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The Perfect Gentlemen #1
Scandal Never Sleeps
From the New York Times bestselling authors of the Masters of Ménage series . . .
They are the Perfect Gentlemen of Creighton Academy: privileged, wealthy, powerful friends with a wild side. But a deadly scandal is about to tear down their seemingly ideal lives . . .
Maddox Crawford’s sudden death sends Gabriel Bond reeling. Not only is he burying his best friend, he’s cleaning up Mad’s messes, including his troubled company. Grieving and restless, Gabe escapes his worries in the arms of a beautiful stranger. But his mind-blowing one-night stand is about to come back to haunt him . . .
Mad groomed Everly Parker to be a rising star in the executive world. Now that he’s gone, she’s sure her job will be the next thing she mourns, especially after she ends up accidentally sleeping with her new boss. If only their night together hadn’t been so incendiary—or Gabe like a fantasy come true . . .
As Gabe and Everly struggle to control the heated tension between them, they discover evidence that Mad’s death was no accident. Now they must bank their smoldering passions to hunt down a murderer—because Mad had secrets that someone was willing to kill for, and Gabe or Everly could be the next target . . .
They are the Perfect Gentlemen of Creighton Academy: privileged, wealthy, powerful friends with a wild side. But a deadly scandal is about to tear down their seemingly ideal lives . . .
Maddox Crawford’s sudden death sends Gabriel Bond reeling. Not only is he burying his best friend, he’s cleaning up Mad’s messes, including his troubled company. Grieving and restless, Gabe escapes his worries in the arms of a beautiful stranger. But his mind-blowing one-night stand is about to come back to haunt him . . .
Mad groomed Everly Parker to be a rising star in the executive world. Now that he’s gone, she’s sure her job will be the next thing she mourns, especially after she ends up accidentally sleeping with her new boss. If only their night together hadn’t been so incendiary—or Gabe like a fantasy come true . . .
As Gabe and Everly struggle to control the heated tension between them, they discover evidence that Mad’s death was no accident. Now they must bank their smoldering passions to hunt down a murderer—because Mad had secrets that someone was willing to kill for, and Gabe or Everly could be the next target . . .
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 18, 2015
564 people are currently reading
4427 people want to read
About the author
Shayla Black
152 books10k followersShayla Black is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than 100 contemporary, erotic, paranormal, and historical romances. Her books have sold millions of copies and been published in a dozen languages.
As an only child, Shayla occupied herself by daydreaming, much to the chagrin of her teachers. In college, she found her love for reading and started pursuing a publishing career. Though she graduated with a degree in Marketing/Advertising and embarked on a stint in corporate America, her heart was with her stories and characters, so she left her pantyhose and power suits behind.
Shayla currently lives in North Texas with her wonderfully supportive husband, her daughter, and two spoiled tabbies. In her “free” time, she enjoys reality TV, gaming, and listening to an eclectic blend of music.
Follow me on Facebook: http://shayla.link/FBPage
Join me in my Book Beauties group for weekly LIVE chats: http://shayla.link/FBChat
As an only child, Shayla occupied herself by daydreaming, much to the chagrin of her teachers. In college, she found her love for reading and started pursuing a publishing career. Though she graduated with a degree in Marketing/Advertising and embarked on a stint in corporate America, her heart was with her stories and characters, so she left her pantyhose and power suits behind.
Shayla currently lives in North Texas with her wonderfully supportive husband, her daughter, and two spoiled tabbies. In her “free” time, she enjoys reality TV, gaming, and listening to an eclectic blend of music.
Follow me on Facebook: http://shayla.link/FBPage
Join me in my Book Beauties group for weekly LIVE chats: http://shayla.link/FBChat
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 496 reviews
August 17, 2015
5 Mysterious stars
I’m a huge fan of Shayla Black and this is my first Lexi Blake read. Scandal Never Sleeps is the first book in The Perfect Gentlemen series and is a standalone. Each book will be focused on one of the guys in the group.
Six guys went to the same prep school together, Gabe, Dax, Connor, Zach, Roman and Maddox (Mad). This is Gabe’s story.
Mad dies and it has left the group with a bucket full of questions. What did Mad get himself involved with prior to his death? Everly works for Mad’s company and was really close to the guy. After Mad’s death, he leaves Gabe’s sister pregnant. Gabe is very protective of his family and questions what really happened to Mad before he died.
The first question Gabe wants answered is who is Everly and why was she so close to Mad if Mad wasn’t sleeping with her?
First off, I want to say this isn’t your typical Shayla Black read (I haven’t read a Lexi book, so I have nothing to compare it to). This isn’t your overly romance book, BUT I really loved that. Don’t get me wrong, there is plenty of steam and tension. But, it’s a super suspenseful read with so much that goes on. I couldn’t get enough. I was consumed with the plot and I was gripping the pages. I needed to find out what was going to happen next.
I’m sad that Mad dies, it’s not like we got to know him but throughout the book, we kind of do as the main characters uncover his secrets. I kind of hope his book will be written in the future *hint *hint, please. I absolutely loved this book. I’m of suspense and I love a good mystery book, but what really worked for me was that I was completely stumped throughout the whole book. I really liked that.
I had no idea what was going on and every time I got a clue, my little eyes got super excited. I was like a little toddler getting a treat here and there as I kept on reading. I felt like I was in with it with Gabe and Everly. I was trying to figure out the clues and wondering who they could really trust.
I love the banter between Gabe and Everly too. When Gabe and Everly first meet, sparks fly and everything is spicy. Then as they get to know each other, we get tension. Gabe doesn’t fully trust Everly because he thinks she had a fling with Mad. I know, I love and hated Gabe at the same time. He can be so brooding, but so sexy. It was perfect. Everly isn’t some damsel in distress. I love how she holds her own and stands up to Gabe. She doesn’t let Gabe push her around and it makes Gabe wiggle a bit. I loved reading those parts.
I love that each book focuses on a Hero and each Hero has his own quirks. I’m highly interested in Zack, who is the president!
This book got me hooked from page one. It will make you feel a roller coaster of emotions and you will be in the thick of the drama. I am so eager about this series and I can’t wait for the next story!
AN ARC was provided
Scandal Never Sleeps AMAZON
I’m a huge fan of Shayla Black and this is my first Lexi Blake read. Scandal Never Sleeps is the first book in The Perfect Gentlemen series and is a standalone. Each book will be focused on one of the guys in the group.
Six guys went to the same prep school together, Gabe, Dax, Connor, Zach, Roman and Maddox (Mad). This is Gabe’s story.
Mad dies and it has left the group with a bucket full of questions. What did Mad get himself involved with prior to his death? Everly works for Mad’s company and was really close to the guy. After Mad’s death, he leaves Gabe’s sister pregnant. Gabe is very protective of his family and questions what really happened to Mad before he died.
The first question Gabe wants answered is who is Everly and why was she so close to Mad if Mad wasn’t sleeping with her?
First off, I want to say this isn’t your typical Shayla Black read (I haven’t read a Lexi book, so I have nothing to compare it to). This isn’t your overly romance book, BUT I really loved that. Don’t get me wrong, there is plenty of steam and tension. But, it’s a super suspenseful read with so much that goes on. I couldn’t get enough. I was consumed with the plot and I was gripping the pages. I needed to find out what was going to happen next.
I’m sad that Mad dies, it’s not like we got to know him but throughout the book, we kind of do as the main characters uncover his secrets. I kind of hope his book will be written in the future *hint *hint, please. I absolutely loved this book. I’m of suspense and I love a good mystery book, but what really worked for me was that I was completely stumped throughout the whole book. I really liked that.
I had no idea what was going on and every time I got a clue, my little eyes got super excited. I was like a little toddler getting a treat here and there as I kept on reading. I felt like I was in with it with Gabe and Everly. I was trying to figure out the clues and wondering who they could really trust.
I love the banter between Gabe and Everly too. When Gabe and Everly first meet, sparks fly and everything is spicy. Then as they get to know each other, we get tension. Gabe doesn’t fully trust Everly because he thinks she had a fling with Mad. I know, I love and hated Gabe at the same time. He can be so brooding, but so sexy. It was perfect. Everly isn’t some damsel in distress. I love how she holds her own and stands up to Gabe. She doesn’t let Gabe push her around and it makes Gabe wiggle a bit. I loved reading those parts.
“Buttering me up with compliments won’t change my mind”
“I wasn’t buttering you up. I was gloating because all this pretty flesh is mine”
I love that each book focuses on a Hero and each Hero has his own quirks. I’m highly interested in Zack, who is the president!
This book got me hooked from page one. It will make you feel a roller coaster of emotions and you will be in the thick of the drama. I am so eager about this series and I can’t wait for the next story!
AN ARC was provided
Scandal Never Sleeps AMAZON
April 12, 2021
They are The Perfect Gentlemen, a moniker given six men who formed their friendship when they were teens at Creighton Academy, a private school boasting that they only turned out “perfect gentlemen” (they’re anything but!). It’s now 22 years later and they’re all highly successful but gathered together to bury one of their group, Maddox (Mad) Crawford, the one who bonded them in school and beyond. He died mysteriously in a plane he was piloting.
This is Gabriel (Gabe) Bond’s story. He’s the owner of an aeronautics company and is responsible for overseeing Mad’s company until an orderly transition is effected. On the evening of the funeral, he meets Everly Parker in a bar and the two of them end up spending the weekend together. However, neither knows who the other really is until he shows up that Monday at Crawford Industries where she’s head of IT security. Unfortunately, the rumor mill is that she was Mad’s lover, which incenses Gabe because his sister was involved with Crawford until he suddenly left her, emotionally destroyed and pregnant. Things deteriorate from there.
The friendship between these men sets the perfect tone for the start of this series. They’re all very different but what they share is a fierce loyalty to each other and a drive to excel at what they do. It soon becomes clear that Mad’s plane crash was no accident and the answers lie somewhere in his company and the people surrounding him there. While Gabe and Eve’s weekend tryst was passionate and full of future promise, all that disintegrated including the trust they’d created in that “one night stand,” once their identities were revealed. It was a constant source of conflict, understandably, but I felt Gabe took things too far at times and it made him a weaker character. There was sort of a rinse and repeat that made me weary of it all.
I liked the romance, didn’t love it, but I was taken with all the mystery, suspense and intrigue. This first book created a good foundation for what comes next with strong character development for the remaining friends’ stories. I listened to the book and Kaleo Griffith delivered his usual stellar performance, managing to provide distinction for each of the gentlemen. While not a perfect start, it was good enough. Part of the mystery ended here but there’s a continuing arc that I suspect will carry on through the final book. 3.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
This is Gabriel (Gabe) Bond’s story. He’s the owner of an aeronautics company and is responsible for overseeing Mad’s company until an orderly transition is effected. On the evening of the funeral, he meets Everly Parker in a bar and the two of them end up spending the weekend together. However, neither knows who the other really is until he shows up that Monday at Crawford Industries where she’s head of IT security. Unfortunately, the rumor mill is that she was Mad’s lover, which incenses Gabe because his sister was involved with Crawford until he suddenly left her, emotionally destroyed and pregnant. Things deteriorate from there.
The friendship between these men sets the perfect tone for the start of this series. They’re all very different but what they share is a fierce loyalty to each other and a drive to excel at what they do. It soon becomes clear that Mad’s plane crash was no accident and the answers lie somewhere in his company and the people surrounding him there. While Gabe and Eve’s weekend tryst was passionate and full of future promise, all that disintegrated including the trust they’d created in that “one night stand,” once their identities were revealed. It was a constant source of conflict, understandably, but I felt Gabe took things too far at times and it made him a weaker character. There was sort of a rinse and repeat that made me weary of it all.
I liked the romance, didn’t love it, but I was taken with all the mystery, suspense and intrigue. This first book created a good foundation for what comes next with strong character development for the remaining friends’ stories. I listened to the book and Kaleo Griffith delivered his usual stellar performance, managing to provide distinction for each of the gentlemen. While not a perfect start, it was good enough. Part of the mystery ended here but there’s a continuing arc that I suspect will carry on through the final book. 3.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
April 14, 2021
Scandal Never Sleeps
4 Stars
Reeling from the sudden death of his best friend, Gabriel Bond seeks solace in the arms of a beautiful stranger. But the situation becomes more complicated when Gabriel is accused of murder and his one night stand turns out to be an employee of the company he has inherited. Struggling with their attraction and trying to find a killer, Gabriel and Everly Parker must work together to uncover a deadly web of deception before it is too late.
