Honor and duty are not always black and white—and when self-styled patriots take up arms against the government, the price of honor may be a life.
Blair Powell and Jane Graves have much in common and even more that sets them apart in an invisible battle raging on home soil. Blair’s father is the president of the United States, while Jane’s is a domestic terrorist bent on bringing about a new world order at the expense of the present one. When Blair takes to the campaign trail to support her father’s re-election, Cameron Roberts and the newest members of Blair’s security detail must protect the president and his daughter from foes bent on revenge. Jane and her secret ally within the president’s inner circle vow to destroy them all, at any cost.
Radclyffe has written over forty-five romance and romantic intrigue novels, dozens of short stories, and, writing as L.L. Raand, has authored a paranormal romance series, The Midnight Hunters. She has also edited Best Lesbian Romance 2009 through 2015 as well as multiple other anthologies. She is an eight-time Lambda Literary Award finalist in romance, mystery, and erotica—winning in both romance and erotica. A member of the Saints and Sinners Literary Hall of Fame, she is also an RWA Prism, Lories, Beanpot, Aspen Gold, and Laurel Wreath winner in multiple mainstream romance categories. In 2014, she received the Dr. James Duggins Outstanding Mid-Career Novelist award from the Lambda Literary Foundation. In 2004, she founded Bold Strokes Books, an independent LGBTQ publishing company, and in 2013, she founded the Flax Mill Creek Writers Retreat offering writing workshops to authors in all stages of their careers.
She states, “I began reading lesbian fiction at the age of twelve when I found a copy of Ann Bannon’s Beebo Brinker. That book and others like it convinced me that I was not alone, that there were other women who felt like I did. Our literature provides support and validation and very often, a lifeline, for members of our community throughout the world. I am proud and honored to be able to publish the many fine authors at Bold Strokes Books and to contribute in some small way to the words that celebrate the LGBTQ experience.”
Radclyffe lives with her partner, Lee, in New York state.
Despite the 'Honor' series being one of my favorites, I must admit I haven't been keeping up with the Powells. My last visit with Blair and Cam was four years ago with Honor 7 which was a little underwhelming except for the ending. But the huge explosion of lesfic in the past couple of years has really backed up my to-read list. Plus, catching up with the latest of Blair's outbursts and Cam's recklessness isn't very high on my list anyway. But, the book blurb from this latest Honor 9 really grabbed me. Finally, an antagonist that we can truly get into--not one of the usual hokey, power-hungry, one-dimensional bad guys who have pestered the first family so far. Could this 'Jane Graves' girl be as interesting as the phenomenal Valerie, who, in my book, holds the title of 'best supporting character' of all time? Are we seeing a multi-novel arc for her?
First, let me get this out of the way: Valerie is a complete no-show in this book. No mention. No nothing. This is all homeland security and secret service work, so it would be too much of a stretch to work her (she's CIA) into the action, or even the narrative. No worries though, because the plot chugs along at a fast pace, and our requisite new pair of lovers are there to pick up the slack in between.
Blair is her usual needy self (she wouldn't be Blair otherwise ;) but at least she is now more restrained and mature than ever (phew, after 9 books, she better be!) so most of her outbursts and fears are internalized. Cam is well, Cam--reliable, self-less, and still as indestructible as ever! I don't think there has ever been a book where Cam wasn't physically hurt in some way. I still fondly remember her 'angry looking scar' from Book 1. She's picked up quite a few more since then. Talk about being battle-scarred :)
No Honor book is complete without a new love story, of course. Radclyffe resorts to a very classic pairing this time. Femme reporter with stunning model-like looks gets plenty of attention from the guys but only has eyes for the quiet, loner, K9 agent who is more comfortable around her dog than people. Very cliche but it works. They've got good chemistry and their no-nonsense approach to starting a relationship is refreshing. But, and this is a big one. Still, I love that these two characters felt like original Radclyffe creations, rather than those transplanted or cloned from a previous book. A shout out too for using girl names this time.
