The Widow by Kaira Rouda-Review and Interview with the Author

The Widow by Kaira Rouda-Review and Interview with the Author

 

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N Paper/ Chapters/Indigo Paper /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 1, 2022

Jody Asher had a plan. Her charismatic husband, Martin, would be a political icon. She, the charming wife, would fuel his success. For fifteen congressional terms, they were the golden couple on the Hill. Life was good. Until he wasn’t.

Martin’s secret affair with a young staffer doesn’t bother Jody personally. But professionally? It’s a legacy killer. Soon a reporter gets word of this scandal in the making, and Martin’s indiscretions threaten to ruin everything Jody has accomplished.

When Martin suddenly dies, it’s a chance to change the narrative—but the reporter won’t let go of his lead. As the balance of power shifts in the Asher house and on the Hill, it’s time for Jody to take control. And there’s nothing the ruthless widow won’t do to secure the future she’s entitled to. Even if she has a secret of her own.

•••••

REVIEW: THE WIDOW by Kaira Rouda is a stand alone, contemporary, adult political suspense story line focusing on Congressman Martin Asher, his social climbing wife Jody, and Washington Think Tank operator Mimi Smith.

Told from three first person perspectives (Martin, Jody and Mimi) THE WIDOW follows in the wake of the death of Congressman Martin Asher, an elected official facing the downfall of a rapidly building scandal. In the weeks before his only daughter’s lavish nuptials, Martin Asher takes ill and succumbs to his ailment on the day of the wedding. In an effort to keep her position as part of the political machine of Washington DC, Jody Asher invokes the Widow’s Succession Mandate, a little used practice that allows a widow to succeed or run for office upon the death of their politician spouse. Jody, ever the manipulator and power hungry politician’s wife, uses every dirty tactic available at her disposal but Jody has overestimated her popularity and her husband’s reputation on Capitol Hill. Facing down an aggressive,investigative reporter, a Think Tank manipulator whose own secrets are dangerous and dark, and a past shrouded in secrets and lies, Jody must tread carefully, in an effort to get what she believes she rightfully deserves.

THE WIDOW is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, manipulation and collusion. The fight for control is dirty; power is manipulated and abused; the political machine is deceitful, unethical and unscrupulous. Back room deals are the norm; blackmail is rampant; illegal and controversial deals are an everyday occurrence, and no one is above the ultimate betrayal. THE WIDOW is gritty and intriguing story of fiction; an up close and eye opening look at the what ifs, the probabilities, and the disturbing reality / unreality of the people in charge; the characters are relentless and destructive -politicians are a different breed of people, their humanity and hearts are non-existent.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

TRC:  Hi Kaira and welcome to The Reading Café. Congratulations on the release of THE WIDOW.

Kaira RoudaThank you. I’m excited about this one, and hope everyone enjoys my first political thriller.

TRC:  We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

Social Media Links: Amazon Author Page/ Goodreads/ Website/ Twitter/ Facebook/ Instagram/

Kaira Rouda: Sure. I live in Southern California with my husband and two dogs. We are lucky that all four of our 20-something kids live in various parts of Southern California, too. I’m a Pickleball fanatic and I’m so happy to be living near the beach.

TRC:  Who or what influenced your career in writing?

Kaira Rouda: My dad is a professor and an author, business books, and my mom is an elementary school teacher, so our home was filled with books. In elementary school, my third grade teacher asked us to write to the person we wanted to be when we grew up. I wrote to Robert McCloskey, of Make Way for Ducklings fame. I knew then I wanted to be an author. My first published book was in fifth grade. My librarian, Mrs. Gardier, lamented my story and put it on the shelf for checkout. I was thrilled.

TRC:  What challenges or difficulties have you encountered writing and publishing your stories?

Kaira Rouda: I’m impatient, and my background is marketing. So the speed of publishing – the very slow process involved in bringing a book to life — is something I’ve struggled with. But I’m so grateful to be doing the career I dreamed of as a child.

TRC:  Would you please tell us something about the premise of THE WIDOW?

Kaira Rouda: The Widow’s premise is based on the tradition of The Widow’s Mandate. When a sitting member of congress dies in office, their spouse is often appointed by the governor (senate) or runs for the seat in a special election (house) to complete the term. The tradition is the way the first women began to serve in congress. In fact, statistically speaking, for women aspiring to serve in congress, the best husband has been a dead husband. I thought that was a good starting point for a political thriller.

