Sniper’s Devotion by Christa Tomlinson
Released: November 7, 2017
M/M Contemporary Romance
Self Published
Reviewed by Mandi
Blurb: Officer Hector Castillo, a sniper on Houston’s elite SWAT team, is content living alone as a perpetual bachelor. But when he opens up his small apartment to a friend in need, their close quarters awaken long suppressed desires Hector can’t help but acknowledge.
Miguel Delgado’s unfortunate detour down a road he never intended to travel ends in a big wake up call, but he vows to get himself back on track. Though he’s always looked up to Hector, Miguel isn’t a kid with hero-worship anymore, and his schoolyard protector has matured into a strong and caring man – who happens to look damn sexy in his SWAT uniform.
Though their physical attraction to each other is undeniable, Hector and Miguel try hard to resist and protect their friendship. Until one night changes everything…
Hector’s childhood best friend comes to live with him after escaping an abusive relationship. Miguel is gay and was badly beaten up by his boyfriend. Miguel and Hector lost touch over the years, but their mothers are still close and arrange for Miguel to crash at Hector’s place until he can get his life back together. Hector has no problem with this. As a teenager he thought he had feelings for Miguel, but then his life turned directions and he has only dated women. Hector is a sniper on Houston’s SWAT team and Miguel is unemployed, but has finished dental assistant school. He has no money and really doesn’t want to burden Hector – so he immediately starts to apply for jobs. Hector starts to fantasize about Miguel – sexually – and gets very confused about his feelings toward him. After a spontaneous blow job, Hector doesn’t know what is happening – but he is definitely falling for his best friend.
This book is super sweet – I think a little too sweet for me. Miguel has been abused for a long time, and I feel like it was totally swept under the carpet. I’m glad Miguel can go from abused boyfriend to living a normal life so quick – but I really think his state of mind and what he has endured really should have been addressed. Instead, Miguel is the overly nice, overly polite guy that is crashing at Hector’s.
For Hector’s part – he too is nice, although he is confused about his sexuality and lashes out a Miguel a few times because of it. Per the blurb, Hector is an “elite” sniper, but we rarely get to see him in action. His co-workers are all super nice. Besides a dramatic ending, we really don’t get a feel for Hector being a sniper. He could have been any profession.
Hector goes from straight to bi without much hoopla. I wanted hoopla. I wanted angst and maybe even unsure or awkward sex at first! Instead – it’s all super nice with super nice orgasms (although hot and dirty sex!!). But if you need a super sweet read this holiday season, this might be for you.
Grade: C+
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