The biggest winner here though is the plot--gripping, edge-of-your-seat and surprising. . The author is an expert at weaving love stories seamlessly into thrillers and it shows in this book, even with two love stories going on (and one of them is 9 books old!), I didn't get the urge to skip.
Going back to my raison d'etre for picking this book, the intriguing 'Jane Graves' was a bit of a disappointment. I was expecting her character to be more nuanced. .
In summary, I must say I'm pretty pleased that this age-old classic series still has some serious legs. The well hasn't run dry. The formula still works. And I'm not saying this just because I got a review copy from Netgalley. :)
BTW, people who have never heard of this series and would like to try it should really start at Book 1. You won't get many of the great character dynamics otherwise. Also, the original free version of it is probably still online somewhere.
God, I love this series. And I have to believe that Rad intended to end on this one because of the phenomenal conclusion. But no - four years later she released another (was it because of an overwhelming number of requests, I wonder??) But let's get back to this one first. Damn, it was good. As usual at the core of the story is Secret Service Agent Cameron Roberts and First Daughter Blair Powell, but in each installment a new couple/romance is introduced. And these two women - a secret service K-9 agent and journalist - were very likable and their chemistry was sex-y! And the voices Abby used for them? *swoon* I genuinely could listen to the woman all day long. Rad is a master of storytelling. She just is. And the more we get from her the better, as far as I'm concerned. I did miss some of my favorite characters from previous books - especially Valerie and Diane. The next installment - book 10 - is Cost of Honor. As most lesfic audiobook listeners are aware, for whatever reason Bold Strokes Books hired a new narrator to do it and the blowback was fierce. I've listened to the sample and know that I'll have to read the paperback rather than listen. The voices of these beloved characters are so ingrained in my head at this point that I just wouldn't be able to switch gears now. I read all but book 10 a very long time ago, so it was great revisiting it in audio form. I do look forward to the read because this series is exciting and disturbingly timely, as much of it has to do with domestic terrorism. If you haven't listened to the audio version, it really is a must. Rad and Craden are a fabulous combination.
This was the second time I read, this time around listened, to this book. I had it as a 5 star before and thought it was very good, especially being so far into the series. The audio was narrated by Abby Craden who is one of my favorites and does another great job. This time around, I found the main couple (for this book, as the couple for the series continues to be Cam/Blair) to be ok. What I love is how Radclyffe continues to find different ways to add to the story. Now the president is taking a trip on a train. The mains for the book are a journalist (which ties with the threat of the book nicely at the end) and a secret service but one that is in the K-9 unit. Loved the dog! Another solid installment for the series. Wanted to review it before the next book is out in Nov 2019!
awesome writing to the honor series...wonderful to see Cam and her team in action doing their thing again,plus there was also a love story blended in between Viv and Dusty which was not rush...loved it..action pack asual
Ok, I really hope this isn't the end. I'm seriously in withdrawal mode. Radclyffe can't leave it here. With all the twists and turns throughout the series I'd really like to see Jane move over from the dark side. There is so much more to gain from another few books to add to this series. I can't wait for 10, 11, 12 maybe 18. What can I say I love the books and both the stories and the characters. Radclyffe inserts realism into this series, nothing she writes gets you thinking 'yeah right!". The plots are scarily realistic. This series will blow your mind, and having you begging for more. Enjoy. Me, I'm gonna wait patiently for number 10.
Wow, I can't believe I finally finished all the books in this series. It was a great finish. I was a little worried about the title, but Radclyffe did not disappoint. It also featured the best kissing scene I can remember reading in any of Radclyff'e books, which is saying something. ;) I'd be happy to see more of Dusty. Perhaps she's in another of Radclyffe's books that I haven't yet read. I did not particularly care for the ending, and that's why it's a four-star instead of five-star book for me.
No Valarie anywhere in the story :( pleassssse bring her back in the next installment.