TRC:  Are any of the events in THE WIDOW based in reality?

Kaira Rouda: Some of the settings are based on real events I had the chance to attend while we were in DC: The Congressional Dialogue Dinners at the gorgeous Library of Congress, the First Lady’s Luncheon, The Congressional Club. Congressman Asher’s office set up is based on the office my husband had. If you’re referring to the plot points, those are all my imagination. Although I will say Chinese spies are everywhere in DC, and there are a lot of stories about corrupt lobbyists.

TRC:  How do you keep the plot(s) unpredictable without sacrificing content and believability?

Kaira Rouda: I’m a pantser, who writes by the seat of her pants. I don’t plot. So I just let my characters loose on the page and hope for the best.

TRC:  Do you believe the cover image plays a deciding factor for many readers in the process of selecting a book or new series to read?

Kaira Rouda: I do think people judge a book by its cover — thus the expression!

TRC:  When writing a storyline, do the characters direct the writing or do you direct the characters?

Kaira Rouda: The characters are in charge.

TRC:  The mark of a good writer is to pull the reader into the storyline so that they experience the emotions along with the characters. What do you believe a writer must do to make this happen? Where do you believe writer’s fail in this endeavor?

Kaira Rouda: Characters, even the killers, need to have relatable traits. I hope my characters are the kind you love to hate, at least some of them. The ones up to no good.

TRC:  Do you listen to music while writing? If so, does the style of music influence the storyline direction? Characters?

Kaira Rouda: No. I write with no music, no noise. I’m not a cafe writer, either. I like to be at my desk, by myself.

TRC:  Many authors bounce ideas and information with other authors or friends and family. With whom do you bounce ideas?

Kaira Rouda: My agents are great first readers, and my friend Andrea Katz of Great Thoughts is a fabulous brainstorming partner.

TRC:  What do you believe is the biggest misconception people have about authors?

Kaira Rouda: I’m not sure. Do you know? 😀

TRC:  What is something that few, if any people, know about you?

Kaira Rouda: I love to hula hoop. And, I’m afraid of heights. Oh, and I’m shy, but people never think I am.

TRC:  On what are you currently working?

Kaira Rouda: I’m in edits on my next novel, BENEATH THE SURFACE, out September 2023. So excited.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food
Cheese

Favorite Dessert
Cheese

Favorite TV Show
Just binge watched LOOT. Loved it. Huge fan of Succession.

Last Movie You Saw
A Simple Favor. So good.

Dark or Milk Chocolate
I am one of the few people in the world that does not like chocolate. Halloween was tough growing up!

Secret Celebrity Crush
Cheryl Hines

Last Vacation Destination
Hawaii

Do you have any pets?
Two dogs! Mine is a shipoo named Tucker. He’s thirteen and my right-hand man. My husband’s dog is a crazy bernedoodle named Cali, who is a year and a half.

Last book you read
Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six by Lisa Unger

Thank you Kaira for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on your new release.

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LIGHTNING (Miranda Chase NTSB 10) by ML Buchman-a review

WHITE TOP / LIGHTNING (Miranda Chase NTSB 8 & 10) by ML Buchman

 

LIGHTNING
Miranda Chase NTSB 10
by ML Buchman
Release Date: June 7, 2022
Genre: adult, contemporary, military, suspense, political technothriller

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 7, 2022

Miranda Chase—the autistic heroine you didn’t expect. Fighting the battles no one else could win.

Revenge? A terrorist attack? Or a declaration of war?

The head of the Senate Armed Services Committee lies dead. The murder weapon? An Air Force Learjet deliberately crashed into his DC hotel room.

Half a world away in the South China Sea, an F-35C Lightning II — America’s newest fighter jet — crashes during landing. It cripples the aircraft supercarrier USS Theodore Roosevelt. An accident? Or China’s next move toward world domination?

Miranda Chase and her NTSB air-crash investigation team are spread thin as they struggle to unravel two horrific crashes at once — and halt a global firestorm before it burns them all.

Worst of all. The next target could be Miranda herself.

••••

REVIEW: LIGHTNING is the tenth instalment in ML Buchman’s contemporary, adult AMANDA CHASE, NTSB military, suspense, political technothriller series focusing on NTSB investigator Miranda Chase and her team of former and current military members.

