Reclaim (Under My Skin #3)
Christina Lee

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Release Date March 26, 2018

Ever since high school, Elijah and Kamnan have always had each other’s backs. So when Kam suffers a freak accident and is laid up for a few weeks, it’s only natural that Elijah steps in to help him through his recuperation. 

But the occasional meet-up to throw back a few drinks is different from being cooped up together in Kam’s condo day in and day out. In fact, the more time they spend together, the more Elijah sees Kam in a totally different light—one that surprises and scares him. After a tender moment turns into a passionate exchange, Kam chalks it up to the building tension of the routine they’ve fallen into.

As Kam regains his independence, the real world begins to encroach on the sanctuary they’ve built for themselves. Everything is different now, more intimate, and time apart feels empty. But Elijah’s still getting over a bad breakup, and Kam has his own plate full of responsibilities—like his Spin Cycle business and joint custody of his five-year-old daughter. A relationship is the last thing either of them is prepared for; will trying anyway end in heartbreak, or will resisting be the wedge that tears their friendship apart?

We have seen Elijah and Kam throughout this series as part of the larger friend group and they have been best friends since high school. They have been there for each other through some difficult times. 

Elijah works at Doggie Styles and is branching out with his own side business. He is getting over a bad break up with a suffocating and controlling man. He had lost himself and been distanced from his friends. He is a little impulsive, messy, but loyal and thoughtful.

Kamnan is very focused, intense, and conscientious. He is always on the move. He owns his own business, has a daughter, and has his own fairly recent break up story. When Kam suffers an accident and needs help, Elijah is there. Kam is miserable and hates being dependent and having to slow down. But spending more time with Elijah is one bright spot.

And Elijah finds that helping out Kam is not a chore and he is starting to look more forward to it. The time spent together reconnecting gives them both comfort and companionship. They understand and appreciate each other. But it is also brings a new attraction, confusion, and fears. They both struggle to come to terms with how they are seeing their friend in a new light. Sexual tension and some unexpected tender moments and touches just add to the vulnerability and intensity. 

Do they risk their longtime friendship over feelings that might not even be reciprocated?

This is a beautiful, slow burn, friends-to-lovers story with two lovable guys who had been burned. Their personalities and their connection and chemistry were well developed. They had a lot to lose, but also so much to possibly gain. I loved seeing them begin to reclaim their own self worth and truly understand what a healthy relationship could feel like. And especially Elijah was working on reclaiming his life and breaking bad patterns. 

I enjoyed getting more with his friends, Brin and Nick, Tristan and West, Jerome and Darren. I am come to really like this eclectic group who support and care for each other. This was a short, low angst, and sweet addition to this series. 

I was gifted a copy.