At The Pleasure of the President is the last book in the "Perfect Gentleman" series and dang I adored this book, it might be one of my favorites of the whole series. Which in hindsight is actually a real relief to be honest because I was so worried because this is a book I have been most looking forward to ever since I read the first book not too long ago. Now I do want to point out this review is going to have spoilers so if you haven't read the previous book especially or don't care for spoiler skip to the bottom of the review because due to certain elements I will have to reveal certain aspects that will spoil it if you don't want any surprises.
At The Pleasure of the President is the final installment and in this book it takes off right after the big reveal in Smoke and Sin. At the ending of Smoke and Sin, Zack Hayes, the President, has a shock of his life, because his number one secret service agent who is his most trusted leads him to his limo and lo and behold a man he thought was dead is very much alive...Maddox. Maddox we saw the funeral for in the first book and throughout the previous books, the group of friends have grieved and mourned him and trying to find who killed him and who is after Zack especially. But then we see that he is alive, faked his death and now has returned to help his friends because they are in trouble. We see two stories lay out Maddox and Sara and their reconnecting and Zack and Liz finally come together and let go of their fears and reservations and face off an enemy who will stop at nothing to destroy them all...
That was Zack, always putting others first, even when his whole world was falling apart. Even when he needed so desperately for himself.
This book was one whirlwind of a read and I had such a blast with this book here, and I just couldn't get enough of this one. I found myself truly stunned at it, and I have to say it might be my favorite. And boy all the ANGST and drama but seriously I am adoring it. Its the type of drama you get a kick out of and it makes sense the drama, you can relate to it or anyone can that has been in a romantic relationship and has suffered pain or grief. So first off we have two romance plot lines. One with Maddox and one with Zack and their lovely counterparts. So lets cover Maddox first. Maddox and Sara fell in love very quickly, it started out as a fling but turned into something deeper and it happened fast. And right when Maddox was going to propose and Sara found herself pregnant, Maddox's life was threatened and to protect Sara he broke it off with her and faked his death. And for months he has been tortured knowing the pain he has brought to Sara. But now he is back to fight for his brotherhood, and the woman he loves and his unborn daughter. But it will take lots of groveling and work to gain Sara's trust. I will say I adored this story line. I love these whole groveling scenarios especially when you can see both sides of the pairing. I see why Maddox did it and I can see why Sara is so hurt and angry at the same time. But these authors really handled their story so delicately and really impressed me seeing them find their way back to each other again.
“I’ll never leave you again.” He turned and cupped her face. “I promise. No matter what happens now, I will put you first, even above my friends. You and Maddie are my whole world now, and there is nothing I want more than to take you to bed.”
Now as for Zack and Liz's story, theirs is much more complicated as is their history. They have been wanting to be together for years. Right before Zack's late wife was killed, and a divorce was in the works, Zack knew he had found his soulmate and it was in Liz. She was everything he never thought he needed but hoped for. But then his wife was killed and then he found out about the Russian plot and couldn't risk anyone knowing of the depth of his feelings for Liz or it would put her at risk. But now Liz is fighting back and his enemies know more about them and Zack is going to fight for his woman but right when their relationship is getting going with power and passion .....evidence comes to light that Liz might be a spy and now Zack is divided on his loyalties. I found this line to be the one I was gravitating towards the most. And man I just knew how this would end and Zack and Roman deserved every bit of backlash. Liz is such a relatable character in many ways. She has such strength but also is soft and kind and feminine too. And Zack ...whew....I suspected it but he is one alpha especially in the bedroom. Just gives you the shivers thinking about his vibe that he displays in this story.
He sent her a feral smile and sauntered closer, pure need coursing through his veins as he tore off that strangling mental leash that had held him back for so long and reached for her.
Quite frankly I couldn't get enough of this finale and didn't want to put it down but at the same time I NEVER wanted it to end because that meant that it would be the end with these perfect gentlemen and their wonderful spirited ladies. And I love how this was a political book but it wasn't political. LOL I know that is confusing but it showed the complex portrayal of politics without sending political messages in the book and I LOVED that. I have noticed that romance has been very political leaning of late, and this wasn't at all. It showed what politicians have to go through day to day especially the solid good ones and the sacrifices they do. I really appreciated seeing these authors handle this so well and with such balance. Which is very difficult to do I am sure especially with two authors and TWO romance plot lines.
