Bad Deal

A-List Security #3

by Annabeth Albert, Kirt Graves (Narrator)

I’m a bodyguard and far from ideal boyfriend material, but agreeing to this fake dating scheme might be the best bad deal I’ve ever made…

I’m a fixer. As a SEAL chief, I succeeded in impossible no-win situations. Now I’m retired and determined to improve the lives of my former military teammates through our Hollywood security firm. Plus, I get to guard intriguing people like Ambrose Sterling, creator of one of my favorite TV shows.

Of course, I want to keep Ambrose safe. When he’s attacked, I leap into action to save him and his scrappy little therapy dog.

But my good deed results in a coastal road trip with me pretending to be Ambrose’s boyfriend to keep him out of more danger.

I don’t do relationships, and I’ve never thought about dating a man before, but here I am, sizzling with every touch and dreaming about more stolen kisses.

Each night of white-hot passion brings us closer to an unbreakable bond. But I’m blue-collar, and Ambrose is Hollywood elite. I want a happy ending more than anything. Can I turn this fake boyfriend gig into the real thing, or am I just a guest star?

BAD DEAL is book three in the A-List Security series. It features a highly protective SEAL bodyguard, a suit-wearing silver fox, an adorably ugly dog, and all sorts of brand-new emotions. Get ready for all the high heat, big feels, and found family feels readers expect from this fan-favorite military romance author. Join A-List Security for this lower-angst series featuring former SEALs and the celebrity clients who win their hearts. Happy endings and no cliffhangers guaranteed!

Genres: Romance, M M Romance, Contemporary, Military Fiction, LGBT, Contemporary Romance, Road Trip

Audible Audio

First published October 6, 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

[Cadiva · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favourite so far in this bodyguard romance series

Definitely my favourite one so far, it’s incredibly sweet and a lovely discovery of both sexual awakening on the part of Harley and of learning to trust in his own instincts from Ambrose.

There was, however, a very brief moment towards the end where I thought I would be chucking my Kindle out the window as they ummed and ahhhhed about their feelings. It looked like we may be heading into classic lack of communication territory but thankfully not.

Both men managed to muddle their way through explaining their fears and their feelings and all was well in the LA world!

Before that, Annabeth had treated her readers to a truly lovely romance which builds slowly in the intensity from a bodyguard relationship, to a fake dating one, to a friendship and into love. This is also coupled with Harley’s realisation he’s pansexual (and possibly demi-romantic also, though that’s never outright stated).

I really appreciated the time they took to not only explore Harley’s awakening desire for Ambrose, but also with Ambrose’s own second guessing all the time due to his anxiety disorder. He’s been burnt before in the past by wanting his sexual activities to mean more than just getting off and so he’s understandably hesitant to let people in.

Harley though, he is just the sweetest former Navy Chief SEAL cinnamon bun going. He’s never seen the point of relationships but as he gets to know Ambrose, and plays at being his fake date, things slowly change.

This very much is a slow burn case of someone finding out that there might just be a reason for falling in love other than the accompanying orgasms and someone else finding there is a perfect for them partner out there.

Throw in a cute dog, good family and friends, a sideways trip to Annabeth’s Rainbow Cove, and a sub-plot about Ambrose’s TV show facing cancelation, and you get a great all round book which is thoroughly enjoyable.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable book. Good addition to the series. I really liked the epilogue.

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

~4.25~

This is my favorite book of the series thus far.

I liked Ambrose in all his anxious, slightly neurotic glory. He's Hollywood royalty yet down-to-earth and non-judgmental. He's passionate about the current show he's directing, which features a pan MC, but allows his older bossy sister to call the shots far too often

And I really, really liked Harley, who's calm under pressure, gentle, and kind. Harley knows he's pan and possibly demi too, but labels don't matter once he rescues Ambrose from a viscious attack by calculating thieves.

Ambrose and Harley are so, so good together. What some readers found boring, I found harmonious.

The MCs are 40, emotionally mature, and willing to work for it.

Ambrose worries any separation will drive Harley away, and Harley is scared he's not enough.

Following a moment of miscommunication, fueled by fear, the men talk it out (like real adults!) and come out stronger on the other side.

Sizzling chemistry. Fun cast of secondary characters. Believable relationship development. Solid HEA.

