I was surprised to find that the tagline actually reveals the climax of the plot, rather than the inciting event. Regardless, still a really fun take on the bodyguard relationship trope. Two very lovable MCs with daddy issues coming from two very different walks of life who end up having so much in common. Deeper themes than originally expected, which lends a complex quality and depth to this high-stakes, medium-paced adventure. I instantly connected with both main characters and although in my opinion some of the criminal aspect of the plot felt not-quite-believable, and the climactic event could have had more time on the page to balance the extended denouement, I still very much enjoyed this book!



Would I go back in time and still read this book, knowing what I know now?
Definitely!



 See below for the four criteria I use to decide whether and when to read a book




CHARACTERS: Elijah and Luke are instantly likeable. They’re both placed in positions that have them stepping out of their control and comfort zones, seemingly without any options on their parts. Luke forced to take over his father’s billion-dollar real estate business after doing everything in his life to distance himself from it, and Elijah forced to rejudge his own values when his judgement comes up against the rules he’s hidden behind for so long. Both of them come from very different financial walks of life, so I adored seeing how incredibly similar they both were. Money didn’t matter when it came to paternal abuse (not on screen). They both still share those scars and throughout this book, how those scars are still effecting them come to light so they can be healed. It’s a truly exquisite journey to read in regard to their character growth. Additionally, despite the age gap (27/37), Eli and Luke are wonderfully equal in their pairing. They have complementary strengths and end up helping each other out, rather than it only being very one-sided. This is perhaps my favorite part, because it is so easy to have them fall into tropes given their career positions, but that’s not the case. So this is a HUGE kudos on my end!




PLOT: Medium-paced, Eli and Luke are forced to work together (and yet also choose it, based upon extenuating circumstances). As they fight to uncover the threat against Luke’s life as well as the WHY behind it, Eli and Luke are also grappling with growing feelings for one another. Being together, each of them is a catalyst for buried memories and healing that they both end up going through by the end of the story. This is a plot of love, loss, danger and daddy-issues, families and what exactly constitutes a family, what is important, what it means to be successful. The plot blends together relationship moments with intense action moments rather perfectly, culminating in an ending that is just shy of that perfect high point, but with an actual denouement to wrap things up.




EMOTIONAL INTENSITY: There is no good/bad here. Sometimes I just want a low-investment entertainment read whereas other times a high-stakes 'I need a therapist to recover' is what I need.

2:5/low. Not fully a beach read, but definitely a book with enough depth and complexity to feel rather immersive.



CATHARTIC FULFILLMENT: Is the emotional journey worth it? Do I finish this book feeling that I've crested the wave of the climactic moment and everything has been settled, leaving me settled and fulfilled? 


90%. As always, I wished for a higher climactic moment that felt balanced with how the rest of the plot played out. The immediate aftermath is skipped over, which would have really given me a moment to revel in everything they achieved, but there is a denouement where everything is wrapped up neatly. I finished this one almost completely content!