Puzzle (White House Men #6) by Nora Phoenix

 

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Branson loves his job as an analyst for the CIA. Working on the investigation into the assassination of the president is fascinating, and even more so when Ryder, a geeky forensic accountant without a filter, joins the team.

But Ryder doesn’t seem to like Branson. At all. And when he explains to Branson why, Branson is forced to face an uncomfortable truth in the mirror Ryder holds up. Somewhere along the way, he lost sight of who he really is.

As they make crucial breakthroughs in the investigation, Branson is determined to change and earn Ryder’s approval. It seems to work when his tentative friendship with Ryder gets benefits added to it. Really good benefits thanks to a bossy bottom who knows what he wants and Branson having just the right tool for the job.

Sparks fly high between them, and much more is at stake than Branson ever thought possible. Can he become a man worthy of Ryder’s love? Can he show Ryder, who’s got his own wounds and baggage, that he has truly changed?

Puzzle is the sixth book in the White House Men series, a continuing MM romantic suspense series set in the White House that needs to be read in order. It ends with a HEA. 

My Rating - 3.5 Stars!

Puzzle is the sixth book in Nora Phoenix's White House Men series. This political thriller/romance series needs to be read in order. 

Branson and Ryder's story is sweet, but something held me back from fully connecting to them. Unfortunately, I don't really know what it is.

Neither man is what you'd expect which makes things interesting. 

I enjoy Ryder's quirks and the way they're all illustrated. He's on the spectrum and is honest and blunt. Some people could definitely be annoyed by some of his personality traits, but it's all well written and authentic. 

Their romance is a slow burn one, with the romance being in the background as the main focus is on solving the case. But the sex is definitely hot. 

I enjoy getting a chance to see the pervious characters that we've all come to love. With a continuing mystery, things are again picking up and we're getting closer to having all the answers.

This one was harder for me to get through, as some chapters were from the pov of previous characters. As I listen to my books, this disrupts the flow. It's probably easier if I was reading it traditionally. 

Puzzle is a nice addition to the ongoing mystery. This Nora Phoenix book definitely contributes to helping to solve the case, but the romance fell a little flat for me. 

Valor: The Complete Duology by Keira Andrews

 

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Forbidden love in the White House—read the complete action-packed romance!

He’d give his life to protect the president’s son. But he never expected to risk his heart.

Growing up gay in the White House hasn’t been easy for Rafael Castillo. Codenamed “Valor” by the Secret Service, Rafa feels anything but brave as he hides in the closet and tries to stay below the radar in his last year of college.

It’s definitely not part of Rafa’s plan to get a hot new Secret Service agent, but he’s made it this long dateless and innocent, keeping his desires strictly to himself. Besides, it’s not like Shane Kendrick would even look at him twice if it wasn’t his job.

While protecting the president’s shy, boring son isn’t Shane's dream White House assignment, it’s an easy enough task since no one pays Rafa much attention. He discovers there’s a vibrant young man beneath the timid public shell, and while he knows Rafa has a crush on him, he assures himself it’s harmless. Shane’s never had room for romance in his life, and he’d never cross that line with a protectee.

But he's never been tempted like this before.

Even if Shane and Rafa can run away together, will their forbidden love survive in the real world?

Read Valor on the Move and Test of Valor in one convenient collection!

Valor: The Complete Duology by Keira Andrews is a collection of two M/M bodyguard gay romances featuring an age difference, Jane Austen levels of pining, first times, forbidden love against the odds, and of course a happy ending.

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Valor: The Complete Duology is a fabulous read by Keira Andrews. I am thrilled that these books are being re-released in this duology, as I loved them when I first read them years ago. 

This is forbidden romance at it's finest, with the President's son falling for his bodyguard. Cue all the feels. I love the way the two slowly connect, despite knowing they shouldn't. They bond on a level a bodyguard shouldn't bond with his charge. And it's awesome!

There's plenty of intrigue, danger, and action. This is Washington after all. There's romance, politics, and plenty of sexual connection. And, of course, with his dad being in the White House, Rafa has been hiding his sexuality. 

Their story also includes grief and loss, and learning to make the most out of one's life. This part is wonderfully done. 