Life was as easy or as hard as she chose to make it.
Overall I found AT The Pleasure of the President to be a epic finale that brings together friendship and family bonds, with a complex thrilling plot packed with suspense and political intrigue and secrets abound...a story that will captivate the reader and addict you in ways you can't imagine....STUNNING IN ITS PORTRAYAL!
After working in the Rodeo, Gabe wants to own his own ranch and have a wife and children of his own. A great opportunity becomes available to him, and he takes advantage of it. On his way to transporting horses, he finds a lone woman stranded on the side of the road in a snow storm. Ella Wolf, has just seen her twin sister, murdered by her uncle. So Ella flees the city, and goes back to where she once called home “Wolf Ranch”. She knows that she needs to hide out until she can get proof against her uncle, but she is next on his list to be killed. But she finds herself abandoned on the road, in the snow storm, and ends up being rescued by a ruggedly handsome rancher, who has his own plans for Wolf Ranch. Ella and Gabe join forces, to get evidence against her uncle. But she is racing against time, because she knows it won’t take him long to figure where she ran off to. As their enemy gets closer, so does Gabe and Ella, and they connect in ways that they don’t expect, but they need to learn to trust each other in order to survive…
The Hero
Gabe Bowden, is one of three boys, and grew up in a loving home. He has spent many years working with the rodeo circuit, and as his fame rose, so did women’s interest in him. Gabe once fell in love and was engaged, but was left at the altar, and now he only trust women so far in the bedroom. But he is looking for that special woman; that can break through the ice around his heart. When he stumbles and finds Ella Wolf, her beauty and courage stuns him, and he can see a future together, but he wonders if he and his ranch will be enough for her. Gabe was such a great hero, strong, hardworking, a sexy appeal, and is very ruggedly charming. He has very simple tastes, but is the type of man a woman can see herself with, a strong husband and loving father. His character instantly drew me to the story, and he isn’t afraid of saying how he feels or thinks.
The Heroine
Ella Wolf, is a strong heroine. She is more than she appears to be in the public eye. She has a strong bond to her sister, so when she sees her murdered right in front of her, by a man they trusted, she has no choice but to run because her uncle is after her too. Ella is heartbroken over the loss of her other half, her twin. They have never been separated. Ella is passionate and a fighter. She is smart and is very likable. I loved seeing her determination to bring down her uncle and find the answers and proof she needs. Ella really shocked me in how much I liked her. She is independent and strong willed, but she has a gentle nature to her that I found endearing. I found it easy to relate with her, and my heart just broke for her, but I found myself becoming more attached with her as the story went on. She definitely had backbone you can appreciate.
Plot and Story Line
This is one hell of a ride of a story. Oh my…I think I am going to adore this series. This is only the first book, so crossing fingers, that I will be able to read it in order. This was an emotional roller coaster and boy did it really require a box of tissues. I love those stories that surprise you like that, but in a good way. I had such a good time with this book, and I just couldn’t get enough of it. It was stunning, riveting and had the simple romantic feeling to it that pulls the reader in. The story picks up pretty quickly from the beginning, and had me on edge for quite a while. Then we enter the hiding out, but doing investigative work phase. This is where Ella and Gabe really start to slowly connect. It starts out slowly and then gradually picks up pace. They were so sweet together. There isn’t a ton of heat or sexual scenes in this one. There is a sensual tone to it, but its more gentle and slow moving, but steady. You can see that the focus of the story is the plot and the building up of the love story, and the bedroom scenes are icing on the cake. I enjoyed the balance that this author employs into the story. The characters were so captivating and added a unique quality to the story that increased my enjoyment of it. I also adored the suspense tone of the story. I do love a good mystery, and bringing down a bad guy. And boy, this Uncle of Ella…he is super bad and should be shot. Boy did I love the ending and seeing the story get wrapped up in a nice package.