And Hercules, the dog, who made me smile the entire time. The way Harley pampered "the beast" was too precious.

This book was a win for me.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed this series and as hard as it is to believe, I have actually read them in order. Harley and Ambrose don't have a lot in common...most of the characters in these books don't...but you just have to love them and hope that Annabeth loves them too and lets them have a happy ending. Book #3 of this series is the story of Harley, one of the security specialists at A-List, who falls in love with Ambrose, a TV show creator/producer. Fake boyfriends...attracting opposites... but no big age gaps to deal with in this one since both guys are in their forties. All the characters in the series have also loved animals and in this one we meet Hercules, a 10-pound Chinese Crested...who lives better than some people I know:) Hercules is Ambrose's therapy dog, so he is a part of every page with Harley and Ambrose, but it's cute and funny and takes nothing away from the two guys finding that there is something "There" worth further exploring. I held my breathe toward the end afraid that Harley was going to make a BIG mistake, but Annabeth allowed his friends from previous books to "help out" and all's well that ends well allowing another good one. Not a Bad Deal at all.

[Alisa]

DNF@ 80% Had been skimming since 60% and finally had no more cares to give. Boring couple. Boring plot. Boring chemistry. Boring side characters.

Did I mention it was super boring? 😴😴

By far the worst in the series for me

[Nadine Bookaholic · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read that has some serious moments in it. Ambrose and Harley were perfect together and hey if all it took was a little road trip and a hotel room with only one bed to make them act on their feelings that's not too much of a push at all.

Harley has retired from the Navy SEALS and is running A-List Security with a buddy of his. Now he is head of security for Ambrose's show "TRAVELER" which he's a fan of and finds himself gravitating towards the man and his dog more and more each day, so it's no wonder that he's the one that finds Ambrose when he's in a bit of trouble.

Ambrose is a man with high anxiety and his Chinese Crested Dog is his therapy dog, I loved that he dressed the tiny dog in little outfits, he's also a complete flirt. He flirted constantly even when he thought that Harley was straight thinking nothing would come of it.

I loved the chemistry as well as the friendship between Ambrose and Harley. This story was low on angst, maybe that comes with their ages (40 & 41) which was great because they didn't need drama added to their story because it was perfect just the way it was.

Annabeth Albert has another hit series with the A-List Security Series. These former military men and the men they fall for are just what this reader loves.

If you enjoy Steamy MM Romances, Fake Relationship Romances, Road Trip Romances, Former Military Romances, or Workplace Romances I would recommend this book to you.

Happy Reading!!!

Find out more here ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewBD3




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

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

Reread in audio 12/12/2022:
The narrator was just perfect and I love the story even more. It was as sweet as I remembered.

--------------------

This was just so so sweet, very low on drama (a favourite of mine) and the characters were adorable.
After loving the first two books and seeing the ways both couples found a way to be together, I just loved seeing Harley and Ambrose getting close and having one very healthy relationship. They talked, communication is very important, and what they had at the start of the book simply bloomed from that.
The fake relationship was shortlived because it was so not fake literally from the beginning and I loved how they didn't pretend their feelings weren't there. They embraced them. What resulted was one hell of a sweet ride, in more senses than one. There are roadtrips and they had a very special third passenger; Hercules, Ambrose's chinese crested dog. MVP for sure. So cute in the less objectively cute way.
I really enjoyed seeing these two men in their early 40s find a way into each other's arms and find a well deserved happily ever after.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know I keep on saying it with each book in this series, but this is my favorite one so far. Ambrose is so endearing, and I really appreciate the way his anxiety disorder is written, both on how he knows his worries can be irrational even to oneself and how others can dismiss rational concerns because of the presence of the disorder. And while Harley has a tough exterior he has a marshmallow inside core that just makes me feel gooey. And a cute dog in the plot is always a bonus.

[Denise H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

An awesome M/M love story... great characters and deep thoughts.
Triggers are disclosed at the start. We begin with an exciting rescue episode, and then we see what kind of people are guys are. We settle in for this lively tale and look forward to what's next.
Ambrose, 41, suit and tie silver fox,

a Hollywood producer of a popular science fiction/fantasy series on TV. His sis Cressida works with him, and his Chinese Crested dog, Hercules, goes everywhere with him.
Harley, on cover, 40, blue eyes and bearded,

is hunky rugged and muscled, straight ex-SEAL chief who works at A-List Security.
Ambrose needs to go to his niece's wedding, and because of the attack, Harley goes along to protect him, plus pretend to be his boyfriend.

