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White House Men #2
Amici
Seth è confuso da morire. Se Coulson è etero, perché gli lancia quelle occhiate?
Seth è un agente dei Servizi Segreti orgogliosamente dichiarato. E quando gli viene chiesto di assistere l’FBI in un’indagine, incontra l’agente Coulson.
Coulson è etero. O almeno così dice. Lui non ha motivo di dubitarne, nemmeno quando diventano amici. Amici molto affiatati. Ma è proprio questo che sono: solo amici, e niente altro.
Finché Seth non si ritrova a squadrare Coulson un po’ troppo attentamente – soprattutto certe parti del suo corpo piuttosto imponenti – e si accorge che anche l’altro fa lo stesso con lui. Per essere una persona etero, il suo nuovo amico mostra moltissimo interesse per la sua vita amorosa, le sue preferenze e le sue avventure occasionali. Potrebbe non essere poi così etero come sostiene, dopotutto?
Nel frattempo, ogni scoperta che fanno nella loro indagine porta a sempre più domande. Chi c’è realmente dietro l’omicidio del presidente? Come sono riusciti ad attuarlo? E soprattutto: cos’altro stanno progettando?
Seth è un agente dei Servizi Segreti orgogliosamente dichiarato. E quando gli viene chiesto di assistere l’FBI in un’indagine, incontra l’agente Coulson.
Coulson è etero. O almeno così dice. Lui non ha motivo di dubitarne, nemmeno quando diventano amici. Amici molto affiatati. Ma è proprio questo che sono: solo amici, e niente altro.
Finché Seth non si ritrova a squadrare Coulson un po’ troppo attentamente – soprattutto certe parti del suo corpo piuttosto imponenti – e si accorge che anche l’altro fa lo stesso con lui. Per essere una persona etero, il suo nuovo amico mostra moltissimo interesse per la sua vita amorosa, le sue preferenze e le sue avventure occasionali. Potrebbe non essere poi così etero come sostiene, dopotutto?
Nel frattempo, ogni scoperta che fanno nella loro indagine porta a sempre più domande. Chi c’è realmente dietro l’omicidio del presidente? Come sono riusciti ad attuarlo? E soprattutto: cos’altro stanno progettando?
436 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 25, 2020
252 people are currently reading
443 people want to read
About the author
Nora Phoenix
130 books2,204 followersWould you like the long or the short version of my bio?
The short? You got it.
I write steamy gay romance books and I love it. I also love reading books. Books are everything.
How was that?
A little more detail? Gotcha.
I started writing my first stories when I was a teen…on a freaking typewriter. I still have these, and they’re adorably romantic. And bad, haha. Fear of failing kept me from following my dream to become a romance author, so you can imagine how proud and ecstatic I am that I finally overcame my fears and self doubt and did it. I adore my genre because I love writing and reading about flawed, strong men who are just a tad broken..but find their happy ever after anyway.
My favorite books to read are pretty much all MM/gay romances as long as it has a happy end. Kink is a plus… Aside from that, I also read a lot of nonfiction and not just books on writing. Popular psychology is a favorite topic of mine and so are self help and sociology.
Hobbies? Ain’t nobody got time for that. Just kidding. I love traveling, spending time near the ocean, and hiking. But I love books more.
Come hang out with me in my Facebook Group Nora’s Nook where I share previews, sneak peeks, freebies, fun stuff, and much more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/noras...
Wanna get first dibs on freebies, updates, sales, and more? Sign up for my newsletter (no spamming your inbox full…promise!) here: http://www.noraphoenix.com/newsletter/
You can also stalk me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NoraFromBHR
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nora.phoenix/
On Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/nora-...
The short? You got it.
I write steamy gay romance books and I love it. I also love reading books. Books are everything.
How was that?
A little more detail? Gotcha.
I started writing my first stories when I was a teen…on a freaking typewriter. I still have these, and they’re adorably romantic. And bad, haha. Fear of failing kept me from following my dream to become a romance author, so you can imagine how proud and ecstatic I am that I finally overcame my fears and self doubt and did it. I adore my genre because I love writing and reading about flawed, strong men who are just a tad broken..but find their happy ever after anyway.
My favorite books to read are pretty much all MM/gay romances as long as it has a happy end. Kink is a plus… Aside from that, I also read a lot of nonfiction and not just books on writing. Popular psychology is a favorite topic of mine and so are self help and sociology.
Hobbies? Ain’t nobody got time for that. Just kidding. I love traveling, spending time near the ocean, and hiking. But I love books more.
Come hang out with me in my Facebook Group Nora’s Nook where I share previews, sneak peeks, freebies, fun stuff, and much more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/noras...
Wanna get first dibs on freebies, updates, sales, and more? Sign up for my newsletter (no spamming your inbox full…promise!) here: http://www.noraphoenix.com/newsletter/
You can also stalk me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NoraFromBHR
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nora.phoenix/
On Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/nora-...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 220 reviews
November 12, 2020
I has a sad...
... and words. Quite a lot actually.
First of all: this is not a bad book. Not at all. The average rating for it would call me a liar here anyway. It's only on a wholly personal level that not much about it really worked for me.
This was my second book by Nora Phoenix, so I don't know if this is her general MO or only in this series, but just like in book #1 the main characters built a deep friendship (which was totally fine with me) over more than two third of the book only to hit me with a neon sign of "I LOVE YOU" smackdown in the face at roundabout 75-80%. If I could I would post a photo of me gaping at my Kindle. Yes, I was told a lot that Seth loved that Coulson did this or that Coulson loved that about Seth, but... I didn't feel it.
It was also too convenient for me at times. Of course, Coulson's hotel room was needed otherwise for the weekend. Of course, Seth had a spare room and guess who offered Coulson to use it. Of course, Coulson couldn't go back to the hotel after because the new room was flooded. I'm pretty sure you can feel my eye-roll here...
