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4.17 AVERAGE
4.17 AVERAGE
Quickie review: 3.75 stars. I didn't enjoy this book quite as much as the other books. I liked Zach and Liz together. But his suspicion and accusations of her were mean, IMO. He suspected her of terrible for things for the whole book and when she found out, she forgave him right away. I really wanted a grovel from Zach and more resistance from Liz. Also, I really didn't like Roman in this story and I hated that it made me no longer happy he got his HEA. But, overall, I was happy that Liz and Zach did get an HEA. I was happy with the conclusion of the series and where everyone ended up in the end.
Wow!
Wow! What an ending! This was the final book in the Perfect Gentlemen series. I would strongly suggest reading the book before this one called Smoke and Sin before diving into this one. It will make this read a lot more fun. I have only read these two books in the series and felt all caught up. Trust me I will be going back to book one especially after this ending.
I’ll try to tell you about this great book without giving anything away. We finally get Zack’s story. Now the President of the United States he has a lot of pressure on him. Other things are at play in the White House having him choosing between the country he loves and the woman he can’t live without. He and the Perfect Gentlemen along with their significant others work together to save both Zack’s relationship and their country.
I loved the pace of these books. So much going on that you can’t help but want to know what happens next. It’s a thrill a minute story that will have you gasping for breath at the end.
Wow! What an ending! This was the final book in the Perfect Gentlemen series. I would strongly suggest reading the book before this one called Smoke and Sin before diving into this one. It will make this read a lot more fun. I have only read these two books in the series and felt all caught up. Trust me I will be going back to book one especially after this ending.
I’ll try to tell you about this great book without giving anything away. We finally get Zack’s story. Now the President of the United States he has a lot of pressure on him. Other things are at play in the White House having him choosing between the country he loves and the woman he can’t live without. He and the Perfect Gentlemen along with their significant others work together to save both Zack’s relationship and their country.
I loved the pace of these books. So much going on that you can’t help but want to know what happens next. It’s a thrill a minute story that will have you gasping for breath at the end.
“That was how he felt with Elizabeth. He felt fire and passion and life. He felt the weight of all his responsibilities float away because she wasn’t a responsibility. She was a necessity. She was air in his lungs, blood in his veins.”
“Damn, this is a lot of bodies. Are we planning on calling the cops or should we grab some shovels? Then again, I think someone will notice us burying a bunch of people in the Rose Garden.”
<<><>Some Backstory<><>
^^ ~ Twenty two years ago, six guys went to Creighton Academy and became known as “The Perfect Gentlemen” (don’t let the name fool you). They were the closest of friends while at the academy and twenty years later they are all very rich, powerful and still remain extremely loyal to each other.
In the previous books, one of the six (Maddox) dies in a plane crash. Gabe, Connor, Dax, Roman and Zack all question the circumstances. Things just aren’t adding up and it appears there may be a lot more to the story than anyone suspects, including ties to the Russian mob and a plot involving the President (who is one of the Perfect Gentlemen).
<><>Book Five Story Overview <><>
Some recent findings have the Perfect Gentlemen thinking Zack is somehow tied to a Russian mob international espionage plot. Questions about his parents and his nanny have led the group to some interesting facts over the last four books.
~~ “Zack had become very aware that he was the focus of a global conspiracy. He’d spent his whole life striving to be president of the United States. Apparently, the Russians had been playing a long game with the same intended outcome for reasons Zack still didn’t know.”
Even though Zack is busy trying to run the country, figure out who’s behind this Russian plot and avoid assassination, he can’t fight his feelings for Elizabeth anymore. He’s loved her for a few years but circumstances have kept them apart. Zack is more than ready to say to hell with all the circumstances - their time is now.
~~ “Elizabeth Matthews was the magical, mystical unicorn he’d always believed was a fantasy. She was the one.”
Unfortunately, one of Zack’s closest friends believes there’s more to Elizabeth’s motives than just attraction. Could she be a Russian sleeper agent?
Of course that seems preposterous to Zack, but some things just aren’t adding up. So although their chemistry is off the charts, Zack’s lingering doubts cause some discord within this new relationship.
As a side note, there’s also a secondary love story that fits seamlessly into this story. It is one that I’ve been waiting to read for four books. Finally!!!
<><>Characters<><>
Hero: ZacK Hayes
~ Age: late 30’s or 40
~ Occupation: President of the United States
~ Zack’s father was the U.S. Ambassador in Russia and Zack spent seven years with his parents in Moscow. His father had one goal - make Zack President at all costs. His mother was an alcoholic.
