Reviewed by Taylin
TITLE: No Backing Down
SERIES: Zone Defense #4
AUTHOR: Becca Seymour
PUBLISHER: Rainbow Tree Publishing
LENGTH: 293 Pages
RELEASE DATE: November 12, 2023
BLURB:
When we’re both needy and tactile AF, it’s no wonder everyone thinks my best friend and I are an item. But that’s so not what’s going on.
Cassius Britton, the mouthy basketball player for the Minnesota Eagles, is my soul mate. He has been since he shared his gummy bears and let me have all the red ones.
Because that’s the kind of person he is—selfless and sweet. But he’s so much more than that. He’s the man who rescued me from my homophobic parents. He’s the man who brought me and my sister into his family home and wrapped us in love and sunshine.
All of that, and so much more, makes us soul mates—which doesn’t mean he’s meant to be mine.
And when I become a dad and have to balance being a cop in our small town while dealing with grief, of course he steps up, because that’s who Cassius is.
But when I need to get married, when I need a man to step up and be by my side, maybe Cassius is too close. Too much of a risk.
Because how can I possibly marry my best friend and not start to fall, especially when the secrets between us are so explosive, they’ll either burn us to the ground or set our hearts free forever?
Trigger warnings can be on the Blurb page at the beginning of the e-book or on my website’s product page.
REVIEW:
Despite life taking them in different directions, including parts of the country, Cassius and Dylan remained closer than brothers. They shared everything. Would everything mean everything, and for how long? Or should they not risk it for the sake of their friendship?
On a cold winter’s day, this story is a mug of hot chocolate with a whipped cream topping and cookies on the side. While it doesn’t contain page after page of angsty moments, it will imbue you with warm fuzzies. However, please note that the cast includes homophobic religious parents.
The story is told in the first person from the viewpoints of Cassius and Dylan. As this is not the final proof, I will not comment on any technical aspects. Worldbuilding is centered around the immediate vicinity of Cassius and Dylan—their home, families, and careers – but most importantly, their friendship. Without being too detailed – there are scenes of the everyday life of working parents, including the highs, fears, and lows of raising a child. Banter is down to earth with plenty of toilet humor and experiences. The story is also a lovefest with vivid elements, which will suit many readers’ preferences. However, I prefer my tales to have lengthier drama.
Throughout – the relationship between the main protagonists remains constant. Yes, they have a journey to complete, especially as teens grow into adults, but the regard and understanding between them is never in doubt. The boys have a super support system to ensure dubious homophobic characters get their comeuppance.
I would love to say more, but to do so would give away too much. In essence, No Backing Down has a simple plot, yet it is well executed. It contains the camaraderie, concerns, and protective elements that all good stories should contain. The story witnesses the transition of Dylan and Cassius from supportive teenage best friends to loving adults and the life-changing times that they face together.
RATING: 
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