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3.85 AVERAGE
3.85 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
funny
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This is my favorite of the series so far. I absolutely loved everything about it and had such a fun time reading it. I actually wish it was longer and that we would see more of the transition between LA and Atlanta.
I like this dynamic and I like this set up a lot more than the other 2 because it's new to the series. The first 2 books felt very same-y to the point that I sometimes had a hard time remembering which detail came from which book and was not invested whatsoever in 2nd book because of that. I appreciate that the big conflict in this one was not a fan attack like it was in the last 2 books.
I like this dynamic and I like this set up a lot more than the other 2 because it's new to the series. The first 2 books felt very same-y to the point that I sometimes had a hard time remembering which detail came from which book and was not invested whatsoever in 2nd book because of that. I appreciate that the big conflict in this one was not a fan attack like it was in the last 2 books.
Each story in this series is better than the last! I’ll never understand how Annabeth Albert manages to continue to surprise me, but I’m here for it. A-List Security features some of her best characters yet, and Harley and Ambrose are definitely among them.
From the outset, Albert hooks readers with the prospect of an intriguing bodyguard trope complete with a healthy dose of heroism. I couldn’t imagine what could be better until she adds fake boyfriends to the mix. The clear and present danger to Ambrose ratchets up the suspense and gives the story a little edge, forcing Harley to spend more time with Ambrose to keep him safe. Something he’s willing to do even if it means pretending to be his plus one at his niece’s wedding extravaganza.
Knowing Harley from previous books in the series, it’s fun to discover all his hidden depths and see him really come into his own. The emotional connection he has with Ambrose is so natural, almost effortless, that it’s easy to fall head first and get lost in their relationship. So much so that, when the conflict arises, the tension and anguish is almost tough to bear.
That’s not to say there’s a lot of strife or anguish; overall this story is very low stress, low angst with a rich emotional component. In fact, I really enjoyed the scenes from the wedding because they focus primarily on their blossoming romance, and, for just a bit, it’s easy to believe there’s no threat lurking outside their bubble of happiness. Everything’s warm, fuzzy and full of possibilities. Even if we know it can’t stay that way, at that moment the world burns just a little brighter.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book*
From the outset, Albert hooks readers with the prospect of an intriguing bodyguard trope complete with a healthy dose of heroism. I couldn’t imagine what could be better until she adds fake boyfriends to the mix. The clear and present danger to Ambrose ratchets up the suspense and gives the story a little edge, forcing Harley to spend more time with Ambrose to keep him safe. Something he’s willing to do even if it means pretending to be his plus one at his niece’s wedding extravaganza.
Knowing Harley from previous books in the series, it’s fun to discover all his hidden depths and see him really come into his own. The emotional connection he has with Ambrose is so natural, almost effortless, that it’s easy to fall head first and get lost in their relationship. So much so that, when the conflict arises, the tension and anguish is almost tough to bear.
That’s not to say there’s a lot of strife or anguish; overall this story is very low stress, low angst with a rich emotional component. In fact, I really enjoyed the scenes from the wedding because they focus primarily on their blossoming romance, and, for just a bit, it’s easy to believe there’s no threat lurking outside their bubble of happiness. Everything’s warm, fuzzy and full of possibilities. Even if we know it can’t stay that way, at that moment the world burns just a little brighter.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book*
Bad Deal is the third book in the A-List Security series by Annabeth Albert. I'm really loving this series of these retired SEALs and the men they fall for. I've been waiting for Harley's story since the first book! Harley takes his job very seriously. He's also a nice, caring and laid back guy. He's a retired chief so doing security is perfect for him. His current job, security for a tv show, one of his favorites. Guarding the creator of the show, Ambrose, is truly a pleasure. When Harley saves Ambrose from an attack, they get to know each other better. Their banter is so fun and Ambrose's dog is the most important secondary character! Harley learned a lot about himself by watching this show. He's not straight like he always thought. He's pan and he's attracted to Ambrose. He's not struggling with it, he's just trying to understand where he goes from here. When he needs to be a fake date for Ambrose to a family wedding, taking a road trip and spending time with Ambrose is just what he needs. They open up to each other about their families, their dreams and their attraction for each other. What happens when the pretending becomes real? Oh man! I loved Harley and Ambrose. I think this might be my favorite of the series. Harley was unexpectedly romantic and the right amount of dirty! They thought they were opposites, but found out they have more in common. It's a slow burn romance that kept me entertained the entire way! I was excited when I found out this wasn't the end of the series, so hoping we get to see more Harley and Ambrose!
