The first in a new military-themed romance brings us the story of Evelyn and Oliver, in a story that shows what you think you want isn’t always what you need, or get. Evelyn is determined to have a relationship with a serious 9 – 5 man, one that isn’t in the military, or a cop, or lawyer or or or. She’s the daughter of a General, and is determined that her life will be settled and diferent from everything she has known to this point. Starting her own PR company, she is determined to make her first big event a success, not only to start her company out with a bang, but to prove to her father that she is on the right track. The Alpha Dog Training Program event will be fabulous, even though she has to work with that clean-freak MP who sets her nerves alight. Oliver is an MP stationed on the base, reporting to Evelyn’s father, the General. After a good Samaritan act gone horribly wrong, he is relieved of duty, but assigned to work with Evelyn to make the event a success. Oliver is a bit of a clean-freak, he likes things the way he wants them, and he’s never met a more bossy, opinionated woman in his life. And he’s met many. Worse still, she’s one of the sexiest women he’s met in a long time, and she is completely hands off. The thing is, everything about Oliver ticks each box in Evelyn’s chequelist, but the fact he’s in the military makes him not worthy of her consideration. Mostly. "There are no details to tell. I don't even know if I like him, it's more that I just-" "Want to strip him naked and eat chocolate off his abs?" Megan offered. Eve thought about that, grinning. "His butt too. He's got a great butt." So we have the polar opposites and clashes, plenty of heat and a slowly developing understanding between the two as they realize that they can work together productively, and actually enjoy their time together. And perhaps that spark, that flame is signifying more. These two are real and complete in this story: Evelyn is a bit of a loose cannon with her spark for life, her inability to take things slow and her lack of housekeeping skills, or the desire to change that. Oliver’s family and his own relationship with them is wonderful, his rather naughty sofa-snacking dog and his good-natured protectiveness for all he meets are obvious and apparent throughout. Neatly adding in family, friends and animals to build the world around these two provides wonderful insight into the characters, and everyone feels so very real and plausible, you want to have them as friends and neighbors. Surprisingly, for a novella-length story, it never feels rushed or forced, this is simply a story that flows well to an inevitable happy ending full of heart, a touch of heat and plenty of moments to laugh. I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

I Need a Hero is the opening novella in a new series, The Men in Uniform Series, from the amazing Codi Gary. The Alpha Dog training program trains shelter dogs for services by utilizing military personnel and at risk youth. Sgt. Oliver Martinez was assigned to the program after getting on the wrong side of his commanding officer, which is only going to get worse when he finds himself attracted to the man’s daughter, who just happens to be his “boss” for the next few weeks. Evelyn wants nothing to do with a military man but there is something about Oliver. Gary does a marvelous job of making Oliver and Evelyn sizzle off the page while keeping the dialogue witting and snappy. It is so much fun to watch Oliver and Evelyn fall in love with each other and Beast, possibly my new favorite all time fictional pet! I can’t wait for Sparks and Best to get their turns at happily ever after!