I could go on an on... About how easily Coulson accepted his sexual orientation after his discovery at the age of fourty-three. How it sounded like he recited a dictionary (I did some research myself about my own orientation a while back and I'm pretty sure I've read exactly the same words back then.) How the guys behaved more like pubescent teenagers when it came to sex. About a somehow never-ending sex-scene...
The ongoing investigation about the Pride bombing and the attack on the president, which kept me - and will probably keep me - going on with this series, languished here a bit as well. It runs alongside the events in book #1, so there wasn't really anything new here and not much happening, only a lot of theorization and meetings and the conclusions the guys came to in this story I already had while reading book #1. And who the hell were all those people???? So many names I all but forgot who was who a page later. :(
Granted, what's going on at the real WH at the moment distracted me a bit over the last few days, but it took me ten days to finish this book which hints at how much I struggled with it. Overall, 1 star would be a bit too harsh, though, so I'm going with 2 and I really hope you will enjoy it more than I did.
... and words. Quite a lot actually.
First of all: this is not a bad book. Not at all. The average rating for it would call me a liar here anyway. It's only on a wholly personal level that not much about it really worked for me.
This was my second book by Nora Phoenix, so I don't know if this is her general MO or only in this series, but just like in book #1 the main characters built a deep friendship (which was totally fine with me) over more than two third of the book only to hit me with a neon sign of "I LOVE YOU" smackdown in the face at roundabout 75-80%. If I could I would post a photo of me gaping at my Kindle. Yes, I was told a lot that Seth loved that Coulson did this or that Coulson loved that about Seth, but... I didn't feel it.
It was also too convenient for me at times. Of course, Coulson's hotel room was needed otherwise for the weekend. Of course, Seth had a spare room and guess who offered Coulson to use it. Of course, Coulson couldn't go back to the hotel after because the new room was flooded. I'm pretty sure you can feel my eye-roll here...
I could go on an on... About how easily Coulson accepted his sexual orientation after his discovery at the age of fourty-three. How it sounded like he recited a dictionary (I did some research myself about my own orientation a while back and I'm pretty sure I've read exactly the same words back then.) How the guys behaved more like pubescent teenagers when it came to sex. About a somehow never-ending sex-scene...
The ongoing investigation about the Pride bombing and the attack on the president, which kept me - and will probably keep me - going on with this series, languished here a bit as well. It runs alongside the events in book #1, so there wasn't really anything new here and not much happening, only a lot of theorization and meetings and the conclusions the guys came to in this story I already had while reading book #1. And who the hell were all those people???? So many names I all but forgot who was who a page later. :(
Granted, what's going on at the real WH at the moment distracted me a bit over the last few days, but it took me ten days to finish this book which hints at how much I struggled with it. Overall, 1 star would be a bit too harsh, though, so I'm going with 2 and I really hope you will enjoy it more than I did.
April 20, 2023
3.75**** stars
The tropes in this one aren’t really my favorite in general but I can see why this would be a readers favorite in this series.
⇢ Seth: Secret Service Agent, protective detail on the president’s family, openly gay
⇢ Coulson: FBI agent, investigated the Pride Bombing and now the assassination, identifies as straight
They met for the first time right after the Pride Bombing when Coulson interviewed Seth who had been right there when it happened.
Five years later after the latest tragedy hit they meet again. This time, working together on the investigation to find the people responsible —and forming a very tight friendship that leads to more when both start to accept what is happening between them.
And boy, did it ever.
The timeline of this instalment runs a little parallel to the first book but ends ahead of it. I’m really hyped for the third book and can’t wait to start it.
*Strong TW for detailed description of terrorist attack.
**********
White House Men Series:
Book 1 - Press - 4.5 stars
Book 2 - Friends - 3.75 stars
Book 3 - Click - 4.25 stars
Book 4 - Serve - 4.0 stars
Book 5 - Care
Book 6 - Puzzle
Book 7 - Heal
Every book follows a new couple but the series has an overarching suspense plot and the books need to be read in order.
The tropes in this one aren’t really my favorite in general but I can see why this would be a readers favorite in this series.
⇢ Seth: Secret Service Agent, protective detail on the president’s family, openly gay
⇢ Coulson: FBI agent, investigated the Pride Bombing and now the assassination, identifies as straight
They met for the first time right after the Pride Bombing when Coulson interviewed Seth who had been right there when it happened.
Five years later after the latest tragedy hit they meet again. This time, working together on the investigation to find the people responsible —and forming a very tight friendship that leads to more when both start to accept what is happening between them.
From the blurb:
Friends is a friends-to-lovers romance that begins with a slow burn friendship but ends in high steam.
And boy, did it ever.
The timeline of this instalment runs a little parallel to the first book but ends ahead of it. I’m really hyped for the third book and can’t wait to start it.
*Strong TW for detailed description of terrorist attack.
**********
White House Men Series:
Book 1 - Press - 4.5 stars
Book 2 - Friends - 3.75 stars
Book 3 - Click - 4.25 stars
Book 4 - Serve - 4.0 stars
Book 5 - Care
Book 6 - Puzzle
Book 7 - Heal
Every book follows a new couple but the series has an overarching suspense plot and the books need to be read in order.
October 27, 2020
Even better than book one!
I love me a good slow burn and I love me a good friends to lovers, but most of all, I love The West Wing, so this series from Nora really is the icing on the cake atm.
This book is like if The West Wing's Secret Service Agent Simon Donovan got together with FBI Agent Mike Casper and I'm so here for it!
Nora's own Agent Casper is divorced and badly in need of affection. Seth, who he's partnered up with to investigate events from book one, is openly gay and recovering from a training injury. They hit it off straight away as colleagues.