The prologue is engaging as it introduces six close friends each of whom is destined to play an important role in various domains including politics, the military and business.
This installment focuses on billionaire playboy Gabriel Bond who meets his match in geeky hacker, Everly Parker. The romance is steamy and satisfying although Gabe does exhibit some rather annoying asshat traits based on his preconceived notions regarding Everly's relationship with his best friend. Everly is sweet and charming, but it is her ability to stand up to Gabe's domineering swagger that make her such an appealing heroine.
The suspense plot is compelling and develops in intriguing directions. While the mystery is quite straightforward and the villains easily identified, some questions remain unanswered and a larger story arc is obviously in the works.
In sum, a well-written mix of action, suspense and romance. The rest of the books will obviously focus on the remaining "Perfect Gentlemen" and I am eager to see what happens next.
4 Stars
Reeling from the sudden death of his best friend, Gabriel Bond seeks solace in the arms of a beautiful stranger. But the situation becomes more complicated when Gabriel is accused of murder and his one night stand turns out to be an employee of the company he has inherited. Struggling with their attraction and trying to find a killer, Gabriel and Everly Parker must work together to uncover a deadly web of deception before it is too late.
The prologue is engaging as it introduces six close friends each of whom is destined to play an important role in various domains including politics, the military and business.
This installment focuses on billionaire playboy Gabriel Bond who meets his match in geeky hacker, Everly Parker. The romance is steamy and satisfying although Gabe does exhibit some rather annoying asshat traits based on his preconceived notions regarding Everly's relationship with his best friend. Everly is sweet and charming, but it is her ability to stand up to Gabe's domineering swagger that make her such an appealing heroine.
The suspense plot is compelling and develops in intriguing directions. While the mystery is quite straightforward and the villains easily identified, some questions remain unanswered and a larger story arc is obviously in the works.
In sum, a well-written mix of action, suspense and romance. The rest of the books will obviously focus on the remaining "Perfect Gentlemen" and I am eager to see what happens next.
October 15, 2025
UPDATED with additional listen dates and more details. This is one of my most FAVORITE series ever and I re-listen to it often. I highly recommend it.
Creighton Academy is the boarding school where the privileged and powerful send their heirs. That's where the Perfect Gentlemen first meet. Gabriel Bond (Bond Aeronautics, billionaire), Connor Sparks (CIA-ish), Dax Spencer (Naval captain), Roman Calder (Lawyer, Chief of Staff), Zack Hayes (President), and Maddox Crawford (Crawford Industries, billionaire playboy) became some of the most powerful men in the country. When Maddox is killed, doubts and mystery bring all of them back together in order to find the truth.
Gabriel Bond (38-ish, aeronautics, sexy billionaire) has gathered at a local pub with the rest of the Perfect Gentleman after attending Maddox's funeral. He sees a beautiful woman across the bar, and he feel instantly drawn to her. Everly Parker (27, cyber security) has never felt a spark like the one she feels with Gabe. Although neither of them are in a place to start a relationship, they def want to spend a night together. Some REALLY sexy times happen in the hotel, and one-night turns into two. Neither one of them wants to leave their love-bubble, but reality comes knocking on their door anyway.
While the Gentlemen work together to solve Maddox’s murder, Gabe has something else on his mind since he inherited all of Maddox’s property and his company. His first order of business is to figure out which hussy Maddox had been sleeping with, since he believes Mad dumped Gabe’s sister for her. When he calls the homewrecker into his new office on Monday morning, he gets a big surprise.
There are LOTS of secrets, fake names, lies, Macallan 1926, murder attempts, Russians, hookers, bombshells, Deep Throat, jealousy, and a HFN for the couple, and a cliffy for the series.
This is a perfect introduction to the Perfect Gentleman. The mysteries unfold over the 5 books and in the end, it was spectacular.
I can't stress enough how much I love this series and love every single character.
SEX: Yummy. For Gabe & Everly, their first time is at 17% and it’s pretty damn hot. They spend a weekend locked away in a hotel, trying to go through a case of condoms. It’s not super detailed, but if you listen to the audio, it’ll satisfy you. If you’re just reading, you might wish for a little more spice. I know I enjoyed it. For the series, I think this book has the most sex out of all of them. The rest of the books have good sex, but it's not as plentiful.
GABE + EVERLY: He's definitely a real bastard at times. Luckily for us, Everly ain't no punk!!! She definitely puts him in his place a time or two. I love that she's no timid flower. She's the perfect FMC to tame his privileged ass. That said, there are a few issues. First, she gives him a shortened version of her name because she wants to separate her personal life from her weekend fling. I think it’s a stupid fucking trope, but here we are. In this book, it’s not really as big of a deal as they make it out to be. Then, when Gabe assumes Everly had been screwing Maddox, he doesn’t believe her when she denies it and he gets really freaking mean. He says some awful things to her. Personally, I like the drama of it. Then, Everly says something stupid that pissed me off so much. Gabe starts kissing her and she’s all into it, but then she remembers what a bastard he’s been and pushes him away. He starts to apologize and she says, “You mean for nearly raping me on the desk?” Obvi, that’s some fucked up shit and she realizes right away she said it just because she was lashing out at him and she apologizes for it. It’s just something that I hate and wanted to give you a warning. Finally, she pushes him away after he confesses his love and it made me a little sad.
AGE: I really love that the MCs in this series are all older, with only a few exceptions. It just makes the stories feel different. There are only a few characters who have their exact age listed, but mostly we just assume. The closest I got was the MMCs are all about 38-39.
VIRGINS: There are no virgins in this series.
GENTLEMEN: The boys are so far from being gentlemen, it's not even in their vocabulary. They've earned their bad reputations!!! They were all whores in their youth, so just know the description of "gentlemen" is used very loosely.
CHEATING: There's no cheating in this series, but there are some things that might give y’all pause. In Book 3, Dax & Holland's story, there’s a time jump because he REALLYYYYY fucked up. . In Book 4, Roman & Gus's story, they were screwing each other in college, and she thought it was more. He said it wasn’t so they break up and it’s twelve years later before they rekindle. . Anyway – both Roman and Gus have had adventurous sex lives during their time apart.
EPILOGUE: Books 1-4 don't have epilogues because the characters and their stories carry over into the next books. All of them appear at some point in every book. Book 5 has a seriously epic epilogue which is in the future, and you won't want to miss it!!!
AUDIO: I HIGHLY recommend the audio. I’ve read them and it just doesn't have the same impact as the audio. Books 1-3 are narrated by Kaleo Griffith and he’s got a SEXY fucking voice. That said, his female voice leaves a lot to be desired. Books 4 - 5 are narrated by Greg Boudreaux and fuck me, I want to bang him. His female voice is also really good.
The stories are so well written and I seriously love every character. Roman is probably my fave, followed closely by Connor. Or that could be reversed. It's hard to pick between the two of them. If I haven't mentioned it already, I really do love this series.
YOU SHOULD READ IT!!
B1: Gabe & Everly – miscommunication-ish trope.
B2: Connor & Lara – secret identity betrayal. My 2nd favorite book.
B3: Dax & Holland – second chance after “lying to protect you”.
B4: Roman & Gus – second chance after he’s a bastard and she keeps a secret. My FAVORITE book. Makes the entire series worth reading.
B5: Zack & Liz – new romance-ish, lying to protect.
Creighton Academy is the boarding school where the privileged and powerful send their heirs. That's where the Perfect Gentlemen first meet. Gabriel Bond (Bond Aeronautics, billionaire), Connor Sparks (CIA-ish), Dax Spencer (Naval captain), Roman Calder (Lawyer, Chief of Staff), Zack Hayes (President), and Maddox Crawford (Crawford Industries, billionaire playboy) became some of the most powerful men in the country. When Maddox is killed, doubts and mystery bring all of them back together in order to find the truth.
"..... it struck him firmly that the world had changed. He had to put her before all others..... he still loved those friends who had been his whole world, but they would forever take second place to her. He served her now."
Gabriel Bond (38-ish, aeronautics, sexy billionaire) has gathered at a local pub with the rest of the Perfect Gentleman after attending Maddox's funeral. He sees a beautiful woman across the bar, and he feel instantly drawn to her. Everly Parker (27, cyber security) has never felt a spark like the one she feels with Gabe. Although neither of them are in a place to start a relationship, they def want to spend a night together. Some REALLY sexy times happen in the hotel, and one-night turns into two. Neither one of them wants to leave their love-bubble, but reality comes knocking on their door anyway.
“When I hold you, it’s like a balm. You’re the first person to make me feel good in so fucking long. Don’t make me stop.”
While the Gentlemen work together to solve Maddox’s murder, Gabe has something else on his mind since he inherited all of Maddox’s property and his company. His first order of business is to figure out which hussy Maddox had been sleeping with, since he believes Mad dumped Gabe’s sister for her. When he calls the homewrecker into his new office on Monday morning, he gets a big surprise.
There are LOTS of secrets, fake names, lies, Macallan 1926, murder attempts, Russians, hookers, bombshells, Deep Throat, jealousy, and a HFN for the couple, and a cliffy for the series.
This is a perfect introduction to the Perfect Gentleman. The mysteries unfold over the 5 books and in the end, it was spectacular.
She was everything he'd never even known he wanted. Needed. The restless yearnings he'd had all of his life seem to vanish when he was with her.
I can't stress enough how much I love this series and love every single character.
SEX: Yummy. For Gabe & Everly, their first time is at 17% and it’s pretty damn hot. They spend a weekend locked away in a hotel, trying to go through a case of condoms. It’s not super detailed, but if you listen to the audio, it’ll satisfy you. If you’re just reading, you might wish for a little more spice. I know I enjoyed it. For the series, I think this book has the most sex out of all of them. The rest of the books have good sex, but it's not as plentiful.
GABE + EVERLY: He's definitely a real bastard at times. Luckily for us, Everly ain't no punk!!! She definitely puts him in his place a time or two. I love that she's no timid flower. She's the perfect FMC to tame his privileged ass. That said, there are a few issues. First, she gives him a shortened version of her name because she wants to separate her personal life from her weekend fling. I think it’s a stupid fucking trope, but here we are. In this book, it’s not really as big of a deal as they make it out to be. Then, when Gabe assumes Everly had been screwing Maddox, he doesn’t believe her when she denies it and he gets really freaking mean. He says some awful things to her. Personally, I like the drama of it. Then, Everly says something stupid that pissed me off so much. Gabe starts kissing her and she’s all into it, but then she remembers what a bastard he’s been and pushes him away. He starts to apologize and she says, “You mean for nearly raping me on the desk?” Obvi, that’s some fucked up shit and she realizes right away she said it just because she was lashing out at him and she apologizes for it. It’s just something that I hate and wanted to give you a warning. Finally, she pushes him away after he confesses his love and it made me a little sad.
AGE: I really love that the MCs in this series are all older, with only a few exceptions. It just makes the stories feel different. There are only a few characters who have their exact age listed, but mostly we just assume. The closest I got was the MMCs are all about 38-39.
VIRGINS: There are no virgins in this series.
GENTLEMEN: The boys are so far from being gentlemen, it's not even in their vocabulary. They've earned their bad reputations!!! They were all whores in their youth, so just know the description of "gentlemen" is used very loosely.
CHEATING: There's no cheating in this series, but there are some things that might give y’all pause. In Book 3, Dax & Holland's story, there’s a time jump because he REALLYYYYY fucked up. . In Book 4, Roman & Gus's story, they were screwing each other in college, and she thought it was more. He said it wasn’t so they break up and it’s twelve years later before they rekindle. . Anyway – both Roman and Gus have had adventurous sex lives during their time apart.
EPILOGUE: Books 1-4 don't have epilogues because the characters and their stories carry over into the next books. All of them appear at some point in every book. Book 5 has a seriously epic epilogue which is in the future, and you won't want to miss it!!!
AUDIO: I HIGHLY recommend the audio. I’ve read them and it just doesn't have the same impact as the audio. Books 1-3 are narrated by Kaleo Griffith and he’s got a SEXY fucking voice. That said, his female voice leaves a lot to be desired. Books 4 - 5 are narrated by Greg Boudreaux and fuck me, I want to bang him. His female voice is also really good.
