What a ride this series has been!
I'm glad this book turned out so good because it is the perfect ending to the series while also giving the perfect story to Xander.

I am probably not alone when I say I've been waiting for Xander's story from the very beginning. In a way, his story has been in the works since book 1, and now we finally get the conclusion.
I was a tad worried about the mental health aspect and feared that the author might not be able to portray it with the seriousness it deserves. But I am pleasantly surprised by how emotional and deep this book is.

Xander is the attention-seeking needy gremlin of the Bertha Boys. He has severe abandonment issues, medical anxiety, and panic attacks, and he has very little self-love. In the other books in the series, we've seen him struggle and self-destruct more. We've seen how the others suffer because he refuses to get help and get better. And it was not an easy journey. Even if he is a unique and lovely person, his mental illnesses damaged a lot about him and his relationships. This story is largely focused on his mental health journey with the help of his found family, therapy, and a Derek. A goal he needs to step on the right road.

Derek's been a safe place for Xander, and his medical anxiety induced panic attack for years. And in that time, lines have blurred a little between his profession as a nurse and a man who cares way too much. Derek's dilemma is another focal point of the book. Even though he and Xander both know that no lines were actually crossed and nothing untoward happened, it's not easy to be objective with so many feelings in the way. I appreciated the effort Derek put into seeing things from a distance and made sure his feelings were real and his ethics were not compromised.

Their relationship developed slowly, but not rushing into things was crucial for both of them. For Derek to make sure his feelings and Xander's feelings were both real. And for Xander, to develop a healthy relationship.

It wasn't an easy read. I cried several times when Xander's mental health struggles and his trauma were mentioned. I rooted for him when he acted badly, but it was not easy to see how destructive he could get. I shed happy tears when he finally took steps to get better with therapy and face his issues.

I loved that it was acknowledged that Seven, the brother he found along the way, is not a solution, and he also struggled with caring for Xander.

Overall, kudos for portraying mental illness, healing, and a support system so well.

As a series-ending book, we got glimpses of the other Bertha Boys too, how they fared, how they remained a family even after moving away. It was a bittersweet epilogue but a good one.

Can't wait for Perry's story.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book to share my honest review.*