The way their romance then unfolds, while they're dealing with potential moles inside the Secret Service, terrorists, uncovered assassination plots and loads more security threats, is so beautifully done.
Like I said, it's slow burn, not only because the reader soon realises that Coulson is actually demisexual way before he does, but also because Seth doesn't even twig they're falling in love until his well-meaning but interfering family point it out.
The friendship between these two men is a solid bedrock on which they slowly slide into a relationship without them consciously acknowledging their changing affections.
Seth's attracted to Coulson from the off, but as a straight man he's off limits. Coulson begins to notice he has feelings for Seth that aren't just friends when he gets jealous at the thought of him having a hookup with a fellow agent.
Once he gets over the shock of accepting not only his demisexuality, but also that he's not straight but pansexual, Coulson is all in and oh boy does he go for it without any qualms or shame.
They are not only emotionally tied together, but their sexual encounters are dynamite. Seth is a self-proclaimed size queen and Coulson delivers him all the inches 😉
This book has light kink references to fisting, but no scenes on page. Seth's desire to be wrecked by rough sex with a guy who has the necessary equipment to do so, is fully explored and satisfied put it that way!
I was also really happy with the way the investigation is going into not only an incident of terrorism five years earlier - which we again see at the start of this book from both agents' perspectives - but also the later events of book two.
From the off, I was hoping Nora wasn't going what looked to be the obvious route and now things are starting to show that's the case and I can't wait to see where else the overall plotline goes.
This is another fabulous entry to this lovechild of The West Wing and The American President and I am so here for it!
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
I love me a good slow burn and I love me a good friends to lovers, but most of all, I love The West Wing, so this series from Nora really is the icing on the cake atm.
This book is like if The West Wing's Secret Service Agent Simon Donovan got together with FBI Agent Mike Casper and I'm so here for it!
Nora's own Agent Casper is divorced and badly in need of affection. Seth, who he's partnered up with to investigate events from book one, is openly gay and recovering from a training injury. They hit it off straight away as colleagues.
The way their romance then unfolds, while they're dealing with potential moles inside the Secret Service, terrorists, uncovered assassination plots and loads more security threats, is so beautifully done.
Like I said, it's slow burn, not only because the reader soon realises that Coulson is actually demisexual way before he does, but also because Seth doesn't even twig they're falling in love until his well-meaning but interfering family point it out.
The friendship between these two men is a solid bedrock on which they slowly slide into a relationship without them consciously acknowledging their changing affections.
Seth's attracted to Coulson from the off, but as a straight man he's off limits. Coulson begins to notice he has feelings for Seth that aren't just friends when he gets jealous at the thought of him having a hookup with a fellow agent.
Once he gets over the shock of accepting not only his demisexuality, but also that he's not straight but pansexual, Coulson is all in and oh boy does he go for it without any qualms or shame.
They are not only emotionally tied together, but their sexual encounters are dynamite. Seth is a self-proclaimed size queen and Coulson delivers him all the inches 😉
This book has light kink references to fisting, but no scenes on page. Seth's desire to be wrecked by rough sex with a guy who has the necessary equipment to do so, is fully explored and satisfied put it that way!
I was also really happy with the way the investigation is going into not only an incident of terrorism five years earlier - which we again see at the start of this book from both agents' perspectives - but also the later events of book two.
From the off, I was hoping Nora wasn't going what looked to be the obvious route and now things are starting to show that's the case and I can't wait to see where else the overall plotline goes.
This is another fabulous entry to this lovechild of The West Wing and The American President and I am so here for it!
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
Read
December 2, 2020DNF @20%
OMG I'm so bored. It seems fake and pretenious. It almost reads like a pamphlet. Shame, I liked the first one.
OMG I'm so bored. It seems fake and pretenious. It almost reads like a pamphlet. Shame, I liked the first one.
November 23, 2020
Oh dear,
The three hour night sleeps are clearly getting the better of me! (Thank you, parenthood). I meant to review this book weeks ago! I thoroughly enjoyed it. There's nothing I love better than a Friends-to-Lovers arc, and this delivered!!!!!
It had a wonderful slow build up too, and I appreciated the romantic tension as it progressed.
I'm restless waiting for the next book in this series! <3
The three hour night sleeps are clearly getting the better of me! (Thank you, parenthood). I meant to review this book weeks ago! I thoroughly enjoyed it. There's nothing I love better than a Friends-to-Lovers arc, and this delivered!!!!!
It had a wonderful slow build up too, and I appreciated the romantic tension as it progressed.
I'm restless waiting for the next book in this series! <3
November 12, 2020
4.5 stars from me. This was much better than Press IMHO, but I'm putting some of that down to the fact that Press was the series opener.
Here we have an older friends to lovers, demisexual read but with much more background info regarding the investigation/s being carried out by the various alphabet agencies into the recent terrorist bombing and 'killing' of President Markinson, and the Pride Parade bombings which had occurred in NY 5 years previously. As the general consensus of opinion seems to be that homegrown terrorists are involved, the various teams really have their work cut out to track all leads down and keep suspects under observation, without giving themselves away. Seth and Coulson were great leads in this one, and carried their excellent working relationship on the case over into a very easy, first-time same sex loving relationship for Coulson, and Seth was very happy about that. Rather surprised that it took Coulson until he was 43 to discover his swung both ways, but it just seems that he was Seth-centric as far as men were concerned, and took to his new relationship like a duck to water.
Quite a few new characters were introduced, so I think we can safely say that some of them will feature in the coming stories [with maybe a threesome on the cards too 🤔], perhaps possibly including President Shafer's introverted young son Kenn...and most of whom seem to have known Seth in the 'biblical 'sense 😉 [the agents of necessity have a small pool to choose their sexual partners from].
