Tag Archives: The Perfect Gentlemen

AT THE PLEASURE OF THE PRESIDENT (The Perfect Gentlemen #5) by Shayla Black & Lexi Blake-Review & Excerpt Tour

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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
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

••••••••••

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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Big Easy Temptation by Shayla Black/Lexi Blake-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

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BIG EASY TEMPTATION (The Perfect Gentlemen #3) by Shayla Black and Lexi Blake-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

 

BIG EASY TEMPTATION
The Perfect Gentlemen #3
by Shayla Black / Lexi Blake
Release Date : May 3, 2016
Genre: adult, contemporary erotic, romantic suspense

 

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 3, 2016

The third scintillating novel featuring the privileged, wealthy, wild men of Creighton Academy—the Perfect Gentlemen.

Years ago, Naval officer Dax Spencer and NCIS agent Holland Kirk indulged in a steamy affair—until she betrayed him in the wake of his father’s death. Dax tried to put her behind him with a payback of his own. But he never forgot Holland…

Now, as Dax and his fellow Perfect Gentlemen unravel a web of lies, he discovers his family’s tragedy is part of a much larger conspiracy. Soon, all clues point him back to New Orleans…where Holland waits, protecting her deadly secret and holding a torch for the only man she’s ever loved.

Once reunited, they can’t fight the passion flaring hot and wild. But something sinister lurks around every corner, from the elegance of the Garden district to the beauty of the bayou. Dax and Holland may find their way back to each other—if they survive.

•••••••••

REVIEW: BIG EASY TEMPTATION is the third installment in Shayla Black and Lexi Blake’s adult, contemporary The Perfect Gentlemen erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on six friends –Gabe, Connor, Dax, Zach, Roman and Maddox. This is Naval Officer Daxton ‘Dax’ Spencer, and NCIS agent Holland Kirk’s story line. BIG EASY TEMPTATION should not be read as a standalone as the continuing series focuses on the death of several people close to the Perfect Gentlemen, and the search for the truth.

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 and US president Zach Hayes finds 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 dual third person perspectives (Dax and Holland), following three different timelines, BIG EASY TEMPTATION focuses on the rekindling of the relationship between Dax and Holland once destroyed by secrets and lies. With the mysterious death of his father, ruled a suicide, and the subsequent reopening of the investigation, Dax Spencer finds himself in the Big Easy-New Orleans-working with the woman who has stolen his heart. Holland Kirk is an investigator with the NCIS, and the death of Dax’s father was a closed case as far as the service was concerned. But Dax has never been able to let go of the past, and believes his father’s death was something more. What ensues is the further investigation into the elder Spencer’s death, and the threats aimed at Holland and Dax as they get too close to the truth.

The relationship between Dax and Holland is one of second and third chances. Years before Dax immediately fell for Holland Kirk-a woman on the fast track to joining the Navy’s NCIS but a woman who knew the history and tabloid ramblings about the Perfect Gentlemen and their conquest of lovers and scandals. Fast forward several years wherein our couple will work together investigating the suicide of Dax’s father only to fall victim to betrayals and lies. Present day will find our couple, once again, joining forces to uncover the truth, but a truth that will threaten everyone that they love. The sizzling chemistry and burning attraction between our leading couple is palpable but the elephant in the room may be too much to overcome. The $ex scenes are intimate, intense and seductive.

The world building continues to focus on the conspiracy and investigation into a series of unexplained deaths surrounding the Perfect Gentlemen and the people they love. From Washington DC to New Orleans to Russia, the Perfect Gentlemen search for the truth, and the connection to their friend- US president Zach Hayes-and the Russian mob. We get up close and personal into the private lives of six friends whose life of privilege is tainted by scandal and deceit.

BIG EASY TEMPTATION is a fantastic read; a suspense filled story where life long friends have been targeted in a game involving cold war enemies, and the potential fall out of betrayal and revenge. Long buried secrets and lies have come to the surface, and the Perfect Gentlemen have been caught in the battle of their lives. The premise is thrilling and enticing; the characters are engaging and dynamic; the romance is a second chance at a happily ever after. Shayla Black and Lexi Blake add a fascinating and spell-binding addition to The Perfect Gentlemen series.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

Big Easy Temptation teaser

excerpt

 

