Arm Candy by Carol Lynne is book fourteen in the Cattle Valley series.

Mario Benta loves his job working at the local gym and is happy he lives in Cattle Valley. The only shadow on his horizon is his feelings for Asa Montgomery, the man that holds his heart in his hands and doesn't even know it. Asa may have all the money in the world, but all his money couldn't prevent his recent injury. Mario tried to visit him in the hospital, but he was told that Asa didn't want to see him even after all the time he waited while Asa was in surgery. Mario is infuriated when Asa offers to double his salary to come and work for him. As for Asa, he believes that a man as beautiful as Mario could never want someone as old and nerdy as him. All his money ever brought him is users and grief from his family. Mario arrives and has it out with Asa, but neither one understands what the other is truly feeling until Mario's boss Rio tells him to give it one more try to settle things between them. Mario agrees to help Asa with his reconditioning if he agrees to help their friend Nate with a project. This first meeting resolves one problem with their first kiss until Asa makes a comment about how anyone who sees Mario would want to be with him, cutting into Mario's insecurities. Will Asa and Mario finally open up to each other enough to explore the growing feelings between them before it is too late?

Ms. Lynne continues her incredible series incorporating earlier characters while bringing the lives and relationships of these men alive. I love how older character, such as Rio and Nate, enhance the depth of the plot line. Asa is a complicated character with strengths and weaknesses that affect how he sees the world. Mario has always been regarded for his looks alone, but there are things in his past that have scared how he sees the world. The first time they are together it is like lighting a match to gasoline, explosive!Together Mario and Asa could find the love and acceptance they have been looking for if they can just look beneath the surface and trust in their feelings for each other. I for one can't wait for the next installment of the Cattle Valley Series.

Reviewed by: Teresa