Having said that, I've enjoyed reading the 9th book in this series and watching the characters grow. Cam and Blair matured a lot over the last two books. Stark grew into her capacity now leading Blair's protection team. Throughout the story, you'll continue to see recurring characters from past books being part of the supporting cast (only missing Diane and Valarie). The tight and gripping plot though, was what made this book marvelous.
In a way, the plot wasn't entirely new, it still pretty much about escalating threats US president and the first daughter faces. This time though, the purpose of the threat imposed by the terrorist is to save her other sibling who was captured by Cam's team. I would say though I find Jane Graves a lot more intriguing as a character then Dusty/ Vivian, and I am wondering what would happen to her in the next book. I'm definitely looking forward to the next one in the series.
Blair, Cam, and the gang set out on the railways to start up the Presidents campaign for re-election. But a homegrown terrorist, Jane Graves, is still hell bent on her mission and she is enraged with the capture of her sister and the death of her father. She and her secret ally want their revenge. In this installment of the Honor Series we are also introduced to a new division of the Presidents security, the K-9 Unit. Dusty Nash and her K-9 partner Atlas meet Vivian Elliott, a reporter doing a story on her unit. They all accompany the president on his campaign. In the mist of which love begins to grow between Dusty and Vivian.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Wow I loved it, well written and interesting new characters, I'm sad this series ended. I'm more sad I didn't start it sooner. I look forward to reading more by this author, and totally recommend this series if you haven't read it yet.
This book is remarkably engaging as it thrillingly highlights the ever increasing suspense and threats against key people. The many folks identified are either protecting, reporting about, or attempting to kill POTUS, President of the United States, as he starts his reelection bid with a stunningly inspiring train ride through the heartland of America. On the threat side of the equation, there is a fabulously focused woman with serious schooling under her belt plus a nearly implacable single-mindedness on her mission. I found the time concentrating on the two intriguing couples along with the terrorist outstandingly fascinating in a manner I have never read before. It is a composite blending of love stories, and an amazingly well structured peril toward the highest level of government with an inside look at a woman instructed from birth and completely dedicated to what she, her family, and her followers feel is a freedom movement. Thoroughly spellbinding!
Technically the less significant couple within the big picture, but for me they are the more phenomenal, eye-opening, and stirring pair. One of the women is a new reporter on the White House beat for the Washington Gazette and the other woman is a relatively recent addition to the PPD, Presidential Protection Detail. Each woman is more than qualified to handle their new positions. However, they are extraordinarily open to a closer relationship that blossomed before my eyes during and after the reporter does a piece on the K9 division which focuses specifically on one team, Dusty Nash and her dog Atlas. The reporter, Vivian Eliot preferably Viv, is so startlingly polished, but marvelously poised and consistently develops a fantastic rapport with whomever she interviews. Dusty and Atlas are just startling and I was mesmerized. They are unquestionably an elite team stemming from an astonishing bond and impressive training. The story revolving around Viv and Dusty is so beautiful, enchanting, and deliciously hot. Yet this is just one of the many sub-plots supporting and expanding this captivating book putting it in a rarified spot...creatively conspicuous!
The primary couple is Blair and Cam. Blair is the president's daughter and Cam is her spouse. Right off the bat this means that the president is touring with his openly lesbian daughter and her partner. Spectacular! Blair is a rather complex woman with a bit of hair-trigger temper. Whether it is a campaign event or simply a presidential exposure outside of the White House, Blair feels fiercely constrained but at her core wishes to present herself as totally supportive of her father. Her marriage has undoubtedly given her an anchor, a focal point, and a wondrous expansion and foundation allowing her to perform her first daughter duties while reveling in her connection and love for Cam. Cameron Roberts is a secret service agent and that isn't going to change anytime soon, yet as Blair's wife she is primarily acting in an advisory capacity to the other PPD constituents. However, the political implications, the personal dynamics, and the ongoing preparedness to handle actual or possible threats overshadows everything all the time. It is a great change of pace and a super lovely encompassing scenario that Blair and Cam get to be so sensual in their alone times. In fact they are blisteringly hot on almost every possibly occasion. Their passion not only adds heat and dimension, but truly makes this couple luminescent. Nevertheless, as the president's train goes through some fairly conservative parts of the country, an openly lesbian couple within the first family definitely rattles some chains. Magnificently multi-layered!
