Hard Job

A-List Security #2

by Annabeth Albert

How hard can it be to guard the country’s biggest rockstar?
As a SEAL officer, I’m no stranger to danger, but running my own security firm is a new challenge. Finding the right bodyguard for each client isn’t easy. Our next gig? My little brother’s best friend, rock god Ezra Moon, has a security crisis. Ezra is convinced I’m the right man for the job, but I’m not so sure.

From crowd surfing to infamous pictures, Ezra is known for taking risks. It’s no wonder his record label thinks he needs a keeper on tour.

But there’s not a tour bus big enough to contain our incendiary attraction. Ezra and his antics push every last one of my buttons, but the real problem is how much I want to kiss some sense into him. He’s a client, and angry make-out sessions aren’t the answer. Yet we keep finding ourselves alone and burning up the sheets until our secret fling threatens to scorch both of us.

I’ve spent my whole life running from the spotlight, trying to distance myself from my notorious father. Ezra wants to live his best life on the biggest stage. A future seems impossible, but our feelings are undeniable. Can I admit how hard I’ve fallen for Ezra without losing everything?

HARD JOB is book two in a brand-new SEAL bodyguard series. It features a reluctant SEAL bodyguard, a mouthy rock star with a heart of gold, molten chemistry, and pie. Lots of pie. Also, all the high heat, big emotions, and found family feels readers expect from this fan-favorite military romance author. Join A-List security for this new series featuring former SEALs and the celebrity clients who win their hearts. Happy endings and no cliffhangers guaranteed!

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Military Fiction, LGBT, Music, Queer

320 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 7, 2022

About the author

Frequent tweeter, professional grammar nerd, and obsessive reader, Annabeth Albert is also a Pacific Northwest romance writer in a variety of subgenres.

Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two toddlers.

Reviews

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hard Job is book two in the A-List Security series by Annabeth Albert.

Duncan Lubov is one of two owners of A-List Security Services, along with his best friend, Harley. Both Duncan and Harley are former Navy Seals and their company was created to give other Veterans a safe place to work. They are working hard to get their business off the ground and are proud of the reputation they are building.



Ezra Moon is twenty eight years old. He started out in television as a child star but after the show ran it’s course, he transitioned into singing, his first love. His band, We Wear Crowns, is world renowned. Ezra is best friends with Danny, Duncan’s half brother. Ezra first met Duncan when he was just a teenager and has had a crush on him ever since. So when his label was demanding a new security chief, he knew there was only one person he wanted for the job, Duncan.

“You’re playing with fire.”
“What if I like getting burned?”

Duncan was deployed when he first heard Ezra’s first album and it strongly affected him, gave him peace while he was in some pretty bad situations. Now all these years later, he can’t believe he’s standing face to face with him. He feels pulled towards him but he can’t let that happen. Ezra is now a client and that’s a hard rule, never get involved with the client. It’s his company’s reputation at stake. But as the tour progresses, it’s harder and harder for Duncan to keep things professional.

“I’d survived more than one war zone, but I wasn’t sure I was strong enough to survive Ezra Moon.”

Watching these two give in was so sweet. Duncan was starved for affection, something he’s never had before. And Ezra who is a constant ball of energy, finds peace with Duncan. He grounds him. But they have to keep things secret. And what happens after the tour is over?



This was a sexy, steamy, sweet story. Duncan was always the one in control, always the leader. But with Ezra, he could feel safe enough to give up that control, to just be. Duncan doesn’t believe in love, though. His own parents proved that it’s not real. And Ezra is a rock star, constantly on the road. The biggest challenge of both Ezra and Duncan’s lives will be finding a way to allow themselves to be happy, to put their own relationship first when both are used to putting everyone else first. Do they have a chance or is it just a fling that will end as soon as the tour bus unloads for the last time? The next book in the series will be Harley’s book in Bad Deal.

“I’m my best self with you.”

For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...

[Florence . · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can always trust Annabeth Albert to write books that brings a smile to my face. I was keeping this book to read for a particular week when I would need a little comfort and this book gave me just that. This book just gave me so many good feelings while I was reading it and I really appreciated that.

Brief summry
Duncan is a SEAL who is now a bodyguard, his next assigment is to guard his brother’s best friend, Ezra. The more and more time that they spend in each other’s company, the more than they fall in love with each other.

