Maddox Horvat and Ben Tovey have been friends and teammates as Navy SEALS since they completed BUD/S training ten years ago. They have always had each others' backs, but Maddox has wanted more for a long time, now. Especially since the past two years when Ben has lived in his apartment, after his nasty divorce from Trey. Ben's been a man-about-town, never banging the same guy twice, since Trey disappeared, not that he didn't get around bunches what with their very open marriage. But Maddox wants Ben all to himself, and struggles to hide his desires in order to maintain their close friendship. 
 It's time for Maddox to re-up with the SEALs, and he's not sure he wants to. He's got some money saved, and has been working on his baking for years now. Even if his dream comes to pass and he and Ben become a couple, they couldn't stay on the same team any longer. Besides, the reason Maddox got into the service in the first place was to prove to his homophobic family that he was just as much a man as any other, no matter who he loved. Knowing that they will never accept him as he is, even if he should die for his country? Well, kinda takes the impetus away for proving one's self. 
 While out on a dangerous mission, Ben and Maddox get temporarily left behind, and it brings their world together into extreme focus for both men. Maddox is seriously injured, and Ben is tasked with keeping off the enemy and keeping Maddox alive until they can be rescued. During those stressful hours Ben recognizes that he needs Maddox in his life, no matter what. And the peculiar feelings he's been having-about him and Maddox together for real-are banging through his concussed head. 
 Stateside, their healing isn't only of the physical. Maddox and Ben need to be near one another to feel whole, and their time in the hospital brings clarity for Ben: he needs to try to love Maddox they way he needs to be loved-because Ben can't exist in a world where Maddox isn't by his side. Maybe, Ben thinks, if he seduces Maddox, then Maddox won't leave the SEALs; won't leave him, as his mother and husband did... 
 I really enjoyed the slow burn as these two felt their way toward a loving, intimate relationship. They have always been each other's best friend, and they've had a deep intimacy in terms of knowing one another, but the step into lovers hasn't been easy. Maddox has very defined ideas about monogamy, thoughts Ben hasn't had in years now, but for Maddox he'd give up a whole lot. Maddox knows Ben wants him on his team, in the trenches, and in bed-behind closed doors-but Maddox is beyond doing what other people want. He needs to do for himself, and if Ben walks away, well it'll hurt deep, but Maddox will weather that storm and find a man who can love him for who he is, not what he does. Maddox wants a settled life, and he wants Ben in it, but Ben has to choose him. And, well, I'll just say that (eventually) Ben makes the right choice. 
 This one is hot and steamy and sexy and sentimental and fabulous. I could hang out in Maddox's kitchen all day and half the night. Ben is a grouch, but the kind of grouch that is endearing. He grows a lot during the time of the story, and makes the right decisions, eventually, to find his own happiness. I liked how he made things right within his family, and opened himself up to forgiving people who'd hurt him. I highly recommend this one! I read a review copy via NetGalley.