Reviewed by Jen B.

 

TITLE: Sanctuary

SERIES: Wrecked #1

AUTHOR: Kelly Fox

PUBLISHER: Self Published

RELEASE DATE: January 31, 2020

LENGTH: 232 Pages

BLURB:

What’s the first rule of running a gym by and for combat vets?

 

Enjoy the scorching hot scenery, but get your kicks somewhere else.

 

Never mind that my cousin-slash-business partner ignores that rule every chance he gets. I don’t ignore it. Ever. And frankly, between Grindr and living in one of the gayest cities in America, it’s not exactly a hardship.

 

Hell, it’s so easy, I can do it on one leg.

 

That is, until a pair of blue eyes swimming with vulnerability shows up at my door, looking for a job. He’s too skinny, too mouthy, and way too young for the likes of me, but he pings that protector instinct in me, hard.

 

I want to fix whatever put that lost look in his eyes, but to manage that, I’d have to do the one thing I said I’d never do.

 

Break my own rules.

 

Sanctuary is an MM military romance featuring hurt-comfort, found family, and a gym full of ripped men wearing tight shorts lifting heavy objects.

 

 

REVIEW: This was a promising start to a new series. It is about two ex-military Navy SEALS who are also cousins who run a gym for other Veterans focusing on helping them fine-tine their workouts in ways that work around any disabilities they may have from their service. It just so happens they have a position open, and the perfect person for the job happens to be Elijah, another Vet who was recommended to the Wrecked crew.

Elijah has a few secrets – he is basically starting from rock bottom, through no fault of his own, is homeless and trying to get back on his feet. So, needless to say, he really needs the job at Wrecked. But, the gym-owner, Nick, is pretty hard-nosed and doesn’t make it easy on him. Elijah stands up for himself though, and it pays off. He keeps his eyes on the prize (an actual paycheck) and quickly becomes the perfect addition to the team.

Nick takes a little bit of time to warm up to Elijah, but when he does, his attraction is the first thing he needs to control. He has a strict “no employees” rule, unlike his cousin, and he plans to stick to it. Life has other plans though, and while Elijah and his circumstances keep them at a slight distance, the inevitable relationship blossoms.

This was an easy read without too much angst or heartbreak. Things are not hashed out over and over to the point you want to just put the book down, which I have seen a lot of lately. It does feel a little over the top PC to me in that it pretty much covers all of the hot button issues (multiple trans issues being one). I’m all for reading about that stuff, but at times it felt a little too “by the book” as far as making sure to mention certain things if they could possible fit in the story.

However, aside from that, I really enjoyed it and getting to know these guys. They are on the right track with their endeavor, and I am really looking forward to reading about some of the other characters. This is a new-to-me author as well, and I’m excited to see where her writing takes us next.

 

RATING:   

 

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