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First Responders #3
Oath of Honor
Navy Captain Wes Masters, newly posted to head the White House Medical Unit, is a physician with only one priority patient, but her job is twenty-four/seven. Her charge is simple—ensure the health and well-being of the most powerful man in the world—the president of the United States. As the First Physician, Wes travels by President Andrew Powell's side, in the hot zone, with everything she needs to save his life if he is injured or falls ill. Her job gets even harder when Powell embarks on the campaign trail, accompanied by his high-profile daughter, Blair, and shadowed by paparazzi, zealots masquerading as patriots, and not-so-peaceful protesters. US Secret Service Agent Evyn Daniels, a member of the president's Personal Protection Detail (the elite PPD), is assigned to indoctrinate the new head of the WHMU in the necessary protocols--a job she wouldn't have to do if the right person had gotten the job, her best friend, Doctor Peter Chang. As they set off on the campaign trail, Wes and Evyn declare an uneasy professional truce, while privately their relationship is heating up fast.
A First Responders Novel.
A First Responders Novel.
264 pages, Paperback
First published July 17, 2012
67 people are currently reading
569 people want to read
About the author
Radclyffe
141 books1,674 followersRadclyffe has written over forty-five romance and romantic intrigue novels, dozens of short stories, and, writing as L.L. Raand, has authored a paranormal romance series, The Midnight Hunters. She has also edited Best Lesbian Romance 2009 through 2015 as well as multiple other anthologies. She is an eight-time Lambda Literary Award finalist in romance, mystery, and erotica—winning in both romance and erotica. A member of the Saints and Sinners Literary Hall of Fame, she is also an RWA Prism, Lories, Beanpot, Aspen Gold, and Laurel Wreath winner in multiple mainstream romance categories. In 2014, she received the Dr. James Duggins Outstanding Mid-Career Novelist award from the Lambda Literary Foundation. In 2004, she founded Bold Strokes Books, an independent LGBTQ publishing company, and in 2013, she founded the Flax Mill Creek Writers Retreat offering writing workshops to authors in all stages of their careers.
She states, “I began reading lesbian fiction at the age of twelve when I found a copy of Ann Bannon’s Beebo Brinker. That book and others like it convinced me that I was not alone, that there were other women who felt like I did. Our literature provides support and validation and very often, a lifeline, for members of our community throughout the world. I am proud and honored to be able to publish the many fine authors at Bold Strokes Books and to contribute in some small way to the words that celebrate the LGBTQ experience.”
Radclyffe lives with her partner, Lee, in New York state.
She states, “I began reading lesbian fiction at the age of twelve when I found a copy of Ann Bannon’s Beebo Brinker. That book and others like it convinced me that I was not alone, that there were other women who felt like I did. Our literature provides support and validation and very often, a lifeline, for members of our community throughout the world. I am proud and honored to be able to publish the many fine authors at Bold Strokes Books and to contribute in some small way to the words that celebrate the LGBTQ experience.”
Radclyffe lives with her partner, Lee, in New York state.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
June 22, 2019
This novel serves as an installment in Radclyffe’s Honor series (book number eight) as well as in her First Responders series (book number three).
Wes Masters is a Navy Captain doctor brought in to fill in the position of Chief of the White House Medical Unit after the previous chief died unexpectedly. Evyn Daniels is a secret service agent assigned to the president’s protection detail. Sparks fly as Evyn is tasked with assessing Wes’ ability to work with the secret service and adopt the unique mentality of being responsible for only one patient’s wellbeing, the president’s. It becomes clear early on Wes’ abrupt arrival is a measure to stabilize the White House Medical Unit, but also to help investigate an internal leak that threatens the president. Can Wes put her feelings aside and carry out her duty?
This was another solid installment by Radclyffe. There is chemistry amongst the characters with medical undertones (where this author excels), action scenes and even a little suspense. The training exercises are fun to read about. There are fanatics that are infuriating and of course, a scary prospect for equality. The romance development is good, although we need to admit this author can definitely offer insta-love in her stories. The intimate scenes though, felt a little off (this has been an impression since the first time I read this book). There is simply a mismatch between the bedroom and the out of bedroom chemistry.