The stories are so well written and I seriously love every character. Roman is probably my fave, followed closely by Connor. Or that could be reversed. It's hard to pick between the two of them. If I haven't mentioned it already, I really do love this series.
YOU SHOULD READ IT!!
B1: Gabe & Everly – miscommunication-ish trope.
B2: Connor & Lara – secret identity betrayal. My 2nd favorite book.
B3: Dax & Holland – second chance after “lying to protect you”.
B4: Roman & Gus – second chance after he’s a bastard and she keeps a secret. My FAVORITE book. Makes the entire series worth reading.
B5: Zack & Liz – new romance-ish, lying to protect.
January 3, 2016
Gabriel and Everly’s lives collide during very inconvenient circumstances, but their combustible attraction can’t be denied or ignored, and so they spend a passionate 48 hours together not knowing how very connected their troubles are.
Both are hit hard when Maddox Crawford is killed. Maddox was Gabriel’s best friend, but they recently had a big falling out, and now he’s inherited Maddox’s company. Everly is an executive in Maddox’s company and they shared a very close friendship, one that many speculated was more, and so with his loss, Everly is not sure she’ll still have a job. The situation turns even more precarious when it becomes apparent Maddox’s death wasn’t an accident. When Gabriel and Everly’s identities come to light it creates problems and suspicions, but that must be put on the back burner when it becomes apparent and there's a threat to both Everly and Gabe, and they must work together to find a murderer.
Everly and Gabe instant attraction was all consuming! It started out with a sizzling 48 hours, and I do mean sizzling! Gabriel was insatiable, surprising himself with just how much he wanted Eve. He couldn't get enough of not only her body, but her mind too. Gabriel's life is turned upside down when Maddox is murdered, and Everly provided a much needed distraction, but their connection turns into so much more. In spite of everything going on Gabe tries to figure out a way to hold on to her, and I so loved his determination! Very sexy indeed!
Everly feels overcome by her attraction, wanting more, but in the background thinking it’s just not possible. It feels like too many things are in flux and her life is in upheaval after her mentor dies. With her future is uncertain, having time for a relationship seems unrealistic. Plus, Everly suspects Gabriel is the playboy type and while it seems like what they have is more, she doesn’t want to get her hopes up. When they discover just who each other are, things become even more complicated, and Everly is prepared to walk away, and I really didn’t blame her. Everly was a strong, feisty heroine, capable on her own and I liked her immediately. Thankfully, Gabe and Everly are forced to work together and sort out their emotions along the way.
Scandal Never Sleeps was an exciting start to The Perfect Gentlemen series! Shayla Black and Lexi Blake expertly combined mystery, danger, twists and romance in just the right amounts to keep me glued to the pages. I can’t wait for the next installment!
A copy was kindly provided by Berkley in exchange for an honest review.
Both are hit hard when Maddox Crawford is killed. Maddox was Gabriel’s best friend, but they recently had a big falling out, and now he’s inherited Maddox’s company. Everly is an executive in Maddox’s company and they shared a very close friendship, one that many speculated was more, and so with his loss, Everly is not sure she’ll still have a job. The situation turns even more precarious when it becomes apparent Maddox’s death wasn’t an accident. When Gabriel and Everly’s identities come to light it creates problems and suspicions, but that must be put on the back burner when it becomes apparent and there's a threat to both Everly and Gabe, and they must work together to find a murderer.
Everly and Gabe instant attraction was all consuming! It started out with a sizzling 48 hours, and I do mean sizzling! Gabriel was insatiable, surprising himself with just how much he wanted Eve. He couldn't get enough of not only her body, but her mind too. Gabriel's life is turned upside down when Maddox is murdered, and Everly provided a much needed distraction, but their connection turns into so much more. In spite of everything going on Gabe tries to figure out a way to hold on to her, and I so loved his determination! Very sexy indeed!
Everly feels overcome by her attraction, wanting more, but in the background thinking it’s just not possible. It feels like too many things are in flux and her life is in upheaval after her mentor dies. With her future is uncertain, having time for a relationship seems unrealistic. Plus, Everly suspects Gabriel is the playboy type and while it seems like what they have is more, she doesn’t want to get her hopes up. When they discover just who each other are, things become even more complicated, and Everly is prepared to walk away, and I really didn’t blame her. Everly was a strong, feisty heroine, capable on her own and I liked her immediately. Thankfully, Gabe and Everly are forced to work together and sort out their emotions along the way.
Scandal Never Sleeps was an exciting start to The Perfect Gentlemen series! Shayla Black and Lexi Blake expertly combined mystery, danger, twists and romance in just the right amounts to keep me glued to the pages. I can’t wait for the next installment!
A copy was kindly provided by Berkley in exchange for an honest review.
August 18, 2015
Wow what an incredible book this was. I picked it up expecting a very erotic collaboration from these two authors and got so much more than I was expecting. The idea of friends meeting up at school and years later going on to hold down very prestigious positions may not be entirely original but the approach taken by these two experienced authors made for a riveting read. From captains of industry to war heroes and above and beyond as far as the commander in chief these six men have all made a place for themselves .
The story truly begins with the death of Maddox, one of the friends and the aftermath of his funeral sees Gabriel meeting Everly . The attraction they share is off the charts and both take a chance and act on it but that isn't all they share as both are keeping secrets. Gabe has been left the company Maddox owned but has no idea that the woman who everyone believed was having an affair with his friend is the lovely Everly. What's even more astounding is the fact that she is now working for him! Gabriel is beside himself with grief and rage as it's soon pretty clear that Maddox was murdered and somehow Everly just might be involved right up to her pretty little neck.
So this was a very interesting beginning to what might turn out to be one of the hottest suspense series I've read. Fuelled by passion and romance these immensely likeable characters truly deserve their happy ending. Gabriel is used to the finer things in life but I liked that he doesn't have a snobbish attitude and really works on convincing Everly that he loves her. Everly is a bright tech savvy woman and yet I wanted to shake her at times not just because of her stubbornness but also because something was just glaringly obvious and it took her a while to twig! Having said that she's a courageous heroine who really does hold her own.Here's where I should point out that the mystery concerning the death of Maddox is not entirely laid to rest and it's clear the supporting characters are about to feature even more heavily. I'm loathe to say too much more as the political intrigue is only just coming to the surface. There's scandal aplenty touched on in this story but is it possible it reaches all the way to the White House? Yes this first book sets the scene and it features a passionate romance but it's all the mystery unfolding that kept me turning the pages and I can't wait to read more!
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review
The story truly begins with the death of Maddox, one of the friends and the aftermath of his funeral sees Gabriel meeting Everly . The attraction they share is off the charts and both take a chance and act on it but that isn't all they share as both are keeping secrets. Gabe has been left the company Maddox owned but has no idea that the woman who everyone believed was having an affair with his friend is the lovely Everly. What's even more astounding is the fact that she is now working for him! Gabriel is beside himself with grief and rage as it's soon pretty clear that Maddox was murdered and somehow Everly just might be involved right up to her pretty little neck.
So this was a very interesting beginning to what might turn out to be one of the hottest suspense series I've read. Fuelled by passion and romance these immensely likeable characters truly deserve their happy ending. Gabriel is used to the finer things in life but I liked that he doesn't have a snobbish attitude and really works on convincing Everly that he loves her. Everly is a bright tech savvy woman and yet I wanted to shake her at times not just because of her stubbornness but also because something was just glaringly obvious and it took her a while to twig! Having said that she's a courageous heroine who really does hold her own.Here's where I should point out that the mystery concerning the death of Maddox is not entirely laid to rest and it's clear the supporting characters are about to feature even more heavily. I'm loathe to say too much more as the political intrigue is only just coming to the surface. There's scandal aplenty touched on in this story but is it possible it reaches all the way to the White House? Yes this first book sets the scene and it features a passionate romance but it's all the mystery unfolding that kept me turning the pages and I can't wait to read more!
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review
June 25, 2020
Really sexy and plenty of hot scenes but what will really get you is the mystery and action.
There are so many questions and of course not all of the answers are in this book so of course I will be moving on to the next one.
There are a few words "juice", "juicy" & "cream" that I am not a fan of when used during sexy scenes but other than that I think I will completely dig this series.
There are so many questions and of course not all of the answers are in this book so of course I will be moving on to the next one.
There are a few words "juice", "juicy" & "cream" that I am not a fan of when used during sexy scenes but other than that I think I will completely dig this series.
January 23, 2019
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Scandal Never Sleeps is a book that has been on my TBR for the longest time, and when I noticed that this book was available at my local library, I instantly grabbed it up especially since I have heard such great things about this book and Anna @ Herding Cats and Burning Soap’s Review is what really convinced me to grab this book up. Its a mix if Contemporary Romance, a slice of Erotic Romance and a delicious entree of Romantic Suspense….it gave me ALL the feels!!
Scandal Never Sleeps begins with seeing six men who become best friends at boarding school, we see their close friendship and how they protect and love each other no matter what happens. There is Maddox, Connor, Dax, Romance, Zack and Gabriel. These six men became powerful and influential. But then something heartbreaking happens to one of the friends, Maddox is killed in a plane crash and now the five come together for his funeral. All five of the men are heartbroken, but especially Gabe, who was closest to Mad despite what he did to his sister. On the evening of drinking together, Gabe sees a beautiful curvy woman who is sexy and sparks fly between them and they share a passionate night together. Even though they both know that its a one night stand, there is more between them than just sex. But Gabe soon learns that Eve is actually his new employee since Mad left his business to him. And tension is high between Gabe and Eve when they learn the truth about each other, but circumstances change when Gabe is the prime suspect in MAddox’s murder and as Eve and Gabe work together to discover who killed Maddox, there is more going on than they realize and things are going to get dangerous enough to threaten their lives….
Scandal Never Sleeps is the first book in the Perfect Gentlemen series and this was such a sexy and sharp read. I wasn’t sure what I was expecting but I didn’t realize at first that this book was a romantic suspense and I really enjoyed seeing this plot twist develop in the story line and how well it is balanced with the romance between Gabe and Eve. Both Gabe and Eve are intelligent and hard working people. Gabe found his family with his friends although he does have a sister he loves but was furious when Maddox got her pregnant and then broke her heart. Eve grew up in a small town and is a professional hacker and has worked hard to get to where she is now. But she also was good friends with Maddox too and knew that something was off about his death and that he was worried about something before he died.
Seeing the strength between these two characters has such a vibrant feel to the story. They are very different from each other, they live in different worlds one with Gabe being rich and famous and Eve being quiet and a bit of a nerd whose father was a police officer. We see though how they make such a great relationship together despite their different backgrounds. And seeing them discover who was behind the death of their friend really brings these two together on a emotional and intellectual level. Such chemistry these two have together and boy I loved how this book was written, definitely worked for me in every way.
Another plus that I adored seeing is the male friendships we see between the five, and they really come together in this book to track down their friends’ murderer. They each are a bit different, they all have money and connection but their lives have gone different ways. But their friendship has never died since they were teenagers who were outcasts in their boarding school and stuck together, their leader and protector Zack (who now is the President ) but these high positions and lives they lead never take away their bonds as brothers.
Overall I found Scandal Never Sleeps to be a sensual, heart stopping tale of mystery, intrigue and desire and one that will take you on one of a kind type of adventure! INTOXICATING!
Scandal Never Sleeps is a book that has been on my TBR for the longest time, and when I noticed that this book was available at my local library, I instantly grabbed it up especially since I have heard such great things about this book and Anna @ Herding Cats and Burning Soap’s Review is what really convinced me to grab this book up. Its a mix if Contemporary Romance, a slice of Erotic Romance and a delicious entree of Romantic Suspense….it gave me ALL the feels!!
Scandal Never Sleeps begins with seeing six men who become best friends at boarding school, we see their close friendship and how they protect and love each other no matter what happens. There is Maddox, Connor, Dax, Romance, Zack and Gabriel. These six men became powerful and influential. But then something heartbreaking happens to one of the friends, Maddox is killed in a plane crash and now the five come together for his funeral. All five of the men are heartbroken, but especially Gabe, who was closest to Mad despite what he did to his sister. On the evening of drinking together, Gabe sees a beautiful curvy woman who is sexy and sparks fly between them and they share a passionate night together. Even though they both know that its a one night stand, there is more between them than just sex. But Gabe soon learns that Eve is actually his new employee since Mad left his business to him. And tension is high between Gabe and Eve when they learn the truth about each other, but circumstances change when Gabe is the prime suspect in MAddox’s murder and as Eve and Gabe work together to discover who killed Maddox, there is more going on than they realize and things are going to get dangerous enough to threaten their lives….