Quick read. Not quite as compelling as others in the series, but solid. Both MCs are in their 40s. Bodyguard romance.
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
Finished the sweet story of Ambrose and Harley and it gave me such warm and gooey vibes. Ambrose is straight-lace, kinda intense, and fully of anxiety. Harley is a sweet teddy bear, super laid back and such a good care-taker. When these two hit it off during a fake-dating scheme I was just so happy for them both since they were clearly just what the other needed.
Despite this being about A-listers and bodyguards, nothing about this series is pretentious. It's all about two men finding someone who respects them and can give each other the love they deserve (even if neither of them think they are worthy of the other). The little therapy dog (who I had to google to see what the breed looked like) was a fun bonus and a great prop for them to keep coming together.
I loved the cameos by all of the other guys in the A-List book series, so I suggest reading them all in order for full effect - or if you start with this latest release, go back and read them all. Annabeth Albert continues to be one of my favorite writers of M/M romance.
Despite this being about A-listers and bodyguards, nothing about this series is pretentious. It's all about two men finding someone who respects them and can give each other the love they deserve (even if neither of them think they are worthy of the other). The little therapy dog (who I had to google to see what the breed looked like) was a fun bonus and a great prop for them to keep coming together.
I loved the cameos by all of the other guys in the A-List book series, so I suggest reading them all in order for full effect - or if you start with this latest release, go back and read them all. Annabeth Albert continues to be one of my favorite writers of M/M romance.
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
I’m reviewing the audio version. These characters, with their unique personalities, were interesting to picture in this setting. This is really a opposites attraction. They are so different in lifestyle, working class and in personality. Ambrose is a director whose personality is pretty neurotic. He has a dog that is his constant companion and he centers quite a big on Hercules.
Harley is a security specialist on the set of Ambrose’s show. Harley has been a seal and is very good under pressure. When Ambrose gets in a situation he can’t handle, Harley is there for him. This brings each into more than a casual greeting relationship. I found it interesting how the author addressed the possibility of them having a serious relationship. The characters personalities are what made this hold my attention til the end. I appreciate the narration by Kirt Graves. He brought the individual personality to the characters.
Harley is a security specialist on the set of Ambrose’s show. Harley has been a seal and is very good under pressure. When Ambrose gets in a situation he can’t handle, Harley is there for him. This brings each into more than a casual greeting relationship. I found it interesting how the author addressed the possibility of them having a serious relationship. The characters personalities are what made this hold my attention til the end. I appreciate the narration by Kirt Graves. He brought the individual personality to the characters.
I just love former SEALs turned bodyguards, and Annabeth Albert writes the bodyguard trope so well!
Bad Deal was a really sweet and steamy read, and I enjoyed it a lot. Harley and Ambrose were both great characters, I felt so much for Ambrose and his struggles with anxiety and his mental health. I could relate to some of his feelings and they felt realistic. Harley was just the sweetest and it was great seeing how he took care of Ambrose, and how he just had this sense of calm around him.
Their romance was a bit of a slow burn, I like how they took the time to explore the attraction between them, as well as Harley’s sexual discovery. It was great how open Harley were to things, and even early on it was clear that he had a soft spot for Ambrose. I l totally loved how protective Harley was of him!
The story was a little predictable at times, and I wanted a little more of the suspense plot than I got, but other than that it was an enjoyable read. The angst was mostly low throughout the book even if there was a small spike towards the end.
Definitely my favourite so far in this series - Harley and Ambrose really caught my heart!
Bad Deal was a really sweet and steamy read, and I enjoyed it a lot. Harley and Ambrose were both great characters, I felt so much for Ambrose and his struggles with anxiety and his mental health. I could relate to some of his feelings and they felt realistic. Harley was just the sweetest and it was great seeing how he took care of Ambrose, and how he just had this sense of calm around him.
Their romance was a bit of a slow burn, I like how they took the time to explore the attraction between them, as well as Harley’s sexual discovery. It was great how open Harley were to things, and even early on it was clear that he had a soft spot for Ambrose. I l totally loved how protective Harley was of him!
The story was a little predictable at times, and I wanted a little more of the suspense plot than I got, but other than that it was an enjoyable read. The angst was mostly low throughout the book even if there was a small spike towards the end.
Definitely my favourite so far in this series - Harley and Ambrose really caught my heart!
Oh, this is definitely my favorite in the series, but I don't know why and I don't care enough to explain. The only shocker to me is how fast all of these characters, not just Harley and Ambrose, get married. Must be the military thing, haha!