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Valor #1
Codename: Valor
Als schwuler Mann im Weißen Haus aufzuwachsen, war nicht gerade leicht für Rafael Castillo. Obwohl er den Codenamen Valor vom Secret Service bekam, fühlt er sich alles andere als tough, während er seine Homosexualität versteckt und versucht, sein letztes Jahr auf dem College möglichst unauffällig hinter sich zu bringen.
Es ist bestimmt nicht Teil von Rafas Plan, diesen neuen Agenten an die Seite gestellt zu bekommen, der ein wandelnder Sex-Traum ist. Zumal Shane Kendrick ihn außerhalb der Arbeit nicht mal mit dem Hintern ansieht.
Shane hat sich den Job beim Secret Service hart erarbeitet. Den langweiligen Sohn des Präsidenten zu beschützen, ist nicht gerade sein Traum-Job, aber eine leichte Aufgabe. Immerhin schenkt kaum jemand Rafa Beachtung. Bald entdeckt Shane, dass ein liebenswerter junger Mann unter der schüchternen Oberfläche steckt, die Rafa zur Schau trägt. Und obwohl er weiß, dass Rafa Gefühle für ihn hat, redet er sich ein, dass zwischen ihnen nichts ist. In Shanes Leben war noch nie Platz für Beziehungen, und er wird das bestimmt nicht für einen seiner Schützlinge ändern.
Shane hat nur eine für Rafas Sicherheit zu sorgen. Um jeden Preis.
Es ist bestimmt nicht Teil von Rafas Plan, diesen neuen Agenten an die Seite gestellt zu bekommen, der ein wandelnder Sex-Traum ist. Zumal Shane Kendrick ihn außerhalb der Arbeit nicht mal mit dem Hintern ansieht.
Shane hat sich den Job beim Secret Service hart erarbeitet. Den langweiligen Sohn des Präsidenten zu beschützen, ist nicht gerade sein Traum-Job, aber eine leichte Aufgabe. Immerhin schenkt kaum jemand Rafa Beachtung. Bald entdeckt Shane, dass ein liebenswerter junger Mann unter der schüchternen Oberfläche steckt, die Rafa zur Schau trägt. Und obwohl er weiß, dass Rafa Gefühle für ihn hat, redet er sich ein, dass zwischen ihnen nichts ist. In Shanes Leben war noch nie Platz für Beziehungen, und er wird das bestimmt nicht für einen seiner Schützlinge ändern.
Shane hat nur eine für Rafas Sicherheit zu sorgen. Um jeden Preis.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 7, 2015
387 people are currently reading
2068 people want to read
About the author
Keira Andrews
62 books3,043 followersKeira aims for the perfect mix of character, plot, and heat in her M/M romances. She writes everything from swashbuckling pirates to heartwarming holiday escapism. Her fave tropes are enemies to lovers, age gaps, forced proximity, and passionate virgins. Although she loves delicious angst along the way, Keira guarantees happy endings!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 751 reviews
August 31, 2015
I didn't want this book to end. Damn but Keira Andrews knocked this one out of the park!
Valor on the Move is intense, suspenseful, a little sad, and hella romantic.
Take one Secret Service agent: serious, dedicated, and loyal, but also scarred by past hurts.
Add a 21-year-old president's son, the forgotten one, yearning to be free of his father's ambitions, wanting to follow his heart's desires far away from the White House.
Throw in political intrigue & danger, double-crossing agents, a thousand shades of gray, best friends who are all about Harleys, watermelon-pistachio slushies, late-night cooking (and talking) in the Diet Kitchen, frotting in a cave, terrorists, untamed curls ...
and an inconvenient (but unstoppable) love that simmers BRIGHT and STRONG.
And prepare to be BLOWN AWAY.
Valor on the Move is sexy and ambitious. It never gets bogged down with political details, but it feels current and real.
Age gap, hurt/comfort, family drama, and ... it's all there.
I wasn't bored for a minute.
I loved Rafa and Shane, loved their LOVE.
Yes, Rafa is young, but he's mature and knows what he wants. And once Shane returns to the ocean, makes peace with his past ... he's the right man.
The "bad guy" here isn't really bad, just scared and desperate. Sometimes there are no villains and no heroes, just opportunities and tears.
Valor on the Move is intense, suspenseful, a little sad, and hella romantic.
Take one Secret Service agent: serious, dedicated, and loyal, but also scarred by past hurts.
Add a 21-year-old president's son, the forgotten one, yearning to be free of his father's ambitions, wanting to follow his heart's desires far away from the White House.
Throw in political intrigue & danger, double-crossing agents, a thousand shades of gray, best friends who are all about Harleys, watermelon-pistachio slushies, late-night cooking (and talking) in the Diet Kitchen, frotting in a cave, terrorists, untamed curls ...
and an inconvenient (but unstoppable) love that simmers BRIGHT and STRONG.
And prepare to be BLOWN AWAY.
Valor on the Move is sexy and ambitious. It never gets bogged down with political details, but it feels current and real.
Age gap, hurt/comfort, family drama, and ... it's all there.
I wasn't bored for a minute.
I loved Rafa and Shane, loved their LOVE.
Yes, Rafa is young, but he's mature and knows what he wants. And once Shane returns to the ocean, makes peace with his past ... he's the right man.
The "bad guy" here isn't really bad, just scared and desperate. Sometimes there are no villains and no heroes, just opportunities and tears.
"It would be for you ... I'd take a hundred bullets. Kill a hundred men. Keep you safe no matter what."
September 3, 2015
WARNING: Dissenting opinion ahead!
This is a very good book folks. Ms. Andrews is in top form, like she always is. The characters are fleshed out and interesting, and book has little to no errors in editing, the pace was perfect and the plot was easy to follow. But, here comes my but... I had a real problem with the inappropriateness of the relationship.
The president's son, Rafa AKA Valor, is 21 years old. Physically 21 meaning he has been on this earth for 21 years. Mentally and emotionally, he was more 16. He has lived a stunted, sheltered life in the White House since his father was elected president when he was 14. He has three older siblings who (naturally) rebelled as teens in one way or another and gave the Secret Service hired to guard them the difficult task in keeping them safe. Rafa hasn't once rocked the boat.
Rafa is gay and has decided to wait until his father is out of the White House to come out. He is 21 years old and has never been on a date or even kissed a man. He is firmly in the closet and only one other person knows he likes men, his best friend and beard Ashleigh. He is also an aspiring chef but keeps his cooking in the closet a much as his sexuality. His mother frowns on the profession and wants her youngest son to go into politics. Rafa kowtows to his parents on every issue, even smiling and standing on the sidelines when his father gave a speech denouncing gay marriage.