Told from third person perspective LIGHTNING follows Miranda Chase and her team as they are tasked with investigating three nearly simultaneous situations involving US military fighter jets: the first is the crash of a fully fuelled KC-46 in Alaska, a modified Boeing 767; the second involves the hijacking of, and the subsequent targeting and destruction of Washington DC’s Kimpton George Hotel which would ultimately kill Senator Hunter Ramson; and thirdly, the unexplained crash of a F-35C Lightning II jet, and resulting explosion of the USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft supercarrier, a ship on training maneuvers in the South China Seas. Miranda Chase’s NTSB team has been called in to investigate all three disasters but with the team spread so thin, Miranda, a savant on the autism spectrum scale, battles in the wake of unfamiliar people unaware of her idiosyncrasies and struggles with everyday activities. Adding to Miranda’s battle, is the reassignment of her ‘second in command’ Jeremy, a man who is ready to direct an investigation of his own.

Once again, we are up close and personal with Miranda Chase’s struggle to recognize other people’s emotions, sarcasm, and jokes. Miranda’s last relationship failed in the face of her inability to perceive and distinguish between acceptance and opposition but her new love interest has the competence and capability of keeping our heroine on an even pitch.

LIGHTNING is awash in complex and detailed military vernacular and language such that one needs a spreadsheet to understand the description and dynamics of the fighting machines, war birds, and embattled personnel. LIGHTNING is a story of power and destruction, betrayal and deception, family and friendships, acceptance and control.

Previous Reviews
Chinook
Havoc

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

_________

WHITE TOP
Miranda Chase 8
by ML Buchman
Release Date: MAY 25, 2021
Genre: adult, contemporary, military, suspense, political technothriller

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play /

Miranda Chase—the heroine you didn’t expect. Fighting the battles no one else could win.

The White Top helicopters of HMX-1 are known by a much more familiar name: Marine One. The S-92A, the newest helicopter in the HMX fleet, enters service after years of testing.

When their perfect safety record lies shattered across the National Mall, Miranda Chase and her team of NTSB crash investigators go in. They must discover if it was an accident, a declaration of war, or something even worse.

•••••••••••

REVIEW:  WHITE TOP is the eighth instalment in ML Buchman’s contemporary, adult MIRANDA CHASE political, technothriller focusing on NTSB investigator Miranda Chase and her team of former and current military members.

Told from several third person perspectives WHITE TOP follows in the aftermath of the crash of one of the newest White Top helicopters, Marine Two, and the loss would affect more than the fleet of Presidential fliers. Their last investigation complete, Miranda Chase and her team of NTSB investigators are called into to dissect the who, how and why, and the results point to human interference and not mechanical problems.

Meanwhile, Miranda Chase, a woman on the autism spectrum scale, is not quite willing to relinquish control but her second in command is ready to move forward with an investigation of his own.

As per ML Buchman’s style of writing as it pertains to Miranda Chase, the reader is pulled into the world of autism spectrum, watching (or reading) as Miranda struggles, not only with her own emotions, but recognizing small emotional nuances in others.Miranda’s last personal relationship failed in the face of Miranda’s inability to adjust or conform but a new relationship is on the horizon, one that has been developing for a very short time.

WHITE TOP is plentiful and replete with military and political jargon, especially as it applies and refers to the presidential aircraft and the mechanics within. ML Buchman pulls the reader into a suspense-filled, political thriller where the people at the top are targeted, and the person responsible may be someone close. The premise is intriguing and fascinating; the characters are resourceful, energetic and accomplished.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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POWER TERM (Power Play #5) by Kennedy Mitchell-Review Tour

POWER TERM (Power Play #5) by Kennedy L Mitchell-Review tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 21, 2020

Everything we’ve fought for grinds to a halt with the attack—our future happy-ever-after now a lost hope as I’m abducted from the wreckage.

There’s a traitor in our midst who’s working alongside my long-term enemy, eager to destroy it all. He wants me to give up, to hand the life I’ve fought tooth and nail to achieve over to him. If I do, the pain will end, but others will suffer.

How much can I take before Trey saves me from the terrible fate they’ve promised if I don’t comply?

This is it, the moment where I have to make a choice.
Me or the millions who will suffer under the sociopath’s hand if I give him what he wants.

I might have been raised poor trailer trash, but that’s not who I am now.
My name’s Randi Sawyer, and I’m the president of the United States.
I will not bend. I will not break.

••••••

REVIEW: POWER TERM is the fifth and final? Instalment in Kennedy L Mitchell’s contemporary, adult POWER PLAY romantic suspense series focusing on attorney/ now US president Randi Sawyer, and Secret Service agent Trey Benson. POWER TERM should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately after the events and cliff hanger of book four POWER SURGE.