Zack’s wife Joy was murdered at a political rally and three days later Zack won the presidential election. Recently there’s been speculation that event happened to make sure Zack won the election.
* The following words/phrases were used to describe Zack: an introvert, quiet, shut down, charismatic, ambitious, cold, detached, too intellectual, elite, generous, was groomed to be president, always fearful of not living up to expectations, alone, empty, a man of integrity, learned early in life how to hide almost everything he was feeling, complex, smart and kind, yet ruthless and focused, genius level IQ, force of nature, circumspect
~ “His whole life, he’d worked to sit behind that desk in the Oval Office. He’d spent every waking moment—and lots of the sleeping ones, too—preparing for his presidency. He’d carefully organized his life, right down to his calculated marriage, so that one day he would be the most powerful man in the free world.”
~~ “If it hadn’t been for Mad, Gabe, Connor, Dax, and Roman, he would have become exactly the man his father had tried to turn him into. He would have been taught that only his name mattered, that the only thing of value he had to give was his legacy. These men, his brothers, had shown him the true meaning of family.”
Heroine: Elizabeth Matthews
~ Age: mid to late 30’s
~ Occupation: White House Press Secretary
~ Liz is a shark as the press secretary. One of her close friends (Joy) married Zack but everyone knew it was just a political match. The true attraction was between Zack and Elizabeth.
With Joy gone, Elizabeth has kept her feelings hidden, but the spark between Zack and Elizabeth is obvious to those close to them.
* The following words/phrases were used to describe Liz: brutally ambitious, lioness, has perfectly manicured claws, determined to make a name for herself, on edge, sweet, caring, strong, loyal, stands her ground, not afraid to say how she feels, the voice of conscience, adored by the press, kind, forgiving
~ “We’re all scared of Liz. She might look cute, but that woman has three rows of teeth and they’re all razor sharp. Trust me. When she finds out—and she will find out because she’s also got eyes in the back of her head—she’ll kick his ass.”
<><>A Few Thoughts<><>
^^ ~ there were two love stories going on but I didn’t mind that. I really needed the second love story and was so happy it was part of this book. I’ve been waiting for this second couple to reunite and reconcile.
^^ ~ I think some will be irritated that Liz forgave Zack so quickly, but I got it. A brush with death would clearly make someone reevaluate the need to stay mad.
^^ ~ Roman - argh!!! He ticked me off
^^ ~ I knew who the mole was in the previous book. No surprise here.
^^ ~ Even though the mole was obvious, there were other players I didn’t suspect. Some good twists were added.
^^ ~ In book one I was curious if Joy was really dead. Did anyone see her body? But honestly the twist with her was not something I suspected
^^ ~ a great conclusion to the series!!
<><>The Basics<><>
- Content Warning: murder
- Setting: Washington DC
- Do you need to read previous books in series?: Yes. There is an overarching story in this series and each book builds upon it. All supporting characters were introduced in previous books, so this should be read in order.
- POV: Dual POV
- Tropes: political espionage, suspense
- Hero likable? yes.
- heroine likable? yes
- h virgin? No
- First time they kiss: 31%
- First time they sleep together: 32%
- Safe sex? No condoms used
- First time they say I Love You: 48%
- steamy? Yes. Several descriptive bedroom scenes
- Chemistry? I thought they had good chemistry
- OW/OM drama? No
- H/h cheat? No
- Time apart? No
- Did I skip pages? No
- Big secrets? yes - there were some twists and turns along the way
- Did I cry? No
- Did I laugh? I smiled a few times. I still love the dynamics between the guys. And now, with all the girls added, they have formed a great sisterhood of support and I enjoyed their interactions too.
- Did I swoon
“Damn, this is a lot of bodies. Are we planning on calling the cops or should we grab some shovels? Then again, I think someone will notice us burying a bunch of people in the Rose Garden.”
<<><>Some Backstory<><>
^^ ~ Twenty two years ago, six guys went to Creighton Academy and became known as “The Perfect Gentlemen” (don’t let the name fool you). They were the closest of friends while at the academy and twenty years later they are all very rich, powerful and still remain extremely loyal to each other.
In the previous books, one of the six (Maddox) dies in a plane crash. Gabe, Connor, Dax, Roman and Zack all question the circumstances. Things just aren’t adding up and it appears there may be a lot more to the story than anyone suspects, including ties to the Russian mob and a plot involving the President (who is one of the Perfect Gentlemen).