Enter worldly, experienced gay man Shane, a member of the Secret Service tasked with guarding Rafa. Rafa develops a crush on Shane as their friendship grows. Shane is out and proud and encouraging as he watches Rafa cook at night, tasting his delicious creations while everyone else is asleep. Shane sees Rafa as a sad, antisocial kid but does enjoy their friendship.
There is nice sexual tension here. Rafa is attracted to Shane from the first minute they meet. Shane eventually develops feeling for Rafa, but it takes some time for them to turn sexual. Shane also remains very appropriate and tries not to encourage Rafa's crush, but eventually they share a kiss and Shane is horrified by his actions.
Shane remains professional in the relationship, for the most part. I never felt like he took advantage of Rafa. But Rafa was far, far too young for the experienced Agent. I found the pairing to be incredibly inappropriate and found myself not wanting them to get together. But get together they do, at the end of the book. I bought the ending and enjoyed the HEA (which was delightful!) but the other parts of the book make me feel sad and uncomfortable.
If you are able to look past the emotional age difference between the characters, I say give this one a try. But if you are uncomfortable with in inappropriateness of this paring, I recommend skipping this one and reading Ms. Andrews wildly sexy and entertaining Kick at the Darkness instead.
Advanced review copy of Valor on the Move provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been crossed posted to Jessewave
This is a very good book folks. Ms. Andrews is in top form, like she always is. The characters are fleshed out and interesting, and book has little to no errors in editing, the pace was perfect and the plot was easy to follow. But, here comes my but... I had a real problem with the inappropriateness of the relationship.
The president's son, Rafa AKA Valor, is 21 years old. Physically 21 meaning he has been on this earth for 21 years. Mentally and emotionally, he was more 16. He has lived a stunted, sheltered life in the White House since his father was elected president when he was 14. He has three older siblings who (naturally) rebelled as teens in one way or another and gave the Secret Service hired to guard them the difficult task in keeping them safe. Rafa hasn't once rocked the boat.
In the three weeks since the false alarm at the park, he'd only gone out to foundation events or meetings, aside from one barbecue hosted by an old high school friend. He'd talked and laughed with his former classmates while eating hot dogs and drinking beer, but Shane had the feeling his heart wasn't in it. There seemed to be a switch he flicked on when he had to be polite and friendly. He didn't talk much otherwise and kept to himself most of the time. It made for an easy detail, at least.
Rafa is gay and has decided to wait until his father is out of the White House to come out. He is 21 years old and has never been on a date or even kissed a man. He is firmly in the closet and only one other person knows he likes men, his best friend and beard Ashleigh. He is also an aspiring chef but keeps his cooking in the closet a much as his sexuality. His mother frowns on the profession and wants her youngest son to go into politics. Rafa kowtows to his parents on every issue, even smiling and standing on the sidelines when his father gave a speech denouncing gay marriage.
Enter worldly, experienced gay man Shane, a member of the Secret Service tasked with guarding Rafa. Rafa develops a crush on Shane as their friendship grows. Shane is out and proud and encouraging as he watches Rafa cook at night, tasting his delicious creations while everyone else is asleep. Shane sees Rafa as a sad, antisocial kid but does enjoy their friendship.
There is nice sexual tension here. Rafa is attracted to Shane from the first minute they meet. Shane eventually develops feeling for Rafa, but it takes some time for them to turn sexual. Shane also remains very appropriate and tries not to encourage Rafa's crush, but eventually they share a kiss and Shane is horrified by his actions.
Shane remains professional in the relationship, for the most part. I never felt like he took advantage of Rafa. But Rafa was far, far too young for the experienced Agent. I found the pairing to be incredibly inappropriate and found myself not wanting them to get together. But get together they do, at the end of the book. I bought the ending and enjoyed the HEA (which was delightful!) but the other parts of the book make me feel sad and uncomfortable.
If you are able to look past the emotional age difference between the characters, I say give this one a try. But if you are uncomfortable with in inappropriateness of this paring, I recommend skipping this one and reading Ms. Andrews wildly sexy and entertaining Kick at the Darkness instead.
Advanced review copy of Valor on the Move provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been crossed posted to Jessewave
October 6, 2015
"Nothing wrong with someone younger or older bringing a different perspective to a person's life. A new energy. Isn't that what it's all about? Finding people who make our lives better? Friends, lovers, whatever. People who wake us the fuck up."
The storyline – the president’s son and his Secret Service agent falling in forbidden love with one another – in itself is already a winner. Factor in the aspect of age difference – barely legal Rafa and nearly-two-decades-older Shane, an intense action/suspense subplot, lots of unresolved sexual tension, and a tasteful command of moving the story in the right direction from Keira Andrews, and you’ve hit the jackpot with Valor on the Move.
Although to be honest, when I read the blurb and the reviews, I was afraid that while this may check off the hotness factor, the story and the characters will come off as shallow. But boy, was I glad to be proven wrong. I certainly loved the characters and found the story gripping and heart-pounding. The chemistry between Rafa and Shane felt authentic and not a bit uncomfortable. Keira Andrews developed these characters’ relationship by continuously pushing them closer and then pulling them apart. Strangely, it’s a push/pull that’s not at all exasperating. The rifts surely tore my heart but every time they gave in to their heart’s desire was a surefire magical moment.
There were two particular moments though which really made this book solid for me.
The first one was during Rafa’s confrontation with his entire family where he just went full-on beastmode. That was a very powerful moment. I felt the hurt and betrayal. The agony and repression. The pain and heartbreak. All of the ugly emotions that Rafa felt; I felt it. It was a surprising turnaround of events but delivered with great impact and just at the right moment. It did not only mark a shift in the storyline but also allowed me to see the dynamics of Rafa’s character.
The second one was during the aftermath of the heart-racing ordeal which Rafa and Shane went through. I was moved with how Shane described the horror of going through all of it. It allowed me to see his vulnerability – how his training still did not compare to the real deal. My respect for the author just went levels up after that because she made Shane every bit human then. Keira Andrews did not make Shane just this hot Secret Service agent who is full of confidence and good with his job. She broke Shane down and showed the many dimensions of his character.
The book is, for me, well-balanced – sweet, tension-filled, sensual, and heartwarming. All the elements working together to create that perfect fast-paced story that you surely won’t be able to put down until you reach the very end. Highly recommended!
March 30, 2017
This could have easily been a 2 star book for me. And seeing all the 4/5 stars kind of makes me wish I was joking but...
I honestly really didn't care for the book.
I KNOW! I wanted to love it like all the cool kids (LOL) but unfortunately I'm stuck being the awkward loner this time around.
I read all the glowing reviews and I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one. And then... Then it just felt like I was making myself finish it. And we all know that reading for fun and pleasure (and addiction) shouldn't feel like a chore. Which had me saying:
I think what it really came down to was how I felt about the character, Rafa. His character really confused me. He felt like a much younger character than his 21 years. His character screamed:
I felt bad for the kid. And that's what he read like too, a kid. I didn't feel like I was reading about a man. His behavior and speech felt very much that of a teenager. And maybe that is how he was suppose to come off since he was so sheltered by his living arrangements, but then again he has lived outside of the White House. He's in his last year of college and lived in a dorm on campus. So I was really put off by his age and demeanor compared to his mentality of a teen.