NOTE: If you have not read the previous instalments, there may be some spoilers in my review.

WARNING: Due to the graphic nature of the story line premise, there may be some triggers for more sensitive readers.

SOME BACKGROUND: A few years earlier Randi Sawyer became the vice-presidential running mate to Kyle Birmingham, a man whose dirty politics run deadly and deep but in doing so Randi has angered a very powerful man who is determined to destroy our story line heroine. Now in the position as the US President, Randi continues to find herself the target of some very powerful people.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Trey and Randi) POWER TERM picks up immediately after the events of book four POWER SURGE wherein President Sawyer’s motorcade has come under fire leaving her entire security team dead or dying. Now in the hands of a sadistic assassin, Randi finds herself facing a familiar foe, a man who is desperate enough to destroy everyone Randi loves. As her lover and secret service agent Trey Benson begins a desperate search for the woman he loves, a call to the people in charge bring in some additional gunfire in an effort to uncover the whereabouts of Madam President.

POWER TERM is the culmination of five story lines focusing on attorney Randi Sawyer, whose entire life has been a struggle to prove she is worthy, and yet continues to find herself on the defensive when it comes to her life and her loves. Not everyone is happy that Randi ran for political office, and now that she sits in the highest political office in the US, Randi’s enemies continue to attack, this time success in reaching their target.

POWER TERM is a fast paced, story of political suspense; a story of betrayal and vengeance; jealousy and retribution; relationships, friendships and love. The premise is intriguing and exciting; the romance is passionate and heart breaking; the characters are resilient and captivating. POWER TERM ends on a bit of a cliff hanger with more story to tell-let’s wait and see if the author has any plans for Randi and Trey’s continuing story.

Reading order and Previous Reviews
Power Play
Power Twist
Power Switch
Power Surge

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Follow: Goodreads /Website /Twitter /Facebook/

Kennedy lives in Dallas with her husband, son, and 80lb Goldendoodle who still believes he’s a lap dog. A bookworm at heart, Kennedy loves to snuggle up in bed or by the campfire with an unputdownable book. She began writing two years ago with Falling for the Chance and has no plans of stopping. Her novels are witty, action-packed, and offer enough steam for a great facial. If you like strong heroines and sexy, tattooed men who can’t keep their hands off them, then this author is the one for you.

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Power Switch (Power Play #3) by Kennedy Mitchell-review tour

Power Switch (Power Play #3) by Kennedy Mitchell-review tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 20, 2020.

Lies. Deceit. Espionage. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg here in DC.

My boyfriend is fake engaged, I’m pretty sure someone out there is trying to kill me, and now a sexy-as-sin attorney from the Justice Department is investigating me and I have zero clue as to why. Torn between duty and love, I’m not just floundering in my role as VP, I’m drowning.

When the pieces of the president’s plan come to light, I know I have to stop him. Permanently this time. How I’ll get out of this alive, I have no idea, but at least I still have my favorite secret service agent, Trey Benson, by my side—for now.

I’ll do whatever it takes to remove Kyle from office, even if it means sacrificing everything I love. Again.

Power Switch is the third book in the five-book Power Play series and is a continuation of Randi and Trey’s epic love story. The books in this series cannot be read as standalones. All five books follow one main couple’s relationship as it grows through a five-year time period. It’s suspenseful, steamy, and oh so unputdownable. If you’re a fan of Tiffany Snow, Meghan March, and Skye Warren, then this series is for YOU!

•••••

REVIEW:POWER SWITCH is the third instalment in Kennedy Mitchell’s contemporary , adult POWER PLAY erotic, romantic, political suspense series. This is the continuing story of attorney/vice president Randi Sawyer, and thirty-eight year old, Secret Service agent Trey Benson. POWER SWITCH should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately after the events of book two POWER TWIST.

NOTE: If you have not read books one and two, there may be some spoilers in my review.

SOME BACKGROUND: Months earlier Randi Sawyer became the vice-presidential running mate to Kyle Birmingham, a man whose dirty politics run deadly and deep but in doing so Randi has angered a very powerful man who is determined to destroy our story line heroine.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Randi and Trey) POWER SWITCH continues to focus on Randi and Trey’s tentative hold on their relationship and love, and the ongoing threats to Randi’s safety as the current sitting vice president of the United States. Someone is determined to take down Randi Sawyer, but Randi is determined to take down the man in charge. Meanwhile, the Assistant Attorney General begins an investigation of his own, an investigation that will lead directly to the top. With Randi’s connections in Russia, and her love for a man who is battling his own personal war, our heroine will find herself sitting in the top chair of the land. What ensues is the building struggle for power and control, and the fall-out when secrets reveal the potential for war.

