Working as a cop in Boston’s narcotics unit has always been Courtland Wilder’s priority, leaving little time to get attached to someone. When a tip about a drug ring tied to a local strip club comes in, Court goes undercover as a bouncer to take down the operation. It doesn’t take long for his investigation to hit a dead end, so he jumps at the chance to get closer to his mark by pursuing the handsome brother of his target’s girlfriend.
Ryan Ashford has a successful career in finance, a tight-knit family, and a no-strings-attached approach to relationships. He’s happy with the life he’s built, but after some meddling from his sister, he agrees to be set up with the hot bouncer who catches his eye. What starts as a casual fling for Ryan quickly ignites into something deeper.
Something Court knows he should avoid at all costs.
When Ryan witnesses a murder, Court doesn’t hesitate to protect him, throwing himself in the line of fire and taking a bullet meant for Ryan. As the investigation into the shooting unfolds, Court’s secret identity is exposed, leaving Ryan to question everything he thought he knew about their relationship.
Ryan must decide whether he can ever trust the man he loves again or if the lies cut too deep, leaving no hope for a future between them. Meanwhile, Court must face the consequences of his actions, knowing that even if he’s willing to risk everything to protect Ryan, he may have already lost him for good.
Deanna’s Review:
Let me start this off by saying that I read this book in two days. Yes, you read that right. Two. Days. This book is that good. This is an MM romantic suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat. This slow-burn romance between Ryan and Court will have you rooting for their HEA.
Things I loved about this book:
I love the undercover/fake identity of it all! (Not to mention how this whole series is interconnected, but you can read each one as a standalone if you like.)
This is book 5 in the Forbidden Series by Kimberly Knight and Rachel Lyn Adams. I encourage you to check out the other four books in the series – of which I’ve read the first two and am halfway through the third (I couldn’t pass up an opportunity for an ARC of this book!). I’ll list links for those below, along with Protecting the Witness by Kimberly Knight and Rachel Lyn Adams.
2 – Secrets We Fight