Rough Terrain

This is a nice final entry in a series that has kept a consistent tone in telling the different love stories for some SEALS stationed in San Diego: strong family dynamics and friends that are like family.

Renzo Bianchhi aka Rooster, he of the Health & Fitness IG, turns out to be a sensitive soul. He's 28 and more than ready to enter into a more adult stage of his life. He's also cautious of personal involvements as he's been burned.

Canaan has left behind his early avocation as a drummer in a moderately successful band (they're famous in Europe) to take care of his grandfather and become a nurse. He also works at smoothie bar where he can ogle all the SEALS he wants but his favorite by a mile is Renzo.

The initial coming together of Renzo & Canaan comes about as a fake boyfriend thing which I don't hate but also don't love. I can never take it seriously. Luckily Canaan isn't shy about talking and he drags Renzo out of his shell. They quickly acknowledge that there is something real worth exploring and that they both want to take a chance. Renzo's hangups and fears can't withstand Canaan's “can do spirit”. The boy is fearless when it comes to sex and he's pretty brave with the emotional stuff too. Renzo is a lucky guy but also very deserving of that luck.

The sex is smoking but, as usual with this series, it's the emotional intimacy that wins out. Though they have loving families Renzo & Canaan are each other's home. It was sweet.