POWER SWITCH is a story of fractured family dynamics, blackmail, danger and abuse of power, corruption, threats, secrets, lies and love; and the dangerous machinations of the power elite. The fast paced premise is intriguing and engaging; the romance is energetic and steamy; the characters are colorful, strong and dynamic. Once again, I have to question the attempts on our heroine’s life, attempts that reflect badly on her security and the man that she loves-you will have to suspend reality.

Reading order and Previous Reviews
Power Play
Power Twist

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Follow: Goodreads /Website /Twitter /Facebook/

Kennedy lives in Dallas with her husband, son, and 80lb Goldendoodle who still believes he’s a lap dog. A bookworm at heart, Kennedy loves to snuggle up in bed or by the campfire with an unputdownable book. She began writing two years ago with Falling for the Chance and has no plans of stopping. Her novels are witty, action-packed, and offer enough steam for a great facial. If you like strong heroines and sexy, tattooed men who can’t keep their hands off them, then this author is the one for you.

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Power Play (Power Play #1) by Kennedy Mitchell-Review tour

Power Play (Power Play #1) by Kennedy Mitchell-Review & Giveaway tour

 

 

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon. au /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date: January 20, 2020

There’s no turning back. I can’t go home a failure–again. Everyone wants to use me, make me their pawn, but I have other plans. I will win this election or die trying.

Randi Sawyer
It started with a shady business proposal I should’ve turned down. Now here I am pretending to be someone I’m not, and bonus, I’m at the mercy of a man whose joy comes from my failures. The deeper I sink into DC’s seedy political scene the more I realize I can’t trust anyone if I’m going to make it out alive. Until him. Secret Service agent Trey Benson is bitter, jaded, and oh so hot with his mischievous smirk and cocky attitude. He hates me, just like everyone else, but he might just be who I need to survive this mess I’ve landed myself in.

Trey Benson
Forced onto her protection detail, I’m certain she’s just another Political Barbie in this city. I should know–I’ve dated most of them. Except she’s not. Funny, foulmouthed and crazy as hell, not to mention drop-dead gorgeous, Randi Sawyer just might be the one person who can make a difference in DC–and in me. Too bad the boss says she’s off-limits, that it’s too risky for her career and mine. Good thing I’ve never been great at sticking to orders.

Power Play is the first book in the five-book Power Play series. Each book cannot be read as a standalone. All five books follow one main couple’s relationship as it grows through a five-year time period.

••••••••

REVIEW: POWER PLAY is the first instalment in Kennedy Mitchell’s contemporary, adult POWER PLAY erotic, political romance series focusing on attorney / small town Mayor Randi Sawyer, and thirty-eight year old, Secret Service agent Trey Benson.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Trey and Randi) POWER PLAY sets the stage for the author’s five-part Power Play series. Randi Sawyer was born on the wrong side of the tracks to a mother whose addictions are destroying their lives. As a single mother of a teen-aged girl, Randi struggles to make ends meet until the day presidential hopeful, and the bane of Randi’s existence Kyle Birmingham makes Randi an offer she cannot refuse but an offer that comes with caveats. Seeing an opportunity, Randi makes a counter offer whereby our heroine will become the vice-presidential running mate to a man she disrespects and despises more than anyone could imagine. But..the counter-offer pushes aside another very powerful man, a man who is determined to destroy Randi’s life. With the run for office in full swing, Randi is assigned security, security that doesn’t want anything to do with our story line heroine. Enter former US soldier and Secret Service Agent Trey Benson, and the man with whom Randi will fall in love. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Randi and Trey, as Randi battles the odds and Kyle Birmingham, on the way to the Oval Office.

Trey Benson has loved and lost. As a member of one Washington’s political elite families, Kyle refuses to follow in the family footsteps thereby relegating himself as the black sheep and outsider. Having seen his share of stuck up, snotty Washington posers, Kyle immediately paints Randi Sawyer with the same brush he paints most of the wanna-bes in political life but no one knows the real Randi, and Kyle is about to get a lesson in judgement he will never forget. Randi Sawyer is desperate to make good on a promise to her daughter, a promise that now comes with the possibility of hiding the truth about family and relationships. Once Randi accepts Kyle Birmingham’s offer, she finds herself tied to a man who holds all of the power, power that could very well destroy our heroine’s life.