The romance in this book was just so cute. This book made me almost yell “aww” outloud so many times because I was reading some of the cutest scenes I have ever read in books. I really loved the way the romance developed in this book and how they learnt to communicate and be together. They formed such a strong couple and I really enjoyed reading about them together. Also, these two just had such great communication and always talked to each other about everything and I thought that it was so cute.

Ezra and Duncan just had such a great relationship. I loved how comfortable and at peace they both felt when they were together. I loved how you can see how much they appreciate each other through their every actions.

Also, Ezra and Duncan were both super well crafted characters and they were a joy to read about. I really enjoyed reading about their lives, their struggles, etc. It was just super enjoyable to me.

I love when characters in books bound over small things in life. I just adore those small bounding moments over every day things. In this book, Duncan and Ezra bound over their love of pie. Which was just the cutest thing in this world to me. Those scenes just made me grin so much, they were just so adorable to me. I just adored this part of the book and it made the book just so enjoyable to me, this just really enhanced my enjoyment of this book due to how cute it was.

I received an arc of this book and this is my honest opinion

[~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semi-colons~✡~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

~ Bodyguard/client trope (a favorite of mine)

~ Opposites attract (Duncan is serious and intense, while Ezra is an eternal optimist.)

~ Almost no angst (This is not a tortured rockstar story. Ezra thrives on attention, loves performing, and is grateful for his loyal fans.)

~ No dramatic plot twist (Sit back and relax because except for a couple small mishaps, there is no danger, crazy fans, or daring rescue in this story.)

~ Moderate heat index, with Ezra taking the lead and being the more dominant partner, even though Duncan is bigger (I like this dynamic!)

~ Supportive family (Ezra's parents are the best, and such a contrast to Duncan's absent bully of a father.)

~ HEA (sweet like pie)

[Cadiva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Annabeth brings a fresh look to this bodyguard & rock star romance

I really enjoyed book one in this new ex-military bodyguard series from Annabeth but I absolutely fell in love with Duncan and Ezra in this one!

The rock star falling for his bodyguard trope isn’t a new one, in fact I’d just read Lauren Blakeley’s One Time Only which has the same theme a few days earlier, but here Annabeth manages somehow to take a fresh approach.

What the reader gets is a surprisingly sweet, but also a bit angsty, romance as Duncan, the former Navy SEAL Lieutenant son of a famous Hollywood star, fights to keep his relationship with his brother’s best friend on a professional basis.

Poor Duncan, my heart ached for him. Like his younger half-brother Danny in book one, he’s not had any kind of decent upbringing, thrown off to boarding school, private tutors and nannies, his parents are feckless and unfeeling and it’s left him clinging to his reputation in the Military as a man of honour, something his father is not.

Which proves conflicting when his friendship with Ezra becomes something much more, their chemistry is obvious but it’s the kindness and support each offers the other which makes it special.

Ezra is also much more than just a rich rock star, he’s constantly trying to keep hold of his friendships from before he was famous, the ones he knows are by his side because they want to be not because of what he can do for them.

His parents had him later in life, so he also worries about them and he’s rapidly approaching burnout when Duncan takes over as his Security Chief. Their opposite personalities cause clashes, but they also connect deeply too when both realise there is a longing within the other for someone they can rely on.

I loved everything about this book and didn’t put it down once I started reading it. Both Ezra and Duncan go through some changes, working together by having proper conversations – and a few sulky moments it’s true – to try and find a way forward.

Their secret relationship brings the tension to the plot and is used well by Annabeth to cause moments of friction between them which arise organically and never feel deliberately placed. There’s the usual 70%/Third Act hiccup but it’s thankfully resolved pretty quickly by the two men actually having a grown up discussion!

And the sex between them is a glorious mix of control and tenderness as Ezra discovers Duncan’s touch starved nature fires him up even more. The scene where Duncan gives up trying to be in charge and lets Ezra just love him is beautiful.

Now there’s just Harley’s book to come and the hints we’re given for that one have me salivating!

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book way better than the first book. I had troubles with the writing style in the first book that didn’t happen here, the writing was good. Loved the premise of the book with Duncan having to go on tour.