This book is not to be missed. In fact, I cannot imagine anyone not finding something within it that charms and piques one's curiosity. Nevertheless, it is the astounding breadth, intricacy, and multiple lovers that simply blew me away. Dazzling and intense!
NOTE: This book was provided by Bold Strokes Books for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
The 9th book in the series, and my anticipation for it is as high as ever, since Cam and Blair are definitely one of my all-time-favourite couple ever. (I was constantly refreshing the BSB website on 1st July, just waiting for the link to buy the epub to appear, lol :x)
For a proper review, definitely check out Jem's awesome review. All I want to say is that Cam and Blair definitely still have it here, that X-factor/chemistry/IT that just makes them such a fantastic couple together. They just balance each other superbly, and their relationship is even better now I feel, because the raw passion of their attraction is enhanced by maturity and deep understanding of each other, though their desire for each other is as explosive and insatiable as ever, hehe. xD I definitely want to see them take that vacation that they alluded to here in the book. More time of them together is more than welcome. :D
The only gripe I have is.... why no Valerie (and Diane)!? :/ (Valerie-Where Art Thou??) Valerie is such an awesome character, awesome with a capital A, and to know that she does not even appear in this book, along with the always fun and flirty Diane, was such a huge bummer. :( Anyway, I really hope Valerie makes it into the next book, with a longer arc or even better her own book! Now, that would be a fantastic way to celebrate the 10th book in this series for sure. ;)
I "read" this book via Audible. Abby Craden's voice is generally like nails on a chalk board for me, however, of all the characters in this series, the voice Abby used for Dusty Nash was perfect. It made me wish this series, and Dusty's character, would continue for another 5 novels. Very much enjoyed this series and the adventure is took me on. A little overkill (pun intended) with the same terror threats over and over again, but still enjoyed Cam, Blair and Stark, and the occasional inserts of Loren, Sky, Viv and, sigh... Dusty.
Loved this one. It's a solid entry in the series. Blair and Cam are great as always, and I liked the new couple a whole lot too. I'm hoping we'll get to see more of some of the old characters again in future books, but for this one, I understood why they weren't there.
What can I say Dan it know we have to wait for radclyffe write the next Installment. I am just going to sound like other times storyline was out of this world and the characters were great. I really loved Dusty and Vivian, I hope they come back.
Sorry it's over. Oh, how I'm going to miss Cam, and Blair too. This series grabbed me like no other I have read. And I read the entire series in very short order. I wonder whether I will revisit this story, but I think I will, as I will miss Cameron Roberts a little too much. Now to the book. Eh, it wasn't one of Radclyffe's best efforts. It seemed almost as though she just wanted to get it over with, which I can understand. The relationship between Dusty and Viv was awesome, and I loved the parallel track they took in the story. The end. A little anticlimactic. I was really expecting a bang of an ending, literally, but everything seemed to defuse before anything happened, and that was disappointing. It's not as if I wanted anything to happened to anyone, it's just too bad things weren't allowed to develop a little more before the end. The little twist at the end was predictable, but satisfying, nevertheless. Now I am left with nowhere to go but on to another series, or even another author. Perhaps, I'll give Radclyffe a rest for a while, I'm not sure. I do want to thank the author, for writing this, and overall, it was immensely enjoyable.
Fantastic series! I’ve devoured the books back to back within the last two month and am sad and excited to reach #9.
Seeing Blair and Cam grow through out this series has excelled my expectations. Yes they aren’t perfect and from it but they give strength to each other and support one another in their complicated and dangerous lives ever step of the way.
One thing I missed a lot in this novel was ‘Valerie’ she was a complete no show. Considering her skill set she could have been an incredible asset during the final chapters.
One thing that caught me by surprise was the use of drones, such a neat twist! Jane Graves started strong as a character but filled out a bit near the end for me, I think she could have had further development in the story.