I will give major kudos to him for how the confrontation between him and his family went about his sexuality. I feel like I finally got a glimpse of his real age by the maturity of the way he handled it. It was a really raw moment that made this a 3 star read for me.
I didn't feel comfortable with the relationship between the characters. Sometimes it felt fine, but most of the time I was kind of cringing. Now that doesn't mean the character Shane was inappropriate or came off as a creeper. It's just Rafa feeling much younger than what his age is made it feel weird for me. I think I might be alone in this since everyone else loved them together.
The other part of the book I didn't care for was where they only knew each other for a short period of time. But since they shared a few meals and conversations and one kiss it must be love.
It just wasn't believable for me. Although I really did like Shane. He's a likable character and one I think I would have enjoyed more if he had been paired with a more mature "man".
Please don't let my review stop you from reading the book. It is obviously loved by loads of people. I just had personal issues with the characters. AND! although I wasn't loving it, I did continue on reading it in hopes that I would start enjoying it like everyone else did. It was just unfortunate that didn't happen...BUT!
September 12, 2016
Everything I could want in a book. Sexy, funny, sweet, exciting. All around great reading.
Rafa was so sweet and innocent, but with a truly filthy mind. Just what a person wants in a virgin.
Shane was... Jason Statham. Just what I want in a boyfriend.
Nick is satisfied.
Rafa was so sweet and innocent, but with a truly filthy mind. Just what a person wants in a virgin.
Shane was... Jason Statham. Just what I want in a boyfriend.
Nick is satisfied.
Read
January 14, 2021FREE at Amazon Jan 13-18, 2021
Amazon US: https://readerlinks.com/l/1645182
Amz Universal: https://readerlinks.com/l/1645183
*
I'm a big fan of forbidden love, so with the age difference and the fact that Shane is a Secret Service agent and Rafa his "protectee," this book was great fun to write! I did a lot of research on the Secret Service, White House, and first families, but of course there's always room for a little creative license. For instance, most SS agents probably aren't as hot as Shane. ;)
This book will be available September 9, 2015, at all sellers. Hope you enjoy it!
Amazon US: https://readerlinks.com/l/1645182
Amz Universal: https://readerlinks.com/l/1645183
*
I'm a big fan of forbidden love, so with the age difference and the fact that Shane is a Secret Service agent and Rafa his "protectee," this book was great fun to write! I did a lot of research on the Secret Service, White House, and first families, but of course there's always room for a little creative license. For instance, most SS agents probably aren't as hot as Shane. ;)
This book will be available September 9, 2015, at all sellers. Hope you enjoy it!
September 27, 2015
IT'S LIVE!
http://www.amazon.com/Valor-Move-Keir...
Valor on the Move is the story, Rafa and Shane. Rafa is the twenty-one-year-old son of the president who has big plans for his life once his father's presidency is over. Shane is a thirty-nine year old secret service man assigned to protect Rafa. Due to their circumstances and their 18 year age difference it would seem that their friendship wouldn't go further than Rafa's one-sided crush.
What I loved:
*Rafa. He was so sweet and selfless, but there was also this underlining strength to his character.
*Shane. He came off as so strong and sure, but underneath he carried a lot hurt. There was this gentleness to him.
*The relationship development between Rafa and Shane. Keira Andrews took care for it to grow from a friendship to something more. It didn't feel rushed at all.
*Story had great pace- never felt slow-moving.
*Character growth
*Steam- slow burn. Didn't have as much steam as other stories of hers I've read, but the ones it did have were haaawt.
*The suspense. Normally I'm not a fan, but surprisingly I didn't mind it here. I was happy it didn't take over the story.
My only complaint- and it's more of a personal pet-peeve than anything:
*While they were being intimate- It made me giggle and kind of took me out of the scene for a moment.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story about healing, inner strength, and family. It left me with a smile. 4.5 Stars ♥
**ARC kindly provided by the author for an honest review.
**This review has been cross posted at Gay Book Reviews.
http://www.amazon.com/Valor-Move-Keir...
Valor on the Move is the story, Rafa and Shane. Rafa is the twenty-one-year-old son of the president who has big plans for his life once his father's presidency is over. Shane is a thirty-nine year old secret service man assigned to protect Rafa. Due to their circumstances and their 18 year age difference it would seem that their friendship wouldn't go further than Rafa's one-sided crush.
What I loved:
*Rafa. He was so sweet and selfless, but there was also this underlining strength to his character.
*Shane. He came off as so strong and sure, but underneath he carried a lot hurt. There was this gentleness to him.
*The relationship development between Rafa and Shane. Keira Andrews took care for it to grow from a friendship to something more. It didn't feel rushed at all.
*Story had great pace- never felt slow-moving.
*Character growth
*Steam- slow burn. Didn't have as much steam as other stories of hers I've read, but the ones it did have were haaawt.
*The suspense. Normally I'm not a fan, but surprisingly I didn't mind it here. I was happy it didn't take over the story.
My only complaint- and it's more of a personal pet-peeve than anything:
*While they were being intimate- It made me giggle and kind of took me out of the scene for a moment.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story about healing, inner strength, and family. It left me with a smile. 4.5 Stars ♥
**ARC kindly provided by the author for an honest review.
**This review has been cross posted at Gay Book Reviews.
August 14, 2019
8/14/19 – reread via audio
I loved this book the first time I read it, and I love it even more now after listening to the audio performance of Iggy Toma.
When I first read this book the lack of an epilogue left me a bit frustrated. It didn’t help that the slow burn in this story required a certain amount of patience on my part. So, my original score was 4.5 stars. Had a known there was going to be a book 2, it would have been 5 + stars. And book 2 not only makes up for the lack of epilogue but for the slow burn. Book 2 is more on the level of an inferno! So that will be re-read soon!!
Audio/Story – 5+++ this time around.
______
4.5 stars but rounding up to 5. I would have loved an epilogue that tied up this story better, but still I loved, loved, loved the story and the MCs. Keira Andrews is a definite go to author!
I loved this book the first time I read it, and I love it even more now after listening to the audio performance of Iggy Toma.
When I first read this book the lack of an epilogue left me a bit frustrated. It didn’t help that the slow burn in this story required a certain amount of patience on my part. So, my original score was 4.5 stars. Had a known there was going to be a book 2, it would have been 5 + stars. And book 2 not only makes up for the lack of epilogue but for the slow burn. Book 2 is more on the level of an inferno! So that will be re-read soon!!
Audio/Story – 5+++ this time around.
