TROPES: age gap, policeman/uniform, opposites attract, double bi-awakening, first time, "pick me"
TRIGGERS: references to mild violence, PTSD

Shin Nakamoto (30) is a rookie cop, recently back in town after training. Seiji Tajima (38) is the cop who once saved his life, eight years ago. Shin became a cop so that he could work with Seiji, only to discover that Seiji soon left the police force. Now, 10 years later, Shin is a casual visitor to the convenience store Seiji runs. There's a lot of back story for these two, which is nicely filtered throughout the story, rather than just being dumped in as a whole block. It was nice to see the little trickles of information sprinkled throughout.

Shin and Seiji have an 8 year age gap, but they communicate brilliantly! Shin is very open about his interest in Seiji, even having an epic PICK ME moment that was swoony. Seijji, despite being older, is actually more shy and reserved when it comes to romance. However, he's very open minded and has already paired up a couple of friends, who began a gay relationship.
There is a reference at the end of the book that their story was an unofficial prequel, and this is the spin-off of that story, however I can't find anywhere to buy it. But you don't have to have read that to understand this story, but it would be nice to connect the dots. I hope SuBLime publish it, as well.

I really loved the way that Shin and Seiji's friendship became a romantic relationship, with lots of chemistry. They knew each other pretty well, had good banter, and didn't feel uncomfortable with each other, despite both making a point of their age gap being quite big.

Speaking of big...Seiji was hilarious! "Concealed weapons violation" was brilliant! Shin's Godzilla! There were some brilliant one liners, with a very fun, flirty relationship. I loved that they didn't play games with each other, but were open and honest all throughout. I particularly loved that, because they were both new to being with another man, THEY. DID. THEIR. RESEARCH! They both were eager to delve in, but with Seiji being nervous of Shin's...*cough* Godzilla *cough*...he made sure they did due diligence by being smart and careful. I love that.

Big thumbs up. I can't wait to read Volume 2, though I probably should have waited until Volume 3 was closer to release...