This book can be read as a stand alone but there is more enjoyment for those of us that have read the Honor series. Blair and Cam show up on a limited role. If you know them from previous books, it’s a treat. I have to say I was even glad to see the chief of staff, Lucinda Washburn, make an appearance!
I listened to the audiobook this time around, which was narrated by Betsy Zajko. I believe this was the first time I’ve heard her narrate and have some mixed feelings about the performance. She had some good moments but overall the narration felt choppy and flat most of the time. The voices were a little too similar sometimes and it was hard to figure out who said what.
Overall another successful installment to one of my favorite series. 4 stars
Wes Masters is a Navy Captain doctor brought in to fill in the position of Chief of the White House Medical Unit after the previous chief died unexpectedly. Evyn Daniels is a secret service agent assigned to the president’s protection detail. Sparks fly as Evyn is tasked with assessing Wes’ ability to work with the secret service and adopt the unique mentality of being responsible for only one patient’s wellbeing, the president’s. It becomes clear early on Wes’ abrupt arrival is a measure to stabilize the White House Medical Unit, but also to help investigate an internal leak that threatens the president. Can Wes put her feelings aside and carry out her duty?
This was another solid installment by Radclyffe. There is chemistry amongst the characters with medical undertones (where this author excels), action scenes and even a little suspense. The training exercises are fun to read about. There are fanatics that are infuriating and of course, a scary prospect for equality. The romance development is good, although we need to admit this author can definitely offer insta-love in her stories. The intimate scenes though, felt a little off (this has been an impression since the first time I read this book). There is simply a mismatch between the bedroom and the out of bedroom chemistry.
This book can be read as a stand alone but there is more enjoyment for those of us that have read the Honor series. Blair and Cam show up on a limited role. If you know them from previous books, it’s a treat. I have to say I was even glad to see the chief of staff, Lucinda Washburn, make an appearance!
I listened to the audiobook this time around, which was narrated by Betsy Zajko. I believe this was the first time I’ve heard her narrate and have some mixed feelings about the performance. She had some good moments but overall the narration felt choppy and flat most of the time. The voices were a little too similar sometimes and it was hard to figure out who said what.
Overall another successful installment to one of my favorite series. 4 stars
October 5, 2025
Of course Cam & Blair are the best couple - I'll take no truck with any arguments - so this one crosses series - 1st Responders (3 - can be read stand alone) and Honor Series (8 - depending on edition! - need to read in order) - but ticks all the boxes. Class!
loved the Audio!
loved the Audio!
June 4, 2021
Good read. But somehow I don’t feel the chemistry between Wes and Evyn. And the declaration of ‘I love you’ was too early? Too sudden? Too insta (if there is such a word)? I just don’t feel it. Power couple (Cameron & Blair) starred in the book....and they even tied the knot here (I would have thought that would happened in the main Honor Series.
Ratings: 3.5 ⭐️ (7/10)
Ratings: 3.5 ⭐️ (7/10)
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November 29, 2024
If she never relied on anyone or anything to run interference for her, she had no one to hold accountable for the outcome except herself.
Wes is a naval captain assigned as First Doctor to the president. It's an out of the blue assignment, but she's certain she can handle it. Evyn is a secret service agent assigned to onboard Wes...sparks fly immediately between these two hard-chargers and they quickly become part of a plan to foil a scheme against the government.
Okay, so shame on me for leaping into a series midway, but this was the only book available on Libby.
It's not bad, and I think that it holds up jumping in mid-series. My problem was that the pacing was all over the place and there were just a lot of weird errors and inconsistencies. Errors in military stuff, which makes me feel that the author didn't have a military person pre-read some of this stuff beforehand. The errors are things civilians wouldn't catch but any military person would, like how a navy captain's insignia would be visible underneath her open topcoat (which should have the rank on the shoulders and it's a topcoat but an all-weather coat; also, the rank on dress blues for officers are on the cuffs of the sleeves). Also, a 35-year old naval Captain (which is an O-6, really high rank) is not...probable? And not really how military promotions work, especially for officers.