But still only 3 stars because this was boring and forgettable. Usually when I have to put my book down, I’m excited for when I’ll be able to pick it back up and read more. I had a snow day yesterday so I should have been able to sit and read this book quickly in the morning with my coffee, but no - it took all day. I would set the book down, forget I was even reading it and not pick it back up. I can’t even really articulate what didn’t work for me - just that it didn’t hold my attention.

[yaishin]

dnf at 31%. i swear i never learn.

[Adam · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hard Job by Annabeth Albert is the second in her A-List Security series, featuring age-gap relationships between older ex-SEAL bodyguards and younger celebrities (actor, rockstar, etc). I'm going to keep this review brief because I have little new to say about this book that I haven't said about the rest of her recent books: Albert is at her best when she's writing in the third-person; her first-person works, like Hard Job, tend to have very similar voices with very similar characters who do not sound like realistic adult men. A big issue with this book is that it reads a little too similar to the first in the series, Tough Luck, although this time I'm not grossed out by the characterization of one of the characters. Moreover, Hard Job suffers from a tragically weak plot; there is quite literally no organic tension after the 25% mark as the romance is essentially wrapped up by this point. There is no point to the rest of the book. All in all, what should have been a quick 1.5-2 hour read stretched over several days because it was such a yawn. I don't recommend this book, and I do not plan on reading more in this series.

[Heather K (dentist in my spare time)]

This series just doesn't do it for me. DNF at 20%.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great series from a really, really good writer. I've read Annabeth Albert's stories for years now and always look forward to something new from her. I don’t think I will ever find anything by Annabeth Albert that I don’t love. This addition to the series is just superb...a story of two people who didn’t realize they were lost until they found each other. I loved how Annabeth kept the two characters as just "common people". Ezra, the rock star wasn't full of himself and Duncan, the ex- Navy SEAL and Ezra's bodyguard, wasn't a superhero. They were just two sweet, lovable guys that saw a possible future in one another. Ezra's parents were an absolute breath of fresh air and Duncan's father was a rich, playboy that never suspected anyone...much less his own son, would ever turn him down for anything. The only thing that seemed a bit over the top and unrealistic was the reaction of Duncan and Ezra's friends, and Duncan's business partner when they found out about them...but it didn't take anything away from this delightful book. As is usual for me, I think I will read the FIRST book in the series now:)

[Simona · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best trope!

[Leelah🍁♋️ Orion]

DNF. Maybe I’ve just hit the stage where I don’t do spoiled rotten kids. Call it a mom thing but apparently adults who act like kids but want to be treated as an adult but do stupid things don’t sound like a fun read to me. I work with kids and have kids of my own I don’t want to read about adults who act like one. Seems like this could’ve been a good book but I can’t get past a grown adult acting this way and I done have the patience to wait for him to figure it out.

[Kara Hildebrand (Two Book Pushers) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard Job is the second book in the A-List Security series by Annabeth Albert. I'm loving this series with its sexy bodyguards and the men they fall for. This is Duncan and Ezra's story. Duncan is Danny's brother and Ezra is Danny's best friend! It's a sexy, forbidden, brother's best friend and I loved everything about it. Duncan is retired navy SEAL and now he owns his own security business. He's tough and stoic, but he really just wants to be needed, taken care of and for someone else to make the decisions sometimes. Ezra is a rock star who needs security and he only wants Duncan. Duncan is a huge fan of Ezra and his music. It might be rather large crush. He's shocked to find out Ezra is also attracted to him. Close quarters and literally having to be with him 24/7 is going to lead to doing something he never thought he would. Get involved with a client. It's very bad for business and his reputation, but the more the gets to know Ezra, the more he's willing to take the chance. But can they really make it work? Will the spotlight be too much for Duncan? I really love these two! They are sexy, sweet, fun and perfect for each other. Ezra gets Duncan to relax and open up. Duncan gets Ezra to stop and take care of himself. They are perfect for each other. I especially loved the way they opened up to each other and really listened to each other. I loved watching them fall for each other. It was great to see Danny and Cash again and I'm looking forward to Harley's story!

[Heather Duff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard Job isn’t just part of the A-List Security series, it’s an A-List book!

This has it all. Famous, slightly egocentric musician, stoic ex-military bodyguard, not to mention brother's best friend. Relationship on the down low, complete with sneaking moments and kisses. Oh, and lots of pie. Highs, lows, sweet moments, sexy moments, and a few laughs.