She emerged from the bathroom as he approached. Her eyes widened when she caught sight of him, but she settled back into her calm and collected persona. “Are you ready to go?”
So polite. He wanted to get past that genteel surface and find the passionate woman he knew lay underneath. “I’m ready for a lot of things, Holland. Most of all, I’m ready to finish what we started all those years ago.”
She backed up, her body hitting the wall behind her. “What are you talking about?”
Oh, she knew exactly what he was talking about, but he could make it clear to her. “I never got to finish that kiss. My father interrupted us.”
Holland shook her head, but she was looking at his mouth. Her breath had gone shallow. “We finished. And I walked away.”
He moved closer, crowding her. “I definitely didn’t get my fill, sweetheart. Maybe if I had, you wouldn’t have left. I think it’s time we fixed that problem.”
Dax leaned in slowly, giving her the opportunity to protest. He’d never force her . . . but persuasion was something else entirely.
“Tell me you don’t want me to kiss you right here, right now.”
“You know I can’t,” she whispered.
That was what he wanted to hear. He braced his hand against the wall above her head and hovered close, breathing in her scent. She smelled like ripe peaches and something so her. It thrilled his senses.
Slowly, he reached for the soft skin of her face and cupped it. “I never stopped thinking about you. Not once, Holland. I don’t think I’m capable of forgetting you.”
“This is a mistake.” She breathed the words onto his lips, their mouths drawing ever closer. “It can’t end well.”
He closed the remaining distance between them and brushed his lips over hers, giving her a taste of what was to come. “It can if we make it. We choose our fates.”
He would make his marriage work. Together, they would have children who always felt loved and never worried that their parents didn’t put them and each other first.
Dax deepened the kiss, sliding his tongue over her plump bottom lip and thrilling when she shuddered. Her trembling hands skated up his torso as she pressed their bodies closer and kissed him harder. Then she opened her mouth and he felt the slide of her tongue against his.
Pure fire threatened to consume him. Usually, he took his time and worked up to sex, but the feel of this woman in his arms made him rough and ready in a heartbeat. He wanted to shove her against the wall and thrust his cock deep. Take her. His whole being screamed out to claim her once and for all.
He pinned her to the wall, covering her body with his as he prolonged the kiss. With greedy palms, he hugged her curves, then settled on her waist and pulled her hard against him. He hated the clothing between them, wanted nothing more than to feel her silky flesh.
“Dax, we shouldn’t,” she breathed against his mouth.
“Stop thinking. Feel. Feel how much I want you, Holland.” He pressed his pelvis against hers. It wasn’t a gentlemanly thing to do, but he couldn’t be polite with her. She brought out the caveman in him. He wanted to mark her, to let everyone else know this one woman was his.
He silenced her with his kiss, delving deep again. Her fingers clung to his shoulders as her body molded to his, fitting together. Chest to chest. Belly to belly. His erection nestled against her pussy.
Could he take her in the bathroom? He had a condom. All he needed was a few minutes of privacy to ease the ache they were both suffering. But as much as he wanted her, Dax couldn’t fathom that his first time with Holland would be in a public john. She deserved better. So did they.
As he forced himself to ease back, an unfamiliar voice drifted down the hall. “If you’ll come this way, we’ll take a peek into the private dining room.”
Holland gasped at the intrusion and shoved at him. Dax stared at her flushed cheeks and swollen lips, a ribbon of satisfaction winding through him.
“As you can plainly see, Antoine’s is noted for its romantic environment. Like everything here in New Orleans, we keep it spicy,” the male voice said again.
Dax grimaced when he noticed a group of tourists taking one of the food and wine tours conducted daily throughout the city. As the group passed, Holland looked even more flustered. Obviously, she hadn’t been caught in many compromising positions before. Luckily he had.
Dax stepped in front of her and nodded to the guide as he walked past.
“Y’all have a nice night in the Quarter,” he said with a smile. 

 

About The Author Black and White

Shayla Black and Lexi BlakeShayla Black is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than forty sizzling contemporary, erotic, paranormal and historical romances. Shayla has received or been nominated for the Passionate Plume, the Holt Medallion, Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence and the National Readers Choice Award. She lives in Texas with her family. Visit her online at Website/ Goodreads/ Facebook / Twitter

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance that she found success. Lexi lives in North Texas with her family. Visit her online at Website/ Goodreads/ Facebook / Twitter

Giveaway -black and white

The Reading Cafe, and Shayla and Lexi’s publisher are offering a paper copy of BIG EASY TEMPTATION to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE and Follow Shayla Black on FACEBOOK

4. Please LIKE and Follow Lexi Blake on FACEBOOK

5. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

  6.FOLLOW us on Twitter for an additional entry.

7. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

8. Giveaway open to USA only.

9. Giveaway runs from May 3-7, 2016

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Seduction in Session (The Perfect Gentlemen #2) by Shayla Black & Lexi Blake-Review and Giveaway

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SEDUCTION IN SESSION (The Perfect Gentlemen #2) by Shayla Black / Lexi Blake-Review and Giveaway

Seduction in Session Banner

SEDUCTION IN SESSION
The Perfect Gentlemen #2
by Shayla Black / Lexi Blake
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romantic suspense
Release Date: January 5, 2016

Seduction in Session

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / The Book Depository / BAM

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 5, 2016

Privileged, wealthy, and wild: they are the Perfect Gentlemen of Creighton Academy. But the threat of a scandal has one of them employing his most deceptive—and seductive—talents…

Recruited into the CIA at a young age, Connor Sparks knows how dirty the world can be. Only when he’s with his friends can he find some peace. So when an anonymous journalist threatens one of the Perfect Gentlemen, Connor vows to take down the person behind the computer, by whatever means necessary—even if it means posing as his target’s bodyguard.

Publishing a tabloid revealing Washington’s most subversive scandals has earned Lara Anderson the ire of the political scene—and a slew of death threats. To keep herself from ending up a headline, Lara hires a bodyguard, a man as handsome as he is lethal.

When the bullets start to fly, Lara is surprised to find herself in Connor’s arms. But as they begin to unravel a mystery that just might bring down the White House, Lara is devastated when she discovers Connor’s true identity—and finds herself at the mercy of forces who will stop at nothing to advance their deadly agenda.

••••••••••••••

REVIEW: SEDUCTION IN SESSION is the second installment in Shayla Black/ Lexi Blake’s contemporary, adult THE PERFECT GENTLEMEN romantic suspense series focusing on six friends –Gabe, Connor, Dax, Zach, Roman and Maddox. This is CIA agent Connor Sparks, and tabloid e-journalist Lara Anderson’s story line.

SOME BACKGROUND: Following the mysterious airplane crash and subsequent death of their friend Maddox Crawford, the remaining friends Gabe Bond, Dax Spencer, Connor, Roman and US president Zach Hayes finds themselves searching for the truth that somehow involves the Russian mob and the deaths of a number of people connected to the group known as The Perfect Gentlemen. THE PERFECT GENTLEMEN series are their stories

Told from dual third person perspectives (Lara and Connor) SEDUCTION IN SESSION follows Connor’s investigation into Lara’s contacts with someone who knows too much information about Connor and his friends. Lara is a tabloid journalist whose website specializes in political scandal, and her latest target is Zach Hayes, the current president of the United States and one of Connor’s best friends. When information comes to light about the death of the president’s late wife, Connor is tasked with protecting Lara Armstrong when a number of threats are directed her way. The Perfect Gentlemen, in the hopes of retrieving some important information and shutting down Lara’s tabloid rag encourage Connor to get close to the woman with whom he would eventually fall in love. When ensues is a building relationship between Lara and Connor, and the numerous attempts against Lara’s life.

Connor has always known he is not like his friends: he doesn’t come from money; he has no political aspirations; and he has had to work hard for everything that he has earned including his time with the CIA. Connor’s past is known to very few with the exception of his best friend Dax, and the CIA agent who connected with Connor from the very start.

The relationship between Lara and Connor begins as a professional partnership when Connor is hired to be Lara’s personal bodyguard. But Lara wants nothing to do with Connor once she discovers that everything she has been told is a lie. Connor and his friends have been using Lara to gather inside information, and Lara is no longer able to trust the man with whom she has fallen in love. The $ex scenes are erotic, intense and seductive.

All of the previous storyline characters play secondary and supporting roles including Gabriel and Everly (Scandal Never Sleeps #1). We are introduced to Lara’s over protective father-himself a State Senator and a man with some political power.

While the series begins with the death of Maddox Crawford, his tale has yet to be told. Throughout the first two installments very little is revealed about the circumstances of Mad’s death, and his possible connections to an ongoing investigation into sexual slavery and human trafficking.

SEDUCTION IN SESSION is a fast paced, action packed story of intrigue and suspense; romance and love; betrayal and heartbreak. Our hero sets out to babysit the Senator’s daughter in the hopes of gathering intel on her connections and friends but Connor had never intended to fall in love with a mark who has the ability to take down everyone that he loves. The premise is engaging, imaginative and incredibly energetic; the characters are charismatic, animated and beautiful; the romance is energetic and passionate. Lexi Blake and Shayla Black have written a dramatic and intense story line about enduring friendships, romance, love and espionage at its’ most dangerous.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

about the author

Shayla Black and Lexi BlakeShayla Black is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than forty sizzling contemporary, erotic, paranormal and historical romances. Shayla has received or been nominated for the Passionate Plume, the Holt Medallion, Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence and the National Readers Choice Award. She lives in Texas with her family. Visit her online at Website/ Goodreads/ Facebook / Twitter