______
4.5 stars but rounding up to 5. I would have loved an epilogue that tied up this story better, but still I loved, loved, loved the story and the MCs. Keira Andrews is a definite go to author!
Want to read
January 14, 2021Currently *FREE* on Amazon for a limited time, 2021-01-13.
https://www.amazon.com/Valor-Move-May...
October 11, 2019
Audiobook - 4 stars
Story 2.75 stars
This was just ok.
MC 1 - Rafe - President's son
MC2- Shane - The bodyguard.
Rafe is 21 years, cute and adorkable. To me he sounded 21 going on 17 going on 87.
Shane is 39 years, he was just ok , your typical book bodyguard, protect and die for the protectee at all costs.
The relationship was a bit Insta, i was not given time to feel them fall in love. I couldn't buy it 100%.
It was a bit OTT and had some soapy moments, the action was ridiculous. Anyhoo don't mind me, it is clearly me since this one has so many rave reviews.
Overall it was just ok, the audiobook saved it for me, i was close to giving up.
Story 2.75 stars
This was just ok.
MC 1 - Rafe - President's son
MC2- Shane - The bodyguard.
Rafe is 21 years, cute and adorkable. To me he sounded 21 going on 17 going on 87.
Shane is 39 years, he was just ok , your typical book bodyguard, protect and die for the protectee at all costs.
The relationship was a bit Insta, i was not given time to feel them fall in love. I couldn't buy it 100%.
It was a bit OTT and had some soapy moments, the action was ridiculous. Anyhoo don't mind me, it is clearly me since this one has so many rave reviews.
Overall it was just ok, the audiobook saved it for me, i was close to giving up.
October 11, 2015
Rafael Castillo, codenamed “Valor”, is a gay man growing up in the White House. He has always kept his head down, so no one would thought much about him and notice the real him. Since his father’s presidency is almost over, he can't come out to his conservative parents just yet, but he has a plan. Rafa and his best friend Ashleigh, who's a closeted lesbian, pretend to be dating and they plan their breakup for after the new president’s inauguration. After that Rafa will finally be free and will be able to pursue his dreams of being a chef.
In the meantime, Rafa doesn't expect to get a new hot Secret Service agent for whom he develops some kind of feelings.
"I'm glad you didn't disappear."
"But I did. I haven't really been me. Not until this summer. Until I started cooking for you. When I'm with you, I don't have to hide."
Shane is a thirty-nine year old Secret Service agent who worked really hard to get assigned to the White House. At the beginning protecting the president’s shy twenty-one year old son doesn't seem really interesting, but his attitude about the whole thing changes after he gets to know Rafa better.
Also, Shane knows that Rafa has a crush on him and that he shouldn't get too close to his protectee, but he can't stop himself from thinking about him more and more each day.
"I'd take a hundered bullets. Kill a hundered men. Keep you safe no matter what."
There's a lot of family drama, some good action and hot sexy times. I really liked the moments where Rafa cooked for Shane and then they spend time together, when Rafa's parents weren't home.
The situation of Alan, Shane's friend, and his family made me sad and it also quite upset me, because of what Alan decided to do out of desperation. I'm glad that Shane at least helped Alan's wife and son.
Overall, this is a very enjoyable and fun read with a sweet HEA.
ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
August 22, 2021
1.5 stars
I struggled to finish this book.
I failed to connect to the characters and I couldn't feel the emotional connection between them. There was physical attraction, yes, but I didn't find their love believable. The story itself didn't grab me that much because I found it too predictable.
The audio version didn't help either, which is sad because I usually like Iggy Toma. I didn't like the voices he gave to the secondary characters and I really didn't enjoy listening to the dialogues.
I struggled to finish this book.
I failed to connect to the characters and I couldn't feel the emotional connection between them. There was physical attraction, yes, but I didn't find their love believable. The story itself didn't grab me that much because I found it too predictable.
The audio version didn't help either, which is sad because I usually like Iggy Toma. I didn't like the voices he gave to the secondary characters and I really didn't enjoy listening to the dialogues.
May 29, 2016
Review written May 28, 2016
4 Stars - Oh yes, this sweetie M/M made me very happy. Good-read applause!!
Curious, a topic with a President son and a 18 years older Secret Service agent sounds yummy. — Keira Andrews M/M romances are most often great reads for me (three 5 stars of four possible so far). Let's see about this one. There are a bunch of various opinions from my friends.
Yay, Valor on the move is good stuff
Thoroughly recommended when you need something fairly quick read with cute romance and nice heat, and a good, albeit somewhat predictable, love-story. Exciting too. Nicely done, Ms. Andrews.
Rafael Rafe Castillo (codenamed "Valor"), twenty-one and the youngest child of four to the US nations President, hides in the (secretly gay) closet and tries to stay below the radar his college years. His father’s presidency is almost over, and he just needs to be careful these last months.
It is summer holidays and Rafe is back in Washington DC in that huge not very homely feeling White House with his shilly mother. As always is there Secret Service agent changes every year and this time is there a hunky older (soon to be 40) agent, Shane Kendrick, who catches Rafe's attention. The very first night Rafe has a hot dream... Shane is tempting manly and sexy.
I must say that I'm pleasantly surprised
Even better and much more compelling and emotional than I expected. Certainly Valor on the move is a romantic dream and fairy tale, and everything isn't quite believable but still, a really good lighthearted romance. There are also some nice underlying messages of importance of your family, to truly try to see each other, wholeheartedly acceptance and to dare to say who you are and what you want deep down. Also that sad circumstances can lead to mindlessly stupid decisions. My heart broke more than once. — But the end... so very heartwarming sweet.
I'm glad to say that I enjoyed every page, these characters and eagerly read this Saturday.
I LIKE - "everything" from this talented writer
4 Stars - Oh yes, this sweetie M/M made me very happy. Good-read applause!!
Curious, a topic with a President son and a 18 years older Secret Service agent sounds yummy. — Keira Andrews M/M romances are most often great reads for me (three 5 stars of four possible so far). Let's see about this one. There are a bunch of various opinions from my friends.
Yay, Valor on the move is good stuff
Thoroughly recommended when you need something fairly quick read with cute romance and nice heat, and a good, albeit somewhat predictable, love-story. Exciting too. Nicely done, Ms. Andrews.
“Remember that with some waves…you can’t catch them. Better to dive through and wait for another one. There’s always another one.”
Rafael Rafe Castillo (codenamed "Valor"), twenty-one and the youngest child of four to the US nations President, hides in the (secretly gay) closet and tries to stay below the radar his college years. His father’s presidency is almost over, and he just needs to be careful these last months.
It is summer holidays and Rafe is back in Washington DC in that huge not very homely feeling White House with his shilly mother. As always is there Secret Service agent changes every year and this time is there a hunky older (soon to be 40) agent, Shane Kendrick, who catches Rafe's attention. The very first night Rafe has a hot dream... Shane is tempting manly and sexy.
