Rating: 4.75 stars
Buy Link: Amazon | iBooks | Amazon UK
Length: Novel
Perfect Alignment is the third book in the Thorne and Dash series. I found it super enjoyable as I’ve read the series, but I do think it can be enjoyed on its own, as well.
Thorne and Riley met nearly a year ago when Riley showed up to Thorne’s penthouse as his new replacement escort, “Dash.” Over time spent together, they built a real and loving relationship that includes pretty much a whole lotta sexytimes, too. They are a healthy couple, with a bit of an age gap—Thorne’s near forty and Riley’s in his early twenties. It’s been a sore subject for a bit, because Thorne fears Riley will change his mind about settling down with an older man. Still, Thorne proposed and Riley accepted at the end of the last book.
Now that they’ve committed, the wedding plans begin. Riley wants a big and beautiful wedding. Thorne wants to elope. Both ideas have merit, but Thorne gives in to Riley’s desire for a wedding, even though he’s not interested and fears that the planning will dry up their already limited time together. Thorne is a successful consultant who works and travels long days, while Riley is already swamped trying to run his catering business and get the storefront for his new bakery rehabbed and ready to open.
As Thorne feared, wedding plans encroach on their alone time. And their alone time begins to disappear as well-meaning friends and pushy wedding planners interfere. Thorne is frustrated with Riley’s lack of attention, while Riley is frustrated with Thorne’s lack of interest in the plans. They both are cranky—Thorne more so. He was almost insufferable regarding his internal complaints regarding anything wedding related. Plus, Thorne’s insecurity about his age plays a pivotal role in the Giant Misunderstanding, which was totally not cool, Thorne!!
These guys are really best at connecting physically, and when the time for intimacy is chipped away by schedules and travel, well, it’s a situation ripe for relationship troubles. I liked how Thorne and Riley lean on their friends, who aren’t afraid to be painfully and brutally honest. The side characters really feel and act like full characters, which is nice. Through it all, Thorne and Riley know they really do love each other, so their separation—when it comes—is thankfully brief. I had a great time watching the love and frustration and confusion and hurt pour off the page, perhaps because I’ve planned weddings and I know how crazy that whole experience makes people.
If you’ve enjoyed any of the previous books, you will definitely love this HEA for two fun characters—and it looks like a new beginning for Riley’s bestie, Marc.