This particular story didn't seem to suffer as much from stupid grammatical errors, but there were still typos and excess words that were pointless...the word 'but' appearing several times when it wasn't needed.
Here we have an older friends to lovers, demisexual read but with much more background info regarding the investigation/s being carried out by the various alphabet agencies into the recent terrorist bombing and 'killing' of President Markinson, and the Pride Parade bombings which had occurred in NY 5 years previously. As the general consensus of opinion seems to be that homegrown terrorists are involved, the various teams really have their work cut out to track all leads down and keep suspects under observation, without giving themselves away. Seth and Coulson were great leads in this one, and carried their excellent working relationship on the case over into a very easy, first-time same sex loving relationship for Coulson, and Seth was very happy about that. Rather surprised that it took Coulson until he was 43 to discover his swung both ways, but it just seems that he was Seth-centric as far as men were concerned, and took to his new relationship like a duck to water.
Quite a few new characters were introduced, so I think we can safely say that some of them will feature in the coming stories [with maybe a threesome on the cards too 🤔], perhaps possibly including President Shafer's introverted young son Kenn...and most of whom seem to have known Seth in the 'biblical 'sense 😉 [the agents of necessity have a small pool to choose their sexual partners from].
This particular story didn't seem to suffer as much from stupid grammatical errors, but there were still typos and excess words that were pointless...the word 'but' appearing several times when it wasn't needed.
October 29, 2020
3.5 stars
I loved the first book. But I can’t seem to put my finger on why I wasn’t too thrilled with this book. It was a bit of a slow burn but then when they ended up together, it was a little too sickly sweet for me. I’m sorry 🙊
The first book was tight with everything that was happening and the high stakes. This one seems mellow in comparison, with not much really happening. I kinda have a feeling where book 3 will go.. guess I’ll just have to wait and see if I guessed right or wrong 🤨
I loved the first book. But I can’t seem to put my finger on why I wasn’t too thrilled with this book. It was a bit of a slow burn but then when they ended up together, it was a little too sickly sweet for me. I’m sorry 🙊
The first book was tight with everything that was happening and the high stakes. This one seems mellow in comparison, with not much really happening. I kinda have a feeling where book 3 will go.. guess I’ll just have to wait and see if I guessed right or wrong 🤨
March 3, 2022
Wow!!!! Amazing slowburn!!! Self discovery and soulmating...while looking for the terrorists.
Really better than the first
Really better than the first
November 8, 2021
Liked it slightly more than book 1. Loved both Seth and Coulson. Slow burn, pan/demisexual awakening, becoming friends than falling in love, trust, consent, communication. The story was more investigation than politics oriented. The way Coulson accepted his newly discovered sexuality was a bit too easy, but sex was hot and I definitely prefer it to a gay freak out.
Niggles: educational tone of some dialogues about sexuality, diversity, LGBTQ+ community. Certain things or explanations felt like a lecture or article on the subject, not real people conversations.
Niggles: educational tone of some dialogues about sexuality, diversity, LGBTQ+ community. Certain things or explanations felt like a lecture or article on the subject, not real people conversations.
November 13, 2020
So... I love Nora, I love the overall plot arc in this series, I even love the characters. But...
The behavior of these two men as federal agents was both inconsistent and completely far-fetched.
For instance, in the beginning, Seth freaks out because he runs into a CIA agent that he'd previously hooked up with. His internal monologue makes a big deal about not giving names or info to his hookups and never sleeping with someone he might work with.
But near the end of the book, we meet another secret service agent that Seth hooked up with and he just smirks (no freaking out at all). He casually mentions in his monologue that he'd been fisted by the guy. THEN we learn he's also slept with the first lady's brother. So maybe not so much worried about sleeping around where he works?? It all felt like a blatant setup for a later MMM book, and wasn't consistent with the character.
Also Seth's fisting kink... Like why? Nothing wrong with fisting, but my problem is they talked a lot about it, but it wasn't in the book at all, so what purpose did mentioning it serve? Again, it just felt like a setup for a kink book in the series.
BUT the absolute most ridiculous part came when they went to visit Coulson's family. Sorry, but a secret service agent is not going to draw his weapon on an unarmed civilian and point it in their face for nothing more than the threat of a fight, especially when that person could've easily been physically restrained. It's just not done. For them to draw their weapon off duty is a BIG deal. If Coulson's brother had told the secret service what happened, Seth would've likely been fired. That's just not how it works, so it was really unrealistic. I was digging Seth's protective vibe until the gun came out. Threw me right out of the story and I was over it at that point.
The behavior of these two men as federal agents was both inconsistent and completely far-fetched.
For instance, in the beginning, Seth freaks out because he runs into a CIA agent that he'd previously hooked up with. His internal monologue makes a big deal about not giving names or info to his hookups and never sleeping with someone he might work with.
But near the end of the book, we meet another secret service agent that Seth hooked up with and he just smirks (no freaking out at all). He casually mentions in his monologue that he'd been fisted by the guy. THEN we learn he's also slept with the first lady's brother. So maybe not so much worried about sleeping around where he works?? It all felt like a blatant setup for a later MMM book, and wasn't consistent with the character.
Also Seth's fisting kink... Like why? Nothing wrong with fisting, but my problem is they talked a lot about it, but it wasn't in the book at all, so what purpose did mentioning it serve? Again, it just felt like a setup for a kink book in the series.