The relationship between Trey and Randi begins acrimoniously as Trey struggles with everything Randi represents. Believing our heroine to be a cold-hearted women with aspirations of grandeur, Trey struggles with his attraction to Randi, an attraction that will find our couple battling between head and heart as the campaign begins to take an ominous turn. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters including Presidential hopeful Kyle Birmingham, and former running mate Shawn Whit; Randi’ daughter Taeler, and her father Ben; Randi’ mother; and Secret Service agents Tank and Gremlin.

POWER PLAY is a story of power and control; betrayal and vengeance; friendship, relationships and love. The character driven premise is intriguing, and fast paced; the characters are intelligent, wounded, powerful and animated; the romance is seductive and sensitive. POWER PLAY is story that makes your think about the what-ifs, and the current political situation playing out on the world stage. I will add that the use of a certain four-letter word, although not applied in the context of romance, is a bit of an issue for this particular reader.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

 

Follow: Goodreads /Website /Twitter /Facebook/

Kennedy lives in Dallas with her husband, son, and 80lb Goldendoodle who still believes he’s a lap dog. A bookworm at heart, Kennedy loves to snuggle up in bed or by the campfire with an unputdownable book. She began writing two years ago with Falling for the Chance and has no plans of stopping. Her novels are witty, action-packed, and offer enough steam for a great facial. If you like strong heroines and sexy, tattooed men who can’t keep their hands off them, then this author is the one for you.

NOTE: The Reading Cafe is NOT responsible for the rafflecopter giveaway. If you have any questions, please contact the tour provider.

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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-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

•••••••••••••

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

 

Liz’s hands shook as she turned the lock, shutting herself alone in the library with Zack. This was likely the single stupidest thing she’d ever done, but after years of pining for and being in love with him, she couldn’t walk away without knowing how a night with him would feel.
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.

FACEBOOK / TWITTER / WEBSITE / AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

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Faithless Elector / Dark Network by James McCrone-Reviews, Guest Post & Giveaway

Faithless Elector/ Dark Network (Imogen Trager Series 1 & 2) by James McCrone-Reviews, Guest Post & Giveaway

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Dark Network
Imogen Trager #2
by James McCrone
Genre: adult, contemporary, political suspense, thriller
Release Date: October 20, 2017

Dark Network

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 20, 2017

The FBI is leaking, the Attorney General is being undermined, politicians are spinning, and social media is in an uproar. No, it’s not another day at the White House, but the world of Dark Network.

Imogen Trager, the determined heroine of the “highly suspenseful” Faithless Elector is still searching for the truth, and the nation is without a president-elect. She’ll have to fight against time, a sinister network—even her own colleagues—to defeat the conspiracy to steal the presidency. Left on the edges of the investigation, she joins forces with Trey Kelly, an FBI network specialist, also a Bureau outsider. Together, they struggle to find the back door the conspirators may have left unlocked. They’ll have to hurry. There’s only a month until the inauguration of a new president..

••••

REVIEW: DARK NETWORK is the second installment in James McCrone’s contemporary, adult IMOGEN TRAGER political drama, suspense thriller series focusing on FBI Agent Imogen ‘Gen’ Trager and the investigation into the electoral process of the United States of America. DARK NETWORK can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the series in order as Dark Network picks up immediately after the events of book one Faithless Elector.

NOTE: If you have not read FAITHLESS ELECTOR there may be some spoilers in my review. DARK NETWORK and FAITHLESS ELECTOR are fictional story lines and do not reflect the current political situation in the USA (conspiracy theories, aside).

Told from several third person points of view DARK NETWORK begins three days after the events of book one Faithless Elector wherein Agent Imogen Trager and Professor Duncan Calder uncovered a political nightmare of voter tampering and murder for hire in an effort to elect Republican James Christopher to the highest office in the land.

Imogen Trager has been held in seclusion by the FBI where she now faces an interrogation about the events leading to the death of rogue FBI agent Thomas Kurtz, and the shooting of her boss Agent Doug Pollack, and lover Duncan Calder. With the mysterious deaths of seven ‘electors’ and the murder of three more ‘faithless electors’ Imogen and the FBI will continue to search for the ‘dark network’ responsible starting with the voter discrepancies in Illinois. Imogen’s own investigation will pull in the FBI’s underground IT specialist Trey Kelly allowing the Agents and investigators to follow a group of unfamiliar names with connections to high ranking officials both in and out of the political eye. What ensues is the intense and thrilling manhunt as, once again, the ongoing discovery of a broken trail of bodies will hopefully lead to the people in charge.

