanalyzing every feeling and thought and Luke’s taking everything onto his shoulders. This was on the high end of the angst scale for me and that doesn’t even include the drama from being part of the mob lifestyle. Certainly a page turner for me but I was pleased with the ending for these two characters who definitely earned their HEA.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest and fair review.
Definitely check the content warnings before reading this book as there is on page violence, mentions of past abuse, PTSD as well as some others in the author’s description.
Both Daniel and Luke come from traumatic backgrounds dealing with past abuse and devastating loss that continues to affect their lives and relationships into adulthood. They were thrown together in the same foster home as teens and dealt with the challenges and abuse they faced with their foster parents. There is so much to deal under those circumstances and then add the pressure of questioning identity and unrequited feelings. Luke stays away from Danny for almost two decades and I can’t imagine dealing with those unreturned feelings for all that time. The dual POV was great and added to the angst and drama. In an emotionally charged book like this, you get a sense of where each character is at that particular time.
Both characters are a bit of a mess emotionally with Danny overanalyzing every feeling and thought and Luke’s taking everything onto his shoulders. This was on the high end of the angst scale for me and that doesn’t even include the drama from being part of the mob lifestyle. Certainly a page turner for me but I was pleased with the ending for these two characters who definitely earned their HEA.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest and fair review.
January 27, 2023
Although the book is part of a series, it was the first book by Courtney W. Dixon for me. I really enjoyed her wonderful writing style and quickly became immersed in the story. This is told alternately from the point of view of Daniel and Luke, which gave me great insight into the two characters.
It was intense when Daniel loses his parents overnight and ends up in foster care. He feels alone and scared. Luckily, he meets Luke in the foster home, who would become his best friend. The childhood of the two was at times very dark, but well and believably portrayed. The two main protagonists gain depth of character and you can't help but take them to your heart. Luke has a crush on Daniel and he protects him, but Daniel is straight. Does Luke ever stand a chance? It was heartbreaking to follow the relationship of the two at a young age.
But even 18 years later and after a lifetime in the Army, Luke can't forget Daniel. The feelings are still there even after so long. But how will Daniel react? The fact that Daniel has taken a job as a gangster's bodyguard is a thorn in Luke's side. And then things seem to get out of hand.
The story was entertaining, suspenseful, emotional and at times very dark, but it kept me hooked from the start. The fate has played both badly, which is why I was all the more pleased about the happy ending.
It was intense when Daniel loses his parents overnight and ends up in foster care. He feels alone and scared. Luckily, he meets Luke in the foster home, who would become his best friend. The childhood of the two was at times very dark, but well and believably portrayed. The two main protagonists gain depth of character and you can't help but take them to your heart. Luke has a crush on Daniel and he protects him, but Daniel is straight. Does Luke ever stand a chance? It was heartbreaking to follow the relationship of the two at a young age.
But even 18 years later and after a lifetime in the Army, Luke can't forget Daniel. The feelings are still there even after so long. But how will Daniel react? The fact that Daniel has taken a job as a gangster's bodyguard is a thorn in Luke's side. And then things seem to get out of hand.
The story was entertaining, suspenseful, emotional and at times very dark, but it kept me hooked from the start. The fate has played both badly, which is why I was all the more pleased about the happy ending.
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