4.5/5. I'm tempted to give this a 5, but it takes sooo much for me to do that. This book though? Addicting. I couldn't put it down. I am obsessed with Elijah and Shep. Shep and his straight forwardness and my sweet Elijah who's always hiding who he really is. I can't handle them, they're so great together. Elijah's story is sad, but it hits that hurt/comfort need inside me so good. And seeing Shep handle his sociopathy and falling in love with Elijah is so endearing. I love the possessiveness. I love how he just makes a decision and that's it. And I love how Elijah goes with it all. And how he finally has someone who stands up for him and loves him. Really, I don't even know what else to say. The story? fun. The characters? Amazing (Charlie's back!!! And Wyatt and Linc!). The vibes? Immaculate. 2/5 spice levels.

notes: bodyguard/client, sociopath falls in love, child abuse, mental health, possessive MC, hurt/comfort, age gap, parental trauma