DARK NETWORK looks at the American electoral process including the damaging potential of voter fraud; of ballot stuffing; threats and intimidation at the highest levels; and a murderous plot to ensure the ‘right’ candidate is ‘elected’ to the job. The intrigue is heart pounding; the action is full throttle; the threats are real but the sources indeterminate. The FBI knows there is a mole amid their ranks but uncovering the truth reveals a deeper connection to an unnamed source.

James McCrone pulls the reader into an exciting and tension filled tale that will captivate your imagination; blow your mind about potential conspiracies; and make you wonder when it all went wrong. Fiction that reads like reality; reality that feels like fiction-you be the judge where the black and white slowly bleeds into grey.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Faithless ElectorFAITHLESS ELECTOR
(Imogen Trager #1)
by James McCrone
Genre: adult, contemporary, political, suspense, thriller

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / BAM / Chapters Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 2016

Everyone thought the election was over… A young researcher uncovers a series of mysterious deaths among Electors and must race against time and a secret, deadly efficient conspiracy. In an era characterized as cynical and paranoid, Faithless Elector poses a creditable threat to the integrity of the electoral process and the selection of the president. Faithless Elector is a timely, compelling novel for our turbulent times.

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REVIEW: FAITHLESS ELECTOR is the first installment in James McCrone’s contemporary, adult IMOGEN TRAGER political suspense thriller series focusing on FBI Agent Imogen ‘Gen’ Trager and the investigation into the electoral process of the USA. This is thirty two year old FBI Agent and statistician Imogen Trager and forty seven year old Political Science Professor Duncan Calder’s story line.

NOTE: FAITHLESS ELECTOR is a fictional story line and does not reflect the current political situation in the USA (conspiracy theories, aside).

SOME BACKGROUND INFORMATION and DEFINITIONS: In the USA ‘Faithless Electors’ are members of the Electoral College who do not vote for their party’s designated candidate.(http://www.fairvote.org/faithless_electors )

The Electoral College consists of 538 electors. A majority of 270 electoral votes is required to elect the President. A state’s entitled allotment of electors equals the number of members in its Congressional delegation: one for each member in the House of Representatives plus two for the State’s Senators. The meeting of the electors takes place on the first Monday after the second Wednesday in December after the presidential election. The electors meet in their respective states, where they cast their votes for President and Vice President on separate ballots. Each state’s electoral votes are counted in a joint session of Congress on the 6th of January in the year following the meeting of the electors. The Vice President, as President of the Senate, presides over the count and announces the results of the vote. The President of the Senate then declares which persons, if any, have been elected President and Vice President of the United States.

The President-Elect takes the oath of office and is sworn in as President of the United States on January 20th in the year following the Presidential election.(https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/electoral-college/about.html )

Told from several third person points of view including Imogen Trager and Duncan Calder FAITHLESS ELECTOR follows the investigation into the fictional 2016 US Presidential election wherein Diane Redmond is elected the first female president of the United States with an Electoral College difference of only four votes 271- 267. Graduate student Matthew Yamashita, under the mentorship of Professor Duncan Calder, begins his doctoral dissertation on party identification beginning with an analysis of the recent election, and the examination of the members of the Electoral College only to discover a series of anomalies including the ‘accidental’ deaths of seven electors. Matthew’s research will catch the attention of some powerful people who will leave a trail of bodies in their wake including Matthew himself. Enter Duncan Calder and his former Political Science student FBI Agent Imogen Trager who will be caught in a storm of mystery and intrigue involving the FBI, Attorney General, and the powerful political elite.

We are introduced to grad student Matthew Yamashita; Imogen’s FBI partner Agent Thomas Kurtz, and her boss Agent Doug Pollack.

FAITHLESS ELECTOR reads like a sociological study; a political science and statistical crash course into the United States election process and the fall out of voter tampering at the highest levels. The intrigue is heart pounding as Duncan is targeted by an unknown source that is determined to shut down anyone connected with Matthew and Duncan’s original investigation. A cross country journey finds our hero struggling to survive as each step closer to the truth brings Duncan closer to his own demise. With FBI Agent Imogen Trager working alongside, our couple will be caught in political war of conspiracy, not of their making, as they face down the people willing to kill for their own agenda and candidate.

