One of the main characters from the previous books is leaving Market Garden to pursue his life with his partner. Frank knows he will need to look for a replacement, when his friend and the bartender at Market Garden, Raoul, brings him a new guy, Stefan. Stefan is young, hot, American ex-military and presses all of Franks buttons, but there is the rule – no getting involved with staff. Stefan does not have this rule and is attracted to Frank and makes his interest known. Frank decides to invite Stefan to one of the paintball games, thinking he would introduce Stefan to some of the guys and maybe get some of Stefan’s attentions away from him. Well, in the kinky games of capture and surrender, things do not work out like Frank imagines but oh my goodness, the things he witnesses as he referee’s the game. Sigh.
Although this may sound like just another fun erotic book, it is not. It is more. Frank and Stefan are men who have lived and lost, have known the joys of love and the heartache of losing that love. This book deals with a topic that is very real, and most people shy away from discussing. I think the authors did a wonderful job of presenting this topic. It is sad and realistic but felt hopeful. I wanted so much for Frank and Stefan to find their happiness and they did, even if it felt a bit bittersweet. Frank’s friends Geoff, Mike and Emily are great supporting characters. They are the friends we all want and need, to be there through thick and thin and love us unconditionally.
Capture & Surrender is the longest book in the series so far and it allowed for more character development and background story. I found myself feeling so many emotions while reading this book, tears, frustration, fear, sadness and hope. It captured my heart and I cannot wait for the next book. (Raoul? Please.)