A review by kara_hildebrand
Danced Close by Annabeth Albert

5.0

Danced Close is the sixth book in the Portland Heat series. I haven't read the entire series, but I wasn't lost at all! I discovered Annabeth's Gaymers series and now she's one of my go-to-authors. I just read everything she writes. Her writing is always fresh, sexy and funny and I find myself reading her books in one sitting. This is my first m/m book where the main character is genderqueer. I absolutely loved Kendall. He knows who he is and is comfortable in his own skin. He wears what he wants and doesn't care what others think about him. Todd is a bearded, flannel wearing hipster who's sexy as hell. Todd is working at the bakery and loves when he sees Kendall. He's attracted to him and his style. He loves that Kendall wears what he wants. So, when the opportunity to dance with Kendall arises, he jumps at the chance. Todd has a past that he wants to get away from, but some things you can't out run. As things heat up between Kendall and Todd, insecurities come to the surface and Todd needs to share his secrets. Todd is looking for someone to love who loves him back. He wants to feel needed and taken care of, but he also wants to take care of Kendall. Dancing with Kendall makes Todd feel free. He's missed this feeling and he knows it's not just the dancing, it's Kendall. Will Kendall let down his walls and let Todd in? Can Todd trust Kendall? I loved this story! Kendall and Todd are so sexy, fun and vulnerable. I laughed, cried and swooned and left me wanting more!

This bearded baby lumberjack giving up control to me? I want more of that, yes please.

"I'm not all that." Todd blushed.
"Hot bearded tattooed hipster who looks fuckable in vintage? Sweetheart, I'm not sure where you've been, but there are whole Instagram and Timblr accounts devoted to guys like you."

"You're not. It's more like…you're what I didn't know I was missing. What I need. Like dancing back in my life and pesto and salad and you.