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance that she found success. Lexi lives in North Texas with her family. Visit her online at Website/ Goodreads/ Facebook / Twitter

Giveaway beige

The Reading Cafe, and Shayla and Lexi’s publisher are offering a paper copy of SEDUCTION IN SESSION to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE and Follow Shayla Black on FACEBOOK

4. Please LIKE and Follow Lexi Blake on FACEBOOK

5. Please FOLLOW The Reading Cafe on TSU

6. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

7. FOLLOW us on Twitter for an additional entry.

8. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

9. Giveaway open to USA only.

10. Giveaway runs from January 4-8, 2016

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Scandal Never Sleeps by Shayla Black & Lexi Blake-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

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SCANDAL NEVER SLEEPS (The Perfect Gentlemen #1) by Shayla Black and Lexi Blake-Review,Book Tour & Giveaway

Scandal Never Sleeps
The Perfect Gentlemen #1
by Shayla Black & Lexi Blake
Genre: adult, contemporary, romantic suspense
Release Date: August 18, 2015

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / The Book Depository / BAM

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 18, 2015

They are the Perfect Gentlemen of Creighton Academy: privileged, wealthy, powerful friends with a wild side. But a deadly scandal is about to tear down their seemingly ideal lives . . .

Maddox Crawford’s sudden death sends Gabriel Bond reeling. Not only is he burying his best friend, he’s cleaning up Mad’s messes, including his troubled company. Grieving and restless, Gabe escapes his worries in the arms of a beautiful stranger. But his mind-blowing one-night stand is about to come back to haunt him . . .

Mad groomed Everly Parker to be a rising star in the executive world. Now that he’s gone, she’s sure her job will be the next thing she mourns, especially after she ends up accidentally sleeping with her new boss. If only their night together hadn’t been so incendiary—or Gabe like a fantasy come true . . .

As Gabe and Everly struggle to control the heated tension between them, they discover evidence that Mad’s death was no accident. Now they must bank their smoldering passions to hunt down a murderer—because Mad had secrets that someone was willing to kill for, and Gabe or Everly could be the next target .

••••••••••••••

REVIEW: SCANDAL NEVER SLEEPS is the first installment in Shayla Black and Lexi Blake’s adult, contemporary The Perfect Gentlemen romantic suspense series focusing on six friends –Gabe, Connor, Dax, Zach, Roman and Maddox. This is billionaire CEO Gabriel Bond, and IT/computer nerd Everly Parker’s storyline.

Told from several third person perspectives SCANDAL NEVER SLEEPS focuses on the investigation into Maddox Crawford’s sudden death in an airplane accident and resulting fall out of rumors, innuendo and accusations. What ensues is the unleashing of a firestorm of information regarding Maddox’s connections to Everly Parker, and the nightmare from years of family secrets, blackmail and international ties. Coded messages, cryptic emails and threatening letters are only the beginning of an investigation where several people will not survive.

Because SCANDAL NEVER SLEEPS is the introductory storyline there is a copious amount of information supplied to the reader throughout the story. With the introduction of six life long friends-their backgrounds, history with one another, and connections to the political and powerful elite-as well as Everly Parker’s backstory, the reader may feel slightly overwhelmed with the info-dump that tends to run amok in many inaugural stories but saying that, all of the information is necessary as it pertains to their current situation and potential future storylines.

The relationship between Everly and Gabriel is one of immediate attraction; the sexual tension is strained when the truth about one another’s identities is revealed, and the potential for professional suicide and personal regret is high on the list of reasons not to pursue a continued relationship. Gabriel is a man who doesn’t do love but his need for Everly finds our storyline hero desperate for her love and affection-if only he would learn to trust the woman with whom he is falling in love. The $ex scenes are numerous, seductive and erotic. Gabriel can’t seem to keep his hands off of Everly Parker.

The numerous secondary and supporting players all play an integral role throughout the story thusly building a framework for their own future storylines. The prologue looks at six young men –teenage boys- and how the earlier versions of themselves result in a prophetic tale of tragedy and success.

The world building looks into the death of Maddox Crawford-his business, his lifestyle, and the woman that he loved. There is no resolution to the investigation into Maddox’s death but there are a number of potential villains with grudges against Maddox and all of his friends.

SCANDAL NEVER SLEEPS looks at the power players and political elite in the world of high finance, government espionage and international struggles. Shayla Black and Lexi Blake’s SCANDAL NEVER SLEEPS is an intoxicating read with memorable characters and thrilling action. The twists and turns are revealing and brilliant-get ready to be pulled into the intensity and drama.