Scandal Never Sleeps is the first book in the Perfect Gentlemen series and this was such a sexy and sharp read. I wasn’t sure what I was expecting but I didn’t realize at first that this book was a romantic suspense and I really enjoyed seeing this plot twist develop in the story line and how well it is balanced with the romance between Gabe and Eve. Both Gabe and Eve are intelligent and hard working people. Gabe found his family with his friends although he does have a sister he loves but was furious when Maddox got her pregnant and then broke her heart. Eve grew up in a small town and is a professional hacker and has worked hard to get to where she is now. But she also was good friends with Maddox too and knew that something was off about his death and that he was worried about something before he died.
Seeing the strength between these two characters has such a vibrant feel to the story. They are very different from each other, they live in different worlds one with Gabe being rich and famous and Eve being quiet and a bit of a nerd whose father was a police officer. We see though how they make such a great relationship together despite their different backgrounds. And seeing them discover who was behind the death of their friend really brings these two together on a emotional and intellectual level. Such chemistry these two have together and boy I loved how this book was written, definitely worked for me in every way.
Another plus that I adored seeing is the male friendships we see between the five, and they really come together in this book to track down their friends’ murderer. They each are a bit different, they all have money and connection but their lives have gone different ways. But their friendship has never died since they were teenagers who were outcasts in their boarding school and stuck together, their leader and protector Zack (who now is the President ) but these high positions and lives they lead never take away their bonds as brothers.
Overall I found Scandal Never Sleeps to be a sensual, heart stopping tale of mystery, intrigue and desire and one that will take you on one of a kind type of adventure! INTOXICATING!
August 11, 2015
Eh. I liked this overall, but didn't love it. He's awfully into her awfully fast, which didn't quite gel for me for the type of character he's set up to be...and the powerful/wealthy/sexy male/band of brothers thing wasn't totally convincing to me in this case, either. And the sex is fine, but not fantastic.
I also really hate it when books are set up to be series and a bunch of characters are thrown at you at the very beginning--it's hard to keep track and get invested in the primary characters when that happens. Authors, please take pity on your readers and trust that you'll have time to set up those other characters and relationships in later books, please. It's much more engrossing and emotionally satisfying (not to mention less confusing) if you let us learn about your main characters before you divert our attention towards something else.
Interestingly, I thought the mystery was done pretty well, however, which is often not the case in romantic thrillers. I liked the heroine, too. So I think your overall feeling towards this book probably depends a lot on whether you find the hero charming? And he didn't do all that much for me, I'm afraid. Oh, well.
An advance copy was provided by the publisher.
I also really hate it when books are set up to be series and a bunch of characters are thrown at you at the very beginning--it's hard to keep track and get invested in the primary characters when that happens. Authors, please take pity on your readers and trust that you'll have time to set up those other characters and relationships in later books, please. It's much more engrossing and emotionally satisfying (not to mention less confusing) if you let us learn about your main characters before you divert our attention towards something else.
Interestingly, I thought the mystery was done pretty well, however, which is often not the case in romantic thrillers. I liked the heroine, too. So I think your overall feeling towards this book probably depends a lot on whether you find the hero charming? And he didn't do all that much for me, I'm afraid. Oh, well.
An advance copy was provided by the publisher.
August 25, 2016
I'm intrigued, on to the next book in the series.
September 24, 2022
“She was the one. In a million years, he’d never imagined he would find her, much less in the midst of death, chaos, and danger.”
<><> Story Overview <><>
^^ ~ Twenty two years ago, six guys went to Creighton Academy and became known as “The Perfect Gentlemen” (don’t let the name fool you).
~~ Gabe: “For five years, it had been the six of them against the world. They shouldn’t have fit. Connor and Dax had naturally become pals because they were both athletes. Roman and Zack were the obviously ambitious types. And somehow he’d been the nerd taken under the wing of the most obnoxious, devious-minded rich boy at school, Maddox Crawford.
They were the closest of friends while at the academy and twenty years later they are all very rich, powerful and still remain extremely loyal to each other.
When one of the six (Maddox) dies in a plane crash, Gabe, Connor, Dax, Roman and Zach all question the circumstances. Things just aren’t adding up and it appears there may be a lot more to the story than anyone suspects.
Everly is a Senior IT/Security Exec at Crawford Industries (Maddox’s company) and has been receiving strange messages from an unidentified person. According to the messages, things aren’t what they seem when it comes to Maddox’s death.
~ “I have the info about Crawford’s death I promised in my e-mail. I’ll contact you with a date and time to meet. Don’t tell anyone. Come alone.”
~ “She wanted to believe the person contacting her was some whacked-out loon, but she’d received that mysterious, very lucid e-mail yesterday suggesting that she check into Maddox Crawford’s activities in the days before his murder. Not his unfortunate accident or his death. His murder.”
On the day of the funeral, Gabe meets Everly (aka Eve) and they spend a very hot and steamy weekend together. Gabe needs to forget about the loss of one of his best friends (Maddox) and Everly needs to forget about the loss of her boss (Maddox), who she was very close to. Neither Gabe nor Everly know they have Maddox in common.
~ Gabe: I’m looking for an escape tonight. I can find it in the bottom of a bottle or I can take you out of here and try to make us both feel good.”
~ “Tonight she wanted to be someone else—anyone who hadn’t buried her mentor and friend an hour ago and wasn’t now staring down the possibility of losing both her job and the roof over her head.”
When Monday rolls around, Gabe gets accused of Maddox’s murder and he ultimately discovers the woman he just spent the weekend with is the one person at Maddox’s company who he detests. Why does he hate her? Well, Gabe’s sister is pregnant with Maddox’s child and rumors say Maddox dumped the sister so he could have a torrid affair with Everly.
Oh what a tangled web we weave…..
But, Gabe and Everly must learn to work together to figure out what happened to Maddox. They are highly attracted to each other, but they can’t trust each other and lies are sometimes much easier to believe than the truth.
~ “You’re a mystery to me and I’ll go to my grave trying to solve you.”
<><> Characters <><>
Hero: Gabriel Bond
~ Age: late 30’s or 40
~ Occupation: owner of Bond Aeronautics
~ Gabe is from a wealthy family and from the time he was seven he spent most of the year at various boys’ schools in Connecticut. He’s powerful and successful. He’s had an obsession with helicopters and planes since he was was a little kid.
After Maddox’s death, Gabe becomes the new CEO of Crawford Industries.
* The following words/phrases were used to describe Gabe: grieving, responsible, insightful, ruthless, successful, unrelenting, stubborn, arrogant, charismatic, a bit sad, cynical
~ “Creighton Academy was my parent most of the time. That’s where I met all my friends. Sometimes I think I spent my childhood alone until I met Mad. A lot of who I am today is because of him and his constant friendship.”
Heroine: Everly Parker
~ Age: 27
~ Occupation: head of IT security at Crawford Industries
~ Everly’s mother took off when she was six and her wonderful father raised her (he died a few years ago). Her dad was a cop, so he taught her to be strong, stand her ground and how to defend herself.
Everly’s been in New York for about a year and has been rapidly climbing the ranks in her career due to her excellent cybersecurity skills.
* The following words/phrases were used to describe Everly: Short and curvy, works long hours, likes to read, likes hot baths, computer geek, thoughtful, lonely, nerdy, brilliant, genius, feels a little unwanted, more than anything she wants to belong, hard worker
~ “She’d shot through the ranks like a comet, and now she was going to hit the ground with a great big thud. She wasn’t sure what she was going to do when the new boss came in and found out his or her head of information security was a too-young-for-her-position hacker who everyone except Maddox Crawford thought couldn’t handle the job. Maddox had been her champion, her mentor in this crazy corporate world. He’d also been a surprising friend.”
<><> A Few Thoughts <><>
^^ ~ I thought the prologue set up a great dynamic between the six boys. I couldn’t wait to see how they turned out. I was hooked right away.
^^ ~ After the prologue, I was actually a little heartbroken that one of the guys died. It was just a chapter later and it’s not like I knew him, but I wanted to know him. I’m hoping he’s not really dead and will mysteriously reappear somewhere in this series.
^^ ~ I liked the mystery aspect. I got little clues along the way, so that helped me stay engaged.
^^ ~ not even a week after sleeping together both Gabe and Everly knew they were in love. hmm 🤔. Insta love is just not my favorite. Even though they “knew” right away, they didn’t admit it to each other until much later in the book.
^^ ~ Gabe was strong, but Everly didn’t let him stomp all over her. She was tough and didn’t back down. She had a backbone. I mean, she didn’t hesitate to hit the bad guy over the head with the fireplace poker. You go girl!!
^^ ~ I loved the friendship between the guys. No questions asked - they were there for each other. They were fiercely loyal to each other and had good chemistry. Their bond was obvious.
^^ ~ I think this first book created a good foundation for the overarching story and I plan to continue the series.
<><> The Basics <><>
- Content Warning: loss of best friend, murder, references to trafficked women
- Setting: New York City
- POV: Dual POV
- Tropes: suspense
- Hero likable? yes. Although I wished he would have believed Everly sooner when she told him she hadn’t slept with Maddox.
- heroine likable? yes. She was strong and pushed back
- h virgin? No
- First time they kiss: 14%
- First time they sleep together: 16%
- Safe sex? Yes. Condoms were used.
- First time they say I Love You: 84%
- steamy? Yes. Quite a few descriptive bedroom scenes
- Chemistry? I thought they had good chemistry
- OW/OM drama? No. Although it did take Gabe a while to believe Everly wasn’t the “other woman”. So in the beginning there was an “other man” man accusation
- H/h cheat? No
- Time apart? No
- Did I skip pages? No
- Big secrets? There were some twists I didn’t see coming.
- Did I cry? No
- Did I laugh? No
- Did I swoon🥰? Not really
- Cliffhanger? kind of. Some of the bad guys were identified, but the overall story will be picked up by the next couple. So this book ends with some unanswered questions.
- HEA? They are engaged
- Epilogue? a few weeks later
- Recommend? Yes
<><> Quotes <><>
“If he was going to take down someone, he made damn sure they couldn’t get back up. Ever.”
“She’d stopped a corporate spy and helped the FBI track down a ring that had used Crawford subsidiaries for phishing expeditions. Still, no matter how effective she’d proven herself, the employees still speculated that she’d slept her way to the top.”
“When I hold you, it’s like a balm. You’re the first person to make me feel good in so fucking long.”
“Threats of ruining his reputation might silence her on the subject of her relationship with Maddox Crawford. Or it might have the effect of her shoving something so far up Gabriel Bond’s ass he could never see straight again.”
“I don’t like how my world works, either. So change it with me.”
“I don’t want to be protected. I want to be your partner.”
<><> Story Overview <><>
^^ ~ Twenty two years ago, six guys went to Creighton Academy and became known as “The Perfect Gentlemen” (don’t let the name fool you).
~~ Gabe: “For five years, it had been the six of them against the world. They shouldn’t have fit. Connor and Dax had naturally become pals because they were both athletes. Roman and Zack were the obviously ambitious types. And somehow he’d been the nerd taken under the wing of the most obnoxious, devious-minded rich boy at school, Maddox Crawford.
They were the closest of friends while at the academy and twenty years later they are all very rich, powerful and still remain extremely loyal to each other.
When one of the six (Maddox) dies in a plane crash, Gabe, Connor, Dax, Roman and Zach all question the circumstances. Things just aren’t adding up and it appears there may be a lot more to the story than anyone suspects.
Everly is a Senior IT/Security Exec at Crawford Industries (Maddox’s company) and has been receiving strange messages from an unidentified person. According to the messages, things aren’t what they seem when it comes to Maddox’s death.
~ “I have the info about Crawford’s death I promised in my e-mail. I’ll contact you with a date and time to meet. Don’t tell anyone. Come alone.”
~ “She wanted to believe the person contacting her was some whacked-out loon, but she’d received that mysterious, very lucid e-mail yesterday suggesting that she check into Maddox Crawford’s activities in the days before his murder. Not his unfortunate accident or his death. His murder.”
