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A review by raddreader
At the Pleasure of the President by Shayla Black, Lexi Blake
5.0
“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