Copy supplied by the publisher

Reviewed by Sandy

Excerpt beige

“What are your plans tonight, Eve?”
That was a loaded question. Her current plan included going to a lonely apartment where she could worry about her future and try to figure out if someone had murdered her friend. She could be alone with her fear and doubt . . . but she didn’t really want to. “I was getting ready to leave. What about you?”
“So was I. I thought I’d get some dinner before I called it a night. I don’t think the food here is going to be any good. Giovanni’s is one block over. Italian might be nice. I can promise you won’t have any trouble getting a glass of wine there.”
“You’re asking me out?” It was a little surreal. She saw much more attractive women still in the bar. Why had he chosen her? Maybe he liked a curvier girl. Some guys did.
His face settled into a polite mask. “I don’t know that I would call it a date.”
“What would you call it, then?”
He stepped closer, into her personal space. “Eve, I want to be honest with you.”
Eve. She wasn’t Everly to Gabriel. Which meant that he didn’t expect her to be a good, polite girl. She didn’t have to be shy about what she wanted.
She stood a bit taller and met his beautiful blue eyes. She could see the five‑o’clock shadow darkening his jaw and wondered what it would feel like to brush her fingertips over his face, to run her thumb across that full bottom lip of his. “Honesty is good.”
She wasn’t being entirely honest with him, but it didn’t matter. They were sharing a moment out of time. She wouldn’t see him again. She didn’t even know his last name.
“I’m looking for an escape tonight. I can find it in the bottom of a bottle or I can take you out of here and try to make us both feel good. Why don’t you let me buy you dinner and plead my case?”
He was asking her to sleep with him. A one-night stand. She’d never had one. She’d slept with two men in her whole life, and they’d both been her boyfriends. Sex had been all right, but something about the look in Gabriel’s eyes told her this would be far better.
He wanted to escape. She wasn’t sure from what, but she glimpsed a world of worries and sorrow in his expression that drew her. She understood loss and longing. She knew what it meant to need a few hours of escape. Hadn’t she been wanting that herself?
A single memory pierced her in that moment. Two days before he died, Maddox had shaken his head over her nonexistent dating life. He’d tried to persuade her to let him set her up on a blind date, but she’d said she didn’t have time. She’d needed to get some reports done and go through the purchase orders on the new hard drives and security systems. He’d rolled those piercing eyes of his.
You need to live a little. Your whole life can’t be spent behind a computer screen. Life is often about taking risks. Sometimes you have to leave yourself to figure out who you really are.
She didn’t have to be herself. Not tonight.
“Kiss me.” The words were out of her mouth before she could stop them. She was never bold or brazen when it came to men. She’d never demanded anything sexually of a lover, but she wanted Gabriel to kiss her. She wanted to see if that spark she felt translated to something truly physical.
She expected some discussion, and when he hesitated, she was more than willing to admit that she’d been hasty. Everly was about to shake her head and try to laugh the incident off when he cupped her face and his body brushed hers. He tilted her head up and his mouth descended.
Soft. His lips were soft on hers. Gentle. He moved with predatory grace. His fingers sank into her hair, and her hands seemed to naturally find the lean muscles at his waist. Even through his crisp dress shirt, she could feel the heat of his body. It practically poured off him and into her, warming her skin and making her come to life.
He was gentle, but Everly knew precisely who was in charge. His lips locked onto hers, leading her. A little tug on her hair told her which way he wanted her to move.
Everything about him—scent,taste, feel—made her melt. She forgot where she was, forgot that they were in public. The noise of the bar receded until all she could hear was her own heart beating furiously in her ears. Nothing mattered at all but the feel of his body under her hands, the masterful way he moved her.
“Is that what you wanted, Eve?” He breathed the words against her mouth. “You wanted to see if I can kiss? I can give you more. I don’t simply want to kiss your lips. I want to strip you down and find out if you’re as sweet and soft everywhere as you look. I want to run my tongue over your skin until I memorize how you taste. I want to kiss you so long and hard that you’ll forget you were ever kissed before.” He lifted his head up and dragged in a breath. “So what do you say? Will you have dinner with me?”
She swallowed. His words made everything but her need fall away. “It’s not dinner I’m interested in anymore.”

 

About The Author beige

Shayla Black and Lexi BlakeShayla Black is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than forty sizzling contemporary, erotic, paranormal and historical romances. Shayla has received or been nominated for the Passionate Plume, the Holt Medallion, Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence and the National Readers Choice Award. She lives in Texas with her family. Visit her online at  Website/ Goodreads/ Facebook / Twitter

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance that she found success. Lexi lives in North Texas with her family. Visit her online at Website/ Goodreads/ Facebook / Twitter

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