Reviewed by Becca
TITLE: With a Lover’s Courage
SERIES: Badges and Bullets #3
AUTHOR: Brittany Cournoyer
PUBLISHER: self-published
LENGTH: 324 pages
RELEASE DATE: January 27, 2020
BLURB:
Even though Max Donohue’s personal relationship with Bradley Danforth is finally on the right track, things with his work aren’t. Between dealing with a new captain and his chief dropping a bomb on his lap, Max’s old insecurities begin to creep in. But when a new development arises that complicates his case, Max finds himself trying to find the right balance of lover and protector.
With Peter Richmond behind bars, Bradley feels like he can breathe easier for the first time in months. Things with Max have finally progressed, and with the help of his coworkers and therapist, Bradley’s life is almost back to normal. But when he starts feeling like someone is watching him, Bradley can’t help but wonder if he’s let his guard down too soon.
After everything they’ve been through, can their relationship survive this latest hurdle, or will Max have to make a sacrifice for what he loves most?
With a Lover’s Courage is the third installment of the Badge and Bullets series featuring the same two characters, so they must be read in order. It is a suspenseful murder mystery that depicts detailed crimes, drug abuse, strong language, brief mentions of animal cruelty, and adult situations.
REVIEW:
I gotta say Miss Brittany, I almost had a few choice words for you in this one lol. All in good fun, though, because I love this series. But poor Bradley needs a break, babe lol. And why do I get the feeling, things may not be over? Kind of questionable at the end there. I hope there is another. I am in love with this series.
I love the slow burn between Max and Bradley. I love how they are working things out on their own. They know what they need to do and are doing what they can to fix it. Which, let me tell you, has not been easy for either one. Between Max being a cop and wanting to protect Bradley at all costs, Bradley has often felt more like a job than a boyfriend. And Bradley, with all he’s been through with these nutjobs, has a hard time trusting. But what I love about Bradley is that no matter how anxious he is, or what trouble he finds himself in, he still keeps his faith, trust and support in Max. And in this book, Max more than needs it. Max thought things were finally pretty well done with the men locked up from the last books. But when one of them ends up dead, the case brings out some things that are shocking. And the true reason behind a lot of things. Including why the killer was the way he was. And why things were hidden. But once again, things are circling around and in the end, they end up back in Bradley’s lap, and he is in danger once again. After feeling like he’s failed Bradley so many time already, he doesn’t know what he will do if he almost or does lose Bradley. Especially when he’s finally admitted how he really feels. But the pressure is adding up all around and Max just hopes he can get to everyone in time.
Dear heaven, poor Bradley can not catch a break. Just when he finally feels like he can breathe and not be so anxious, the old feelings are coming back and he’s justified in what he’s feeling when everything breaks open. But like I mentioned earlier, I love how he has Max. Max is trying so hard to do right by Bradley after he feels like he’s failed him so much. But what he doesn’t realize, is Bradley doesn’t feel he’s failed him. Max has saved him, more than once. They have a hard time with words and expressing themselves, especially Max. But what I love about Bradley, is how patient he is with Max. He knows how he is, and he accepts Max the way he is. Flaws, grumpiness and all. And they’ve learned each other enough, they know when something isn’t right with the other. They’ve let the slow burn come full circle and I was so happy to see it. They need each other. Max makes Bradley feel safe and loved, and Bradley brings out a side to Max that no one really sees. He gives him life again. Not just work.
I do hope there will be more to this series. I just hope Bradley gets a bit of a break if there is another lol. That boy. Shew. With all the changes I’ve seen coming in this book alone, I’m really hoping this series will continue on and bring more with it. It’s been a great one so far and if you guys haven’t read it, you are seriously missing out.
RATING: 
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