BUT the absolute most ridiculous part came when they went to visit Coulson's family. Sorry, but a secret service agent is not going to draw his weapon on an unarmed civilian and point it in their face for nothing more than the threat of a fight, especially when that person could've easily been physically restrained. It's just not done. For them to draw their weapon off duty is a BIG deal. If Coulson's brother had told the secret service what happened, Seth would've likely been fired. That's just not how it works, so it was really unrealistic. I was digging Seth's protective vibe until the gun came out. Threw me right out of the story and I was over it at that point.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2022
Definitely better than book 1. I loved these two together. Loved them figuring out both the mystery of the President’s assassination and being friends that are falling for each other.
November 11, 2021
Well that was grim. I’m a bit frustrated because there is a mystery plot underlying the series, but I cannot bear the idea of reading the rest of this series.
I hate the way the author wrote the romance in this book. It is clumsy and preachy. Worse, I couldn’t tell the difference between the MCs. In addition one of them, either the fbi guy or the secret service guy? is called Coulson, so my disbelief was never suspended.
Just…awful.
I hate the way the author wrote the romance in this book. It is clumsy and preachy. Worse, I couldn’t tell the difference between the MCs. In addition one of them, either the fbi guy or the secret service guy? is called Coulson, so my disbelief was never suspended.
Just…awful.
June 19, 2021
5 stars audio
5 stars story!!!!! My favorite in this series thus far.
5 stars story!!!!! My favorite in this series thus far.
July 7, 2025
This is really hard to review.
lead up to the mc’s being together: 3.5/5
political plot: 4/5
mcs being together: 2/5
spicy scenes: 1.5/5 —it wasn’t bad, I just didn’t care.
so 3 stars overall, I guess?
lead up to the mc’s being together: 3.5/5
political plot: 4/5
mcs being together: 2/5
spicy scenes: 1.5/5 —it wasn’t bad, I just didn’t care.
so 3 stars overall, I guess?
September 16, 2023
This was most definitely a slow burn, but I loved it even more the second time. I enjoyed the mystery aspect quite a bit too. It's pretty low to no angst. I adored Coulson so much. He was so open-minded and his vulnerabilities at times just have me such feels. I'm very excited for the next book.
January 9, 2024
December 2023
Love these two and the series ... and the audiobook
First review
Great second book in this series. Loved how Seth and Coulston developed their friendship and their relationship .. and can't wait how the plot developed.
Want the next one.
Love these two and the series ... and the audiobook
First review
Great second book in this series. Loved how Seth and Coulston developed their friendship and their relationship .. and can't wait how the plot developed.
Want the next one.
January 6, 2021
I want more of Seth and Coulson! I was surprised by the abrupt end of this book. I could have read another two hundred pages. The dual story set-up was extremely well done and kept me thoroughly engrossed. The characters felt real. Highly recommend!
December 22, 2021
"If anyone is going to fist you its going to be me Seth."
John Solo (Congratulations Boo) 😊 You just graduated to my X-Men of narrators ✌💃🏾📢📝🎧. I have been recently obsessed with your audiobooks. And I am in love with your voice. You can go from a bear to a sassy bottom in the same novel. 💜💜💜💜.
Ommfg this book was so cute 💜 I just got finished punching my teddy bear!
Seth and Coulson are just the most adorkable I've read about ever!!! I love that there wasn't alot of angst in the novel and that once Coulson realized his feelings he wasn't a complete douche bag or a spaz changing his mind every 5 minutes. He just became comfortable in his sexuality and started his life!
I love me a power bottom "Boo"😋. And Seth was like "yes ma'am". I would have liked to have listened to the fisting scene... Just sayin. Let Seth be great 😊💃🏾.
John Solo (Congratulations Boo) 😊 You just graduated to my X-Men of narrators ✌💃🏾📢📝🎧. I have been recently obsessed with your audiobooks. And I am in love with your voice. You can go from a bear to a sassy bottom in the same novel. 💜💜💜💜.
Ommfg this book was so cute 💜 I just got finished punching my teddy bear!
Seth and Coulson are just the most adorkable I've read about ever!!! I love that there wasn't alot of angst in the novel and that once Coulson realized his feelings he wasn't a complete douche bag or a spaz changing his mind every 5 minutes. He just became comfortable in his sexuality and started his life!
I love me a power bottom "Boo"😋. And Seth was like "yes ma'am". I would have liked to have listened to the fisting scene... Just sayin. Let Seth be great 😊💃🏾.
May 7, 2023
Seth and Coulson were perfection. I loved their strangers to friends to lovers romance, it was so stinking cute and I adore them. And a demisexual character to boot! Their romance was just lovely, and I'm so intrigued by overarching series plot as well.
November 5, 2020
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Note: Friends in the second book in Nora Phoenix’s White House Men series and the books have an overarching suspense plot. Therefore, this review includes information about some key events/revelations from the first book, Press.
As with the first book, this story starts with a prologue set five years ago during the Pride Bombing and showing each of the men on that day. I think this is a nice touch that really ties the men emotionally to the case and forms a nice connection among the series characters. Once we jump ahead in time, this book overlaps with Press, picking up just after the assassination. We do see a couple of connecting scenes between the books, but the focus here is very much on Seth and Coulson and their part in the larger investigation. While the first book very much felt like a West Wing setting and focused on the White House and adjacent staff, this story has much more of a law enforcement feel. I think the tone fits perfectly for the book, but just be aware that the focus here isn’t really the same as the first story.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Note: Friends in the second book in Nora Phoenix’s White House Men series and the books have an overarching suspense plot. Therefore, this review includes information about some key events/revelations from the first book, Press.
