Marcus is the Realist of this group. He is outspoken, honest, controlling, bossy, stubborn, and likes to present like he is emotionally unavailable. But his outside armor hides a thoughtful caretaker with a big heart. Those he lets in get glimpses of this caring, generous, dependable man who likes to be needed.

Kai is almost a decade younger and works for his friend Declan at the bar. He is a shameless flirt, who is sweet, funny, sassy, bold, outspoken, and impulsive. He is at a crossroads in his life and really needs a place to stay temporarily. Surprisingly Marcus insists that he stays with him...it, of course, has nothing to do with keeping Marcus safe from any other riff-raff that might want to use or hurt him...

There is such a push and pull between them. Kai thrives on challenging and pushing Marcus's buttons and he is succeeding in getting under his skin and destroying his control. But Marcus also seems to be just what Kai needs as well...someone that lets him be himself, assert his independence, and be nurturing but also supports him when needed. 

Of course, these two cannot avoid temptation forever. And having hot sex with a roommate for a specified time limit seems safe and should not interfere with their fear of real relationships. And despite their growing connection and understanding of each other, they are also in complete different places in life. Marcus has his career established but has never wanted to be vulnerable enough to let anyone hurt him. And Kai feels like he is not good enough and has nothing to offer. I love seeing characters deconstructed and getting down into their fears, histories, issues, and deep emotions under their perfectly curated facades. And there are other challenges and a set end date adding pressure to the situation.

But if these two can see what their friends see, they may just be able to make something real.

This is a feisty, witty, steamy, sweet, forced proximity, age gap, grumpy-sunshine romance. It brings back all of the Vers podcast guys and their significant others. I love their true devotion to each other while they also taunt and tease each other. It also sets up Corbin's book and I am looking forward to his story.