James McCrone writes an amazing and timely thriller with a little bit of romance thrown in for good measure; a fast paced, intense story of political intrigue and mystery; a relevant look into the political process and the real potential for fraudulent elections. The premise is intellectually stimulating, engaging and realistic; the characters are colorful, inspiring and passionate. FAITHLESS ELECTOR is a fascinating and riveting look at the conceivability of the unimaginable.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Guest post-White and Red

Sailing Too Close to the Wind
by James McCrone

A well-crafted political thriller should feel “real.” To do so, it has to flirt with real events. But sometimes I worry I’m sailing just a bit too close to the wind.

In search of verisimilitude, an author works to capture the mood of a given time, to color the scene with familiar, plausible events. I wrote the draft of Faithless Elector years ago, and it was finally published it March of 2016, long before either candidate was even the their party’s nominee. Frankly, as someone writing a thriller, I was less interested in what was really happening, than in working to capture the mood of the time, the sharp, singed odor of righteous, sanctimonious, incendiary anger; the mistrust and the erosion of constitutional order. That, itself, proved to be too close to the truth.

The book, of course, is not about this most recent presidential campaign, but about what could have happened. Indeed, it could all still happen: the weaknesses in the Electoral College system exploited by the Faithless Elector conspirators, sadly, are all too real. Worse, despite my best efforts to remain fictional, Faithless Elector presaged real-world Faithless Electors casting protest votes, as well as a campaign calling the very act of voting into question and using vote-rigging as a campaign tactic. There were even “manufactured” news stories. (How I wish I’d thought to call it “fake news!”)

In both books, the technical aspects of the conspiracy were the hardest for me to get right. In Faithless Elector I had to become something of an expert on Electors and the Electoral College. I had to ground myself in Constitutional law and statistical analysis models—not so I could bore you with it, gentle readers, but so I could portray those aspects accurately and maintain the pace of a page-turning thriller. Obviously, Faithless Elector doesn’t end in the same way as the true election. It was never meant as prophecy. Nevertheless, I wondered and worried about sailing my fictional course too close to the wind. I comforted myself, wrongly it turns out, that Dark Network would not be so potentially controversial or inadvertently relevant. How wrong I was!

As I worked to finish the draft with my editor back in April, the news was full of hacking, chicanery and fake news; and worse, the FBI itself had come under scrutiny, had itself become part of the story. Unfortunately (for me), to write Dark Network, I also had to become versed in the workings of the FBI, its hierarchy, its processes. I had to do research on how to track and hack cell phones, how to mask GPS signals. I had to figure out how much information was shared between clandestine organizations and the FBI, under what circumstances and by what mechanisms. At one point, I worried the FBI would come knocking, wondering what I was up to!

The epigram for Dark Network comes from Adam Smith, the 18th century Scottish philosopher: “Virtue is more to be feared than vice, because its excesses are not subject to the regulation of conscience.”

Dark Network is about power. The umbral conspirators are bent on taking power for themselves at the expense of everything we hold dear. The chilling, dark recognition at the heart of the plot is that the conspirators would say they were seizing power in order to preserve everything we hold dear. They are doing the right thing, they would say. And people who are doing the right thing are rarely troubled by scruples or conscience. Why would they be?

The tension for the characters in the novel centers on how far they’re prepared to go in defense of their own principles before they’ve abandoned them all. Let’s hope there are fewer real-world analogues this time out. But, given how many things I’ve written have come to pass, when you read the third and final book in the series, Consent of the Governed (fall 2018), you’ll know why I dread the sharp knock at the door.

About The Author

Follow James: Website / Twitter /Facebook / Goodreads

James McCroneJames McCrone is the author of the Imogen Trager novels, Faithless Elector and Dark Network, suspense-thrillers about clandestine threats to the presidency. Coming next, Consent of the Governed!

James’s work both on an off the page deals with justice, politics and issues of personal and social responsibility. He received a Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing from the University of Washington in Seattle. He is back in the US, in Philadelphia, after a year abroad in Oxford, UK.

giveaway

James is graciously offering a signed, paper copy of FAITHLESS ELECTOR to ONE (1) lucky commenter, and a signed paper copy of DARK NETWORK to ONE (1) other lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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9.. Giveaway runs from October 21-25, 2017

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