An amazingly enjoyable story about finding your true love while pursuing a shared passion.

This book is broken down into two parts with each part running in parallel timelines, but told by different characters. The first section was told by Shane Tucker, and the second by Owen Bradford. Shane has written an account of his life in the army and his relationship with Owen. Owen proceeds to clarify some of Shane’s comments, and provide us with details of what was happening in his own life at the same time.

I absolutely loved and adored both of these interesting and unique characters. Shane was shy, afraid to take what he wanted, but still a powerful man on his own. Owen was cocky, assertive and used to getting what he wanted. These two together created a visual in my mind that I would love to see in reality. The sexual tension during the first story was off the charts, but nothing compared to the heat once they got together. An extremely well-written steamy scene with the perfect emotional connection. Fortunately, it wasn’t the only scene, but the sex certainly didn’t overwhelm the story. I loved their dedication to becoming Rangers and serving their country. Their fear of coming out in the army and being discharged was both realistic and tragic.

There wasn’t as much dialog as I usually prefer in my romances, but it somehow still worked on the emotional level because of how the story was told. By getting both of their stories, I felt like I really got to know each of the characters. There was a touch of humor as Owen continuously egged poor Shane on. I was crying happy tears at the end knowing these two would somehow manage to spend the rest of their lives together.

If you enjoy military romances, then I highly recommend this enjoyable, touching and sexy love story.

**Review for the 2nd edition

Originally reviewed for The Romance Reviews. Complimentary copy provided by author/publisher for an honest review.

BLURB

2nd Edition
Battle Buddy

At nineteen, Shane Tucker joins the army. Tucker is gay but not ready to be open about it, and Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell seems like a convenient way to avoid dealing with his sexuality.

The army suits Tucker; he does well from the beginning. Then, during boot camp, he’s assigned a “battle buddy,” Owen Bradford. Owen is a walking, talking wet dream with no concept of personal space. Tucker only survives the constant temptation by venting to his diary.

Two years later, Tucker—now in the Army Ranger program—is paired up with Owen once again. Getting through training while ignoring the sexual tension between him and his battle buddy might be the biggest test of Tucker’s military career.

Tuck & Cover

You may have read Tuck’s diary entries, but they don’t tell the whole story. Tuck will argue the point, but he definitely got a few details wrong—not that I blame him. He was, if you remember, a little sexually frustrated at the time. He probably wasn’t thinking straight. I’ll never get tired of teasing him about that. Anyway, here’s what really happened.

Rangers lead the way! – Owen

First Editions published by Silver Publishing, March 2012 (Battle Buddy) and November 2012 (Tuck & Cover)