*~~*ARC kindly provided by the author to me in exchange for an honest review *~~* 
 Annabeth Albert is an author who I have on my instant-buy list. This book, the first book in her new Rainbow Cove series was exciting and Annabeth-like as always. 
 This story felt like coming home, although it stands out a bit with having a May/December one. This means there is with Nash Flint - chief of police - and Mason Hanks - owner of a gay, LGBTQ+ bar in a normally really conservative small town - an age gap. It makes the story really thrilling, next to the fact that the Hanks family and Nash are having a history. And not a really pleasant one. Mason is trying to improve his family's reputation but prejudices and set minds are really hard to switch. But soon Nash get a taste of how different Mason is from the rest of the troublesome family. And both guys share soon not only hot minutes and sneaking kisses with each other. 
 Annabeth Albert really is on point with her story and she sets the thrill high. It is hard to endure how the two main character have to suffer due their surroundings. Mason is captured by his family's name, Nash is devoted to his job, being the chef of police isn't just a title, it's a living. This principled behaviour is a really charming fact but also his biggest flaw. 
 What I really loved about the book - and of Annabeth's in general: the writing and the setting felt natural, I could relate to the character. Nash has his reasons, but also Mason and the fact that both are having an age gap gives it a a thrill, still this isn't their major problem. Also despite Mason's younger age, he often comes along really mature, he has responsibilities which burdens him enormously. 
 The steam is right there from the start, Nash is at first hard to get, his shell is really tough. But also Mason isn't the easygoing guy you could think of at first. Their chemistry is revealing soon, the hot encounter and their natural behaviour when they are alone is equally charming as sexy. 
 This book gets 5 out of 5 stars. It's a great start of a promising series. The major as well as minor character give the story its depth, they are really developed. There is a light angst until the end and you have the feeling it's a bit "more mature" and darker than other of Annabeth Albert's books. And that's nothing bad, quite the contrary. ;) 
 Review originally posted on my blog with added content Mikku-chan / A world full of words