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mollyreadsandcrafts's Reviews (978)
•spoilers for Enemies of the State, book 1•
Ethan and Jack's story continues with the controversy of Ethan being moved into the White House as First Gentleman. As political insurgency and terrorism rises, Jack and the Russian President Sergey form a close allyship and friendship. Ethan starts a secret operation with Adam Cooper and his team of Marines to track down Madigan, but Madigan always seems steps ahead. Madigan becomes more unhinged and is willing to go to great lengths to tear Ethan, Jack, and the entire world apart.
The beginning of this book straight through the end was filled with action and drama. Even amidst the chaos, it's undeniable that Ethan and Jack are meant to be. Jack is willing to change the entire world to be with Ethan. Ethan continues to be Jack's rock, steady and solid in his love and confidence in Jack. Their love is severely tested, hearts are broken, but after all is said and done there's no doubt they are soulmates.
We also get more of Adam and Faisal! After one of the many devestating incidents, Adam goes back to Faisal to reconnect. They still have their challenges, but with so much uncertainty they can't bear to be apart anymore. I loved the addition of Sasha, after his first chapter I was immediately invested in his outcome - and with that ending I need more (also very excited he has two books).
While there was a good amount of romance, the insanity of the plot kept me hooked. It was one thing after another, and got a little wild. These characters are pushed beyond their limits. It's an emotional, page-turning, shocking ride. With so many things still up in the air, I can't wait to see how it all plays out.
Read if you like:
• romantic suspense
• hurt/comfort
• forbidden romance
•••••••••••••••••••••
Ethan and Jack's story continues with the controversy of Ethan being moved into the White House as First Gentleman. As political insurgency and terrorism rises, Jack and the Russian President Sergey form a close allyship and friendship. Ethan starts a secret operation with Adam Cooper and his team of Marines to track down Madigan, but Madigan always seems steps ahead. Madigan becomes more unhinged and is willing to go to great lengths to tear Ethan, Jack, and the entire world apart.
The beginning of this book straight through the end was filled with action and drama. Even amidst the chaos, it's undeniable that Ethan and Jack are meant to be. Jack is willing to change the entire world to be with Ethan. Ethan continues to be Jack's rock, steady and solid in his love and confidence in Jack. Their love is severely tested, hearts are broken, but after all is said and done there's no doubt they are soulmates.
We also get more of Adam and Faisal! After one of the many devestating incidents, Adam goes back to Faisal to reconnect. They still have their challenges, but with so much uncertainty they can't bear to be apart anymore. I loved the addition of Sasha, after his first chapter I was immediately invested in his outcome - and with that ending I need more (also very excited he has two books).
While there was a good amount of romance, the insanity of the plot kept me hooked. It was one thing after another, and got a little wild. These characters are pushed beyond their limits. It's an emotional, page-turning, shocking ride. With so many things still up in the air, I can't wait to see how it all plays out.
Read if you like:
• romantic suspense
• hurt/comfort
• forbidden romance
•••••••••••••••••••••
•spoilers for Enemies of the State, book 1•
This novella takes place when Ethan is sent to his Secret Service "exile" after his and Jack's relationship is made public. Ethan is struggling with the change, having a hard time with his coworkers and, of course, the distance from Jack. Jack is trying to create an alliance but everyone - including other world leaders - are too focused on his personal life, all the while wishing Ethan was by his side.
Ethan and Jack are so swoony, even while they struggle with the distance. I loved this little look into some of their challenges. They work for their love and are so dedicated to one another. I loved all the Christmas fun, and they had the sweetest presents (the teddy bear!). I also really enjoyed seeing Ethan work a case, it added some intrigue to the story so it wasn't all just fluff. I'm pretty curious about Sergey too. My thoughts about him go back and forth but I hope he's one of the good guys.
This was such a good read. It's a little longer than a typical novella at 200ish pages, but I felt like it added a lot to their story. It takes place a chapter or two before the end of book 1, so you know how everything turns out but you get some important details and get more of Ethan and Jack being adorable and in love. Now to dive into their second book!
Read if you like:
• forbidden romance
• political drama
• holiday novella
•••••••••••••••••••••
This novella takes place when Ethan is sent to his Secret Service "exile" after his and Jack's relationship is made public. Ethan is struggling with the change, having a hard time with his coworkers and, of course, the distance from Jack. Jack is trying to create an alliance but everyone - including other world leaders - are too focused on his personal life, all the while wishing Ethan was by his side.
Ethan and Jack are so swoony, even while they struggle with the distance. I loved this little look into some of their challenges. They work for their love and are so dedicated to one another. I loved all the Christmas fun, and they had the sweetest presents (the teddy bear!). I also really enjoyed seeing Ethan work a case, it added some intrigue to the story so it wasn't all just fluff. I'm pretty curious about Sergey too. My thoughts about him go back and forth but I hope he's one of the good guys.
This was such a good read. It's a little longer than a typical novella at 200ish pages, but I felt like it added a lot to their story. It takes place a chapter or two before the end of book 1, so you know how everything turns out but you get some important details and get more of Ethan and Jack being adorable and in love. Now to dive into their second book!
Read if you like:
• forbidden romance
• political drama
• holiday novella
•••••••••••••••••••••
Ethan is known as the Iceman. Stoic, detached from his protectees, and a top Secret Service agent for over ten years. When Jack is elected as President, Ethan is faced with an undeniable draw to his new charge. Jack's presidency is already difficult. With terrorism attacks across the globe and other foreign aggressors, the last thing he needs is the scandal of falling for a man. The danger only escalates when a rogue Black Ops unit secretly plots to destroy it all.