As with the first book, this story starts with a prologue set five years ago during the Pride Bombing and showing each of the men on that day. I think this is a nice touch that really ties the men emotionally to the case and forms a nice connection among the series characters. Once we jump ahead in time, this book overlaps with Press, picking up just after the assassination. We do see a couple of connecting scenes between the books, but the focus here is very much on Seth and Coulson and their part in the larger investigation. While the first book very much felt like a West Wing setting and focused on the White House and adjacent staff, this story has much more of a law enforcement feel. I think the tone fits perfectly for the book, but just be aware that the focus here isn’t really the same as the first story.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
July 5, 2022
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋💋
Seth a Whitehouse secret service agent is head over heels for Coulson an FBI ASAC , the two have a big problem, one of them is straight one is Gay,
Or can that change.
Set in the aftermath of the assassination attempt on the President, this follows the investigation of a special division set up with these two helping solve the crime.
The characters are wonderful together and so adorable to read.
💋💋💋
Seth a Whitehouse secret service agent is head over heels for Coulson an FBI ASAC , the two have a big problem, one of them is straight one is Gay,
Or can that change.
Set in the aftermath of the assassination attempt on the President, this follows the investigation of a special division set up with these two helping solve the crime.
The characters are wonderful together and so adorable to read.
December 10, 2020
Almost gave up on this because it's front-loaded with a Lot of data-dumping, but very glad I finished it. Looking forward to more in the series.
But, Nora, would you Please Get an Editor?
But, Nora, would you Please Get an Editor?
October 28, 2020
This is the second book in the series and it’s not a standalone. Each book focuses on a different couple but the plot is ongoing. In this book we follow Seth, a Secret Service agent, and Coulson, an FBI agent. They’re both on the team that investigates the president's assassination. First of all I really loved that in this book we got to see the investigation. That part of the story line is very suspenseful and the mystery extremely intriguing. I can’t wait to see it unfold in the next books. The romance between Coulson and Seth just warmed my heart. The two men grew closer as they worked together. They developed a deep friendship that eventually lead to a beautiful love story. Seth was so respectful and kind and patient with Coulson and Coulson had the kindest heart. Coulson’s sexual awakening at fourty three was one of the most well written I’ve ever read about. The demisexual and pansexual representation in the book was perfect and very much appreciated. I absolutely adore how the author manages to combine epic love stories with suspense and politics. This is becoming one of my favorite series, I’m hooked and I can’t wait for more.
5/5 stars
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
5/5 stars
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
October 27, 2020
Wonderful slow burn friends to lovers!
Wow what an epic, slow burn, friends to lovers story!!! I just loved everything about Coulson and Seth's relationship. This was just written so well and drew me in right from the start. From their first meeting, to their developing friendship, to them slowly falling in love, it was just so well done. It wasn't a few chapters of friendship and then, bam, more...this was a well developed friendship that very slowly becomes more. I truly felt their connection, understood their friendship, and rooted for them to be together. Their conversations were real and honest, their communication was open and genuine, and their relationship was so much deeper than sex--they got to truly know each other before moving to that next step. But let me tell you, when they finally did come together in the bedroom...it was incredible!!! One of the best first time scenes ever!!! It just felt so right, so intimate, so sexy...it was fantastic!
There is also so much more uncovered on the underlying mystery that is ongoing. The investigation part of the story is strong and is keeping me guessing, I'm on the edge of my seat to find out the truth! Friends is book 2 in the ongoing series, White House Men. You need to read Press first so you can follow along with the continuing mystery and storyline. I am so looking forward to book 3!
Wow what an epic, slow burn, friends to lovers story!!! I just loved everything about Coulson and Seth's relationship. This was just written so well and drew me in right from the start. From their first meeting, to their developing friendship, to them slowly falling in love, it was just so well done. It wasn't a few chapters of friendship and then, bam, more...this was a well developed friendship that very slowly becomes more. I truly felt their connection, understood their friendship, and rooted for them to be together. Their conversations were real and honest, their communication was open and genuine, and their relationship was so much deeper than sex--they got to truly know each other before moving to that next step. But let me tell you, when they finally did come together in the bedroom...it was incredible!!! One of the best first time scenes ever!!! It just felt so right, so intimate, so sexy...it was fantastic!
There is also so much more uncovered on the underlying mystery that is ongoing. The investigation part of the story is strong and is keeping me guessing, I'm on the edge of my seat to find out the truth! Friends is book 2 in the ongoing series, White House Men. You need to read Press first so you can follow along with the continuing mystery and storyline. I am so looking forward to book 3!
March 21, 2021
I actually really enjoyed this...up until Seth and Coulson actually got together.
I loved Coulson’s accepting and open personality coupled with a lack of awareness, and Seth’s warmth, kindness, and patience was perfect.
Much of this story focused far more on the burgeoning relationships between the two. First friendship, then romantic. It was a slow burn and so, so well done.
Then they got together officially and things got ridiculously mushy, Seth said “boo” way too much, and the ending was terrible. Sometimes characters can communicate TOO well and I would say that definitely happened here, sounding like a therapist wrote out the ideal communication scenario.
The book is also full of grammar and editing errors, and so many character inconsistencies. For example, at the beginning Seth says he never sleeps with people he might work with, but at the end we hear about two SS agents he works with and has slept with.
I will not be continuing the series.
I loved Coulson’s accepting and open personality coupled with a lack of awareness, and Seth’s warmth, kindness, and patience was perfect.
Much of this story focused far more on the burgeoning relationships between the two. First friendship, then romantic. It was a slow burn and so, so well done.
Then they got together officially and things got ridiculously mushy, Seth said “boo” way too much, and the ending was terrible. Sometimes characters can communicate TOO well and I would say that definitely happened here, sounding like a therapist wrote out the ideal communication scenario.
The book is also full of grammar and editing errors, and so many character inconsistencies. For example, at the beginning Seth says he never sleeps with people he might work with, but at the end we hear about two SS agents he works with and has slept with.
I will not be continuing the series.