Based on where we left of sounds like Russo finally got what’s coming to him!! Or did he lol ?? I hope it’s fair to say we’ve got another book ( and hopefully a few more) coming our way ;)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
📍 “She was seriously in lust and dangerously in like. Both feelings were incredibly pleasant and equally terrifying.”
📍 “The only time she’d ever felt anything even close was the always-present link she shared with Atlas. He pushed back the dark corners of loneliness. Viv did more than that—she opened a door to possibility.”
📍 “They shoot presidents, they blow up buildings filled with innocents, they send planes to crash into the Pentagon. These things DO happen here.” • ~ • ~ • ~ •
I loved following the journey of Kenzie & Lennox & their relationship!!! Felt very realistic in the struggles, difficulties & obstacles in pursuing love. 📌 Loved the journey of attraction, recognition, understanding & love as it developed & intensified between Cam & Blair— & all their friends, colleagues & all the people critical in saving their lives!!
The more I read of Radclyffe's books the more I grow to like them. Her characters are interesting, her plot lines are believable and show strong women in sometimes in less traditional occupations and always assertive women in hot, sexy relationships. This book involves the Secret Service and K-9 units, POTUS and his family, life in the White House and beyond with a thriller thrown in for good measure. I would love to see more Dusty and Viv moving forward. Terrific read.
Talk about new relationships! and this one with a beautiful dog :-) Rusty and Vivian are another great addition to all the amazing female characters, and hope the author continues to introduce more powerful women.
I like that the storyline in this book was more believable and liked it overall. Almost getting to finding closure to this series, or at least that's what I'm thinking. Hope to the next one ends with a bang, and no, not that kind... just great ending for all these amazing characters.
It's always the same in all his books, the only thing that changes is the name of the character, is completely predictable (And I'm going to do the same with my reviews)
Assigned to protect her, an attractive Secret Service agent falls for the Presidents equally beautiful daughter. A deep conspiracy to overthrow the government keeps the agent and her detail busy protecting the woman she loves and the President from assassins. The main characters are rich, as are all the secondary characters. There are nine books, this is the last, and they are all filled with romance and action.
It’s a great series? Start from the beginning. All nine books are on Audible, the narrator, Abby Craden, is the best I’ve heard, she really brings the story alive.
Thanks to Radclyffe, the author, for a great ride. Enjoy!
Feels like this book is not the end of Honor series. Also storyline was not that intense as in previous books. May be it seemed to me. Good one as always
I was able to read this book courtesy of NetGalley.
This installment continues the ongoing plot of the series; strike at the White House. The action is crisp, well thought out, and the method was a surprise.
I enjoyed the new characters for the book, but then, I am a dog lover. They are a nice side romance; their interaction in the main plot could have been reduced to a few pages if not less. It made a nice contrast to the normal franticness the main characters usually go through.
Speaking of the main characters, they matured in this book.
Finally, while I expected the action in the epilogue, it brings up a question that will have to be answered in the next book.
I look forward to it, just hope it doesn't take two years this time.
I read this series in order over a three week period of time. I absolutely loved it. I became really invested in the main characters as well as the continuing story. Certainly some books were tighter than others but as a series they played well together. I especially began to appreciate the work of those who protect the presidency regardless of how realistic it was portrayed. It was interesting. Of course even though all the books followed the formula, each ended with a kick. And though others have criticized the introduction of new characters, they all played well in the development of the overall series. I feel a sense of loss since finishing the series, as if I'm missing good friends! It's been awhile since I have read anything I have enjoyed as much, regardless of the genre. Kudos to Radclyffe for such an engaging series.
I'm FAIRLY certain I missed a book in this series somewhere, but the novel is written well enough tht you get the bits you missed, more or less.
Interesting book in that we have Cam faced against a enemy who is pretty much a opposite number to her and whom pretty much holds her own against her. Arguably they pretty much fight to a draw.
Looking forward to the next book, considering the ending....