On the day of the funeral, Gabe meets Everly (aka Eve) and they spend a very hot and steamy weekend together. Gabe needs to forget about the loss of one of his best friends (Maddox) and Everly needs to forget about the loss of her boss (Maddox), who she was very close to. Neither Gabe nor Everly know they have Maddox in common.
~ Gabe: I’m looking for an escape tonight. I can find it in the bottom of a bottle or I can take you out of here and try to make us both feel good.”
~ “Tonight she wanted to be someone else—anyone who hadn’t buried her mentor and friend an hour ago and wasn’t now staring down the possibility of losing both her job and the roof over her head.”
When Monday rolls around, Gabe gets accused of Maddox’s murder and he ultimately discovers the woman he just spent the weekend with is the one person at Maddox’s company who he detests. Why does he hate her? Well, Gabe’s sister is pregnant with Maddox’s child and rumors say Maddox dumped the sister so he could have a torrid affair with Everly.
Oh what a tangled web we weave…..
But, Gabe and Everly must learn to work together to figure out what happened to Maddox. They are highly attracted to each other, but they can’t trust each other and lies are sometimes much easier to believe than the truth.
~ “You’re a mystery to me and I’ll go to my grave trying to solve you.”
<><> Characters <><>
Hero: Gabriel Bond
~ Age: late 30’s or 40
~ Occupation: owner of Bond Aeronautics
~ Gabe is from a wealthy family and from the time he was seven he spent most of the year at various boys’ schools in Connecticut. He’s powerful and successful. He’s had an obsession with helicopters and planes since he was was a little kid.
After Maddox’s death, Gabe becomes the new CEO of Crawford Industries.
* The following words/phrases were used to describe Gabe: grieving, responsible, insightful, ruthless, successful, unrelenting, stubborn, arrogant, charismatic, a bit sad, cynical
~ “Creighton Academy was my parent most of the time. That’s where I met all my friends. Sometimes I think I spent my childhood alone until I met Mad. A lot of who I am today is because of him and his constant friendship.”
Heroine: Everly Parker
~ Age: 27
~ Occupation: head of IT security at Crawford Industries
~ Everly’s mother took off when she was six and her wonderful father raised her (he died a few years ago). Her dad was a cop, so he taught her to be strong, stand her ground and how to defend herself.
Everly’s been in New York for about a year and has been rapidly climbing the ranks in her career due to her excellent cybersecurity skills.
* The following words/phrases were used to describe Everly: Short and curvy, works long hours, likes to read, likes hot baths, computer geek, thoughtful, lonely, nerdy, brilliant, genius, feels a little unwanted, more than anything she wants to belong, hard worker
~ “She’d shot through the ranks like a comet, and now she was going to hit the ground with a great big thud. She wasn’t sure what she was going to do when the new boss came in and found out his or her head of information security was a too-young-for-her-position hacker who everyone except Maddox Crawford thought couldn’t handle the job. Maddox had been her champion, her mentor in this crazy corporate world. He’d also been a surprising friend.”
<><> A Few Thoughts <><>
^^ ~ I thought the prologue set up a great dynamic between the six boys. I couldn’t wait to see how they turned out. I was hooked right away.
^^ ~ After the prologue, I was actually a little heartbroken that one of the guys died. It was just a chapter later and it’s not like I knew him, but I wanted to know him. I’m hoping he’s not really dead and will mysteriously reappear somewhere in this series.
^^ ~ I liked the mystery aspect. I got little clues along the way, so that helped me stay engaged.
^^ ~ not even a week after sleeping together both Gabe and Everly knew they were in love. hmm 🤔. Insta love is just not my favorite. Even though they “knew” right away, they didn’t admit it to each other until much later in the book.
^^ ~ Gabe was strong, but Everly didn’t let him stomp all over her. She was tough and didn’t back down. She had a backbone. I mean, she didn’t hesitate to hit the bad guy over the head with the fireplace poker. You go girl!!
^^ ~ I loved the friendship between the guys. No questions asked - they were there for each other. They were fiercely loyal to each other and had good chemistry. Their bond was obvious.
^^ ~ I think this first book created a good foundation for the overarching story and I plan to continue the series.
<><> The Basics <><>
- Content Warning: loss of best friend, murder, references to trafficked women
- Setting: New York City
- POV: Dual POV
- Tropes: suspense
- Hero likable? yes. Although I wished he would have believed Everly sooner when she told him she hadn’t slept with Maddox.
- heroine likable? yes. She was strong and pushed back
- h virgin? No
- First time they kiss: 14%
- First time they sleep together: 16%
- Safe sex? Yes. Condoms were used.
- First time they say I Love You: 84%
- steamy? Yes. Quite a few descriptive bedroom scenes
- Chemistry? I thought they had good chemistry
- OW/OM drama? No. Although it did take Gabe a while to believe Everly wasn’t the “other woman”. So in the beginning there was an “other man” man accusation
- H/h cheat? No
- Time apart? No
- Did I skip pages? No
- Big secrets? There were some twists I didn’t see coming.
- Did I cry? No
- Did I laugh? No
- Did I swoon🥰? Not really
- Cliffhanger? kind of. Some of the bad guys were identified, but the overall story will be picked up by the next couple. So this book ends with some unanswered questions.
- HEA? They are engaged
- Epilogue? a few weeks later
- Recommend? Yes
<><> Quotes <><>
“If he was going to take down someone, he made damn sure they couldn’t get back up. Ever.”
“She’d stopped a corporate spy and helped the FBI track down a ring that had used Crawford subsidiaries for phishing expeditions. Still, no matter how effective she’d proven herself, the employees still speculated that she’d slept her way to the top.”
“When I hold you, it’s like a balm. You’re the first person to make me feel good in so fucking long.”
“Threats of ruining his reputation might silence her on the subject of her relationship with Maddox Crawford. Or it might have the effect of her shoving something so far up Gabriel Bond’s ass he could never see straight again.”
“I don’t like how my world works, either. So change it with me.”
“I don’t want to be protected. I want to be your partner.”
May 11, 2016
I loved this book hard. This story is so complex that even the thought of writing a proper review exhausts me. I loved the mystery, suspense, and sexiness that this story provided. I couldn't put it down. Not only is the story a page turner, but ALL the characters were amazing. The MCs of course, Gabe & Everly, but the secondary characters (which all get their own book) were just as lovely.
Gabe & Everly get their HEA, but the story is nowhere near finished as it involves all the secondary characters. I just hope I love the following ones as much as this one.
Spoiler shit:
Gabe & Everly get their HEA, but the story is nowhere near finished as it involves all the secondary characters. I just hope I love the following ones as much as this one.
Spoiler shit:
August 5, 2015
omg I'm gonna need book two NOW! I'm feeling seriously smitten over The Perfect Gentlemen already. Heat, scandal, danger, sexy as hell hero and his best friends and a heroine who is solid through and through...definitely a fun ride.
It edged on erotic but I think was more contemporary that had high heat. The two had some scorching chemistry and quite the stormy relationship as their one night stand turned into more and they found themselves faced with a suspicious death and trying to unravel what really happened to their mutual friend.
Full review to come.
It edged on erotic but I think was more contemporary that had high heat. The two had some scorching chemistry and quite the stormy relationship as their one night stand turned into more and they found themselves faced with a suspicious death and trying to unravel what really happened to their mutual friend.
Full review to come.
August 10, 2015
The extremely talented dynamic duo are back with a brand new, scorching hot, scandalous, and shocking series! Brace yourselves for one HELL OF A RIDE! I was fascinated, I was amazed, and I was hypnotized till the very end. SCANDAL NEVER SLEEPS is just one piece of the steamy and mysterious puzzle. Black and Blake are just getting started!
Gabriel Bond and Everly Parker, two people who have lost someone very special in their lives, end up meeting in a bar. Neither one of them realize the connection they share, but all they want to do for that one night is get lost in each other's bodies. They want to feel something aside from their numbness and grief. They want an escape.
This one night stand ends up being so much more than either of them expected. The passion and immediate connection they share, fuels the fire that brings them closer still. But scandal is the name of the game, and it follows them wherever they go. Mystery, deception, secrets, and lies. When the dust settles and the scandal breaks, who will you trust?
OMG! Everything about this book was fantastic! I couldn't read fast enough. But this is no surprise when you have the talents of two of my favorite authors working together to create a sexy and mysterious masterpiece. Separately, Shayla Black and Lexi Blake have turned out such great stories, blowing my mind page after page, chapter after chapter, book after book. Together, they have taken this genre to new heights. They are dominating the romance genre, one sexy title at a time. Like Gabriel and Everly, these fabulous authors give us characters that embed themselves into the reader's hearts, so that we only have to hear their names, and flood after flood of emotions come pouring out, taking us back to their stories, making us remember and experience it all over again.
Black and Blake has created something special here. Of course, Gabriel and Everly get their happily ever after, but the mystery remains unsolved. You get a taste of The Perfect Gentlemen, meeting the members and achieving some sort of connection with each one, learning a little bit of their past and how they came to be what they are today. Breadcrumbs are all that remain. Pieces of the puzzle scattered all around in your mind, just waiting, craving the minute they all come together to reveal the truth.
Scandal Never Sleeps is bursting with so much erotic goodness, tons of alpha males, and enough mystery to make your head spin. Get ready for a heart-pounding, mind-spinning, sexy good time!
*Gifted copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
Gabriel Bond and Everly Parker, two people who have lost someone very special in their lives, end up meeting in a bar. Neither one of them realize the connection they share, but all they want to do for that one night is get lost in each other's bodies. They want to feel something aside from their numbness and grief. They want an escape.
This one night stand ends up being so much more than either of them expected. The passion and immediate connection they share, fuels the fire that brings them closer still. But scandal is the name of the game, and it follows them wherever they go. Mystery, deception, secrets, and lies. When the dust settles and the scandal breaks, who will you trust?
OMG! Everything about this book was fantastic! I couldn't read fast enough. But this is no surprise when you have the talents of two of my favorite authors working together to create a sexy and mysterious masterpiece. Separately, Shayla Black and Lexi Blake have turned out such great stories, blowing my mind page after page, chapter after chapter, book after book. Together, they have taken this genre to new heights. They are dominating the romance genre, one sexy title at a time. Like Gabriel and Everly, these fabulous authors give us characters that embed themselves into the reader's hearts, so that we only have to hear their names, and flood after flood of emotions come pouring out, taking us back to their stories, making us remember and experience it all over again.
Black and Blake has created something special here. Of course, Gabriel and Everly get their happily ever after, but the mystery remains unsolved. You get a taste of The Perfect Gentlemen, meeting the members and achieving some sort of connection with each one, learning a little bit of their past and how they came to be what they are today. Breadcrumbs are all that remain. Pieces of the puzzle scattered all around in your mind, just waiting, craving the minute they all come together to reveal the truth.
Scandal Never Sleeps is bursting with so much erotic goodness, tons of alpha males, and enough mystery to make your head spin. Get ready for a heart-pounding, mind-spinning, sexy good time!
*Gifted copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
May 23, 2019
This is the start of a series with a similar structure to American King/Queen/Prince, without the spankings. The mystery is solid, and the various characters are well developed. This story is complete, with a hint toward how the next in the series will play out - there is a nice long arc set up here.
The sexy is hot if not sizzling, but the H/h are good together, even though he can be a bit of a bear. She's impulsive without being TSTL.
I'll keep reading this series.
The sexy is hot if not sizzling, but the H/h are good together, even though he can be a bit of a bear. She's impulsive without being TSTL.
I'll keep reading this series.
June 24, 2021
1st read: 2015
I won this ARC on Lexi Blake's FB page
This book was great! A cool mystery, an amazing love story and an exceptional cast of characters. Don't miss it!
2nd read: 2021
Reading with Karin
I won this ARC on Lexi Blake's FB page
This book was great! A cool mystery, an amazing love story and an exceptional cast of characters. Don't miss it!
2nd read: 2021
Reading with Karin
October 12, 2023
Modest background computer nerd turns computer goddess in a world where everything revolves around money and power
The playboy turned a man in love.
Hot story.
The playboy turned a man in love.
Hot story.