April 2, 2021
How funny that the book with a kinky guy ends up being a soft burn? I definitely adored Coulson and his dynamic with Seth. The book centered around the investigation, which made it more suspenseful than the first, but I loved it!
October 31, 2020
This book is the ultimate friends-to-lovers romance, with a twist. It’s a definite slow burn, but not the romance - it’s a slow burn friendship which is a really unique take on a common trope. Our MCs are Seth, a Secret Service agent struggling to redeem the Secret Service organization after their perceived failure to keep the President safe, and Coulson, an FBI Agent who is one of the leads on the terrorist investigation. (You absolutely have to read Book #1 of this series, Press, first; it will explain the background and the terrorism plot which forms the backbone of both stories. Friends is not a standalone.) Seth and Coulson met in the immediate aftermath of the NYC Pride Parade bombing 5 years ago, and immediately liked and respected each other. Now they are reunited in trying to unravel the terrorist plot and an apparent leak in the Secret Service. Their mutual like and respect is rekindled and they slowly but steadily bond as they work closely together on the investigation. Their friendship is built slowly, allowing the depth or their feelings for each other to naturally develop, and we see how reliant they become on each other and how compatible they are.
Ironically, neither Seth nor Coulson realize they are falling in love with each other. Seth thinks Coulson is straight and reprimands himself for being attracted to him. He is petrified of destroying one of the most important relationships in his life. Coulson is adorably oblivious. He doesn’t realize Seth is attracted to him and doesn’t understand at all why he keeps looking at Seth, noticing physical things about him, asking so many questions about his sex life, and wanting to be with him every minute. Coulson is so lonely and it just breaks your heart because he is such a marshmallow of a man despite his tough FBI persona and ability to be unflappable, and tough as nails professionally. Seth and Coulson together as a couple are perfection.
Friends has a very different tone and pacing than Press. Whereas Press was very action driven and the plot was externally propelled by the terrorist events, Friends focuses on the developing relationship between Seth and Coulson and their partnership in trying to unravel the terrorist plot through internal investigation. In the early parts of Friends, the slower pacing is particularly evident and juxtaposed with Press, you definitely feel it more. I think that early pacing could have benefited from an injection of action/trauma/angst to vary the pace. As it was, the book moved in a slow and steady uphill progression, with both the facts about the investigation and the feelings between Seth and Coulson building along the way.
Overall, this is a fantastic, well written book with great world-building and an impressive level of detail that demonstrates the extent of the research that the author did in order to write this story. The character development is excellent and the result is two loveable, engaging MCs with a lot of complexity and dimension. Despite a plot line that continues beyond this book, there is a definite HEA for Seth and Coulson in Friends. Looking forward to the next one in the series!
Ironically, neither Seth nor Coulson realize they are falling in love with each other. Seth thinks Coulson is straight and reprimands himself for being attracted to him. He is petrified of destroying one of the most important relationships in his life. Coulson is adorably oblivious. He doesn’t realize Seth is attracted to him and doesn’t understand at all why he keeps looking at Seth, noticing physical things about him, asking so many questions about his sex life, and wanting to be with him every minute. Coulson is so lonely and it just breaks your heart because he is such a marshmallow of a man despite his tough FBI persona and ability to be unflappable, and tough as nails professionally. Seth and Coulson together as a couple are perfection.
Friends has a very different tone and pacing than Press. Whereas Press was very action driven and the plot was externally propelled by the terrorist events, Friends focuses on the developing relationship between Seth and Coulson and their partnership in trying to unravel the terrorist plot through internal investigation. In the early parts of Friends, the slower pacing is particularly evident and juxtaposed with Press, you definitely feel it more. I think that early pacing could have benefited from an injection of action/trauma/angst to vary the pace. As it was, the book moved in a slow and steady uphill progression, with both the facts about the investigation and the feelings between Seth and Coulson building along the way.
Overall, this is a fantastic, well written book with great world-building and an impressive level of detail that demonstrates the extent of the research that the author did in order to write this story. The character development is excellent and the result is two loveable, engaging MCs with a lot of complexity and dimension. Despite a plot line that continues beyond this book, there is a definite HEA for Seth and Coulson in Friends. Looking forward to the next one in the series!
December 27, 2020
Disclaimer... I was a sensitivity betareader for this book.
*****Highly Recommended Friendship*****
***** Spoiler Free*****
For fans of #FriendsToLovers #SlowBurn
Why you should read this book....
1. The Characters:
- Seth: Secret Service Agent, out and proud, loyal to a fault, a great friend and a #SizeQueen
- Coulson: FBI agent, straight, clever and ambitious, and #WellEndowed
2. The Plot:
The plot continues where book 1 left off. After the #PrideParade attack, Coulson and Seth must work together to find more clues about the terrorists and try to solve the mystery of why and how the bombings were done. #TheSuspenseIsKillingMe
3. The Romance:
A perfectly done, friends to lovers trope. Friends who spend time together, bond, talk and have fun together. Seth is attracted to Coulson but determined to conserve their friendship first and foremost. Coulson's feelings start shifting gradually until he sees what is right in front of him. #ThatPerfectMoment
4. The Heat...
A logical slow burn, due to the trope. These guys dance around each other for a while before they make the first step. Once they do.... #ItsGettingHotInHere
5. The Ending...
A happy-tear-inducing ending to these sweet sweet men. #RightInTheFeels
*****Highly Recommended Friendship*****
***** Spoiler Free*****
For fans of #FriendsToLovers #SlowBurn
Why you should read this book....