Not gonna talk about the medical stuff because I don't know it.
Most of this is a me thing. I'm not really an instalust to instalove person. I need a bit more of a burn and build between characters.
What's interesting is that although it was written in 2012, it's so...prescient to today. From the mass cells of insurrectionists (Idaho!) and religious extremist sleeper agents to an extreme conservative running for president.
Anywho, the book ended abruptly, but I expect the plot will be picked up in other installments.
It's quick. It's fun. It's breezy with a touch of thrill.
Wes is a naval captain assigned as First Doctor to the president. It's an out of the blue assignment, but she's certain she can handle it. Evyn is a secret service agent assigned to onboard Wes...sparks fly immediately between these two hard-chargers and they quickly become part of a plan to foil a scheme against the government.
Okay, so shame on me for leaping into a series midway, but this was the only book available on Libby.
It's not bad, and I think that it holds up jumping in mid-series. My problem was that the pacing was all over the place and there were just a lot of weird errors and inconsistencies. Errors in military stuff, which makes me feel that the author didn't have a military person pre-read some of this stuff beforehand. The errors are things civilians wouldn't catch but any military person would, like how a navy captain's insignia would be visible underneath her open topcoat (which should have the rank on the shoulders and it's a topcoat but an all-weather coat; also, the rank on dress blues for officers are on the cuffs of the sleeves). Also, a 35-year old naval Captain (which is an O-6, really high rank) is not...probable? And not really how military promotions work, especially for officers.
Not gonna talk about the medical stuff because I don't know it.
Most of this is a me thing. I'm not really an instalust to instalove person. I need a bit more of a burn and build between characters.
What's interesting is that although it was written in 2012, it's so...prescient to today. From the mass cells of insurrectionists (Idaho!) and religious extremist sleeper agents to an extreme conservative running for president.
Anywho, the book ended abruptly, but I expect the plot will be picked up in other installments.
It's quick. It's fun. It's breezy with a touch of thrill.
December 12, 2021
A great book. I am never desappointed by Radclyffe. Great plot, great MC and so much chemistry !
August 12, 2018
It was great to accidentally fall back into the Honor series. The chemistry between the leads, and the dramatic tension of the story is a great balance. I loved this.
May 7, 2015
I usually like only 1 out of 3 novels by Radclyffe. But, this one, I really enjoyed. The chemistry is off the charts in Oath of Honor. The pace is great and the waiting is delicious.
I don't care much for the action side of the story, and I'm also not entirely sure the plot is all that realistic, but it doesn't really matter because the romance is definitely the focus here. And it's a pleasure to read.
I really liked both characters. I was afraid in the beginning, because I thought: two butch lesbians??. But they're really not that butch. And they fit perfectly together. They're attractive, brave and intelligent. But with faults, for sure. And I like that.
I was gonna give it 5 stars but it lost a star because of a really rushed ending with sickening declarations of love and U-haul clichés.
I don't care much for the action side of the story, and I'm also not entirely sure the plot is all that realistic, but it doesn't really matter because the romance is definitely the focus here. And it's a pleasure to read.
I really liked both characters. I was afraid in the beginning, because I thought: two butch lesbians??. But they're really not that butch. And they fit perfectly together. They're attractive, brave and intelligent. But with faults, for sure. And I like that.
I was gonna give it 5 stars but it lost a star because of a really rushed ending with sickening declarations of love and U-haul clichés.
March 3, 2018
Excellent
Ok this book is fast paced and doesn't stop from the first to the last word. Although a stand-alone novel it is directly linked to the Honor series. Old friends resurface and of course we meet new friends. Wes newly appointed doctor to the president and Evyn secret service agent to the president. We share their journey of self discovery along with them doing their jobs. It's high octane stuff and them learning to trust each other personally as well as professionally. It's a great journey and you'll feel all the emotions, excitement and fear they experience. Read you won't be disappointed.