Cover
This cover is sexy to me…even though the guy posing as Gabe…is fully clothed. But with his stance, and those broad shoulders, strong jawline…and dang those jeans…I swear cowboys get me every time. They are sexy and romantic and hell of time. And I love the way that there is snow in the background, it sets a wintry theme to the story, and so pretty with the lovely background.
Overall View
A stimulating and thrilling story of fighting for those you love, a romance that is slow and easy, a love to fight for no matter the danger. Captivating on every page…this is a author to watch out for. One Hell of a Keeper!!
After I was able to read the first book in the series, I was instantly hooked. So I bought Atlantis Awakening through Audible. After listening to the second in the series, I know that I am going to love this series. I have always loved mythology, and the way that Alyssa Day has mixed paranormal with Greek mythology and some spicy romance, absolutely draws in the reader. The story is about the younger brother on Conlin, Lord Vengeance. Ven has always had the priority of protecting his brother at any cost. But on a mission, he encounter a witch who is in trouble, and saves her from being kidnapped. Erin is a gem singer, and a powerful witch, and joins forces with Ven. At first its a job, but then a sizzling passion erupts, and a powerful connection binds them stronger together, a bond that connects their souls. Erin never imagined that when she met Ven her life would change forever. But there is a powerful vampire rising up, a vampire that could destroy everything they hold dear.
Atantis Awakening is the second installment in the Warriors of Poseidon series. Since its a audio book it took a bit longer than normal to get through it, but a part of me just didn't want the story to end. I loved Ven and Erin together. They were practically explosive together. You put a powerful warrior of Poseidon and a powerful witch, and there tends to be some fireworks. Ven is the type of hero you want in your life. Sexy, powerful, passionate and willing to fight for the woman he loves. Erin is no fainting flower herself. Erin is more powerful than she realizes. In the beginning I wasn't sure how much I would like her, but once the story started to develop more, she grew on me. The relationship that forms between Ven and Erin is intense at times. I love a alpha male and a feisty heroine. They are constantly bickering, and it was very amusing, and quite hilarious at times. These two together were golden, and I loved the way they sparked whenever they were near each other.
Overall I couldn't help but fall in love with Atlantis Awakening, and I think it was just as good as the first one. It did leave a bit of a cliffhanger a bit, and I don't want to spoil anything for those that haven't had a chance to read this series yet. However I really enjoyed seeing this couple be together, and there was definitely some intensity mixed with-quite a few action packed scenes that gets the blood boiling and is guaranteed to keep you at the edge of your seat. The love story between Ven and Erin was romantic and sensual and riveting. Alyssa Day is a master in her stories that enthrall her readers into a world of magic, sensuality and beautifully written love stories. CAPTIVATING!!!
Conlan, is the high prince of Atlantis and soon to be crowned King. He has recently returned from being tortured and captured. Now he has returned to his home, but still feels shattered on the inside. When the Tritan of Poseidon goes missing, he and his team must go after those that stole it, and travel up above the sea to the humans. Riley Dawson, is a empath and a social worker, and even though there are times that she loves her job, at this moment she hates this job. She has a case where someone gets murdered and there was nothing she could do to stop it. So feeling like she is suffocating, she goes to the sea ,where she will feel peace and be at calm, but then she gets attacked by three men and is saved by a gallant warrior, who is unlike anything she has ever seen. Beautiful, powerful and he shares a emotional bond to her. He can hear her thoughts and emotions, and she has no idea what to make of him. Even though Riley is human, Conlan feels a connection to this woman the likes of which he has never known. He knows that there is something uniquely special about this fragile woman who has wormed her way into his soul. When Conlan and Riley get thrown together, and battling for their lives, they get taken on a adventure dealing with werewolves, vampires, the powers of the gods, and a powerful love and passion that will sweep them up....