<><>Book Five Story Overview <><>
Some recent findings have the Perfect Gentlemen thinking Zack is somehow tied to a Russian mob international espionage plot. Questions about his parents and his nanny have led the group to some interesting facts over the last four books.
~~ “Zack had become very aware that he was the focus of a global conspiracy. He’d spent his whole life striving to be president of the United States. Apparently, the Russians had been playing a long game with the same intended outcome for reasons Zack still didn’t know.”
Even though Zack is busy trying to run the country, figure out who’s behind this Russian plot and avoid assassination, he can’t fight his feelings for Elizabeth anymore. He’s loved her for a few years but circumstances have kept them apart. Zack is more than ready to say to hell with all the circumstances - their time is now.
~~ “Elizabeth Matthews was the magical, mystical unicorn he’d always believed was a fantasy. She was the one.”
Unfortunately, one of Zack’s closest friends believes there’s more to Elizabeth’s motives than just attraction. Could she be a Russian sleeper agent?
Of course that seems preposterous to Zack, but some things just aren’t adding up. So although their chemistry is off the charts, Zack’s lingering doubts cause some discord within this new relationship.
As a side note, there’s also a secondary love story that fits seamlessly into this story. It is one that I’ve been waiting to read for four books. Finally!!!
<><>Characters<><>
Hero: ZacK Hayes
~ Age: late 30’s or 40
~ Occupation: President of the United States
~ Zack’s father was the U.S. Ambassador in Russia and Zack spent seven years with his parents in Moscow. His father had one goal - make Zack President at all costs. His mother was an alcoholic.
Zack’s wife Joy was murdered at a political rally and three days later Zack won the presidential election. Recently there’s been speculation that event happened to make sure Zack won the election.
* The following words/phrases were used to describe Zack: an introvert, quiet, shut down, charismatic, ambitious, cold, detached, too intellectual, elite, generous, was groomed to be president, always fearful of not living up to expectations, alone, empty, a man of integrity, learned early in life how to hide almost everything he was feeling, complex, smart and kind, yet ruthless and focused, genius level IQ, force of nature, circumspect
~ “His whole life, he’d worked to sit behind that desk in the Oval Office. He’d spent every waking moment—and lots of the sleeping ones, too—preparing for his presidency. He’d carefully organized his life, right down to his calculated marriage, so that one day he would be the most powerful man in the free world.”
~~ “If it hadn’t been for Mad, Gabe, Connor, Dax, and Roman, he would have become exactly the man his father had tried to turn him into. He would have been taught that only his name mattered, that the only thing of value he had to give was his legacy. These men, his brothers, had shown him the true meaning of family.”
Heroine: Elizabeth Matthews
~ Age: mid to late 30’s
~ Occupation: White House Press Secretary
~ Liz is a shark as the press secretary. One of her close friends (Joy) married Zack but everyone knew it was just a political match. The true attraction was between Zack and Elizabeth.
With Joy gone, Elizabeth has kept her feelings hidden, but the spark between Zack and Elizabeth is obvious to those close to them.
* The following words/phrases were used to describe Liz: brutally ambitious, lioness, has perfectly manicured claws, determined to make a name for herself, on edge, sweet, caring, strong, loyal, stands her ground, not afraid to say how she feels, the voice of conscience, adored by the press, kind, forgiving
~ “We’re all scared of Liz. She might look cute, but that woman has three rows of teeth and they’re all razor sharp. Trust me. When she finds out—and she will find out because she’s also got eyes in the back of her head—she’ll kick his ass.”
<><>A Few Thoughts<><>
^^ ~ there were two love stories going on but I didn’t mind that. I really needed the second love story and was so happy it was part of this book. I’ve been waiting for this second couple to reunite and reconcile.
^^ ~ I think some will be irritated that Liz forgave Zack so quickly, but I got it. A brush with death would clearly make someone reevaluate the need to stay mad.
^^ ~ Roman - argh!!! He ticked me off
^^ ~ I knew who the mole was in the previous book. No surprise here.
^^ ~ Even though the mole was obvious, there were other players I didn’t suspect. Some good twists were added.
^^ ~ In book one I was curious if Joy was really dead. Did anyone see her body? But honestly the twist with her was not something I suspected
^^ ~ a great conclusion to the series!!