The characters are both likable, and Annabeth is always really good at writing a fulsome story. One with plenty of backstory, complex emotions, and family and friends that both drive the characters and have their backs.

Duncan’s upbringing was cold and loveless, with rich parents who don’t see their children. His brother and he have had to find themselves and love despite them, and they are all the better for it. While Ezra’s were the perfect dotting parents in a loving and lasting relationship, providing safety and security his entire life. Even though their upbringings helped make them who they are, they also use the knowledge of the other to better understand and support one another. I really loved how they gave each other the space to learn and grow. It was sweet and left me a little gooey.

4.5 heart-thumping stars

[Ami · Rating 3 out of 5]

I honestly thought that Duncan being Duncan in the first book, this will be more of a push and pull. I thought it would be Duncan being gruff and grumpy having to take care of rock-star Ezra (who wants to defy rules and doesn't really care about his own safety).

Surprisingly this novel is SWEET. Not to the point of mushy, but, yeah, lots of sweetness. Duncan and Ezra wanted to take care of each other. The two men even talked and apologized when things went wrong and they felt hurt!

SOOO, I wasn't sure if I loved it, since it didn't match my initial thoughts? At one hand, nice surprise. At the other hand, I wish it was less sweet? Oh, I don't know, I'm being confusing *laugh*. I am settling with my okay 3-stars for this one.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it a lot. There's a balance between Ezra and Declan that makes their relationship reality rich, and quite enjoyable to read. Like dark chocolate, deep yet sweet yet a bit more. I get the feeling I'd enjoy the music of we wear crowns if they were a real band.

[Nadine Bookaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Annabeth Albert's for a while now I especially love her Military Romances so when I heard she was writing this series of Former Military men turned Security I couldn't wait for it, and this book is like getting two great Romances in one because not only do we have a retired Navy SEAL but we also have a ROCKSTAR! Heck yeah you read that right, we get both and I for one loved it.

Former Navy SEAL Duncan Lubov runs A-List Security and his brother Danny, who was in the first book of the series, is requesting his help to keep his best friend Ezra Moon safe while he is on tour with his band. What Danny didn't think of when making this request is that Ezra has been mooning over Duncan since he was a fifteen year old teenager and Duncan was in the Military....I wonder if he knew that if he would have made the same request?

Find out more here ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewHJ




**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books
**I also pre-ordered a kindle copy
You can find me here:  https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic

[Denise H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a thoughtful tale of experiences that make you who you are….
Duncan, 40, on cover, ex-SEAL, LT, tall and tough, strong, dedicated, muscled and intensely serious, has begun his security business, his brother is Danny, who is friends with Ezra.
Ezra, 27, is a Rock Star, tall and lean muscled, pale, dark hair long on top, is a beautiful man and lively.
As the band’s tour goes on, our guys become closer, flirty and get along as Duncan is the traveling security man. Duncan’s stoic manner was always present as Ezra’s protector.

It’s hectic, tiring and exciting, but also stressful. The men hung out more and began their sexy kisses, and more, and more hotness as they progressed. They are vers, scorching, emotional, and powerful as they slowly realize they may have fallen in-love.

Tensions rise as they try to hide their relationship.
We’ve gotten to know why they feel the need to hide, and they do argue, make up, and move on, but are always truthful. Conflicts are handled and plans are made.

Wonderful characters and topics that hold our attention, keep us reading. Reading the previous book in this series is recommended.
Enjoy !

======

[French_fry · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first book in the series more than I expected so I was hopeful this would also work for me. Sadly, it does not. Duncan’s jaw clenching is so tiresome and I can’t get any real sense of what Ezra’s personality actually is. I’d keep reading to find out but I’m bored and neither of these characters is working for me so I’m going to DNF at 30%.

[Ky · Rating 4 out of 5]

The bodyguard trope isn't my favorite but the fact that there was no stalking involved appeased me. Also, I really liked the blurb and wanted to give this story a try.

I'm glad that I did because I liked it a lot. Duncan and Ezra knew each other from years ago because of Duncan's little brother, Danny, but they didn't have a lot of contact. They were more aware of the other's existence and watching from afar than anything else.

Then Duncan becomes the new security guy that Ezra needs for the last leg of his tour and they start getting to know each other, overcoming their assumptions and growing closer. Their attraction can't be ignored for long and soon their have a secret casual arrangement going on.