I have heard so many amazing reviews about this series, and considering how much I am a fan of mythology and especially when you mix it in with a steamy romance, I just can't resist for too long. So I decided to try Atlantis Rising at Audible, which I got a good deal for. Atlantis Rising is the first installment in the Warriors of Poseidan and captivated me from the first moment. The voice of the narration is Joshua Swanson, and at first I had a hard time with his inflections, but after a little while, I started to really like him quite a bit. There were some of the voices of the other characters I didn't like too much, but the main characters and narration of the story, he did a tremendous job at. There were many times I just wanted to stop everything that I was doing just to listen to this, but alas I have responsibilities, so there were times I had to push pause. From the first, I was captivated by this richly filled plot and the connection between Riley and Conlan was instantaneous, there was no long wait period, it happened instantly and their relationship only gets stronger the more they are around each other. It starts out pretty intense, on both sides of Riley and Conlan. We see Conlan after returning from being a prisoner, and then the story takes us to Riley who is fighting a inner battle of her own. They meet when they least expect to meet their future soul mate, but stranger things have happened. The story takes us along as the plot thickens, and events go from intense to mind blowing action. There is quite a lot of action that goes on, as well as mystery and intrigue, and there were many times I had no idea where the story was going to go next. It had a surprise at every corner, some good and some bad.
The Characters in this story were such a delight to get to know. I feel like with a audio book, you get to know them more. I felt like there was so much emotion portrayed in the narration, it almost felt like you were actually in the story, and it leaves you with a sense of reality, when it really is just fiction--much to my disappointment LOL. Conlan, is the leader of his people, and has gone after the Tritan which has been stolen. When he goes to retrieve he comes across his mate. Conlan is very Alpha once he meets her, he is very possessive and commanding, and has the stereotype of a prince. However there was more to Conlan than met the eye. He had many vulnerabilities as well, he had recently suffered a trauma and so Conlan comes across as the "Tortured Male" type, but the author does a fantastic job of putting this character in. Its always a good thing when the characters seem real and human. Riley is a unique heroine, and I loved her character quite a bit. In the beginning you see how vulnerable she is at times, but you also see the inner strength that shines. She isn't weak or passionless, she just hides it better than most. Riley has some special talents, and is a empath, We have the introduction to her sister, who is so opposite from Riley it isn't even funny. Riley is tender hearted, compassionate, and loving. She can fight if the situation calls for it. The relationship between Riley and Conlan is complex and yet has a simplicity to it too. I enjoyed the journey they take us on, and the romance is sweet and full of sensuality.
Overall I couldn't help but fall head over heels in love with Atlantis Rising. There was so much depth and characterization packed in this book!! It was a blast going on this adventure and learning of this world that Day has created. I just got the second book in the series, so I can't wait to read Ven's story. Atlantis Awakening here I come!!!
Keely McDemott is a lover of history, and is a archaeologist. Keely is also a object reader and has to be very careful what she lets herself touch, especially if a object has too much violence and history attached to it. Her parents have always considered her a bit crazy, but Keely knows that she can use her gift to help. When a stranger approaches her to go to a distant place with enough archaeological finds to satisfy every appetite. So she reluctantly agrees to go to this "Atlantis", even though she doubts its true existence. Lord Justice has sacrificed himself to a evil goddess, to save his brothers. When he manages to barely escape her realm "the void", and making it safely back to Atlantis, the moment he sees Keely both sides of himself claims her for his own. All he knows is that she is "His" and none other. Justice is half Nereid, and half prince, and has kept that secret until now. When they learn of the location of a certain jewel that is from Poseidon's Trident, both Justice and Keely go in search of it. What they encounter is danger and a flaming passion and a love to encompass them both.
Atlantis Unleashed is the third installment in the Warriors of Poseidon series that Alyssa Day has created. So far I have read the first three books in audio format and what a thrilling ride. I have been loving listening to these audio books, and Atlantis Unleashed is a personal favorite. The narrator was very talented and even though I do get a bit picky about male narrators at times, I felt like the narrator for this book did a outstanding job. It can be hard to find one you really like and can stand listening to. However I felt like he portrayed the story in its truest form.
