AT THE PLEASURE OF THE PRESIDENT (The Perfect Gentlemen #5) by Shayla Black & Lexi Blake-Review & Excerpt Tour
AT THE PLEASURE OF THE PRESIDENT
The Perfect Gentlemen #5
by Shayla Black & Lexi Blake
Release Date: April 9, 2019
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romantic, political, suspense
Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Apple/Google Play
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 9 2019
The thrilling conclusion of the twisting, page-turning Perfect Gentlemen series!
When a dangerous conspiracy threatens to tear them apart, he’ll have to choose between his country and the woman he loves…
Decades ago, ambitious Zack Hayes set his sights on the White House. He’s worked his whole life to become the leader of the free world—attending the right schools, marrying the perfect bride—all to aid his campaign. He didn’t realize someone behind the scenes has been pulling the strings to manipulate Zack and the country he loves into a dangerous position—one he will risk his life to wrench free from. The one thing he can’t risk is Elizabeth Matthews.
From the moment she met Zack Hayes, Liz felt the connection. Serving as his campaign manager and then his press secretary, she accepted that her love for him would remain unrequited. Still, she’d thought they were friends, so when he pushed her aside, she felt the stab in her heart. And when she realizes he’s done it to protect her, nothing will stop Liz from standing by his side—not even the men who would use her as a weapon against him.
As shocking secrets are revealed, Zack and Liz find succor and passion in each other’s arms. When the ultimate villain shows his face, Zack may have to choose between his country and the woman he loves
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REVIEW: AT THE PLEASURE OF THE PRESIDENT is the fifth and final instalment in the contemporary, adult THE PERFECT GENTLEMEN romantic, political suspense series, co-authored by Shayla Black and Lexi Blake, focusing on six friends –Gabe, Connor, Dax, Zach, Roman and Maddox. This is US President Zack Hayes, and Press Secretary Elizabeth Matthews’ storyline. AT THE PLEASURE OF THE PRESIDENT should not be read as a stand alone as it focuses on the culmination of several story lines, numerous intersecting plot points, and the investigation into the death of Maddox Crawford, and attempted take down of the US President.
SOME BACKGROUND: Following the mysterious airplane crash and subsequent death of their friend Maddox Crawford, the remaining friends Gabe Bond, Dax Spencer, Connor Sparks, Roman Calder and US president Zach Hayes find themselves searching for the truth that somehow involves the Russian mob and the deaths of a number of people connected to their group known as The Perfect Gentlemen. THE PERFECT GENTLEMEN series are their stories.
Told from several third person perspectives including Zack and Elizabeth, AT THE PLEASURE OF THE PRESIDENT follows the search for the truth. When news of a potential assassination plot against President Hayes surfaces on the Dark Web, the Perfect Gentlemen, Zack’s best friends from childhood and school, circle the wagons to uncover the truth. From betrayal to vengeance, conspiracy to espionage, misinformation and issues of trust, everyone is suspect, and no one is safe as the investigation reveals someone close to the US President may be involved.
Zack Hayes is a widower who has fallen in love with Elizabeth Matthews but the energy in the White House is dangerous and dark. Issues of trust turn friends against friends, brother versus brother, lovers into strangers. Doubt and uncertainty breed bitter bedfellows; malevolence and distrust push the friendships to the point of spiralling out of control. Secrets are revealed; heart break is certain; international conspiracies take flight and win.
AT THE PLEASURE OF THE PRESIDENT is a story focusing on the powerful elite; on the political machinations of two countries quietly (or not so quietly) at war with one another, a war that has been playing out for too many years. The premise is intriguing, captivating, and thought provoking; the romance is passionate and emotional; the characters are engaging, dramatic and edgy. THE PERFECT GENTLEMEN series is a must read for fans of drama, intrigue, romance and love.
Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Scandal Never Sleeps
Seduction in Session
Big Easy Temptation
Smoke and Sin
At the Pleasure of the President
Copy supplied for review
Reviewed by Sandy
She should be in her bed right now, trying to find sleep. But she’d seen the light on and known he’d be here. Like a freaking moth to a flame, she’d found herself leaving the safety of her bedroom and walking right into the predator’s den.
Trembling, she turned now and looked at the only man she’d ever truly loved. He needed her tonight. She saw it in his stare, in the way he clenched his fists at his sides. How much character and willpower had it taken him to allow her this choice? She admired him even more for finding the strength, especially since she’d long suspected that under his façade of intellectualism and perfect manners, he hid a beast.
Tonight, she would find out if she’d been right.
Liz had no illusions. He was capable of breaking her heart into a million pieces, and she’d try not to let him. But even if she only got one night with this man, she would take it because she would rather live with foolish regret than stubborn ignorance.
“Elizabeth.”
His voice hummed in the quiet room, caressing between her ears, vibrating through her body. She flushed with arousal.
This was it. This was happening.
She’d wanted him the moment they’d met, but he’d been forbidden. Now, he stood in front of her with his broad shoulders and his dark hair. Not a president, but a man. Herman—at least for the night.
Liz tried to steady her breathing as she crossed the room to him. Finally, she had permission to touch him the way she’d always wanted. Of course she’d heard him say tonight would be his way all the way, that it wouldn’t be tender, but she wanted one sweet moment she could cling to later before her man turned beast.
She stopped in front of him and reached up, brushing her fingers against the sliver threaded at his temples—the only sign that he was aging. Naturally, it made him even more attractive.
He caught her hand, clasping it in his big one. “Be sure.”
That was Zack, always putting others first, even when his whole world was falling apart. Even when he needed so desperately for himself.
Tonight, she was here for him in every way. Liz hoped with all her heart he understood that.
She would cling to him through the bittersweet hours until dawn, memorizing every touch. Tomorrow they would go back to their corners, and the turmoil would start again. It would be worse because she would know exactly how good it felt to be in his arms. But their passion could only be temporary because he was right, any chance they’d had at a future had died the day Joy had. After her murder and three long years, how could they ever hope for more?
“I’m sure,” she murmured. “I want everything you have to give me tonight.”
Shayla Black is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than forty novels. For over fifteen years, she’s written contemporary, erotic, paranormal, and historical romances via traditional, independent, foreign, and audio publishers. Her books have sold well over a million copies and been published in a dozen languages.
Raised an only child, Shayla occupied herself with lots of daydreaming, much to the chagrin of her teachers. In college, she found her love for reading and realized that she could have a career publishing the stories spinning in her imagination. Though she graduated with a degree in Marketing/Advertising and embarked on a stint in corporate America to pay the bills, her heart has always been with her characters. She’s thrilled that she’s been living her dream as a full-time author for the past seven years.
Shayla currently lives in North Texas with her wonderfully supportive husband, her teenage daughter, and a very spoiled cat. In her “free” time, she enjoys reality TV, reading, and listening to an eclectic blend of music.
Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter
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Lexi Blake: NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog in the world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance and urban fantasy that she found the stories of her heart. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome, or foursome may seem.
Wonderful review, Sandy. I love the premise of this series. Being political makes this a different kind of read.
Great review, Sandy. Sounds like an awesome story line.
Great review. Looks like a fantastic series, thanks Sandy
Another excellent review; looks like an intriguing series.
wonderful review, sandy. sounds like an awesome story.
Great review, Sandy. This book looks like a fantastic story line.
Fantastic review. Looks like a great series !
Looks like an amazing series. Thanks for the great review and excerpt.
Terrific review, Sandy. Looks like a great story.
Wonderful review and excerpt. And another series ending too soon !
Great review, Sandy. Looks very good.