5 stars
Trust Emerson Beckett to deliver a story of two men falling in love, making a family and having a sweet HEA with a very very satisfying epilogue.

We've abandoned Portland after the end of The Package Deal and The Protectors series and we're now in California, when the Governor, Hudson Gatlin, is trying to handle his responsibilities towards the citizens and towards his children. Being a single dad after the death of his wife is not easy and an unexpected help will come from a handsome football player.

Evan Ellis is such a sweet sweet man! Maybe he never committed to anyone (after breaking up with his boyfriend years before) and that would give the impression he's immature but he definitely is a man who just wants to be loved and to have a family to cherish. He was attracted to Hudson at first sight, but he fell in love with his children too and he welcomed them in his life along with their dad.
I really really adored Evan's relationship with Jack, Hudson's son: they have a strong deep bond and Jack will find in Evan another parent, a man who wants to protect him, support him and love him just like Hudson does.

Another thing I appreciated is that Evan and Hudson's lives were complicated, their love didn't make problems magically disappear and they had to work hard for their happily ever after.

Many characters from the previous series make their appearances in this book (Preston and Evan's banter is amazing!): I'll never thank the author enough for not forgetting them and giving us glimpses of their lives as the time passes.
There are also new interesting characters who are very promising, especially Lennox. I can't wait for his story.

It's no secret I'm in love with this universe and I definitely recommend this amazing start of a new series.