The story instantly picks up from the last book, where there was a cliffhanger with Justice giving himself up. We start to see the strength and endurance that Justice has. Justice hasn't had a easy living ever since he was born. Justice has had struggles, and we see that he has two sides of himself, and tries to put his darker half under the rug. But when he meets Keely, all bets are off. Justice has never had a harder time controlling the Nereid, but Keely doesn't fear any part of him, she starts to fully accept him. Keely is thrust into a world of danger and a man who stirs her blood and calls to the deepest part of her. At first Keely doesn't want to admit her feelings for this magnificent man, however as they both are going on a mission to find a certain jewel, "The Star of Artemis", she starts to accept Justice and accept who he is and that he is a part of her future.
There is quite a bit of factors involved in this story, but Justice and Keely are the main attraction, and what a circus of adventures, thrills and a beautiful love story. I would have to say it might be my favorite one so far from this series. Its really hard to say which book I love the most so far, but Atlantis Unleashed was full on emotion and sensation and never let up. From beginning to end I was fully enthralled by this love story and all that factors involved in getting this couple their HEA. ASTOUNDING AND RIVETING!! It will blow your minds!!
Aurora Blazing is a story that is part of a space opera romance and boy I want this to be a NEW trope so badly. Because I am hooked on it so much. This author has done such a spectacular job in this here and I am stunned with the quality and depths that she has written these books in and I simply just can't seem to get enough here. And in Aurora Blazing we have a step further in this world and this family. I won't say that I liked this more than book one, I think I still liked book one slightly more, but I definitely had a ball of fun with this one. Its different than book one, so you have to take that and expect something more unique here.
In this story we have our royal princess, Bianca von Hasenberg, who is a widow. She did her royal duty but even that doesn't seem to satisfy her father who seems to want to match her into another loveless match all for political gain. But when there is an attack on the royal family, and her twin is sent to the border for war and her other brother is kidnapped by enemies unknown she is more than ever determined to find him but she has one tiny issue... the head guard for the royal family who is a pain in her behind. She just can't get rid of him, so they make a pact...to work together to find her brother. Ian is more determined than ever to protect Bianca, but their journey takes them into dangers they may not survive...
Aurora Blazing was such a kick ass story that I fell so hard for. I love the whole bodyguard and princess trope and these two make such a great team. I have such a soft spot for Bianca. She is so driven by love for her family and willing to do anything for them. I love seeing all her sacrifices and growth and what she has had to do as so many of them had because of their father. I found it very interesting in seeing how Bianca and Ian fared because quite frankly they both have such strong personalities that they really battle each other but once they start being open and accept one another that is the MAGIC in this book. Once they stop fighting each other and open themselves up to other possibilities in their relationship, I just wanted more and more of that lovin' and team work. They have such a unity together that I was so drawn to and couldn't seem to get enough of. Another wonderful aspect of the story is the political plotline of the "Space Opera" theme we have going on. I love seeing royal politics in play in stories but especially in this series plot line ---this author just makes it so vibrant and real and you gravitate towards it even more. Very excited to see where she takes this series.
Overall I found Aurora Blazing to be a stunning read that takes you on an adventure of space, royalty complexities and family connections that indulge your senses!
Austin McKettrick, world rodeo star has come home due to a back injury but is too proud to admit it. At home on Silver Spur Ranch, his nurse (elected by his overbearing brothers) is Paige Remington. At first, Paige is frustrated that she is to be his nurse, she has despised Austin ever since he broke her heart back when they were kids in High School. Paige is just as stubborn and willful as any McKettrick, but is afraid to fall in love with Austin again fr he hurt her once and she knows that if she lets him in he can hurt her more a second time. But things never go as planned and before she realizes it, she yearns for her place in his life to be for good and not just until he has healed.
Austin is the most recent installment in the McKettrick series. Of all the series and books that Linda Lael Miller has written-The McKettricks are by far my favorite t read. however Austin is my least favorable book in the series, even though it was enjoyable, it didn't flow as smoothly as her other books. This story is about two people who have always loved each other, but their time wasn't right for them to be together...until now. The characters are both equally stubborn and so right for each other, and have met their match in one another. Overall a fun and enjoyable story set in Texas.
