•spoilers for the series• 

Aslan has spent the last two months trying to heal his mental health and tentatively preparing to get back into the field. Quaid has supporting him as much as he can while also figuring out the dynamics with a new partner. As Quaid gets caught up in a multiple missing persons case, Aslan is reminded how much he loves the thrill of his job if only he can overcome his mental blocks. 

Even though there's a case going on, the majority of this story is about Aslan as he battles with his PTSD and struggles with his sobriety. There was a lot of potential for angst - the will he/won't he relapse, PTSD, anxiety, the affect of it all on his relationship - but it never really got too intense. Aslan has his different, and not exactly healthy, coping mechanisms but for the most part he was self-aware and had great communication with Quaid, so it never felt he was on the edge of self destruction. Quaid was supporting him every step of the way, never pushing him outside his comfort zone. He was able to put his insecurities on the back burner and be there for whatever Aslan needed. I could go on and on about their relationship because they are so perfect for one another. When one is struggling, the other steps up with no judgement and nothing but love and support. 

Their relationship was the star of the show in this book because, again, the case felt like it had a lot of potential it never achieved. Either I've caught on to the Nicky James formula or it was kind of obvious because as convoluted as the case was, I had a pretty good idea of what happened. The last few books I didn't care that the length was a little longer because the plot was interesting enough, but because I felt like I knew what happened and nothing dramatic was going on this one just felt like it dragged a bit. I did like the addition of Quaid's new partner, it added a new dynamic that was missing in the series. I love these characters and they have such a great relationship, but coming off of two really great books it wasn't my favorite. Looking forward to the next few because if the titles are anything to go by, our boys are ready to take some big steps together! 

Read if you like: 

• hurt/comfort 

• romantic suspense 

• opposites attract 

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