I enjoy the forbidden aspect a lot, as it certainly leads to some interesting things once they are outed. I also enjoy the complex nature of the family issues. 

I don't want to give everything away, but the two fight hard to be together and to be accepted among Rafa's family and Shane's colleagues. Both men get a chance for happiness and fully embrace this opportunity. 

Valor: The Complete Duology is a fabulous bodyguard romance. I enjoy every moment of this Keira Andrews gem. The relationship, as well as the political factor are riveting. If you haven't yet read this one, do yourself a favor and set some time aside for it. 

Serve (White House Men #4) by Nora Phoenix

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU 
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Two stubborn alpha men meet the one boy who wants them both…

Denali knows what he wants. He loves his job in the Residence of the White House, but what he craves is serving. A Dom. Or in his case: two.

When tragedy strikes once again, Denali offers himself to Milan, the president’s brother in law. Milan accepts, but he insists Secret Service agent Asher joins them as well. Denali is more than fine with that. Two hot, dominant men is even better than one, right?

One encounter leads to more. Asher warns Denali that he can’t fall for Milan, that the tough, closed off Dom will break his heart. He’s learned that the hard way himself. But Denali knows no other way than to give himself completely, and he’s willing to deal with the consequences.

When Milan and Asher prove to be too stubborn to see the truth, it’s Denali who shows them that love is worth taking a risk for. But will it be enough to bring them together? And how will everyone heal and move on after the most devastating blow yet?

Serve is an MMM gay romance with an age gap, featuring a Dom, a switch, and a super sweet boy. It’s the fourth book in the White House Men series, a continuing MM romantic suspense series set in the White House that needs to be read in order. Serve ends with a happily ever after, but the suspense plot ends on a cliffhanger and will be continued in the rest of the series.

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Serve, the fourth book in Nora Phoenix's White House Men is another fabulous political romance. And leave it to Nora to gift us with another of her sexy menage/poly romances! Ohhh, can't get enough of these beauties!

Milan, Asher, and Delani. 'Nuf said. Three men who all crave kink and have been denying themselves due to their jobs. 

Asher and Milan have hooked up before, but they now find themselves hooking up again. They aren't perfect for each other though, as they've both dominant, so it's only circumstances that have them together. 

And then there's Delani, who craves to serve. And for him, serving two men is better than one.

There's a slew of emotions going on in this tale. Milan is suffering after a tragedy. As a tough Dom, we get to see his sensitive side, as he needs the other two men to help him heal. I love the way the author carries this out. There's grief, healing, and plenty of sexual exploration. I love it all. 

I love Ken, the president's son, and his relationship with Delani. The two grow closer together, and their conversations are great. 

The BDSM scenes are hot, with different pairings as they're figuring everything out. Delani needs to learn how to be a sub, despite his natural tendencies, and Asher is there to teach him. Milan meanwhile is the sadist in the group. The chemistry between the men is awesome and the scenes between them are sizzling. The author certainly doesn't disappoint. Both the sex scenes and the emotions during them are wonderful.

And then there's the on going political issues. They continue to be fascinating and absolutely riveting. What a ride! Danger, murder, suspense, and political intrigue. In this book we get one step closer to learning who's behind everything. The author has created a fantastic, messy and tangled story, and I can't get enough of it.

Overall, Serve is a riveting continuation of this White House Men series. Nora Phoenix delights with this mix of sex, romance, and mystery. I couldn't put it down. 

The President's Husband by Michael Murphy

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Blurb


When an assassin’s bullet strikes his predecessor, Grayson Alexander becomes the first openly gay President of the United States and his husband, David Hammond, becomes the first openly gay First Husband. With their world turned upside down, David relies on his career as a medical school professor and ER doctor to keep him grounded. But his decision to keep working ruffles feathers from day one.

Gray throws himself into learning everything he needs to know to be President, especially a liberal president surrounded by a conservative cabinet and staff. Even though he puts in outrageous hours working and traveling seven days a week month after month, he’s happy. But David has trouble coping with Gray’s new job requirements. He can’t help but feel abandoned by his husband of ten years.

When Gray asks for his help with a public-health crisis, David obliges, but he is furious about what happens once the emergency passes. When they learn that the President’s staff has manipulated them both, they wonder if their relationship can survive the White House. 