<><>The Basics<><>
- Content Warning: murder
- Setting: Washington DC
- Do you need to read previous books in series?: Yes. There is an overarching story in this series and each book builds upon it. All supporting characters were introduced in previous books, so this should be read in order.
- POV: Dual POV
- Tropes: political espionage, suspense
- Hero likable? yes.
- heroine likable? yes
- h virgin? No
- First time they kiss: 31%
- First time they sleep together: 32%
- Safe sex? No condoms used
- First time they say I Love You: 48%
- steamy? Yes. Several descriptive bedroom scenes
- Chemistry? I thought they had good chemistry
- OW/OM drama? No
- H/h cheat? No
- Time apart? No
- Did I skip pages? No
- Big secrets? yes - there were some twists and turns along the way
- Did I cry? No
- Did I laugh? I smiled a few times. I still love the dynamics between the guys. And now, with all the girls added, they have formed a great sisterhood of support and I enjoyed their interactions too.
- Did I swoon
Good ending to a great series.
I liked the fact that we got 2 stories in 1. The book kept great pace and it was no where near predictable.
I liked the fact that we got 2 stories in 1. The book kept great pace and it was no where near predictable.
This is the book that we have all been waiting for. This is the final book in the Perfect Gentlemen series and boy was it worth the wait. Without revealing any secrets, all of our questions were answered. There are many bumps in the road as the story progresses. Lies, betrayals, double agents, spies, attempted assassinations and romance, all come into play as the Gentlemen try to solve the mystery that was planned long before they were born. I really enjoyed this book. Shayla Black and Lexi Blake once again wrote an outstanding story. Bravo ladies.
What an ending! Suspense. Edge of your seat action. Steam. Angst. This book has it all. This series has just gotten better and better and I loved this final book. I have been waiting for this one for a while and I was not disappointed. I definitely hope these authors continue to work together. I would love to read more.
I'm sad the series has ended. Of all the books I've read by Shayla Black and Lexi Blake, this series is my favorite by far. Although this is a romance series, it is filled with intrigue, mystery and suspense. Wouldn't it be nice to see the what the next generation does?
Gah! Parts of this book were a SOLID 5 stars. However, because this book was wrapping things up AND focusing on two couples (Mad & Sara + Zack & Liz) it got bogged down. I barely ever say this, but it either needed to be longer or there needed to be a “Book 4.5” novella where they handled a few things in order to have a “cleaner” Book 5.
Because the authors totally tanked this book with Zack’s (and Roman’s) treatment of Liz and not giving enough time for proper groveling and forgiveness. Because beautiful, strong, smart, steely Liz freakin’ says, “Oh OK, you’re forgiven” after learning that Zack has thought the worst of her for WEEKS and continues to sleep with her. Including, but not limited to thinking she’s committed treason and helped an assassin make an attempt on Zack’s life. AND when the whole situation comes to a head he says some really nasty things to her. This is AFTER she already forgave him for a massive break of trust at the beginning of the book (that started in Book 4). She yells at Roman for all of 3 minutes and immediately agrees to marry Zack. Nope. No. Uh-uh.
Another strike is that the ending is fast paced and kind of a mind bending info dump that also could have used more finesse. It’s like they got tired of writing the story and just threw down a bunch of Russian operatives, plots, and explained that the KGB wouldn’t go after anyone anymore because they discredited one guy. What? The KGB literally spent DECADES and 100’s people and they’re just walking away because #reasons.
The epilogue was adorable, but not enough to forgive the abandonment of Liz’s nature from the entire series.
Because the authors totally tanked this book with Zack’s (and Roman’s) treatment of Liz and not giving enough time for proper groveling and forgiveness. Because beautiful, strong, smart, steely Liz freakin’ says, “Oh OK, you’re forgiven” after learning that Zack has thought the worst of her for WEEKS and continues to sleep with her. Including, but not limited to thinking she’s committed treason and helped an assassin make an attempt on Zack’s life. AND when the whole situation comes to a head he says some really nasty things to her. This is AFTER she already forgave him for a massive break of trust at the beginning of the book (that started in Book 4). She yells at Roman for all of 3 minutes and immediately agrees to marry Zack. Nope. No. Uh-uh.
Another strike is that the ending is fast paced and kind of a mind bending info dump that also could have used more finesse. It’s like they got tired of writing the story and just threw down a bunch of Russian operatives, plots, and explained that the KGB wouldn’t go after anyone anymore because they discredited one guy. What? The KGB literally spent DECADES and 100’s people and they’re just walking away because #reasons.