“The natural instinct when a person hears a gunshot is to drop to the ground. We have to train to stay on our feet and block our protectee. Take the bullet if need be. We’ve trained over and over to stay calm and use deadly force when it’s called for. (...) ...it wasn’t like training, but it still doesn’t feel quite real.”
I must say that I'm pleasantly surprised
Even better and much more compelling and emotional than I expected. Certainly Valor on the move is a romantic dream and fairy tale, and everything isn't quite believable but still, a really good lighthearted romance. There are also some nice underlying messages of importance of your family, to truly try to see each other, wholeheartedly acceptance and to dare to say who you are and what you want deep down. Also that sad circumstances can lead to mindlessly stupid decisions. My heart broke more than once. — But the end... so very heartwarming sweet.
I'm glad to say that I enjoyed every page, these characters and eagerly read this Saturday.
I LIKE - "everything" from this talented writer
January 6, 2016
I’m giving this one all the stars! I’d give it more than 5 if I could. Definitely one of my top 10 favorite reads this year! There is no way you can’t fall in love with Rafa.
Rafael Castillo is the 21-year-old son of the President of the United States. He’s back living in the White House for the summer before heading to UVA for his senior year in the fall. He’s a good kid and definitely the favorite among the Secret Service agents. Nicknamed “mouse,” he’s quiet and respectful and does whatever he can to fly under the radar. Which includes hiding his true self and staying firmly in the closet until his father’s presidency is over.
That is until he meets his new security detail.
Shane Kendrick is a 39-year-old workaholic who’s married to his career. He’s been working his way to the White House since he started with the agency. And he’s finally made it. That is until he develops feelings for Rafa that could derail everything.
This story totally worked for me.
May-December romance? Check!
Forbidden romance? Double check!
Just the right amount of angst and a happily ever after? Definitely!
Plenty of dirty-talking and hot sex? Yes please!
Not to mention flawless writing, an interesting array of secondary characters, and an exciting storyline. I absolutely loved it!! Highly recommend!
ARC kindly provided by the author and IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.
Rafael Castillo is the 21-year-old son of the President of the United States. He’s back living in the White House for the summer before heading to UVA for his senior year in the fall. He’s a good kid and definitely the favorite among the Secret Service agents. Nicknamed “mouse,” he’s quiet and respectful and does whatever he can to fly under the radar. Which includes hiding his true self and staying firmly in the closet until his father’s presidency is over.
That is until he meets his new security detail.
Shane Kendrick is a 39-year-old workaholic who’s married to his career. He’s been working his way to the White House since he started with the agency. And he’s finally made it. That is until he develops feelings for Rafa that could derail everything.
This story totally worked for me.
May-December romance? Check!
Forbidden romance? Double check!
Just the right amount of angst and a happily ever after? Definitely!
Plenty of dirty-talking and hot sex? Yes please!
Not to mention flawless writing, an interesting array of secondary characters, and an exciting storyline. I absolutely loved it!! Highly recommend!
ARC kindly provided by the author and IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.
April 29, 2018
I tried to re-read this since I wanted to read the sequel, but I couldn't get into it at all. I was really missing some chemistry between Shane and Rafa. Perhaps I'll try again later, when I'm more in the mood. For now I'm leaving my original review.
--------------------------
Such a lovely book.
Rafa is the president’s son. Gay, but the only one who knows is his fake girlfriend, Ashleigh.
Rafa falls for his bodyguard Shane, a secret service agent, 18 years older than Rafa.
I really liked this one. It felt real (or as real as any romance book about people in the White House). I was a bit afraid this would be so unrealistic I wouldn’t be able to enjoy it.
I’m talking about sex marathons between Shane and Rafa right under the president’s nose. Which would have been HOT, but I would have really doubted Shane’s ability to do his job the way he is supposed to if he is screwing his protectee while on the job. I’m glad this wasn’t the case.
But don’t worry, there is enough sex.
There is also some hurt/comfort thrown in with the .It was awesome!
A great romance with a lovely HEA.
--------------------------
Such a lovely book.
Rafa is the president’s son. Gay, but the only one who knows is his fake girlfriend, Ashleigh.
Rafa falls for his bodyguard Shane, a secret service agent, 18 years older than Rafa.
I really liked this one. It felt real (or as real as any romance book about people in the White House). I was a bit afraid this would be so unrealistic I wouldn’t be able to enjoy it.
I’m talking about sex marathons between Shane and Rafa right under the president’s nose. Which would have been HOT, but I would have really doubted Shane’s ability to do his job the way he is supposed to if he is screwing his protectee while on the job. I’m glad this wasn’t the case.
But don’t worry, there is enough sex.
There is also some hurt/comfort thrown in with the .It was awesome!
A great romance with a lovely HEA.
June 28, 2016
***DNF page 138 out of 269***
Not bad. Just boring. Just not for me.
I was really looking forward to reading this one. A Keira Andrews book with awesome reviews? I’m in.
I’m the only one among my friends who decided to DNF it. So it’s safe to say mine is quite a dissenting opinion.
I’ve read a few books with bodyguards and I have to say that Close Protection is the best I’ve read so far. In both the protectee is 10 years younger (or more) than the bodyguard. In both there is this “forbidden” love story.
I was terribly disappointed in Valor on the Move. There is no believable development of feelings. Suddenly, Rafa has a crush on Shane. Rafa gets under Shane’s skin easily. They make mistakes all the time, they slip with each other all the time. Slipping is so frequent, so calculated, and happy coincidences are so scheduled and convenient. It was all so forced and simple I couldn’t buy it. There is no real falling in love, no real inner conflicts, no real “resistance”. They slip and slip and slip. They are supposed to maintain a distance, but they slip and their real feelings are hopelessly out, with no option to hide them from each other.
The sexual tension is non-existent. Their relationship inspired me nothing. I was bored. I was struggling to keep reading, to finish the book.
I also had a few issues:
I wonder… why Rafael and not Raphael? Isn’t that a “whiter” name? More “Anglo-Saxon”? Maybe I just can’t stop thinking about Rafael Nadal everytime I read “Rafa”.
I don’t really understand Mexicans not being “white”, I’ve met/seen blond and/or “pale” Mexicans in real life and in TV. There is a lot of diversity there. Or are people from the USA all Caucasian? What about African Americans? Native Americans? Asian population?
Last time I looked, Mexico was in America. It's just bizarre to me that this character, who was born in Mexico, speaks that way about these two countries in the same sentence. I have no idea if that's usual or just a way to emphasize that she is indeed “whiter” than the average Hispanic person. I'm just mentioning this fact because it was remarkable for me. Surely it means nothing and I'm just making pointless questions. Again.
And Mexico (year 1821?) is younger than USA (year 1776?). Old world? Which old world?
So, this book is definitely not for me.
Not bad. Just boring. Just not for me.
