This book was so captivating.

There was just something so intriguing and almost fun about it. Even with some of the more intense moments, which should not be discounted, I was just so engaged with Ash & Freya. They were just so alive on the page. It immediately had me on their side and I longed for them to be able to share their love.

Ashton is a Marine who was recently injured in combat and lost many of his men. He doesn't have anyone in his life besides friends and when he needs to recoup and heal, his friend Tom and his family take him in. He isn't planning to be there for long, but it's long enough for him to notice Freya.

Freya is Tom's daughter and also currently lives with her parents. She is 20-21 I believe. Freya has always had a crush on Ash, but now he's just... there. And he's charming and funny and a little bit sad. It's impossible for her to stay away from him but is she willing to deal with the fall out?

There are many challenges between these two and an HEA but I just couldn't stop reading until they made it there. Their chemistry was amazing but there was more than that. This connection isn't only about lust. They really spend time getting to know one another and making sure their relationship is worth the risks.

This book does have a trope that I don't usually care for, but I understand why the author chose to do it and I think it made them both stronger in the end. It really made me believe these two could go the distance.

Also, just a reminder, this is a part of a series but each book stands on its own. No cross-over characters. Each book is just a different forbidden relationship. So if you like some naughty Age-Gaps, this series is for you.

4.5 stars
4 on the spice scale

CW: PTSD, War flashbacks, abusive parent (past), death of a parent

While this was a spicy fun time, I needed more character development! I just couldn’t connect with the characters the way I wanted to. But if you’re looking for something high heat, I definitely recommend!

This was an okay read. I didn’t feel strongly about it one way or the other. I feel like the plot could have been developed more and there could have been more chemistry between the characters.