Ok this book is fast paced and doesn't stop from the first to the last word. Although a stand-alone novel it is directly linked to the Honor series. Old friends resurface and of course we meet new friends. Wes newly appointed doctor to the president and Evyn secret service agent to the president. We share their journey of self discovery along with them doing their jobs. It's high octane stuff and them learning to trust each other personally as well as professionally. It's a great journey and you'll feel all the emotions, excitement and fear they experience. Read you won't be disappointed.
November 10, 2021
I know this is consider a First Responders Novel but I also count it as book 7.5 in the Honor Series. We FINALLY get the Blair and Cam wedding we’ve all been waiting for since forever. Navy Captain Wes Masters is the newly appointed head of the White House Medical Unit. She is brought in from outside because there are still people inside the agency’s with alternate agenda’s that include death of the President and first daughter. Evyn isn’t happy at first that her buddy is past over for the position but the more time she spends getting Wes acquainted with the position the more she likes her and the deeper her feelings become.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2025
Oath of Honor
Ok this one had me on edge!
Evyn and Wes are sizzling hot together! Doctor vs. Secret Service agent that are very stand-offish at first, but are extremely attracted to each other. One thing that they have in common though, is that their direct duty is to the POTUS.
There's so much more going on though. So a lot of excitement and action! It's part of the Honor series, but could be read as a standalone. I haven't read the series and I didn't feel lost at all. (Totally want to though cuz Blair and Cam are so sweet together)
Ok this one had me on edge!
Evyn and Wes are sizzling hot together! Doctor vs. Secret Service agent that are very stand-offish at first, but are extremely attracted to each other. One thing that they have in common though, is that their direct duty is to the POTUS.
There's so much more going on though. So a lot of excitement and action! It's part of the Honor series, but could be read as a standalone. I haven't read the series and I didn't feel lost at all. (Totally want to though cuz Blair and Cam are so sweet together)
August 23, 2018
I totally recommend this book and would love to see a sequel. The author kept me engaged with the characters and the plot twist
May 16, 2014
This is a cross over between Radclyffe’s First Responders and Honor Series. The main characters Wes and Evyn are the focal point, but interact with Cam and Blair – indeed the focus of the plot is on Cam investigating the Presidential detail, so Wes is under intense scrutiny while Evyn frets about her friends in the medical team. For Cam and Blair fans, we get to see them living the beginnings of married life together and get lots more building up their relationship.
Full of action and romance and political intrigue this story brings in the threat of biological warfare by internal US militia in their attempt to destroy the liberal Presidency of Andrew Powell. We get to see the inner workings of the White House medical unit and the First physician while under threat from internal investigations and external attack.
As always Radclyffe’s books are well written and put together. The characters are strong, independent women who do difficult and dangerous jobs but struggle to find equally strong relationships, at least in part due to their strength and self-reliance. I always enjoy series where we get the chance to see a group of characters develop and this is no exception.
It stands alone, but is better as part of the series. Radclyffe has knocked out another good story and all her Honor series fans will enjoy it.
Full of action and romance and political intrigue this story brings in the threat of biological warfare by internal US militia in their attempt to destroy the liberal Presidency of Andrew Powell. We get to see the inner workings of the White House medical unit and the First physician while under threat from internal investigations and external attack.
As always Radclyffe’s books are well written and put together. The characters are strong, independent women who do difficult and dangerous jobs but struggle to find equally strong relationships, at least in part due to their strength and self-reliance. I always enjoy series where we get the chance to see a group of characters develop and this is no exception.
It stands alone, but is better as part of the series. Radclyffe has knocked out another good story and all her Honor series fans will enjoy it.
July 23, 2013
Hmmm what to say about this book, not having read the "Honor" series It felt like I was jumping into the middle of something without knowing what had lead up to this book. But this was supposed to be a "First Responders" book. That said, I liked the character of Wes Masters. The story as whole started well, but seemed rushed towards the end, as well as the huge leap you had to make to get to the conclusion and how the characters came to their assumptions.
April 2, 2021
Audio book narrated by Betsy Zajko. Am sure being in Military and Special Service would be a difficult time for Wes and Evyn but that fact seemed to be lost later in the story. Enjoyed the story.
October 13, 2012
I only picked this up because I heard somewhere that Tanner was making an appearance here. Not really, she was mentioned twice, so that was disappointing, but not really anyone's fault.