I was really looking forward to reading this one. A Keira Andrews book with awesome reviews? I’m in.
I’m the only one among my friends who decided to DNF it. So it’s safe to say mine is quite a dissenting opinion.
I’ve read a few books with bodyguards and I have to say that Close Protection is the best I’ve read so far. In both the protectee is 10 years younger (or more) than the bodyguard. In both there is this “forbidden” love story.
I was terribly disappointed in Valor on the Move. There is no believable development of feelings. Suddenly, Rafa has a crush on Shane. Rafa gets under Shane’s skin easily. They make mistakes all the time, they slip with each other all the time. Slipping is so frequent, so calculated, and happy coincidences are so scheduled and convenient. It was all so forced and simple I couldn’t buy it. There is no real falling in love, no real inner conflicts, no real “resistance”. They slip and slip and slip. They are supposed to maintain a distance, but they slip and their real feelings are hopelessly out, with no option to hide them from each other.
The sexual tension is non-existent. Their relationship inspired me nothing. I was bored. I was struggling to keep reading, to finish the book.
I also had a few issues:
Rafa and his siblings had always just been Castillo, his father’s name. His parents had worked hard to make them into the whitest, most non-threatening Hispanics Republican money could buy while still courting the Latino vote with great success.
I wonder… why Rafael and not Raphael? Isn’t that a “whiter” name? More “Anglo-Saxon”? Maybe I just can’t stop thinking about Rafael Nadal everytime I read “Rafa”.
I don’t really understand Mexicans not being “white”, I’ve met/seen blond and/or “pale” Mexicans in real life and in TV. There is a lot of diversity there. Or are people from the USA all Caucasian? What about African Americans? Native Americans? Asian population?
“We’ve discussed this before. My parents left the old world behind to make a new life for us here in America.”
Last time I looked, Mexico was in America. It's just bizarre to me that this character, who was born in Mexico, speaks that way about these two countries in the same sentence. I have no idea if that's usual or just a way to emphasize that she is indeed “whiter” than the average Hispanic person. I'm just mentioning this fact because it was remarkable for me. Surely it means nothing and I'm just making pointless questions. Again.
And Mexico (year 1821?) is younger than USA (year 1776?). Old world? Which old world?
So, this book is definitely not for me.
March 28, 2020
3.5 Stars
Predictably, another enjoyable read from the always dependable Keira Andrews.
I liked the characters and I really liked the premise of the story, with secret service agent Shane falling into forbidden love with his younger protectee, Rafa, the youngest son of POTUS.
The romance portion of the book was engaging and sweet. I particularly enjoyed following Rafa through his “first time” experiences (both emotionally and physically). His character was an naive yet endearing character; I couldn’t help but adore him and root for his happiness with older and wiser, and definitely more badass, Shane.
There was a little action and excitement here too, keeping the story flowing nicely and adding a little kick to the growth of Rafa and Shane's relationship.
This was a fun read and I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good bodyguard trope in their romance reads.
Predictably, another enjoyable read from the always dependable Keira Andrews.
I liked the characters and I really liked the premise of the story, with secret service agent Shane falling into forbidden love with his younger protectee, Rafa, the youngest son of POTUS.
The romance portion of the book was engaging and sweet. I particularly enjoyed following Rafa through his “first time” experiences (both emotionally and physically). His character was an naive yet endearing character; I couldn’t help but adore him and root for his happiness with older and wiser, and definitely more badass, Shane.
There was a little action and excitement here too, keeping the story flowing nicely and adding a little kick to the growth of Rafa and Shane's relationship.
This was a fun read and I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good bodyguard trope in their romance reads.
January 2, 2016
*** 4.5 Stars ****
Keira Andrews can really do no wrong in my eyes - that was everything I could possibly have wanted from a book with a bodyguard/protectee trope!
Keira Andrews can really do no wrong in my eyes - that was everything I could possibly have wanted from a book with a bodyguard/protectee trope!
September 9, 2015
ARC of Valor on the Move provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. This review has been cross-posted at Reviews by Jessewave
Rafa Castillo is the very closeted 21 year old son of a conservative republican president. He's made it his mission, until his father is out of office, to fly under the radar and fade into the background. No trouble, no shenanigans, nada. Oh, sorry, no Spanish, either. And that is at his mother's insistence. Though they are Latino, his parents have eschewed their roots in favor of blending with their very white and conservative party. So, no Spanish and anything Latino is played down. Tragic, that. So Rafa, at least outwardly, has always done what was expected of him.
The problem is, Rafa doesn't want the life his parents have laid out for him. Rafa wants to be a chef, and not be the clone of his father his parents want him to be. They seem to have his whole life planned for him and look down on his "hobby" of cooking. But Rafa has dreams of culinary school and living a normal life. And maybe finding a man with whom to share that life. But when he sees the new agent that has been assigned to his detail, he has to try very hard to not trip over his tongue. The man is a walking wet dream! Sadly, it could never work. But that little detail doesn't stop young Rafa from fantasizing. He's only human, you know.
Shane Kendrick is a 40 year old Secret Service agent who was just assigned to protect Rafa, code-name "Valor". He's heard how boring the kid is, but it could be worse, he could be having to constantly worry about Valor trying to ditch his detail. All the other agents refer to Rafa as "the mouse" because you never hear a squeak out of him. This is the easy detail. Rafa is respectful and considerate, always. He does what he is told and appreciates the job the Secret Service does.
Shane doesn't really do relationships, either. In his line of work, when you are on call all the time and can get transferred at a moments notice, he just doesn't want to make the effort. He hasn't really met anyone he wanted to wake up to every day, anyway, so he scratches the itch when he needs to and goes on. Rafa isn't even his type! And way too young, of course. Plus the fact that even getting to know the young man could get him reassigned. So, yeah, not going there. Nope. (hint: they go there)
But the more time Shane and Rafa spend together, and the more they get to know one another, the stronger their pull is. Valor on the Move is a slow, slow burn and when the inevitable finally happens, it's so sweet! And Rafa gets very chatty when he's nervous.
I would consider the ending to be more HFN, rather than HEA, since Rafa is really young. But the HFN is kind of awesome and worth the wait. Rafa and Shane are delicious together. I enjoyed the story quite a lot, and even though Rafa seems as young as he is, he's also a very determined young man, so they have a chance.
Rafa Castillo is the very closeted 21 year old son of a conservative republican president. He's made it his mission, until his father is out of office, to fly under the radar and fade into the background. No trouble, no shenanigans, nada. Oh, sorry, no Spanish, either. And that is at his mother's insistence. Though they are Latino, his parents have eschewed their roots in favor of blending with their very white and conservative party. So, no Spanish and anything Latino is played down. Tragic, that. So Rafa, at least outwardly, has always done what was expected of him.