August 18, 2015
Kimber's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
4.5 stars
Scandal Never Sleeps is the first book in a new romantic suspense series by Lexi Blake and Shayla Black. I’ve read some of their other collaborations and this writing duo make a great writing team. I enjoy series by both of these established authors but when they write together it’s incredible, and puts them in a league of their own.
Setting up the “world” in a new series can sometimes weigh down the book and cause it to drag a bit, but not in this case. From the first page I was hooked and more than intrigued with the key players. We have a group of six guys who call themselves the Perfect Gentlemen, all classmates at their boarding school, Creighton Academy. The title is quite ironic seeing that they are considered anything but gentlemen. They stay in trouble and I can only imagine that during their enrollment they caused much havoc, especially since the opening scene places us in the headmaster’s office and he’s deadset on expelling them all. The authors did a great job describing each of the boys’ personalities, and honestly I could have read more of their earlier years. So yeah… I LOVED the prologue.
Fast forward almost twenty years and they are attending the funeral of one of the pack, Maddox. Gabe is really unsettled by Mad’s death. For one, Mad was his best friend and two, the last time they spoke an argument ensued and Gabe said some things he wished he could take back. After the funeral Gabe sees a woman he’s completely taken by. Everly is so unlike any woman he’s ever seen or dated and he is drawn to her immediately. Their chance meeting leads to what is supposed to be a one and done but ends up being anything but. Based on half-truths, deceit and lust their relationship gets complicated really quick. Nothing is as it seems. Hold on for the ride because there are twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
I really enjoyed this story, especially the characters. Not just the main characters, but the rest of the pack as well. They are all highly successful overachievers in different fields, but as you’ll discover they are all intertwined making the story that much more compelling. In fact, I was so excited and engrossed in the story the first time around, I’ve already reread it, and I’m eagerly anticipating the next addition in January 2016. This is a happily ever after romance but the mystery part will be an on-going arch throughout the series. I’d also like to mention this story kept me guessing the entire time. I have a few of my own theories and I can’t wait to see how everything plays out.
The writing duo of Shayla Black and Lexi Blake never disappoint. Scandal Never Sleeps was a fantastic beginning to what will for sure be another winning series full of passion, mystery, and intrigue.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
4.5 stars
Scandal Never Sleeps is the first book in a new romantic suspense series by Lexi Blake and Shayla Black. I’ve read some of their other collaborations and this writing duo make a great writing team. I enjoy series by both of these established authors but when they write together it’s incredible, and puts them in a league of their own.
Setting up the “world” in a new series can sometimes weigh down the book and cause it to drag a bit, but not in this case. From the first page I was hooked and more than intrigued with the key players. We have a group of six guys who call themselves the Perfect Gentlemen, all classmates at their boarding school, Creighton Academy. The title is quite ironic seeing that they are considered anything but gentlemen. They stay in trouble and I can only imagine that during their enrollment they caused much havoc, especially since the opening scene places us in the headmaster’s office and he’s deadset on expelling them all. The authors did a great job describing each of the boys’ personalities, and honestly I could have read more of their earlier years. So yeah… I LOVED the prologue.
Fast forward almost twenty years and they are attending the funeral of one of the pack, Maddox. Gabe is really unsettled by Mad’s death. For one, Mad was his best friend and two, the last time they spoke an argument ensued and Gabe said some things he wished he could take back. After the funeral Gabe sees a woman he’s completely taken by. Everly is so unlike any woman he’s ever seen or dated and he is drawn to her immediately. Their chance meeting leads to what is supposed to be a one and done but ends up being anything but. Based on half-truths, deceit and lust their relationship gets complicated really quick. Nothing is as it seems. Hold on for the ride because there are twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
I really enjoyed this story, especially the characters. Not just the main characters, but the rest of the pack as well. They are all highly successful overachievers in different fields, but as you’ll discover they are all intertwined making the story that much more compelling. In fact, I was so excited and engrossed in the story the first time around, I’ve already reread it, and I’m eagerly anticipating the next addition in January 2016. This is a happily ever after romance but the mystery part will be an on-going arch throughout the series. I’d also like to mention this story kept me guessing the entire time. I have a few of my own theories and I can’t wait to see how everything plays out.
The writing duo of Shayla Black and Lexi Blake never disappoint. Scandal Never Sleeps was a fantastic beginning to what will for sure be another winning series full of passion, mystery, and intrigue.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
May 8, 2017
I have a confession to make. It’s been years since I’ve read a book by Shayla Black. I used to jump on every single one of her releases and then I stopped. But when this showed up at my door, it just seemed like something I wanted to try. And you know me, never reading blurbs and all, I really had no idea what it was about other than the title and the fact that this is co-written with Lexi Blake.
SCANDAL NEVER SLEEPS is full of…well…scandal. This series centers around a group of college buddies that are all rich and successful. Some went on to run massive companies, some went on to be top CIA agents, and one even became the President of the USA. But they never broke that bond of friendship. They are more like brothers. And when one of them mysteriously dies in a plane crash, they all rally to investigate why that happened and who could be behind it. Even one of them might be a suspect.
Hooked yet? Well, the premise of this book was extremely interesting and fresh! With the suspense element that you can expect from a Black/Blake read, SCANDAL NEVER SLEEPS keeps you on the edge of your seat. Entwining that with a hot romance between Gabriel and the head of internet security of his dead friend’s company, Everly Parker.
The storyline in this book doesn’t have a final resolution and it’s one of those threads that I imagine will continue throughout the series. There is a bigger mystery than just solving the one case, a bigger reason why things are happening. And I can’t wait for all the clues to fall into place to figure it out. But I won’t be telling you! You have to read it and find out.
As far as the romance, I found it hot and the progression was ok but I just couldn’t buy into the quick-love thing that was happening. Lust yeah, sure. I’m glad this didn’t quite suffer from insta-love but it was pretty quick to get there and it seemed like there were too many unknowns to overcome for it to have happened so fast. Nevertheless, that didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the story. And surprisingly for me, this didn’t include BDSM!
For fans of a good mystery and political intrigue, packed full of intense alpha males with over the top lives and lots of hot sex….then this is the read for you!
September 24, 2015
This was my first time reading a Shayla Black and Lexi Blake collabo and I honestly had no idea what to expect... All I knew was that that blurb sucked me in and I couldn't wait to dive into this baby. And now that I've finished? Well, now I'm waiting not so patiently for the next book in this series!
So what's it all about? Everly and Gabe meet a at bar following their mutual friends' funeral, but neither of them know that they're both dealing with the same loss. The sparks start flying between them from the get-go and they agree to one night, which then turns into them spending the entire weekend together.
But what happens when they show up at work, the company their mutual friend, Maddox, owned, and find out that Gabe is Everly's new boss? What's worse is that Gabe finds out that Everly is supposedly the mistress Maddox left his pregnant sister for... So to say they get off on the wrong foot is a serious understatement.
Being the first book in a new series, Scandal Never Sleeps has a major case of information overload, which, unfortunately made this one a little hard for me to get into... But once the ball really got rolling? I was hooked!
Everly and Gabe definitely have a lot of obstacles in their way, most of which is thanks to Maddox and the big mystery around his death, and I did get a little frustrated with the back and forth. The sexual tension is so palpable between them, but at times I felt like that was all their relationship really was, especially as they tried to navigate their feelings and trust issues.
Along with romance there's a whole lot of suspense in this one that kept me on the edge of my seat, along with some twists and turns that I did not see coming. We're left with a pretty big cliffy regarding Maddox's death that will carry over to the next book in the series, but Everly and Gabe did manage to get their HEA in the end.
Even though this one took me a little while to get into, it turned out to be a great read in the end. And I absolutely cannot wait to see what's in store for us in the next book!
*ARC kindly provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
So what's it all about? Everly and Gabe meet a at bar following their mutual friends' funeral, but neither of them know that they're both dealing with the same loss. The sparks start flying between them from the get-go and they agree to one night, which then turns into them spending the entire weekend together.
But what happens when they show up at work, the company their mutual friend, Maddox, owned, and find out that Gabe is Everly's new boss? What's worse is that Gabe finds out that Everly is supposedly the mistress Maddox left his pregnant sister for... So to say they get off on the wrong foot is a serious understatement.
Being the first book in a new series, Scandal Never Sleeps has a major case of information overload, which, unfortunately made this one a little hard for me to get into... But once the ball really got rolling? I was hooked!
Everly and Gabe definitely have a lot of obstacles in their way, most of which is thanks to Maddox and the big mystery around his death, and I did get a little frustrated with the back and forth. The sexual tension is so palpable between them, but at times I felt like that was all their relationship really was, especially as they tried to navigate their feelings and trust issues.
Along with romance there's a whole lot of suspense in this one that kept me on the edge of my seat, along with some twists and turns that I did not see coming. We're left with a pretty big cliffy regarding Maddox's death that will carry over to the next book in the series, but Everly and Gabe did manage to get their HEA in the end.
Even though this one took me a little while to get into, it turned out to be a great read in the end. And I absolutely cannot wait to see what's in store for us in the next book!
*ARC kindly provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 16, 2017
Repeat after me: Women are independent human beings and can make their own decisions
Ugh, I don't even know what to say right now...
This started off really great; there are these six outsiders that went to an expensive boarding school together and are now (22 years later) really successful business men etc (one even is the fucking president for Christ's sake).
But then, one of them (the leader and the guy who brought them all together) dies and his best friend is accused of his murder so he teams up with this nerd/hacker girl to find out what on earth happened. Sounds really great, doesn't it?
Well, yeah that's what I thought and hell was I wrong.
Ugh, I don't even know what to say right now...
This started off really great; there are these six outsiders that went to an expensive boarding school together and are now (22 years later) really successful business men etc (one even is the fucking president for Christ's sake).
But then, one of them (the leader and the guy who brought them all together) dies and his best friend is accused of his murder so he teams up with this nerd/hacker girl to find out what on earth happened. Sounds really great, doesn't it?
Well, yeah that's what I thought and hell was I wrong.
August 19, 2015
After discovering that their friend’s death was no accident, Gabriel Bond and Everly Parker struggle to unravel the secret that Mad was willing to die for in this thrilling contemporary romantic suspense.
Maddox Crawford’s death has left Gabriel and Everly reeling and his troubled company in a mess but none of that compares to the heated tension that has these two in its grip and the reader can’t help but get caught up in the intrigue and secrets that revolve around Maddox’s death and the heated clashes that result from Gabriel and Everly’s rocky relationship. The chemistry is certainly hot enough but you got a rich playboy with some stubborn preconceived notions and a whole bunch of secrets that interfere in this relationship and these strong captivating characters demand that you join them in not only in finding the killer but in their turbulent romance filled with scorching hot sex scenes and the fast paced, smooth flowing plot keeps readers glued to the pages with lots of suspense, excitement and romance.
The more secrets that are revealed, the more the danger escalates with a ripple like effect that ensures that the characters are kept on edge which in return ensures that the readers are too while the intriguing conspiracy plot and unexpected twists keeps everyone guessing. The authors use well written scenes and vivid details to bring the story to life and make it easy for the reader to become completely absorbed in the story while well-orchestrated events ensure that there is never a dull moment.
This fascinating new series brings readers some sexy, privileged men to lust after while providing lots of complex suspenseful events in a conspiracy filled setting that adds to the ambiance. I was completely caught up in the story from the very beginning and I can’t wait to find out what happens next.
- Eva
Maddox Crawford’s death has left Gabriel and Everly reeling and his troubled company in a mess but none of that compares to the heated tension that has these two in its grip and the reader can’t help but get caught up in the intrigue and secrets that revolve around Maddox’s death and the heated clashes that result from Gabriel and Everly’s rocky relationship. The chemistry is certainly hot enough but you got a rich playboy with some stubborn preconceived notions and a whole bunch of secrets that interfere in this relationship and these strong captivating characters demand that you join them in not only in finding the killer but in their turbulent romance filled with scorching hot sex scenes and the fast paced, smooth flowing plot keeps readers glued to the pages with lots of suspense, excitement and romance.
The more secrets that are revealed, the more the danger escalates with a ripple like effect that ensures that the characters are kept on edge which in return ensures that the readers are too while the intriguing conspiracy plot and unexpected twists keeps everyone guessing. The authors use well written scenes and vivid details to bring the story to life and make it easy for the reader to become completely absorbed in the story while well-orchestrated events ensure that there is never a dull moment.