REVIEW
My Rating -  5 Stars!

The President's Husband is an intriguing and compelling read by Michael Moore. My only complaint is that I waited so long to read it.

From the very first page, I found myself completely hooked and could not put the book down.

When Gray is elected Vice President, he never expects to become President. When he is instantly thrown into that role, he has a lot to learn, and his whole life is about to change.

The story is told from Gray's husband, David's point of view. As much as things change for Gray, David is the one who is feeling the effects of these changes.Things are not easy for the couple, as Gray is suddenly never available to see David, let alone even talk to him.

As time goes on they discover that one of the staff is manipulating them and purposely keeping them apart, and decisions need to be made. If their marriage is to survive, some major changes will need to happen.

I love this story, and felt like I was experiencing everything along with David. I was sad, I was angry, I rooted for them and I cried for them. The entire book is so gripping, and so damn well written. It is such an emotional roller-coaster, full of angst, misunderstandings, deception and love.

I am absolutely blown away by how much I enjoyed The President's Husband. As this is my first time reading Michael Moore's work, I will definitely be checking out his other books!

Favorites Friday - Valor on the Move by Keira Andrews

Amazon

Blurb

He’d give his life to protect the president’s son. But he never expected to risk his heart.Growing up gay in the White House hasn’t been easy for Rafael Castillo. Codenamed “Valor” by the Secret Service, Rafa feels anything but brave as he hides in the closet and tries to stay below the radar in his last year of college. His father’s presidency is almost over, and he just needs to stick to his carefully crafted plan. Once his family’s out of the spotlight, he can be honest with his conservative parents about his sexuality and his dream of being a chef.

It’s definitely not part of Rafa’s plan to get a new Secret Service agent who’s a walking wet dream, but he’s made it this long keeping his desires to himself. Besides, it’s not like Shane Kendrick would even look at him twice if it wasn’t his job.

Shane’s worked his way up through the Secret Service ranks, and while protecting the president’s shy, boring son isn’t his dream White House assignment, it’s an easy enough task since no one pays Rafa much attention. He discovers there’s a vibrant young man beneath the timid public shell, and while he knows Rafa has a crush on him, he assures himself it’s harmless. Shane’s never had room for romance in his life, and he’d certainly never cross that line with a protectee. Keeping Rafa safe at any cost is Shane’s mission.

But as Rafa gets under his skin, will they both put their hearts on the line?

This gay romance from Keira Andrews is the first part of the Valor duology. It features an age difference, Jane Austen levels of pining, forbidden love against the odds, and of course a happy ending.

REVIEW 
My Rating - 5 Stars!

Valor on the move is a wonderful read.  One cannot help but to fall in love with Rafa. As the President's son, he spent his awkward years in the spotlight, always being followed by Secret Service men. His girlfriend is actually his best friend and beard. He plans keeping his secret until his dad's term is over.

Then he meets his new Secret Service agent, Shane, and the fun begins!

Shane is thrilled to finally be working such an important detail, after working his way up the ranks. He knows that Rafa is known to be boring, shy and easy to guard but he starts to discover the real Rafa as he is protecting him. The real Rafa is sweet, kind and desperately longs to become a chef.
Shane has no problem with his assignment to protect Rafa with his life, but somewhere along the way, Shane's heart starts to get involved.

Valor on the Move is a beautiful May-Dec romance. The relationship and the way it develops between the two men is fun, exciting, and genuine.  Along with all the romance, Keira Andrews gives us some action and suspense, both of which are very well written.

I know I enjoyed this book a lot and highly recommend it.

Test of Valor by Keira Andrews

Amazon

This is a follow up to Valor on The Move.

And I am so happy this follow up was written.  It was the perfect way to continue their story!

In it, we get to find out how Shane and Rafe deal with the way their relationship started.  They have moved to Australia, but they can't get away from their past.  Their love will be tested.
Rafe's parents come to visit and they are not happy about this relationship. During their visit, they certainly aren't going to make things easy on the couple. Rafe is caught in the middle between Shane and them. And Rafe's old work colleagues are being downright rude and dismissive to him.

This book was seriously wonderful.  The love between Shane and Rafe is just so perfect and tender. And it is constant.  Every moment, you can just feel the love between them.   I loved being able to read more about them.