There's a bit of drama near the end, which I didn't appreciate, but they eventually got over it. I also didn't particularly like Duncan's brother's reaction when he found out about them, especially considering that he was together with Duncan's best friend. But I haven't read their story so maybe I'm missing something and his reaction was because of something deeper, I don't know.

I appreciated the lack of action and suspense, as, usually, when there's a bodyguard trope the story goes that way. I liked that this was on the lighter side, more contemporary romance than anything else.

I have no idea whose book is next but I'm curious about the pairing.


* I read an ARC of this story. *

[Kristel (hungryandhappy) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Duncan is hired by Ezra to be his personal bodyguard and sparks fly from the moment they meet. It's not the first time they've seen each other but they've never interacted that much nor been in each other's spaces. Forced proximity due to security measures can be very veeeery interesting and sexy.
They can't deny the lust, the attraction, and they give in pretty soon to it, but there are many things in their way, one being Duncan and not thinking he can want something for himself, something that makes him happy. Thinking he doesn't deserve it. Then there's Ezra who is famous and always in the spotlight, who doesn't think of the consequences of wanting something more with Duncan. Making their sexy arrangement something real, longterm. They were both the sweetest and most infuriating at times, but not many times. They were mostly very sweet and they make me happy!

I loved this book because it doesn't really have much drama. It has obstacles, yes, they argue, but they end up talking and communicating which is very important. They open up and share their feelings, and find themselves wanting more, everything, and maybe they want to take a huge risk getting it because it's worth it!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

[I received a digital arc for an honest review]

Hard Job is the second stand alone in the A-List Security series by Annabeth Albert. A SEAL officer and a child star turned musician with a connection they can't ignore.

Safe, I was blissfully safe in his arms, a pleasure I'd never had but couldn't get enough of. My head fell back, and he peppered me with the softest kisses.

I enjoyed Hard Job much more than the first book in the series. I liked both the characters so much more than I expected to. Duncan at first glance is rigid and a little cold. This comes from being a SEAL and taking his responsibilities seriously and his less than loving upbringing. But when he lets down his walls around Ezra, oh em gee the man is a sweet cinnamon roll who was starved for touch. I was nervous because I don't usually enjoy musician MCs but Ezra stole my heart. He is upbeat, energetic, treats his band members like family and sincerely cares about his fans. He genuinely enjoys what he does but that doesn't mean he doesn't get burnt out. I loved Duncan and Ezra's dynamic. They become a safe space for each other that they can unwind and just breath and take a break from all their responsibilities. In the bedroom, Ezra also gives Duncan the security to let go of his reigns. The safe space to surrender and ask for what he needs. I loved the praise kink Duncan had and the vulnerability they showed each other right from their first time together. I appreciated the arc of their relationship and that it didn't include over the top theatrics that sometimes happen in rock star romances.

kissing was way too tame a word for the way Ezra drew me in and utterly devoured my mouth.

In the end, Hard Job by Annabeth Albert is a low drama, high steam brother's best friend, bodyguard romance with a grumpy/sunshine pairing , copious amounts of pie, shared showers , secret kisses, and . I'm really looking forward to the last book in the series, I have a feeling Harley's book is going to pack an emotional punch.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4.25 stars

Hard Job is the second book in Albert’s A-List Security series, and it’s no surprise that Duncan and Ezra are the MCs. Duncan appeared in the first book and Ezra was mentioned. After reading the blurb for this story, I was excited to dive into this one, and the author didn’t disappoint. While the broad strokes of this book are somewhat formulaic, the characters are really where the story shines. The discovery, communication, and compromise these characters experience really made the book for me.

Duncan and Ezra are truly opposites. Duncan is uptight and rigid, propriety is the important thing, and after everything he’s been through—from childhood and his upbringing to his time as a Navy SEAL—it’s understandable where he’s coming from. For me, his journey was more compelling. His self-discovery of learning what he wants and, more importantly, what he needs, was really wonderful to see.

Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.

[Marthea · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bezbarwna książka właściwie o niczym 😕

Praktycznie wszystko, co napisałam przy pierwszym tomie, odnosi się i do drugiego, zatem nie będę się powtarzać...
Strasznie nie siadła mi ta seria, byłam po raz kolejny bliska DNF.

To nie jest Annabeth Albert, którą uwielbiam...