I also knew that the two main characters from the Honor series were involved in this story. Since I didn't read that beyond the first online novel, I didn't really care about that and skipped a few scenes with just those two. They didn't add anything to the story and didn't add anything for me since I have no connection.
Other than that I really enjoyed the two main characters and would have liked to have more background on them.
The action part of this story really picked up speed toward the end and grabbed my attention.
Overall I would have liked more action plot and less formula romance, but that's always the case with me.
But if I take out the stuff I skipped/didn't like, not much meat left on this bone.
I also knew that the two main characters from the Honor series were involved in this story. Since I didn't read that beyond the first online novel, I didn't really care about that and skipped a few scenes with just those two. They didn't add anything to the story and didn't add anything for me since I have no connection.
Other than that I really enjoyed the two main characters and would have liked to have more background on them.
The action part of this story really picked up speed toward the end and grabbed my attention.
Overall I would have liked more action plot and less formula romance, but that's always the case with me.
But if I take out the stuff I skipped/didn't like, not much meat left on this bone.
November 9, 2019
The reviews of this book kept me from buying it and now it makes me question them as I have relied on a lot of them. I feel like this was a standard Radclyffe love story. I think the background of Wes and Evyn's characters were thorough. I don't think that it was heavily focused on Cam and Blair. I fell in love with the honor series and there was just enough content focused on the old crew. I loved the fact that they were a part of Wes and Evyn's story. I loved the connection between Wes and Evyn's and don't feel that they were rushed. I also loved the brief resurface of Dana and Emory. We were allowed to get a better feel for her character's personality that I don't think we were afforded in the Honor series. I still have questions at the end of this and normally everything is tied up. That was my only grief about this book.
March 28, 2013
I am not impressed with Radclyffe's writing. Her sex scenes are the worst I've ever read. Clits do not get Hard. They get tense they throb they're a bundle of nerves that scream out to be touched ... but they do not get hard. AS a woman and as a lesbian I find your sex scenes lacking.
However... Your plot in this story was interesting and I did want to know what happens with these characters. This bodes well if you can over look the lousy sex talk.
However... Your plot in this story was interesting and I did want to know what happens with these characters. This bodes well if you can over look the lousy sex talk.
June 27, 2012
This book is classic Radclyffe, exactly the kind of story that put her at the top as a romance writer. I love, love this pairing of Wes and Evyn. It's one of her best.
January 2, 2021
Lesbian romance, almost fantasy, not really a procedural, thriller, or mystery
I'll give it four stars because it's fine for what it is: A lesbian romance novel. Unfortunately, that's not what I expected or planned to read - I was in the mood for a good procedural with a lesbian lead character. Medical, legal, whatever - but I wanted a good story, maybe with a bit of romance on the side.
This was not realistic; lesbians don't have this easy a time being out and casually, openly sexual among the military, Secret Service, or high levels of government. It's what we could wish for, though. Also, every single female character is gorgeous, physically fit, sexy - again, the stuff of fantasy.
And it was a romance built around a nominal procedural plot, not the other way around.
Still... If you are actually looking for a lesbian romance in a world a bit better than what is, you'd probably like this a lot. And I can't blame the author for my mistake about the genre.
I'll give it four stars because it's fine for what it is: A lesbian romance novel. Unfortunately, that's not what I expected or planned to read - I was in the mood for a good procedural with a lesbian lead character. Medical, legal, whatever - but I wanted a good story, maybe with a bit of romance on the side.
This was not realistic; lesbians don't have this easy a time being out and casually, openly sexual among the military, Secret Service, or high levels of government. It's what we could wish for, though. Also, every single female character is gorgeous, physically fit, sexy - again, the stuff of fantasy.
And it was a romance built around a nominal procedural plot, not the other way around.
Still... If you are actually looking for a lesbian romance in a world a bit better than what is, you'd probably like this a lot. And I can't blame the author for my mistake about the genre.
April 8, 2018
I've read a lot of Radclyffe's books, including most of the Honor series, and I enjoy them for what they are: basically, the genres I read for entertainment without much need for depth, only about lesbians.