1. The Characters:
- Seth: Secret Service Agent, out and proud, loyal to a fault, a great friend and a #SizeQueen
- Coulson: FBI agent, straight, clever and ambitious, and #WellEndowed
2. The Plot:
The plot continues where book 1 left off. After the #PrideParade attack, Coulson and Seth must work together to find more clues about the terrorists and try to solve the mystery of why and how the bombings were done. #TheSuspenseIsKillingMe
3. The Romance:
A perfectly done, friends to lovers trope. Friends who spend time together, bond, talk and have fun together. Seth is attracted to Coulson but determined to conserve their friendship first and foremost. Coulson's feelings start shifting gradually until he sees what is right in front of him. #ThatPerfectMoment
4. The Heat...
A logical slow burn, due to the trope. These guys dance around each other for a while before they make the first step. Once they do.... #ItsGettingHotInHere
5. The Ending...
A happy-tear-inducing ending to these sweet sweet men. #RightInTheFeels
August 9, 2024
Voto: 4.5
RECENSIONE A CURA DI LADY MARMELADE
Continuano le vicende amorose tra i corridoi e le stanze della Casa Bianca.
I protagonisti delle storie sono sempre diversi, ma l’evoluzione della storia romantica di turno è strettamente legata all’indagine sulla bomba esplosa a New York e più di recente all’uccisione drammatica del Presidente degli Stati Uniti.
Inutile dirvi quindi che è fondamentale leggere tutti i volumi della serie in ordine.
Ho già sbirciato sul web e questa è una serie corposa, sono sette libri, e sono davvero curiosa di vedere dove andrà a parare l’autrice per quanto riguarda l’indagine.
Questo secondo volume si apre con un flashback sull’attentato di New York, la storia si fa sempre più intricata e in questo volume si fa decisamente un passo avanti.
Sarà anche per merito di chi sta indagando, ovvero di Seth agente dei Servizi Segreti, che di solito fa da scorta alla First Lady, ma al momento è relegato al ruolo di investigatore a causa di un incidente in allenamento, e dell’agente dell’FBI Coulson, che è stato mandato a dare una mano.
Continua sul nostro blog!
RECENSIONE A CURA DI LADY MARMELADE
Continuano le vicende amorose tra i corridoi e le stanze della Casa Bianca.
I protagonisti delle storie sono sempre diversi, ma l’evoluzione della storia romantica di turno è strettamente legata all’indagine sulla bomba esplosa a New York e più di recente all’uccisione drammatica del Presidente degli Stati Uniti.
Inutile dirvi quindi che è fondamentale leggere tutti i volumi della serie in ordine.
Ho già sbirciato sul web e questa è una serie corposa, sono sette libri, e sono davvero curiosa di vedere dove andrà a parare l’autrice per quanto riguarda l’indagine.
Questo secondo volume si apre con un flashback sull’attentato di New York, la storia si fa sempre più intricata e in questo volume si fa decisamente un passo avanti.
Sarà anche per merito di chi sta indagando, ovvero di Seth agente dei Servizi Segreti, che di solito fa da scorta alla First Lady, ma al momento è relegato al ruolo di investigatore a causa di un incidente in allenamento, e dell’agente dell’FBI Coulson, che è stato mandato a dare una mano.
Continua sul nostro blog!
October 25, 2020
Friends (White House Men Book 2) Nora Phoenix
Book 2 in the White house Men series. We start again with a flash back to the Pride Bombings. This time we see the experience of Seth Rodecker, Secret Service Agent. We learn very quickly that Seth is a proud gay man, a dedicated Secret Service agent, and a hero. We, and Seth, meet Coulson Padman FBI agent, in the aftermath of the Pride bombing. We then move to the present where we see Seth in much better circumstances. We met Seth and Coulson in the previous book Press, as they were investigating the bombing and assassination of the former President. This book shows that investigation, and the deep friendship Seth and Coulson build as they work together. The friendship between Seth and Coulson is beautiful, and integral to the romantic and sexual relationship that eventuates between the two men. Seth compares Coulson to an adorable, loveable puppy at one point, it’s an accurate comparison. I love the discussion around masculinity, and toxic masculinity in this book. Nora has created two strong, heroic, federal officers who are kind, sweet, and vulnerable with each other. I loved them both so much. Nora’s trademark sensitive, and nuanced exploration of sexuality (demi sexuality, pansexuality, and others) is as always hugely welcome. We get to meet, and learn lots more about new characters in the White House Men world, as well as a quick peek at Henley and Levar from the previous book. The intrigue plot continues, and builds steadily, some of my suspicions were confirmed, but that only brought more questions! Thoroughly engaging, emotional in the best way, steamy, and deeply enjoyable.
Book 2 in the White house Men series. We start again with a flash back to the Pride Bombings. This time we see the experience of Seth Rodecker, Secret Service Agent. We learn very quickly that Seth is a proud gay man, a dedicated Secret Service agent, and a hero. We, and Seth, meet Coulson Padman FBI agent, in the aftermath of the Pride bombing. We then move to the present where we see Seth in much better circumstances. We met Seth and Coulson in the previous book Press, as they were investigating the bombing and assassination of the former President. This book shows that investigation, and the deep friendship Seth and Coulson build as they work together. The friendship between Seth and Coulson is beautiful, and integral to the romantic and sexual relationship that eventuates between the two men. Seth compares Coulson to an adorable, loveable puppy at one point, it’s an accurate comparison. I love the discussion around masculinity, and toxic masculinity in this book. Nora has created two strong, heroic, federal officers who are kind, sweet, and vulnerable with each other. I loved them both so much. Nora’s trademark sensitive, and nuanced exploration of sexuality (demi sexuality, pansexuality, and others) is as always hugely welcome. We get to meet, and learn lots more about new characters in the White House Men world, as well as a quick peek at Henley and Levar from the previous book. The intrigue plot continues, and builds steadily, some of my suspicions were confirmed, but that only brought more questions! Thoroughly engaging, emotional in the best way, steamy, and deeply enjoyable.
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