Reviewed by Valerie

TITLE: Hard Job

SERIES:  A-List Security #2

AUTHOR:  Annabeth Albert

PUBLISHER:  Self Published

LENGTH: 320 pages

RELEASE DATE:  July 7, 2022

BLURB:

How hard can it be to guard the country’s biggest rockstar?

As a SEAL officer, I’m no stranger to danger, but running my own security firm is a new challenge. Finding the right bodyguard for each client isn’t easy. Our next gig? My little brother’s best friend, rock god Ezra Moon, has a security crisis. Ezra is convinced I’m the right man for the job, but I’m not so sure.

From crowd surfing to infamous pictures, Ezra is known for taking risks. It’s no wonder his record label thinks he needs a keeper on tour.

But there’s not a tour bus big enough to contain our incendiary attraction. Ezra and his antics push every last one of my buttons, but the real problem is how much I want to kiss some sense into him. He’s a client, and angry make-out sessions aren’t the answer. Yet we keep finding ourselves alone and burning up the sheets until our secret fling threatens to scorch both of us.

I’ve spent my whole life running from the spotlight, trying to distance myself from my notorious father. Ezra wants to live his best life on the biggest stage. A future seems impossible, but our feelings are undeniable. Can I admit how hard I’ve fallen for Ezra without losing everything?

REVIEW:

Hard Job (I keep reading it as Hand Job!) is a sexy bodyguard/client romance between a rock star and a retired SEAL.

We met Duncan in Tough Luck as the co-owner of A-List Security, a personal protection company employing veterans and guarding Hollywood types. Duncan’s brother, Danny – whose romance with Cash was featured in the previous book – is best friends with Ezra, a rock star extraordinaire. He’s in need of a new, better bodyguard than the one who just quit because of Ezra’s risky behavior. Danny promises Ezra that Duncan (without first checking with him) is the man for him. Ezra is keen on this plan because of the crush he’s had on Duncan for ten years. In fact, Duncan is the reason Ezra knew he was gay at the age of thirteen.

Duncan is far less than onboard with the plan because of Ezra’s propensity to bend the rules. It would be too unpleasant trying to keep him in line. Plus, there’s the matter of Duncan’s attraction to Ezra because of his sexy music videos. So when he starts the job, Duncan fights to remain professional and be strict about his work/play boundaries.

Ezra doesn’t make it easy, though. He loves teasing and flirting with Duncan. He’s a genuinely nice guy but he’s impulsive, a loose canon. He feels safe with Duncan, though, and can be himself and drop any appearances. They embark on a FWB relationship – sexy, yummy benefits. Both strongly desire each other and there’s lots of heat and feels in bed. But there’s an expiration date to their affair. Duncan insists it has to draw to a close when the tour is over. He can’t maintain his reputation if he’s involved with a client.

This is a well-written book. The plotline isn’t groundbreaking but Annabeth Albert lends the story her own touch with highly likable characters. Duncan’s hesitancy competing with his desire mixes well with Ezra’s upfront attitude making it clear he wants Duncan badly. My only complaint is that the pace of the story slows down toward the end. All in all it’s a very enjoyable book.

RATING: 

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