I'm making a note of this one specifically just because it has one of the silliest goofs I've ever encountered. In the part of the book focused on Wes getting up to speed on protocols with the WHMU, Evan takes the team to Kitty Hawk, NC for a training mission.
"That's a long drive," Wes notes. And she's right! It's a 270-mile drive that takes 4-5 hours, depending on traffic. So they're flying part of the way.
What airport do they fly to?
CHARLOTTE.
Which puts them *three* hundred seventy miles from Kitty Hawk.
NC is a very wide state.
I'm making a note of this one specifically just because it has one of the silliest goofs I've ever encountered. In the part of the book focused on Wes getting up to speed on protocols with the WHMU, Evan takes the team to Kitty Hawk, NC for a training mission.
"That's a long drive," Wes notes. And she's right! It's a 270-mile drive that takes 4-5 hours, depending on traffic. So they're flying part of the way.
What airport do they fly to?
CHARLOTTE.
Which puts them *three* hundred seventy miles from Kitty Hawk.
NC is a very wide state.
March 12, 2021
I love the honor series and someone said that this one should be read before book 8 of that series. That is why I read it. While I loved some parts of it, it was also disappointing. I didn’t..feel the sex scenes between Evyn and Wes. The chemistry was hotter than the scenes. I loved seeing Blair and Cam getting married but they were secondary characters in this one. And I missed scenes between Emory and Dana since they were the couple in book 7. And the end felt rushed and wasn’t thrilling at all. 3,5 stars
May 23, 2018
Great read! This book fills in so many unanswered holes in the Honor series. I really wished I had been more careful and read this book in order with the rest of the Honor series. I really enjoyed the relationship development between Wes and Evyn. Of course, it was wonderful to see Cam and Blair together, a couple I had said goodbye to, at least until I revisit the series at a future time; something I am sure to do.
June 19, 2021
This was a nice surprise as this story line tied in with the other series and brought Blair and Cam back to my recollection and recalled this story line in the other series. I keep finding I like all these beautiful well throughout strong female characters. Wes and Evyn make another great couple and enjoy how they learn to navigate work, duty and love to prevail.
Looking forward to more surprises like this in more of this series story line, who else will we revisit?
Looking forward to more surprises like this in more of this series story line, who else will we revisit?
March 12, 2025
oath of honor had all the trappings and charm of a radclyffe book- a bit rushed as always with the topical couple but i liked evyn and wes alright. the events in this one predate code of honor and i wish i'd read this one first. it starts out with Cam and Blair’s wedding so that earns it a few more points :)
January 27, 2026
out of honor
Great pace, great characters, great setting. Loved learning a little more about WH operations, looking forward for more stories out of this group. Wes and Edyn were terrific protagonists. Both were suitably constrained by upbringing and circumstances. They had a great supporting cast and the plot was real and timely. Thanks for a great read!
Great pace, great characters, great setting. Loved learning a little more about WH operations, looking forward for more stories out of this group. Wes and Edyn were terrific protagonists. Both were suitably constrained by upbringing and circumstances. They had a great supporting cast and the plot was real and timely. Thanks for a great read!
February 24, 2022
Another great instalment from Radclyffe. New characters seamlessly intertwined with the ones we know and love from the Honor series. Excellent pacing as well.
Aside - if it has doctors in it, reading it counts as studying…right?
Aside - if it has doctors in it, reading it counts as studying…right?
December 7, 2023
This was a very good addition to the Honor and First Responder Series. I loved both main plots to the story. A little bit of the Evyn & Wes story got sappy, but overall, it was entertaining. If you love Radclyffe's novels, like I do, you will love this story too.
May 12, 2017
Love this author
October 10, 2019
Didn’t go much on it. Too much political intrigue, and way too much sexual harassment at work.
November 14, 2019
The best of two series
An action-packed, entertaining story with interesting characters & riveting plot lines. It was a very enjoyable read. I recommend this book.
An action-packed, entertaining story with interesting characters & riveting plot lines. It was a very enjoyable read. I recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews