This series is described as “light-hearted” in the cover description, and I suppose this book is when compared to other works by Lindsey. Carter is a cinnamon roll, and Rhys has the hard edges for them to mesh perfectly. However, both men carry a certain amount of emotional damage that doesn’t make a relationship easy, even discounting the minor detail that Carter works for Rhys.
The reader can deduce the “mistaken identity” plot aspect early in the book, which I felt made for a stronger story. Through a perfect storm of character elements and plot maneuvering, Lindsey drags out the actual reveal for most of the book in a way that never seems contrived. If anything, the skewed perspective that Carter has for Rhys makes the developing romance between them even more poignant.
As usual, romance heroes cannot exist in a vacuum. I thoroughly enjoyed the secondary characters that Lindsey populates this world with, especially since it meant that both Carter and Rhys had external support through the drama and angst. (Is light-hearted angst a thing? I suppose so. The pain in this book ached in the best way.)
I did that thing again where I put off reading a book because I wasn’t sure if it would interest me, even though I love the author. Then, of course, I devoured this book in a single day. Lindsey has an amazing knack for character, story, and the development of both. I can’t wait to dive into the next book and revisit this lovely world.
Rating: 5 (out of 5) stars. Cross-posted to Amazon and Goodreads.