The drive lets them talk and exchange information and plan their boyfriend story. Harley helps with Hercules, and that dog has never liked anyone but Ambrose.


We gradually see how great these two men are together, and they begin slowly to have some sexy times without penetration, until later. Wow !


It's super exciting and we are having fun with them. This tale is well written with deep inner thoughts, and true, warm hearts.

Loved it !
ENJOY !

=====

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 - Sweet, low angst, easy read. I lost interest a little from about midway but this follows along with how I’ve felt with the other books in this series. No complaints about the writing, just very low tension so I fell asleep a few times whilst reading. I’m keen for book 4.

[Caz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've given this an A- for narration and a B- for content at AudioGals.

Bad Deal is the third book in Annabeth Albert’s series of bodyguard romances featuring the guys of  A-List Security , the elite private security firm run by long-time friends and former SEALs Duncan Lubov and Harley Burton. Like the other books in the series, it’s fairly low-angst and is entirely character-driven, which is this author’s real strength. There are quite a few tropes thrown in here – only one bed, adorable dog, fake-boyfriend, sexual-awakening – but she makes them work; Ms. Albert knows how to create engaging, relatable characters for readers and listeners to care about and root for.

Harley’s current gig is co-ordinating the security on the set of a popular TV show called Traveling (which sounds a bit like a cross between Quantum Leap and Timeless). Showrunner Ambrose Stirling describes himself as “a neurotic TV show creator prone to overusing big words” – which is probably true, although that’s not all he is. He does suffer from anxiety disorder (the ’adorable dog’ I mentioned is Hercules, his therapy dog) but for all that he’s a big deal in the world of television, he’s a very down to earth, gentle man who takes care to treat his staff well and who cares passionately about what he does. His sister Cressida is his business partner, and although they obviously adore each other and get along really well, he does have a tendency to defer to her perhaps more than he should. However, he’s not too pleased with her for teasing him about his crush on their hot, ripped and undoubtedly straight head of security within the man’s hearing.

Harley, of course, pretends he didn’t hear Ambrose’s comments about his “masculine beauty”, but can’t help feeling flattered all the same. He’s not sure why, but Harley has found himself noticing all sorts of little things about Ambrose over the last few weeks and he feels unaccountably protective of him – more protective than is warranted by his job. Those instincts prove to be useful however, when, towards the end of this particular day, Harley realises Ambrose is nowhere to be found and alarm bells start ringing. He heads out and arrives at the parking lot in time to see three young guys beating a guy lying on the ground – Ambrose. Harley runs off the thugs and calls 911, staying with Ambrose until the ambulance arrives and, seeing how agitated he is about his dog, offers to look after Hercules while Ambrose is in hospital.

A few days later Ambrose is recovered enough to be back at work, and Cressida reminds him that her daughter’s wedding is fast approaching. She doesn’t think Ambrose should go alone, especially as he’s planning to drive up to Oregon rather than fly, and wants him to take a bodyguard with him, but he’s appalled by the idea. The wedding is going to be a small affair, and he doesn’t want to make anyone uncomfortable (or look like a self-important prick), but Cressida is adamant he shouldn’t go on his own. Harley quietly suggests that he can go – he’s used to blending in at social events – but it’s Cressida who hits on the idea of Harley going as Ambrose’s plus one.

I liked Ambrose and Harley, and the way their romantic relationship grows out of their friendship. That they’re attracted to each other early on is clear, but Harley takes a little longer to recognise it for what it is; he knows he likes Ambrose, but has never had – or been all that interested in – a relationship before. He’s a bit cynical about them in fact, having seen friends’ relationships crash and burn, but it’s more that he’s never felt the need of one – he’s just not wired that way. Even so, he’s determined to be the best fake boyfriend Ambrose has ever had.

In the previous books, it’s been implied that Harley is straight – Duncan and Cash certainly think so – but at the beginning of Bad Deal, (in a bit of a throwaway moment, really) he comes out to them as pansexual. It’s not a new concept for him – he’s known for a while that he can be sexually attracted to men as well as women – but he’s only recently reached the conclusion that pan is the label that suits him best. But while he’s familiar with sexual attraction, emotional attachment is something he doesn’t really get, which leads Ambrose to suggest that maybe he’s demiromantic. They do act on their sexual attraction fairly early on in the book, but it’s clear that there’s more going on between them than just sex. Harley is able to explore the new feelings he’s developing for Ambrose and show him that he’s really on board with what’s happening between them in the face of Ambrose’s anxiety, which often leads him to second guess himself. He’s been burned in the past when he’s been made to feel bad for wanting sex to mean something more than just getting off, so he’s cautious about letting people in.

One of the things I enjoy about Annabeth Albert’s books is that she writes about a wide variety of different sexualities – I think the first time I read about a demisexual character was in one of her books – and sexual preferences. So many romances include what I call “sex-by-numbers” – the first sexual encounter is hands, the second is oral and the third is penetration, and seem to put a higher ‘status’ on the penetrative sex than other things the characters like to do in bed. What I particularly liked here is that Harley and Ambrose have some very honest conversations about what they like, discovering that their preferences are very closely aligned – and that anal sex isn’t something that absolutely has to be on the table. Ambrose explains that he doesn’t always like the emotional vulnerability he feels afterwards so he’s very choosy about when and with whom he does it. It’s a refreshing change.

On the downside, the book runs out of steam towards the end (the same thing happened in Hard Job); the only bit of real conflict happens here, but it’s so close to the end, it’s hardly worth it. One thing that needed to happen does happen, but otherwise, the last few chapters are a bit… meander-y.

Kirt Graves does a terrific job with the narration, delivering an insightful and nuanced performance that is definitely a strong argument for experiencing this story in audio. His portrayal of the leads is excellent, the deep, gruffness he employs for Harley a good contrast to the higher-pitch and lighter tone he uses for Ambrose. Mr. Graves captures the different sides of Ambrose nicely, allowing his insecurities to show without making him sound over-the-top neurotic and letting his more playful side come through. Harley’s imposing physicality is evident through tone and timbre and his deliberate way of speaking conveys confidence and unflappability. The secondary cast is clearly characterised and differentiated and I liked the way Mr. Graves fleshes out the key relationships in the story – friendship and familial. Cressida clearly loves her brother despite her tendency to steamroller him and the warmth of their mutual affection comes across clearly. The camaraderie and friendly teasing between Harley, Duncan and Cash is well done, and they’re easy to tell apart in their scenes together.

Bad Deal is a good bet if you’re looking for a character-driven romance with minimal conflict and protagonists who are prepared to put themselves out there and communicate their thoughts and feelings to their partner. I always appreciate a romance which avoids silly misunderstandings, so kudos to the author for that, and I’m always up for reading about more mature characters (Harley and Ambrose are forty and forty-one respectively) finding love. While I remain a fan of Annabeth Albert’s I can’t say that this book – or this series – is one of my favourites, but the on-point narration from Kirt Graves definitely puts it into the ‘worth a listen’ bracket.

This review originally appeared at AudioGals

[Marthea · Rating 3 out of 5]

2+
Po raz kolejny z przykrością muszę stwierdzić, że ta seria jest zupełnie bezjajeczna 😕

Naprawdę uwielbiam książki Annabeth Albert - nawet, jak średnio mi się podobają, to najczęściej jest to kwestia jednego z bohaterów, który mnie wkurza, ale jednak wywołuje emocje - tyle tylko, że niespecjalnie pozytywne. A tutaj? Wrrrr... wszystko jest mdłe i nudne jak flaki z olejem, nie jestem się w stanie skupić na czytaniu, bo najzwyczajniej w świecie nie jestem zainteresowana historią. Bohaterowie są bezbarwni, monotonni, nudni...

Ten tom jest ciut lepszy od pozostałych, tak odrobinę, zatem CAŁE 2+ - zamiast 2 jak we wcześniejszych historiach 😉

Ale to zdecydowanie nie jest Annabeth Albert, którą znam i kocham 😕

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

[I received a digital arc for an honest review]

Bad Deal is the third stand alone in the A-List Security series by Annabeth Albert.

Hit show creator Ambrose has a little crush on Harley, the head of his security. Harley saves him for a parking lot mugging and when the fans start getting intense he's on top of it. His niece's wedding is coming up, and his sister suggest him taking extra security just in case. Harley volunteers to be his bodyguard for the event, while disguised as his fake boyfriend. It doesn't take long for them to drop the fake part of fake boyfriend, but when they return to reality from their little vacation will they be able to make it work.

I'd waited my whole life to be held like this. Cared for and needed like this. Loved. Now to hope it could last. That it would survive the real world.

Let me count all the things I enjoyed about this one. 40-year-old MC's, I just love an older, more mature couple. Harley's easy acceptance of finding that the label Pan worked best for him. Ambrose and his anxiety disorder got me right in the heart along with his small, ugly support dog. Next we have the JUST ONE BED scenario! Seriously it's my cat nip and this one is deliciously steamy. I loved that they are both really into everything outside penetrative sex. There's lots of edging, a size difference, begging, praise, mutual orgasms and plenty of messy one on one action. Their romance is an easy low angst journey with high steam. It's not a long-drawn-out process where they each question the other's feelings. They are both open and upfront and don't shy away from their feelings for each other.

No matter how far I fell, he'd catch me. His strength, in all senses of the word, , made it so easy to let go and soar.

Overall, Bad Deal by Annabeth Albert was a great addition to the A List Security series. A fake relationship romance filled with high steam, a cute ugly pup, just one bed, long car rides, a cabin getaway, family, and a happily ever after.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4.5 stars

Bad Deal is the third book in Albert’s A-List Security series, and they all work well as standalones, though there is a little something extra having read them in order. The MCs from the first two books are secondary characters here, and it’s nice to know their love stories beforehand. It also sets up the characters who will appear in the next book. But that being said, it’s not strictly necessary to have read them in order to enjoy this one.

Harley has played a secondary role in previous books, and it was really nice to see him getting his love story here. Especially since he gets a little comeuppance considering the way he treated his business partners in the past when they fell in love. All of that is explained though. This book is told in alternating first person POV, so Harley’s thoughts and feelings are really well laid out. He goes on such a journey here.

Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.

[Georgie-who-is-Sarah-Drew · Rating 2 out of 5]

GFY, Love at first sight, Only One Bed, I am Not Worthy, Found Family.
Oh, and An Adorable Dog.

Scarcely surprising that fitting in All The Tropes meant there was no room for a meaningful plot.
I was bored.

[Resch Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I took a mini-break from this series and came back for this book and the break was just what I needed. I absolutely fell in love with Ambrose and Harley; they were such a delightful balance and both so charismatic you couldn't help but fall in love with them. 

I adored how tender and sweet this romance was. From the unconventional way that Harley and Ambrose are brought together to Harley's sexual awakening, the story read effortlessly. Ambrose was always out and confident in his sexuality but he has a trail of garbage exes behind him. Meanwhile, I love that Harley's orientation is never defined and that he is comfortable just being. Ambrose's support of Harley on this journey and as they fall in love made the story all the more endearing.

But I can't forget the true star of the story, Hercules, Ambrose's dog who is missing tuffs of fur and hates almost anyone not Ambrose. Cue Harley and Hercules becoming best friends...and me cheesy grinning at my Kindle throughout the story. For the most part I loved the story, it was truly just two mature adults falling in love. There was a minor miscommunication towards the end I didn't care for, but Harley and Ambrose talked and worked it out like mature adults. 

Overall, I liked the off-the-charts chemistry between Harley and Ambrose and the secondary characters had me laughing-out-loud and provided needed snark and support. But most importantly, I liked how realistic the romance was and the fact that love and friendship can happen at any age. 

[_booklover_mamas_tomgirl_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect 🥰

[Aki · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay

[꧁•Zakiyya•꧂ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harley and Ambrose were a great pairing... ❤️❤️ 

With the right amounts of humour, sweetness and heat, their story was an utter delight.

Their maturity came through perfectly which is further proof of clever writing.

I really enjoyed reading through the exploration of their relationship. 

If like me, you thoroughly enjoy the company of SEAL bodyguards, then this series is for you…💙💙

[Vivienne Cristina Arya Federico · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one is still another great storyline with one of the MCs being manipulative as always. I think that's Annabeth's thing. Always having one of the MC portray the "I've been hurt, I'm trying hard for a better self esteem but duh, I will use it to get what I want even if it means making it look like you must uproot your life for me as well".
Phew! I certainly find such characters annoying.

[Giulia ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just a lovely story of kinda fake-boyfriends but better! And ‘the beast’! 4,5✨

[Book Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kind of okay

Likes:
The book had a plot and a HFN. It kind of finishes on a relationship cliffhanger but it tells the reader the anticipated outcome, so I took no stars for that.

I added two stars for the two likes above, and I left the third star alone because the rest of the series is better.

**mild spoilers **

Dislikes:
- A joke based on religious bigotry. That’s very disrespectful and not fun to read.
-Minus one star

- The author tries way too hard to convince me that Ambrose likes edging because of his physical response, while also illustrating that he’s constantly asking for it to stop. Someone’s physical reactions are never a substitute for consent. Additionally, I just don’t find coercion in a relationship to be that fun to read about. It creeps me out. Harley and Ambrose never really have a conversation about consent although they do allude to it from time to time, mostly when Ambrose is being respectful of Harley.
-Minus one star

Later on, Harley tells Ambrose that he’s basically being too sensitive because what Harley is doing is not hard-core edging. It doesn’t matter how hard-core Harley is being because what matters is that Ambrose is expressing dismay that Harley wants to continue the behavior he has already introduced, whether it was hard-core or not. Harley doesn’t get to rationalize away Ambrose’s unhappiness or lack of clear consent.

Also, Ambrose is already displayed behavior in the past that shows he’s willing to accept a certain amount of emotional abuse during intimacy because he’s lonely. This should tell Harley that Ambrose may be accepting physical behavior he isn’t really that into so that he can have an emotionally fulfilling romantic relationship. This means that when Ambrose expresses the unhappiness about edging and then accepts it, that means he’s allowing Harley to step on his boundaries. Based on his past behavior, I would guess he’s not enforcing his boundaries because he’s lonely. Normalizing
a lack of boundaries in one partner to stabilize a romantic relationship is really unhealthy. An appropriate response from Harley, would’ve been to have a discussion about consent and boundaries inside a relationship after both of them decided they are willing to date. However, Harley has never even gone to college, where many conversations about consent are introduced. It’s likely that Harley keeps walking all over Ambrose because he just doesn’t know any better. That doesn’t make what Harley does acceptable, but it does mean that I’m willing to give him the benefit of the doubt that he might change, if given appropriate information about respecting consent and healthy relationships.

[dobbs the dog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received from the author's publicist, thanks!

I really enjoyed this book. Both of the MCs were older, 40 and 41, and it was really nice to read a romance with slightly older characters. They have their jobs and their lives more or less figured out and these days that's what I want to read about. Folks like me. Not teenagers who don't have their shit together, flailing around at everything.

So, in this one we have Ambrose who is a writer for a popular TV show and Harley who is a private security guard. Harley has a pan-awakening and I love how it was written, like, 'oh, all these other things make so much more sense if I'm pan' and he's just good with it.

While there perhaps wasn't a lot of racial diversity in the book, there was decent queer diversity. Gay, pansexual, someone who uses they/them pronouns. And it was all just how it was, there was no questioning, especially when Harley was introduced to Ambrose's nibling (a gender neutral version of niece/nephew).

This has two of my favourite tropes, fake dating and there's only one bed, so it had me right from the start.

I haven't read the first two books in this series, but I didn't really need to have, as any characters from the first two books who were introduced, it was explained who they were and how they connected. I was a bit leery about a series with ex-military MCs (Harley in this book), but it didn't feel overly ra-ra military to me and I will probably try to find the first in the series.

[Barb ~rede-2-read~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished yesterday (my birthday and what a gift this was!) and I sat on the review so I could clearly express how much I enjoyed this story but words just aren't flowing today so I'll throw my thoughts out there and see what happens.

First, this will be my nominee for the Best Sexual Discovery category this year. Not because Harley suddenly realized he's attracted to men. He knew that already. It's because he's ready to act on it with Ambrose and they begin very slowly and very explicitly with separate self jerk-off sessions in the dark. They advance to touches, then they have a session using Harley's very large hand to... You can guess. These are all very slow burn and slowly building sexual attraction scenes and they are concurrent to the men getting to know each other, admire, be impressed with, and finally come to care for each other.

The author crafts the story with expert use of visuals, humorous moments, poignant scenes, and well-developed characters. There was nothing about this story that I didn't enjoy. I read it on KU but bought the book today. It's a keeper. I may even buy it again when/if it's released in audio. Honestly, this couple: mature, sound of mind, as cute in their playful moments as men half their age, is one I will not forget. I very highly recommend this one. It can stand alone, though why not read the whole series? It's well worth the investment of time and money.

[The Secret Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just love former SEALs turned bodyguards, and Annabeth Albert writes the bodyguard trope so well!

Bad Deal was a really sweet and steamy read, and I enjoyed it a lot. Harley and Ambrose were both great characters, I felt so much for Ambrose and his struggles with anxiety and his mental health. I could relate to some of his feelings and they felt realistic. Harley was just the sweetest and it was great seeing how he took care of Ambrose, and how he just had this sense of calm around him.

Their romance was a bit of a slow burn, I like how they took the time to explore the attraction between them, as well as Harley’s sexual discovery. It was great how open Harley were to things, and even early on it was clear that he had a soft spot for Ambrose. I l totally loved how protective Harley was of him!

The story was a little predictable at times, and I wanted a little more of the suspense plot than I got, but other than that it was an enjoyable read. The angst was mostly low throughout the book even if there was a small spike towards the end.

Definitely my favourite so far in this series - Harley and Ambrose really caught my heart!

[Edga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slow Burn Romance.

A lovely slow burn romance which was heartfelt and full of banter, a weeny bit angsty, yet funny and full of amazing chemistry between Harley and Ambrose. They were so sweet and sincere towards the other, and I loved how both of them were willing to explore the pull between them.

Their story's all about self discovery, especially for Harley. It was not only a treat to watch his feelings for Ambrose grow, but also to see it dawn on him that he not only loved Ambrose, but wanted a relationship with him. Ambrose too goes from strength to strength throughout the story, he has a panic disorder which I thought Ms Albert handled realistically and sensitively. I liked how big tough Harley's soft centre was revealed in his dealings with Ambrose, they were so good for one another. I'm really enjoying this series, another plus was the characters from previous books showing up in this one. Looking forward to the next book.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite book in this series! Both MCs were just so relatable, and while I expected that with Ambrose (I am also a walking ball of anxiety who relies on my dogs), and I was pleasantly surprised with how real Harley was and how I was completely able to see myself in some of his thoughts/actions. So it ended up being a very sweet, fairly low angst (except in the beginning but it's not relationship angst), just thoroughly enjoyable read. And honestly, the steamy scenes were some of the best I've ever read. I'm a chronic scanner of the more spicy scenes, but these also felt so emotional and showed how truly deep the connection between these two was. A win in my book from start to finish, and I'm so glad we're getting more in the series.

[Jemina Linnama · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bad Deal was an okay book. Overall, A-List Security has been just that, just okay. I just simply expect so much more from Annabeth Albert - I'm used to wanting to reread her stuff, but A-List Security has been incredibly forgettable.

I was so excited to realize the wedding Harley and Ambrose were going to was actually in Rainbow Cove. However, they didn't actually interact with any of the characters from that series, which frustrated me. I would've loved to hear about them, but all we got was some nonsense about how there was a same sex couple at the same beach the MCs happened to be walking on.

[Janet Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bad Deal is the third book in the A-List Security series. Freaking fantastic! I loved Ambrose, I felt so many emotions for his anxiety disorder, felt realistic. Harley was such a marshmallow, sweet and gooey inside with a tough exterior. Each of these books in this series just keep getting better and better! I was hooked from the first page, and it just didn’t let me go. Harley and Ambrose were pure fire, their chemistry was sweet and steamy! Overall, a really great read!! Well written with fantastic pacing.

[Amanda Reeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book, once I started I didn't put it down until the end. I loved the chemistry between Harley and Ambrose and the way they kind of danced around each other and how they felt. I am loving this series and can't wait for the next book.