This fascinating new series brings readers some sexy, privileged men to lust after while providing lots of complex suspenseful events in a conspiracy filled setting that adds to the ambiance. I was completely caught up in the story from the very beginning and I can’t wait to find out what happens next.
- Eva
April 9, 2021
Five friends who met at Creighton Academy, a boarding school for privileged boys, become known as The Perfect Gentlemen. When they grow into men, all become powerful in their own right. They are brought back together when Maddox "Mad" Crawford's plane crashes and he is killed. Gabriel Bond had been Mad's closest friend and now he mourns his death, but he doesn't believe that the accident was caused by pilot error because Mad was too good. Something had been going on in Mad's company and Gabe and Mad's friend, computer security specialist, Everly Parker are left to put the pieces together and figure out what has been happening behind Mad's back, but they will have to keep their attraction to one another in check long enough to find out what is really going on.
Scandal Never Sleeps is the beginning of The Perfect Gentlemen series and introduces an interesting puzzle that will presumably span all of the books. I look forward to reading more about this political intrigue in the next book. However, the rest of the story is a letdown. The relationship between Gabe and Everly lacks chemistry, while seeming contrived and over-dramatic. The characters feel very one dimensional and make ridiculous choices. The dialogue is stilted and unrealistic in many places. The sex scenes are steamy but are not enough to save this story. Overall, this highly anticipated book by these two excellent authors is a disappointment.
Scandal Never Sleeps is the beginning of The Perfect Gentlemen series and introduces an interesting puzzle that will presumably span all of the books. I look forward to reading more about this political intrigue in the next book. However, the rest of the story is a letdown. The relationship between Gabe and Everly lacks chemistry, while seeming contrived and over-dramatic. The characters feel very one dimensional and make ridiculous choices. The dialogue is stilted and unrealistic in many places. The sex scenes are steamy but are not enough to save this story. Overall, this highly anticipated book by these two excellent authors is a disappointment.
March 2, 2018
Man o man, now I'm intrigued and of course will have to read the whole series.
Gabriel is a billionaire, born into money. Went to boarding school and made friends for a lifetime, until danger, murder and many secrets surround him.
Everly is a computer geek, super smart and with a bit of a temper.
They have steamy sex and get tangled up in some dangerous situations.
Gabriel is a billionaire, born into money. Went to boarding school and made friends for a lifetime, until danger, murder and many secrets surround him.
Everly is a computer geek, super smart and with a bit of a temper.
They have steamy sex and get tangled up in some dangerous situations.
August 22, 2015
I enjoyed this one very, very much and I can not wait to see where we go next with this one! Excellent character development, great twists, tons of chemistry...very fun read
April 12, 2021
I am reading this series as a group read. I don't think I would have if not for that. I'm not into the erotic stuff that this series has been tagged with, but I've got to say I really enjoyed "Scandal Never Sleeps" and I think the erotic tag is a bit overstated. Sexy, sure. Erotic, not so much. The mystery was way more enjoyable that I expected too. That was a very pleasant surprise.
Six young boys have grown up together in the exclusive prep school environment. They have bonded together as brothers and call themselves "The Perfect Gentlemen". As adults they have become the successful men they were destined to be. Two captains of industry, a President, a successful lawyer, a Naval Captain and a CIA operative. They each have separate lives, but a bond that can't be broken.
When Maddox Crawford is killed in a plane crash, the men are sent reeling, but Gabriel Bond is devastated. Mad was his best friend. After the service Gabe finds he doesn't want to be alone and finds willing company for a sex filled weekend with a woman who lights his fire as none ever has.
Everly Parker is morning the loss of her friend and mentor. Mad Crawford had given her the job she could only dream of but now he's gone and, with new management, likely the job she loves too. She agrees the the night with Gabe only knowing that he was Mad's friend too and also morning his loss. Their passion was incredible and a one night stand turned into a weekend.
But, with the dawn on Monday, reality rears its ugly head and the lovers find that there is a whole lot more between them than their off the charts passions. Gabe is Everly's new boss and there are a whole lot of nasty rumors circulating about Mad's death, his women and Everly. When Everly is contacted by a "Deep Throat" with accusations about Gabe and The Perfect Gentlemen, she must choose who to believe and the wrong choice could get her killed.
Six young boys have grown up together in the exclusive prep school environment. They have bonded together as brothers and call themselves "The Perfect Gentlemen". As adults they have become the successful men they were destined to be. Two captains of industry, a President, a successful lawyer, a Naval Captain and a CIA operative. They each have separate lives, but a bond that can't be broken.
When Maddox Crawford is killed in a plane crash, the men are sent reeling, but Gabriel Bond is devastated. Mad was his best friend. After the service Gabe finds he doesn't want to be alone and finds willing company for a sex filled weekend with a woman who lights his fire as none ever has.
Everly Parker is morning the loss of her friend and mentor. Mad Crawford had given her the job she could only dream of but now he's gone and, with new management, likely the job she loves too. She agrees the the night with Gabe only knowing that he was Mad's friend too and also morning his loss. Their passion was incredible and a one night stand turned into a weekend.
But, with the dawn on Monday, reality rears its ugly head and the lovers find that there is a whole lot more between them than their off the charts passions. Gabe is Everly's new boss and there are a whole lot of nasty rumors circulating about Mad's death, his women and Everly. When Everly is contacted by a "Deep Throat" with accusations about Gabe and The Perfect Gentlemen, she must choose who to believe and the wrong choice could get her killed.
April 2, 2016
This is the first in The Perfect Gentleman series, about 6 childhood friends who have all attained positions of power or prestige (or both) as they’ve graduated from their boarding school past into the real world. Unfortunately, one of them, Maddox, has also ended up dead. The mystery of his death and the romantic entanglements of the five men left is the basis of the series.
In this particular story, after we’re introduced to the main characters, it’s Gabriel, the billionaire aeronautics playboy, who will be searching for his happy ever after. When he meets a lovely woman at a bar after his best friend’s funeral, a one-night stand quickly turns into a whole weekend of passionate lovemaking. But come Monday, when it turns out the woman he was with, Everly, worked for Maddox in cyber security and that the company has become Gabriel’s via Maddox’s will, their anonymous encounter has far-reaching implications. Rumors abound that Everly and Maddox were intimately involved, and as Gabriel’s pregnant sister had been involved with Maddox (who for unknown reasons had unceremoniously dumped her prior to his death), his duty to family insists that he fire Everly. But his attraction to her is too strong, and when it appears that Maddox’s death was no accident, they are both caught up in a dangerous game of lies and mistrust. The clock is ticking and as the investigation takes a sinister turn, one of them could wind up dead– unless they can find out the truth and learn to trust each other.
It should be noted that while this book is quite lengthy, the full mystery of Maddox’s death remains unsolved though lots of things are revealed and there is a fair amount of action and suspense. If you are looking for a story with a complete resolution, you won’t find it here. However the romantic story arc between Gabriel and Everly is complete, and it’s clear that the next story will involve another of the perfect gentlemen even while continuing the suspense plot introduced in this one. The story has a lot going for it, with continual eyebrow-raising surprises from one chapter to the next. In fact, just when I thought I knew what was going on, I was blindsided by another plot twist, so if you enjoy that kind of story, you’ll definitely like this one.
The romance between Gabriel and Evelyn started out great, with their weekend of fun sexy times to forget their troubles. As the story progressed, I felt like their romance got overshadowed by the rest of the plot and they go through an on again/off again relationship. There was a lot of mistrust on Gabriel’s side in the beginning in believing that Everly hadn’t been sleeping with his friend (even though she’s quite truthful about their platonic relationship) and then once Gabriel has decided that he believes her, she freezes him out for a while too. The sex between them is definitely steamy and well written. But I would have liked to see them trusting each other a little sooner, the back and forth got a bit tiresome. Gabriel also starts out as a more alpha male character at the beginning, but kind of stepped back and his character didn’t have the same zing for me as it did at the start. I liked Everly and it was great to see a female character in the geeky computer role, though she did seem a bit naive to me at times and I felt like there were some computer issues that she should have been able to figure out sooner based on her job. Still, the two of them together made a likable couple. Gabriel does a good job of making Everly understand that she is beautiful even if she’s a bit curvier than his usual women.
By the end of the story there’s been a lot going on, many character introductions, and still unresolved plot lines that hopefully will be addressed in the next book in the series, which I’m looking forward to reading. 3.5 stars.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
Note 2 : this review appears as a blog post at: http://straightshootinbookreviews.com...
In this particular story, after we’re introduced to the main characters, it’s Gabriel, the billionaire aeronautics playboy, who will be searching for his happy ever after. When he meets a lovely woman at a bar after his best friend’s funeral, a one-night stand quickly turns into a whole weekend of passionate lovemaking. But come Monday, when it turns out the woman he was with, Everly, worked for Maddox in cyber security and that the company has become Gabriel’s via Maddox’s will, their anonymous encounter has far-reaching implications. Rumors abound that Everly and Maddox were intimately involved, and as Gabriel’s pregnant sister had been involved with Maddox (who for unknown reasons had unceremoniously dumped her prior to his death), his duty to family insists that he fire Everly. But his attraction to her is too strong, and when it appears that Maddox’s death was no accident, they are both caught up in a dangerous game of lies and mistrust. The clock is ticking and as the investigation takes a sinister turn, one of them could wind up dead– unless they can find out the truth and learn to trust each other.
It should be noted that while this book is quite lengthy, the full mystery of Maddox’s death remains unsolved though lots of things are revealed and there is a fair amount of action and suspense. If you are looking for a story with a complete resolution, you won’t find it here. However the romantic story arc between Gabriel and Everly is complete, and it’s clear that the next story will involve another of the perfect gentlemen even while continuing the suspense plot introduced in this one. The story has a lot going for it, with continual eyebrow-raising surprises from one chapter to the next. In fact, just when I thought I knew what was going on, I was blindsided by another plot twist, so if you enjoy that kind of story, you’ll definitely like this one.
The romance between Gabriel and Evelyn started out great, with their weekend of fun sexy times to forget their troubles. As the story progressed, I felt like their romance got overshadowed by the rest of the plot and they go through an on again/off again relationship. There was a lot of mistrust on Gabriel’s side in the beginning in believing that Everly hadn’t been sleeping with his friend (even though she’s quite truthful about their platonic relationship) and then once Gabriel has decided that he believes her, she freezes him out for a while too. The sex between them is definitely steamy and well written. But I would have liked to see them trusting each other a little sooner, the back and forth got a bit tiresome. Gabriel also starts out as a more alpha male character at the beginning, but kind of stepped back and his character didn’t have the same zing for me as it did at the start. I liked Everly and it was great to see a female character in the geeky computer role, though she did seem a bit naive to me at times and I felt like there were some computer issues that she should have been able to figure out sooner based on her job. Still, the two of them together made a likable couple. Gabriel does a good job of making Everly understand that she is beautiful even if she’s a bit curvier than his usual women.
By the end of the story there’s been a lot going on, many character introductions, and still unresolved plot lines that hopefully will be addressed in the next book in the series, which I’m looking forward to reading. 3.5 stars.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
Note 2 : this review appears as a blog post at: http://straightshootinbookreviews.com...
November 18, 2015
Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales
Quick & Dirty: A one night stand, can two strangers figure out who killed Maddox before something happens to either one of them?
Opening Sentence: “Gabriel Bond really wanted to murder his best friend.”
The Review:
Gabriel is helping put together the funeral for his best friend Maddox, who also happens to be the father of Sarah’s unborn baby (Gabriel’s sister), when he meets Eve and decides to have a one night weekend with her. Eve or Everly is the head of cyber security for Maddox’s company and pretending to be someone else for the weekend just might help her deal with her boss’s death. After the weekend ends it soon becomes clear there is so much more going on here than a weekend. Eve finds out that Gabriel is a super rich playboy, and Gabriel hears rumors of Maddox’s affair with Everly, except he hasn’t quite figured out that Eve and Everly are the same person.
Before they even begin to figure out things between them Eve starts receiving texts from a mysterious informant who warns her not to get too close to Gabriel. Gabriel finds out that he is the number one suspect in Mad’s death and things just keep getting deeper and deeper. As Eve and Gabe get closer to each other, they also get in deeper trying to figure out why and who murdered Mad.