[Layla]

RTC

[Vfields Don't touch my happy! · Rating 3 out of 5]

1. These were honestly two of the most trifling men I have ever met. I can’t even put my finger on it but they annoyed me. Their internal dialogue was both boring and irritating. I just kept wanting to scream grow up, get over it you’re having an affair the press will know, shut up.
2. The scenes I did enjoy the most were the scenes with the parents.
3. A rock singer who has to be a good boy all the time? What the hell is that all about? So he does something wrong is truly not the end of the world again irritating.
4. To be honest there was way, way too much sex the first half of the book. And it quickly became boring.
5. I may not be the biggest fan of Rockstars as protagonists or bodyguards, it was my fault for stepping into a book with both a bodyguard and a rockstar have a thing.
6. The mystery was dull.
Normally I’m a great slave to Annabeth Albert but this series simply doesn’t work for me. It happens.

[Xanthe · Rating 5 out of 5]

*4.5*
Another winning book from Annabeth Albert packed with personality, heart and heat. Duncan get hired on as security for musician Ezra. They've known each other for many years as Duncan's brother, Danny (from book one) and Ezra worked on a TV show together. They're both older and, now, both are attracted to each other but Duncan is one to stick to the rules, follow his plans and ensure everyone's safety. It's what made him such a good SEAL and now owner of a security business. However, Ezra has a way of drawing people in with his sunshine personality and the way the two connect, even without words leaves Duncan with no way to say no. They're on the last leg of Ezra's tour but it's important for things to be kept secret.
My heart broke for Duncan's character and how long he's been living without love, friendship and real connections with other people because of the way his parts were/are. Ezra is a great balance to them and helps Duncan to see what it's possible to have whilst still having integrity and honour. Their simmering chemistry doesn't take long to spark but the back and forth that they go through together lasts for most of the book but they both have things to work through in order to make it together as a couple.
We have more interaction with Danny, Cash and Harley who all bring that sense of family, blood and found, and show both Duncan and Danny that it doesn't make the parents to feel like a family but those around you who you love, trust and support. I'm very much looking forward to Harley's book and seeing how he gets drawn into something to reach his HEA.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.

[Monika · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sadly, this one has to go one my "wrong book, wrong time" shelf or maybe it just wasn't for me, I'm not sure. At a quick glance of the ratings I see I'm in the minority, I don't know exactly what happened here. *shrugs* I did have some problems with Tough Luck, the first book in this series, but I liked the story well enough and Duncan intrigued me so I think I was expecting more. *sigh*

QUICK THOUGHTS
-- Ex SEAL Bodyguard/Rock Star pairing -- brother's best friend -- a bit of an age difference -- bi character -- some sweet moments -- one controlling dad -- one absent mother -- one amazing family -- great friends -- a fair bit of sex (could have done with less, but that's just me) -- no drama -- I thought the story was slow -- took me more time than normal to read it -- kept putting it down -- didn't feel the chemistry between the MCs... Duncan & Ezra -- couldn't connect to the MCs or their story -- satisfying enough ending -- not really a stand alone -- characters from the first book cross over

[Mari Cardenas · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 Stars!

Hard Job is book 2 in the A-List Security series and it can be read as a standalone, although for maximum enjoyment, you should read Tough Luck first.

Duncan is the head of A-List Security and doesn't want to take their next assignment as his little brother's best friend, rockstar Ezra Moon's, bodyguard. Duncan and Ezra are as different as they could be. Duncan is levelheaded, a rule-follower, and a loner. Ezra is impulsive, a risk-taker, and devoted to his fans. In theory, they shouldn't work, but when they finally come together, they just click in ways I didn't anticipate. It was undeniable that they had chemistry from the start, but I didn't envision that their relationship would work as it did. It was a bit fast, but hey—when it works, it works.

I liked that Danny and Cash from the first book made an appearance in this book. They were super fun!

This was a high-steam, low-angst, and captivating read that I have no trouble recommending!

*** Copy provided by the author for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***

[The Secret Librarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5
Steam: 3

[Vivienne Cristina Arya Federico]

Ugh! 🤦🏼‍♀️ While this is a great storyline, I still don't understand why Annabeth tries to make one of her MCs into a manipulative person hiding under "I'm scared and I know I'm being childish but I must find way to guilt you into doing my bidding".
Just why?