Abigail Chantry is a governess, and has a deep love for children. Her parents died when she was young, and she and her sister Jane were left to fend for themselves. One day while out on her half day off, she is approached by a young woman, where she learns that her sister Jane was kidnapped and has being held prisoner in a brothel, and soon to be sold as a sex slave. Soon three women join forces and escape the brothel, and Now along with Abigail and Jane they have adopted two other women who are like sisters to them. Abigail knows that she will lose her position, so she leaves along with the three other women and they try to save money to go to Bath and have a dress shop. However their money has run out, and her sister Jane is sick, and needs a doctor. So out of desperation, she goes into a mansion, thinking it empty, and hoping its full of something she can sell to save her sister. After she climbs through a dark window, a old woman's voice startles her, and she learns about this bedridden woman whose servants treat her horribly and they are practically killing her with their neglect. So she decides to help Lady Beatrice who offers her home as sanctuary to Abigail and the three women she has taken in. Then after a few weeks, Lady Beatrice's nephew, Max, returns and fireworks start to explode between Max and Abigail, and a burning passion begins...
I have always adored Anne Gracie, and I was first introduced to this author months ago, when I read a review for this book, and I knew I needed to try this author. So I have read a few of her other books so far, and loved every one of them. When I was able to get my hands on Autumn Bride, I was so excited. The Autumn Bride is the first in the series, and it sets the stage for the series. The beginning of the book we see the background of the story, how Abigail, Jane and her two friends become like sisters, Then we see the meeting between Abigail and Lady Beatrice. Lady Beatrice is a charming and witty character, and you can't help but feel for her situation. Max has been away for many years, trying to rebuild a fortune that was lost by his father, and works in trade now. When he receives a letter from his aunt's friend, he grows worried and heads back to England, not knowing what he will find. When Max and Abigail first meet, I felt like the windows were going to explode, there was such intensity to their first meeting, and even though Max doesn't know what Abigail's true plan is involving his aunt, but he means to get to the bottom of it despite how she stirs his senses.
The characters in this story were fantastically amazing. In the beginning we see more of the sub characters and the introduction to the role that they play in the story. Abigail is at the center for the most part, and you begin to admire her as the heroine of the story. Abigail is strong, and will do anything to save her sister. She has a compassionate nature, and is very protective, especially when Max comes onto the scene. Max even though he has been gone, he has been working for years to rebuild a fortune that was lost in order to save his aunt. When he returns to England, his concern is only for her welfare, and knows that soon he will have to marry a woman he is bethroted to and has been ever since he made a deal to save their finances when he was barely out of school. Max is tough and protective, and fierce at times, but I loved the way he is with Abigail and he is the type of heroes you can't help but love because of his honorable nature. The side characters were zesty and lively.
Overall I had quite a fun time reading The Autumn Bride, and the engtanglements involved, and seeing how Max and Abigail come together in the end. A charming tale of love, emotion, adventure and a sense of fun. ADORED IT!!
After a unhappy marriage, her husband is dead and it is up to her to take care of her son. Her son has always been sickly, and for that she has always kept her close to her side, and not have him be a squire. But then Geoffrey, who takes charge, has her son taken away from her (knowing that her son is deceiving her and is no more sickly than he is) and her hatred for him only grows with each passing minute. The law is on his side, and she is at a loss as to what to do now, but then one kiss awakens a mutual passion between them. Despite her negative feelings toward him, there is a love that she is starting to feel for him and doesn't know if she can resist him, and only a deep desire to keep him at all costs...Autumn's Flame is the fourth in the related series written by Denise Domning even though it was the kind of book you can enjoy reading, its not the type of book that will keep you enthralled throughout the whole of it. For me I would call it more of a average type of written book, and even though the romance and the connection between the characters was there, I found at times it was hard to keep focused on the story and was distracted. There was a element that I enjoyed which was the verbal sparring between the two main characters that left me grinning, definitely heats the blood. However even though there were parts of the story that I did enjoy, it didn't get me to the point where I would want to read it again. But it was a nice romance story with some fiery verbal interaction, and the level of romance to suit a reader, but there wasn't consistency through out it all. For me, it was more of a average written story with both good and bad in it, but overall a good story and I liked it.
