Protecting Paul

4.5 stars

Content Warnings: Physical & Verbal Abuse, Homophobia

Paul left his hometown as a teenager, dropping out of high school and escaping to Denver to get away from his abusive father. Now he is returning after 9 years to take over his dad's estate since his death. The portrayal of his emotional state while crossing the border into Shafter Falls is heartbreaking. He must deal with his hateful and bigoted uncle when he gets home.

Sam is a loveable being who is always looking to help others, so he becomes a cop. I loved meeting Sam in the prequel Waking Wyatt, where his dad falls in love with his best friend. Sam has always cared for the people he loves, including Paul, his childhood sweetheart. We learn that Sam is drawn to domestic abuse cases because of his connection with Paul because he feels like he could not save him from his father when they were younger. Since Paul left town, Sam has carried the guilt over not doing enough to help him.

Sam swears to himself that he will protect him now that Paul is back in his life. Sam is considerate and caring like his father, Wyatt, and he emotionally supports Paul throughout the book. This story is full of challenges because they have to deal with the abuse and havoc that Paul's uncle brings. Paul's uncle was an absolutely vile person who consistently terrorized Paul throughout the book.

Ultimately, Paul and Sam got their HEA, which was well deserved.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.