Ethan and Jack are an unexpected couple. Jack has never been attracted to a man before while Ethan doesn't do relationships or break the rules. At first they're just friends but as they lean on one another through the harder times of the presidency, Ethan can't help but fall for the smart wit and innate goodness in Jack. Jack trusts Ethan without fail, not only as security but as a sounding board and has deep respect for his opinions. While I feel like we missed some of the moments in the lead up to them falling in love, there is no doubt that their love is deep and passionate and they would truly do anything for one another.
I read Adam and Faisal's prequel chapters online before I started this, and I was a lot more invested in what happened to their relationship. I highly recommend reading them on Tal's website because they're so good. I hope we get more of them in the second book because I'm obsessed!
I don't read a ton of political thrillers so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. The first half was a little slow for me. It's the build up of Ethan and Jack's relationship, with a lot of Ethan in a constant state of existential crisis. However the whole time you know there's a double agent in the White House, and I was just impatiently waiting for the other shoe to drop. I liked the romance, but when the action hit in the second half I was way more invested. It was wild, heartbreaking, and fast-paced and I have a feeling it's only the beginning of how intense it gets.
I'm planning on reading the holiday novella next that was published later to keep things chronological. I'm interested to see how Ethan and Jack deal with the challenges thrown their way and keep their relationship strong in the midst of the chaos.
Read if you like:
• forbidden romance
• romantic suspense
• sexual awakening
Ethan and Jack are an unexpected couple. Jack has never been attracted to a man before while Ethan doesn't do relationships or break the rules. At first they're just friends but as they lean on one another through the harder times of the presidency, Ethan can't help but fall for the smart wit and innate goodness in Jack. Jack trusts Ethan without fail, not only as security but as a sounding board and has deep respect for his opinions. While I feel like we missed some of the moments in the lead up to them falling in love, there is no doubt that their love is deep and passionate and they would truly do anything for one another.
I read Adam and Faisal's prequel chapters online before I started this, and I was a lot more invested in what happened to their relationship. I highly recommend reading them on Tal's website because they're so good. I hope we get more of them in the second book because I'm obsessed!
I don't read a ton of political thrillers so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. The first half was a little slow for me. It's the build up of Ethan and Jack's relationship, with a lot of Ethan in a constant state of existential crisis. However the whole time you know there's a double agent in the White House, and I was just impatiently waiting for the other shoe to drop. I liked the romance, but when the action hit in the second half I was way more invested. It was wild, heartbreaking, and fast-paced and I have a feeling it's only the beginning of how intense it gets.
I'm planning on reading the holiday novella next that was published later to keep things chronological. I'm interested to see how Ethan and Jack deal with the challenges thrown their way and keep their relationship strong in the midst of the chaos.
Read if you like:
• forbidden romance
• romantic suspense
• sexual awakening
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I laugh-cried my way through this whole book. I absolutely adore Ilya and am proud of him for the work he did for himself. Shane was trying my patience in the beginning but he definitely made up for it later. I'm so happy Ilya and Shane got their happily ever after finally, complete with a very cute puppy! Not sure what to do now that the series is over honestly, I'll miss these guys so much.
TW/CW: depression, mentions of suicide
•minor spoilers•
Over the last few in the series I've grown to love Ilya, and I felt this book was pretty focused on him. He struggled with depression and accepting help while simultaneously working through the struggles of keeping a long-distance secret relationship, it was a lot for him. There's a saying that says the brightest smiles hide the saddest people or something like that, and it really reminds me of him. I'm glad he recognized that he needed help and also finally opened up to Shane, and of course got the dog he always needed! I really wanted to hit Shane upside the head the entire first half of this book. I understand that Ilya wasn't being truthful with him about his feelings, but I still wanted him to magically know and be better for him.
I wish there was more closer with the asshole commissioner, and the whole group that Scott wanted to start to fight back against the issues in the sport. And also for Shane and Ilya to win the Stanley cup. Little things.
The writing was good as usual. The middle might have been a little slow, but I enjoyed reading anything with Ilya. This series was such a fun read. I loved all the guys and their stories and can't wait to see what this author puts out next.
Read if you like:
• hockey
• rivals and lovers
• mental health discussion
TW/CW: depression, mentions of suicide
•minor spoilers•
Over the last few in the series I've grown to love Ilya, and I felt this book was pretty focused on him. He struggled with depression and accepting help while simultaneously working through the struggles of keeping a long-distance secret relationship, it was a lot for him. There's a saying that says the brightest smiles hide the saddest people or something like that, and it really reminds me of him. I'm glad he recognized that he needed help and also finally opened up to Shane, and of course got the dog he always needed! I really wanted to hit Shane upside the head the entire first half of this book. I understand that Ilya wasn't being truthful with him about his feelings, but I still wanted him to magically know and be better for him.
I wish there was more closer with the asshole commissioner, and the whole group that Scott wanted to start to fight back against the issues in the sport. And also for Shane and Ilya to win the Stanley cup. Little things.
The writing was good as usual. The middle might have been a little slow, but I enjoyed reading anything with Ilya. This series was such a fun read. I loved all the guys and their stories and can't wait to see what this author puts out next.
Read if you like:
• hockey
• rivals and lovers
• mental health discussion