The problem is, Rafa doesn't want the life his parents have laid out for him. Rafa wants to be a chef, and not be the clone of his father his parents want him to be. They seem to have his whole life planned for him and look down on his "hobby" of cooking. But Rafa has dreams of culinary school and living a normal life. And maybe finding a man with whom to share that life. But when he sees the new agent that has been assigned to his detail, he has to try very hard to not trip over his tongue. The man is a walking wet dream! Sadly, it could never work. But that little detail doesn't stop young Rafa from fantasizing. He's only human, you know.
Shane Kendrick is a 40 year old Secret Service agent who was just assigned to protect Rafa, code-name "Valor". He's heard how boring the kid is, but it could be worse, he could be having to constantly worry about Valor trying to ditch his detail. All the other agents refer to Rafa as "the mouse" because you never hear a squeak out of him. This is the easy detail. Rafa is respectful and considerate, always. He does what he is told and appreciates the job the Secret Service does.
Shane doesn't really do relationships, either. In his line of work, when you are on call all the time and can get transferred at a moments notice, he just doesn't want to make the effort. He hasn't really met anyone he wanted to wake up to every day, anyway, so he scratches the itch when he needs to and goes on. Rafa isn't even his type! And way too young, of course. Plus the fact that even getting to know the young man could get him reassigned. So, yeah, not going there. Nope. (hint: they go there)
But the more time Shane and Rafa spend together, and the more they get to know one another, the stronger their pull is. Valor on the Move is a slow, slow burn and when the inevitable finally happens, it's so sweet! And Rafa gets very chatty when he's nervous.
I would consider the ending to be more HFN, rather than HEA, since Rafa is really young. But the HFN is kind of awesome and worth the wait. Rafa and Shane are delicious together. I enjoyed the story quite a lot, and even though Rafa seems as young as he is, he's also a very determined young man, so they have a chance.
August 23, 2015
I absolutely loved this book! It's sexy and fun, fast-paced and charming. This is one of those books that hits all the buttons: age difference, power difference, closeted and not-closeted, and some action thrown in for good measure. Rafa is the son of the first Republican Latino president of the United States and his family has a lot to lose if he comes out of the closet. Shane is the older, out-for-years Secret Service agent assigned to protect him. YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT! And it's smoking' hot!
As usual, Keira Andrews keeps the book moving along at a nice clip and it feels like no time at all before you're rejoicing in the happy ending! As usual, she leaves me wanting more, but not because the book isn't done, but because I'm never ready for it to be over when it's so good!
Such a good read!
* Disclaimer: I beta read this book
As usual, Keira Andrews keeps the book moving along at a nice clip and it feels like no time at all before you're rejoicing in the happy ending! As usual, she leaves me wanting more, but not because the book isn't done, but because I'm never ready for it to be over when it's so good!
Such a good read!
* Disclaimer: I beta read this book
February 26, 2016
This book was wonderful in every way. It ticked all my boxes for swoonworthy romance. I went in with dangerously high expectations because I love Keira's books, and the blurb sounded amazing (age gap, bodyguard/protectee trope? Hell yes). I'm very happy to report that the story totally lived up to it :) Highly recommended.
September 16, 2015
This one didn't wow me so you better check all those great reviews out there. Most of my buddies loved it so this is probably a case of it's-me-not-you book ;)
June 7, 2017
3.5 Stars
Ok. I admit the plausibility of the entire premise of this book is low. It's not perfect, but I still felt it was a very romanticfairy tale.
Though Rafa is quite young and inexperienced in life and love in general, it does not mitigate his growing feelings towards his bodyguard. I really liked the angst he goes through - those feelings of doubt and insecurity and unworthiness. I appreciated how he grows into himself, and knows/realizes what he wants and what he wants is Shane.
Circumstance is not kind to these two. I see the very real conflict that plagues Shane - his age, his job, the inappropriateness of the entire situation. He knows he cannot, should not, fall for his protectee, and he fights it tooth and nail.
BUT this is fiction. It's romantic fiction. If I have to put aside the absurdity of the crazy circumstances these two face, then I will.
So yes, you can deduce I liked this quite a bit. There's desire and longing, there's secrets and the lure of the forbidden. It definitely does not hurt one bit that the sexual tension, the dirty talk and the smex was hawt too. Andrews has yet to disappoint much on that aspect - I definitely need to read more of this author!
Ok. I admit the plausibility of the entire premise of this book is low. It's not perfect, but I still felt it was a very romantic
Though Rafa is quite young and inexperienced in life and love in general, it does not mitigate his growing feelings towards his bodyguard. I really liked the angst he goes through - those feelings of doubt and insecurity and unworthiness. I appreciated how he grows into himself, and knows/realizes what he wants and what he wants is Shane.
Circumstance is not kind to these two. I see the very real conflict that plagues Shane - his age, his job, the inappropriateness of the entire situation. He knows he cannot, should not, fall for his protectee, and he fights it tooth and nail.
BUT this is fiction. It's romantic fiction. If I have to put aside the absurdity of the crazy circumstances these two face, then I will.
So yes, you can deduce I liked this quite a bit. There's desire and longing, there's secrets and the lure of the forbidden. It definitely does not hurt one bit that the sexual tension, the dirty talk and the smex was hawt too. Andrews has yet to disappoint much on that aspect - I definitely need to read more of this author!
September 12, 2015
BR, September 9th with Julie, Nathan, Momo and Marte.
So I read this in one sitting!!! It ticked all my happy boxes..
Sweet, innocent Rafa.. Rafaël, the President's son is home for a few months and two new secret agents are assigned to him.
Rafa is deep in the closet. Nobody but his best friend knows he's gay. He's planning to come out to his family when his father's time as president is done.
Then he'll be free to finally live the life he wants.
Rafa is crushing for this new secret agent Shane.
The more Rafa and Shane spend together the more they get to know each other.
Rafa cooking for Shane on his evening duties was sweet...
But Shane doesn't do relationships and especially not with a man he needs to protect and is also 18 years younger than him.
"But sometimes life smacks us upside the head when we least expect it. You've been smacked but good, Shane. Admit it."
There's some action further more and some hot smexy times.
I loved this gay version of Katie Holmes' First Daughter much more!
*RECOMMENDED*
August 30, 2015
*3.5 stars*
Stories about forbidden love and the bodyguard-protectee theme are among my favourites, so this was right up my alley.
Rafa is the son of the US President. He's gay, but decided to stay in the closet for seven more months, until the new president’s inauguration, and then come out. And then he meets his new Secret Service agent...
There were a lot of things I liked in this story.
The plot itself is quite interesting, it's rare that we get to read MM romance stories that unfold in the White House ! I enjoyed the details about the first family (and loved the fact that the first couple is Hispanic) and the way things work inside the White House.
Rafa was adorable. It was nice that, for a change, the protectee was not the usual spoiled ungrateful brat that refuses to cooperate. Rafa is very respectful of other people and very appreciative of his agents' work.