This is one where it was hard not to say so much more about the book to avoid spoilers. Some of the information doesn’t seem spoilery, but it is and you have to read this book without spoilers! This book was great, I really like Eve, she was super smart and really unwilling to put up with a lot of BS. Gabe was okay, but he did improve by the end of the book. The mystery was really good, I did suspect one of the people before it was revealed but I really didn’t get the whole picture until the author laid it out. Plus, there was so much in the revelation department that you really didn’t get a good feel for the whole ending until all the pieces were laid out.
Eve and Gabe are the romantic couple in this book, and they start off as strangers who fall in bed, than in love all while trying to figure out who to trust and solve Mad’s murder, with some help from the other Perfect Gentlemen. Considering this is a new series, I thought it was really bold that the authors’ killed off one of the Perfect Gentlemen in the first book. But a in some ways a smart move, because it really allows them to introduce the remaining group and get a sense of them before their books are even written. Plus, all of them are in the other books as well! So, if you like your romance shaken, not stirred, then read Scandal Never Sleeps! It’s got everything from mystery, to sex trafficking, murder and love!
Notable Scene:
“His words shook her to her core because the feel of him, of this shared pleasure, haunted her, too.”
“And this situation is going to get worse before it gets better.”
“She had until then to find everything she could about Maddox’s death and decide what she would do next.”
“It was time to figure out who her informant was and what the hell he knew.”
“As Everly stared at the woman, a flood of fear paralyzed her.”
FTC Advisory: Berkley/Penguin provided me with a copy of Scandal Never Sleeps. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
Quick & Dirty: A one night stand, can two strangers figure out who killed Maddox before something happens to either one of them?
Opening Sentence: “Gabriel Bond really wanted to murder his best friend.”
The Review:
Gabriel is helping put together the funeral for his best friend Maddox, who also happens to be the father of Sarah’s unborn baby (Gabriel’s sister), when he meets Eve and decides to have a one night weekend with her. Eve or Everly is the head of cyber security for Maddox’s company and pretending to be someone else for the weekend just might help her deal with her boss’s death. After the weekend ends it soon becomes clear there is so much more going on here than a weekend. Eve finds out that Gabriel is a super rich playboy, and Gabriel hears rumors of Maddox’s affair with Everly, except he hasn’t quite figured out that Eve and Everly are the same person.
Before they even begin to figure out things between them Eve starts receiving texts from a mysterious informant who warns her not to get too close to Gabriel. Gabriel finds out that he is the number one suspect in Mad’s death and things just keep getting deeper and deeper. As Eve and Gabe get closer to each other, they also get in deeper trying to figure out why and who murdered Mad.
This is one where it was hard not to say so much more about the book to avoid spoilers. Some of the information doesn’t seem spoilery, but it is and you have to read this book without spoilers! This book was great, I really like Eve, she was super smart and really unwilling to put up with a lot of BS. Gabe was okay, but he did improve by the end of the book. The mystery was really good, I did suspect one of the people before it was revealed but I really didn’t get the whole picture until the author laid it out. Plus, there was so much in the revelation department that you really didn’t get a good feel for the whole ending until all the pieces were laid out.
Eve and Gabe are the romantic couple in this book, and they start off as strangers who fall in bed, than in love all while trying to figure out who to trust and solve Mad’s murder, with some help from the other Perfect Gentlemen. Considering this is a new series, I thought it was really bold that the authors’ killed off one of the Perfect Gentlemen in the first book. But a in some ways a smart move, because it really allows them to introduce the remaining group and get a sense of them before their books are even written. Plus, all of them are in the other books as well! So, if you like your romance shaken, not stirred, then read Scandal Never Sleeps! It’s got everything from mystery, to sex trafficking, murder and love!
Notable Scene:
“His words shook her to her core because the feel of him, of this shared pleasure, haunted her, too.”
“And this situation is going to get worse before it gets better.”
“She had until then to find everything she could about Maddox’s death and decide what she would do next.”
“It was time to figure out who her informant was and what the hell he knew.”
“As Everly stared at the woman, a flood of fear paralyzed her.”
FTC Advisory: Berkley/Penguin provided me with a copy of Scandal Never Sleeps. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
August 16, 2015
Scandal Never Sleeps (The Perfect Gentlemen #1) by Shayla Black and Lexi Blake was AH-MAZING! The perfect combination of suspense, mystery and sexy! All of the things that keep me coming back for more.
Gabriel Bond - Mr. Bond, if you please - and Everly Parker mysteriously meet at a bar following the death of someone special in their lives. Neither realizes the connection between the two. What follows is copious amounts of fabulous sex, a mystery that seems to become more and more complex, The Perfect Gentlemen and superb sex.
I love, love, love this book! A well-written mystery that can't be figured out in the first 100 pages is one of my favorite things to read. Add smokin' hot sex, a couple who have off-the-pages intense chemistry and a couple of additional alpha men. SOLD! I'll take one of each please. Gabe. Dax. Connor. Zach. Roman. ALL MINE :) ~ Heather, 5 stars
~~~
Everly Parker is reeling over the death of her boss, Maddox “Mad” Crawford. Fear of the unknown future of her executive position sends Everly to the bar with her co-workers after Mad’s funeral. Upon meeting the hottest man she’s ever seen, Everly gives in to her need to forget and agrees to a one night stand.
Gabriel “Gabe” Bond has had a horrible week. He’s just buried one of his oldest and best friends and now he’s left cleaning up Mad’s messes. Grieving and needing to feel something other than the pain from his loss, Gabe gives in and spends what was supposed to be a one night stand with a gorgeous mystery woman, Eve.
What neither one can predict is that this one night stand is going to come back to haunt them—Gabe is Everly’s new boss and the tension is high. Along with this tension is a level of distrust and secrets that may be deadly if revealed. Secrets that have already killed Mad. Gabe and Everly need to put aside their feelings if they’re to figure out the real secret to Mad’s death.
Oh, I love a great romantic suspense! Especially a hot and dirty one! Scandal Never Sleeps ticks off all the boxes: intrigue, romance, hot and dirty sexy scenes, rich playboys, powerful friends, secrets and lies…did I mention hot and dirty sexy scenes?
I loved the interconnection with all of Gabe’s friends, who date back to the time spent in boarding school at the Creighton Academy. They know each other—their actions and reactions that which only lifelong friendships can foster. I can’t wait for the next book in the series! ~ Missy, 5 stars
Gabriel Bond - Mr. Bond, if you please - and Everly Parker mysteriously meet at a bar following the death of someone special in their lives. Neither realizes the connection between the two. What follows is copious amounts of fabulous sex, a mystery that seems to become more and more complex, The Perfect Gentlemen and superb sex.
I love, love, love this book! A well-written mystery that can't be figured out in the first 100 pages is one of my favorite things to read. Add smokin' hot sex, a couple who have off-the-pages intense chemistry and a couple of additional alpha men. SOLD! I'll take one of each please. Gabe. Dax. Connor. Zach. Roman. ALL MINE :) ~ Heather, 5 stars
~~~
Everly Parker is reeling over the death of her boss, Maddox “Mad” Crawford. Fear of the unknown future of her executive position sends Everly to the bar with her co-workers after Mad’s funeral. Upon meeting the hottest man she’s ever seen, Everly gives in to her need to forget and agrees to a one night stand.
Gabriel “Gabe” Bond has had a horrible week. He’s just buried one of his oldest and best friends and now he’s left cleaning up Mad’s messes. Grieving and needing to feel something other than the pain from his loss, Gabe gives in and spends what was supposed to be a one night stand with a gorgeous mystery woman, Eve.
What neither one can predict is that this one night stand is going to come back to haunt them—Gabe is Everly’s new boss and the tension is high. Along with this tension is a level of distrust and secrets that may be deadly if revealed. Secrets that have already killed Mad. Gabe and Everly need to put aside their feelings if they’re to figure out the real secret to Mad’s death.
Oh, I love a great romantic suspense! Especially a hot and dirty one! Scandal Never Sleeps ticks off all the boxes: intrigue, romance, hot and dirty sexy scenes, rich playboys, powerful friends, secrets and lies…did I mention hot and dirty sexy scenes?
I loved the interconnection with all of Gabe’s friends, who date back to the time spent in boarding school at the Creighton Academy. They know each other—their actions and reactions that which only lifelong friendships can foster. I can’t wait for the next book in the series! ~ Missy, 5 stars
March 28, 2023
I just have a thing for office romance stories even though I'm so against them in real life - I liked that issues were addressed here. Although I do think the "you're Everly not Eve and you lied about your name" was harped a bit too much/she "conceded" that too quickly because no? Fuck that shit?
I love that Gabriel Bond was like "ugh" to his name ... and of course I loved that he was so smitten with Eve. Also that he fucked up a few times - and had to face those consequences, that Eve didn't just let them slide.
And of course the book was crazy sexy hot.
[The "I love you" "Thank you" was ... so awesome. Extra bonus points love because I've done that before - but not in the same way because it was a nothing, obviously, but *verbally* it was verbatim which is awesome.]
Then all the friends. Loved the friends. I have ... oh gosh like no interest in the second book based on its premise but I do want to know about Connor ... I think I'm going to skip to book 4 (I know, I know ...) and then see. :)
I can definitely see myself re-reading this book.
I can't wait for Zack's book on some level, but on another level reading about a POTUS romance might like permanently damage my brain, considering our real life timeline.
... I actually almost hope Maddox isn't really dead, although I think that's too conspiracy theorist/ridiculous for this series BUT WHO THE HELL KNOWS.
I guess there had just been more direct interaction between Eve and Mad shown. So there is that.
C+ maybe B-
... although with re-reads solid B maybe B+ because this is my favorite of the series so far and Gabe + Everly <3
7/18/19 => I love Everly. >.> And I think the "brothers" are too mean to her considering what an Absolute Ass Gabe is to her. So thank god he says "ILY" first.
3/2/20 re-read. I read it COVER TO COVER - which doesn't always happen with my re-reads.
I definitely like it ... and it's my favorite of the series, and knowing what I do now... honestly I'd say this is probably a B
Everly does have slight moments of :| but overall she's SO KICKASS.
And Gabe is an IDIOT at parts but he's still kinda a manbaby until he meets Everly (and his bestie Maddox that whole stuff) - and once he figures out his shit he's SO SMITTEN and I love that shit <3
I wish there was more of the PGs and Everly TBH. She doesn't meet them in the best light ever, really, until the end when Dax is recovering and that little snippet is so sweet! I wish there was more.
I love that Gabriel Bond was like "ugh" to his name ... and of course I loved that he was so smitten with Eve. Also that he fucked up a few times - and had to face those consequences, that Eve didn't just let them slide.
And of course the book was crazy sexy hot.
[The "I love you" "Thank you" was ... so awesome. Extra bonus points love because I've done that before - but not in the same way because it was a nothing, obviously, but *verbally* it was verbatim which is awesome.]
Then all the friends. Loved the friends. I have ... oh gosh like no interest in the second book based on its premise but I do want to know about Connor ... I think I'm going to skip to book 4 (I know, I know ...) and then see. :)
I can definitely see myself re-reading this book.
I can't wait for Zack's book on some level, but on another level reading about a POTUS romance might like permanently damage my brain, considering our real life timeline.
... I actually almost hope Maddox isn't really dead, although I think that's too conspiracy theorist/ridiculous for this series BUT WHO THE HELL KNOWS.
I guess there had just been more direct interaction between Eve and Mad shown. So there is that.
C+ maybe B-
... although with re-reads solid B maybe B+ because this is my favorite of the series so far and Gabe + Everly <3
7/18/19 => I love Everly. >.> And I think the "brothers" are too mean to her considering what an Absolute Ass Gabe is to her. So thank god he says "ILY" first.
3/2/20 re-read. I read it COVER TO COVER - which doesn't always happen with my re-reads.
I definitely like it ... and it's my favorite of the series, and knowing what I do now... honestly I'd say this is probably a B
Everly does have slight moments of :| but overall she's SO KICKASS.
And Gabe is an IDIOT at parts but he's still kinda a manbaby until he meets Everly (and his bestie Maddox that whole stuff) - and once he figures out his shit he's SO SMITTEN and I love that shit <3
I wish there was more of the PGs and Everly TBH. She doesn't meet them in the best light ever, really, until the end when Dax is recovering and that little snippet is so sweet! I wish there was more.
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