Reviewed by Sadonna
TITLE: Saints Like Him
SERIES: Redemption Ridge
AUTHOR: Aimee Nicole Walker
NARRATOR: Lance West
PUBLISHER: Tantor Audio
LENGTH: 8 hours and 15 minutes
RELEASE DATE: May 14, 2024
BLURB:
From ex-con to self-made millionaire, there’s no challenge too tough for Cash Sweeney to conquer. So why has he spent twelve years pining for his best friend instead of doing something about it? Because losing Nick would be like existing with half of his heart. Is it better to settle for what he can have, or battle for what he wants?
Banged up and burned out, FBI Agent Nick Scott arrives at Redemption Ridge with a trunk full of luggage and a yearning heart. Cash is easy to love but hard to read, and Nick fears his epiphany has come too late. Does he tuck his tail and run or fight for the man who’s become his home?
Tender gestures and heartfelt conversations lead to thrilling revelations neither man can ignore. No more what-ifs or maybes. Cash and Nick are all in. And they’ll need each other more than ever when a devious enemy emerges from the shadows to put their promising future at risk. With the stakes so high, will the guys double down or fold to pressure?
Contains mature themes.
REVIEW:
Note: This is the third book in this series and there are spoilers for the first two books.
Nick Scott ha decided on his next course of action – but he needs to see if he is right about his best friend Cash Sweeney and that this is the right direction for him. Cash, for his party and been wanting his best friend for a dozen years. Ever since a no holds barred sex weekend after a charity benefit, these two have circled each other and stayed best friends. But both are ready for something more. And both are scared of losing their best friend.
When Nick shows up injured at Cash’s ranch, it’s clear something is up. Cash is getting ready to go out and Nick fears he’s too late to make his declaration. Cash has moved on and found someone new. He doesn’t know that Cash has been pining for him too for the last 12 years. But as Nick’s loose lips thanks to exhaustion and pain killers cause him to state his case (a little brashly), Cash declares he has not moved on. If it doesn’t work out between them though, Cash confides that he’s not sure he could survive it. So Nick has to go on a campaign to convince Cash that this is serious and worth the risk. Nick has to assure Cash that this IS forever.
In the meantime, the entire company at the ranch is trying to figure them out. Nick’s brother Rory has no doubt what’s going on. Harry is also suspicious, but she’s not going to make a big thing about it 😉 The other hands appear to be happy about it. But there are outside forces that are still trying to mess with Cash and his rehabilitation program. Oh and the homophobic religious cult is still up to their tricks too. Only these tricks are getting more serious. Like deadly serious. It’s a good thing that an FBI agent on leave and the sheriff are taking these events seriously too.
Honestly I think this is my favorite book of the series so far. I really liked discovering more about Cash’s past. As a suck for best friends to lovers stories, Nick and Cash’s circling each other for more than a decade was everything 😉 Nick finally realizing that his issues were likely caused by ignoring what was right in front of him the whole time and figuring out that he is in love with his best friend and doesn’t want to be away from him anymore forms the basis of his return. Yes, his work issues and the state of his libido helped him along, but basically it dawns on him that he’s been running toward something that will never make him happy. This is music to Cash’s ears – except that they tried this once for a weekend and then agreed to be friends and he cannot lose his best friend. So dilemma. I loved Nick’s jealousy and possessiveness (not in a creepy or overbearing way) around Seth 🙂 I also loved how Nick was able to sort Cash out when his mind went into overdrive. He nicely balances Cash’s desire to rush into things when it might be more prudent to pause and take stock first. Turns out they are not only great as friends, but as lovers and partners as well 🙂 Of course the entire ranch family gets involved here and there is trouble from the usual suspects. Thankfully everyone works together and contribute to addressing the issues and keeping everyone safe – despite some VERY tense moments. There are hints about who will star in upcoming books in the series and some events in the future where no doubt all will play a part. This is a great addition to this series with action and romance and resolution to problems facing Cash and the ranch 🙂 Here’s to smoother sailing in the next book. 😀
Lance West did a great job performing this story. His consistency with Cash’s gravelly voice had to be grueling. Nick’s pain and hesitation and then fearlessness were really the heart of this story. I loved all the moment with Cash and Nick working through their past and towards their future. The rest of the guys on the ranch are along for the ride – particularly Rory and Ivan and Rueben. Harry and Seth and Keegan and the rest are consistent here too which kept the story strong for me. Seth is a hoot and I can’t wait to see what he gets up to in the next story. His voice and attitude are just perfect for the character and I’m sure we won’t be disappointed in upcoming books. Also LOVED his sister in this one 😀 Definitely recommend this series in audio format as it adds another layer to the events.
RATING: 
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