For me, the story picked up at 50%. Until then things were moving a bit slowly. There was slow burn, mostly from Rafa's part but nothing much went on. The suspense plotline took me by surprise but I'm not complaining. It sucked me in and gave Rafa and Shane the final push to give in.
There is steam and the sex scenes are pretty hot, although more sparse than what I'm used to from Andrews. Also, filthy sex talk coming from a virgin's mouth, in a dark cave with no way out....yup, hot indeed.
Although Shane and Rafa had good chemistry, I couldn't help but feel that I wanted more time with them as a couple. There weren't enough romantic moments between them and sometimes I had trouble feeling their connection.
I can't really tell if the ending is a HEA or a HFN but it seems solid enough.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read, somewhat different and the writing is stellar because...Keira Andrews.
*ARC kindly provided from the author"in exchange for an honest review*
Stories about forbidden love and the bodyguard-protectee theme are among my favourites, so this was right up my alley.
Rafa is the son of the US President. He's gay, but decided to stay in the closet for seven more months, until the new president’s inauguration, and then come out. And then he meets his new Secret Service agent...
There were a lot of things I liked in this story.
The plot itself is quite interesting, it's rare that we get to read MM romance stories that unfold in the White House ! I enjoyed the details about the first family (and loved the fact that the first couple is Hispanic) and the way things work inside the White House.
Rafa was adorable. It was nice that, for a change, the protectee was not the usual spoiled ungrateful brat that refuses to cooperate. Rafa is very respectful of other people and very appreciative of his agents' work.
For me, the story picked up at 50%. Until then things were moving a bit slowly. There was slow burn, mostly from Rafa's part but nothing much went on. The suspense plotline took me by surprise but I'm not complaining. It sucked me in and gave Rafa and Shane the final push to give in.
There is steam and the sex scenes are pretty hot, although more sparse than what I'm used to from Andrews. Also, filthy sex talk coming from a virgin's mouth, in a dark cave with no way out....yup, hot indeed.
Although Shane and Rafa had good chemistry, I couldn't help but feel that I wanted more time with them as a couple. There weren't enough romantic moments between them and sometimes I had trouble feeling their connection.
I can't really tell if the ending is a HEA or a HFN but it seems solid enough.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read, somewhat different and the writing is stellar because...Keira Andrews.
*ARC kindly provided from the author"in exchange for an honest review*
September 9, 2015
I can’t imagine how difficult it would be to write a book set in the White House. I’ve read a few and never found any to be that believable. This one…this one I can get behind. I mean, I can’t exactly vouch for how accurate it is, but it felt true…it felt like it’s how life in the White House could be. And I was definitely sold!
Rafa is the youngest son to the sitting President of the US. He’s the quiet one. The causes-no-trouble one. The in-the-closet one. He’s sweet, shy, awkward, and adorable. His mother pushes him around a lot, but all he wants to do is lose himself in the kitchen. And one day have the nerve to come out of the closet, go to culinary school, and live his own life. I adored Rafa. Admittedly, he reads a bit young for someone in their early 20’s. I kept imagining him as a teenager…which made this May-December at times a little hard to grasp.
Shane is a Secret Serviceman and assigned to Rafa’s detail. He’s a walking wet dream but totally focused on what he wants out of his career. Until he actually starts to get to know Rafa, and charmed by the guy. Shane is HOT and I was attracted to him throughout the whole book. That whole hero-complex. Again, the almost 20 year age difference, though not a deal breaker, did feel like an even larger gap at times. But at no point did Shane come across as a creepy old dude to me. I genuinely believed the attraction between the two.
The book hits its best when the action picks up and Shane’s role as both Rafa’s agent and the one who cares about him becomes tested. The “Rafa’s in danger!” scenes had me on the edge of my seat and I was on adrenaline overdrive until everyone was safe! Those were some great pages!
I think the family interaction and reconciliation felt a little out of place to me at times. But, I like how these scenes brought greater understanding into Rafa’s emotional state, his sometimes immaturity, and then his resolve to take hold of his life.
The ending, though possibly a little too convenient, still had me in a warm, happy place…it’s my fairy tale and I was thrilled to see how the HEA all played out.
Thoroughly enjoyed this, as I’m coming to find with most Keira Andrews’ writing. Highly recommended.
January 2, 2016
3.9 stars rounded up to 4
Engaging, sexy, and exciting with just a soupçon of intrigue, this was an enjoyable romance with a sweet HFN.
I liked the slow burn and the way their sexy times were handled. I liked how Andrews resolved Shane's issue of falling for his charge. Finally, I liked how the intrigue/conflict was resolved in the end. And I loved the feelz. Oh, yes...it's Keira Andrews, folks, you didn't think you were getting out without some feelz, did you?
However, as quickly as the story moves and is paced, at the end I felt like I missed getting to spend some time actually getting to know the characters. I wish I'd gotten to know Rafa, Shane and Rafa's family more as I felt like I only got surface glimpses.
Regardless, I enjoyed it thoroughly. I had to force myself to put it down in order to sleep, then practically had grabby hands as soon as I woke up.
RECOMMENDED!
Advanced Review Copy generously provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Reviews by Jessewave
Engaging, sexy, and exciting with just a soupçon of intrigue, this was an enjoyable romance with a sweet HFN.
I liked the slow burn and the way their sexy times were handled. I liked how Andrews resolved Shane's issue of falling for his charge. Finally, I liked how the intrigue/conflict was resolved in the end. And I loved the feelz. Oh, yes...it's Keira Andrews, folks, you didn't think you were getting out without some feelz, did you?
However, as quickly as the story moves and is paced, at the end I felt like I missed getting to spend some time actually getting to know the characters. I wish I'd gotten to know Rafa, Shane and Rafa's family more as I felt like I only got surface glimpses.
Regardless, I enjoyed it thoroughly. I had to force myself to put it down in order to sleep, then practically had grabby hands as soon as I woke up.
RECOMMENDED!
Advanced Review Copy generously provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Reviews by Jessewave
November 12, 2019
Damn, damn, damn. Love this one. It didn't hit me in the feels quite as hard as I'd have liked, hence only four stars, but everything else is here. There's great dialogue, sweet romance, an interesting and somewhat unique premise, a sizable age difference (I'm particularly fond), realistic obstacles, suspense, emotional growth, and likable characters. Andrews appears to just be getting better and better, and she's slowly made her way onto my Favorite Authors list.
Edit 4/11/16: I upgraded from four stars to five because I keep revisiting this one. Makes it a favorite.
Edit 4/11/16: I upgraded from four stars to five because I keep revisiting this one. Makes it a favorite.
Want to read
January 14, 2021Kindle freebie 1/14/21
November 22, 2021
DNF around 35%. Just wasn't for me. It was boring as hell!
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