The epilogue was adorable, but not enough to forgive the abandonment of Liz’s nature from the entire series.
Maddox Crawford is back from the dead!! Well, okay, if you read Smoke and Sin, you already know about that little mic drop, but you need to buckle up and prepare for everything that it means by having Mad back from the dead. This is HUGE and not only integral to the storyline, but Mad is also one of the most emotionally touching characters I can remember reading, possibly ever.
If you are just catching wind of all things Perfect Gentlemanly, go back, start from the beginning and prepare for a fantastic, suspenseful, full of conspiracy theories ride. You have to read this series in order. Sorry, but also not sorry, because this series is AMAZING!!
At the Pleasure of the President is not just the end of a long journey for the Perfect Gentlemen, but it is the interwoven storylines of Zack Hayes/Liz Matthews and Mad Crawford/Sara Bond. Always close by are other Perfect Gentlemen and their significant others so you are constantly getting splashes of how they are doing. This finale is a mixture of BAM!! OMG!! and WOW!!
We have finally reached the pinnacle where the Russians are ready to make their move. They have been playing a very long game dating back for decades, maneuvering people into place to get whom they want into the White House. What happens now....well, read and find out. I won't give up any spoilers to this conspiracy theory. (It's so good).
However, in the game of love...where lies, deceit, and murder are already in play, whom do you trust? Your heart? Your friends? Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Can love be restored when trust is broken?
I was in tears, and more tears, and then more tears over and over again. For a suspenseful novel, this book ripped me apart. Everytime Mad was on the page I was surrounded by tissues. Shayla and Lexi wrote a billionaire playboy that you will empathize with.
What??
I know I don't have billions of dollars lying around, so that isn't my point, Mad is self-deprecating, has all the best intentions, loves fiercely and a lot of times shows that love in the worst possible way, but he's so loyal. I just wanted to cuddle him. Oh, all the tissues. I love his fictional self so much.
Now, the women of Perfect Gentleman; The badass, strong, probably could have saved the day sooner if their men had given them the information from day one-women. Not only do they complete the men they have found perfectly, but the eloquence, ferocious strength is so admirable, I wish they were a part of my posse. Shayla and Lexi write these brilliant women who don't shrink from danger, but also know where their strengths lay. We could learn a lot from the blueprints that these women give us to follow. Thank you Shayla and Lexi.
So, again, with no spoilers, because seriously, this book has so much and you need to experience it all, but it's good. REALLY GOOD!!
If you are just catching wind of all things Perfect Gentlemanly, go back, start from the beginning and prepare for a fantastic, suspenseful, full of conspiracy theories ride. You have to read this series in order. Sorry, but also not sorry, because this series is AMAZING!!
At the Pleasure of the President is not just the end of a long journey for the Perfect Gentlemen, but it is the interwoven storylines of Zack Hayes/Liz Matthews and Mad Crawford/Sara Bond. Always close by are other Perfect Gentlemen and their significant others so you are constantly getting splashes of how they are doing. This finale is a mixture of BAM!! OMG!! and WOW!!
We have finally reached the pinnacle where the Russians are ready to make their move. They have been playing a very long game dating back for decades, maneuvering people into place to get whom they want into the White House. What happens now....well, read and find out. I won't give up any spoilers to this conspiracy theory. (It's so good).
However, in the game of love...where lies, deceit, and murder are already in play, whom do you trust? Your heart? Your friends? Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Can love be restored when trust is broken?
I was in tears, and more tears, and then more tears over and over again. For a suspenseful novel, this book ripped me apart. Everytime Mad was on the page I was surrounded by tissues. Shayla and Lexi wrote a billionaire playboy that you will empathize with.
What??
I know I don't have billions of dollars lying around, so that isn't my point, Mad is self-deprecating, has all the best intentions, loves fiercely and a lot of times shows that love in the worst possible way, but he's so loyal. I just wanted to cuddle him. Oh, all the tissues. I love his fictional self so much.
Now, the women of Perfect Gentleman; The badass, strong, probably could have saved the day sooner if their men had given them the information from day one-women. Not only do they complete the men they have found perfectly, but the eloquence, ferocious strength is so admirable, I wish they were a part of my posse. Shayla and Lexi write these brilliant women who don't shrink from danger, but also know where their strengths lay. We could learn a lot from the blueprints that these women give us to follow. Thank you Shayla and Lexi.
So, again, with no spoilers, because seriously, this book has so much and you need to experience it all, but it's good. REALLY GOOD!!