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The Goodwill Gesture
Love does not follow a perfect scenario.
When Zac Chambers first lays eyes on Darcy there is an instant attraction. There is also an instant violation of Navy policy if they have anything other than a professional working relationship. Zac must confine any lust he has for his lady boss to the corners of his mind.
Darcy Novak is an ambitious, cultured woman trying to make it in a man's world. She's determined to prove she can cut it as an officer in charge of repairing submarines despite some colleagues' negative attitude toward her and wanting to see her fail. What she needs is an ally.
Zac's efforts to fly under the radar catch Darcy's attention and wind up impressing her. When she asks for his help, he's seduced by her position of power and can't refuse, becoming her unlikely collaborator. While they strive to keep their relationship professional, the chemistry between them is too magical to ignore.
As the attraction grows stronger, the passion is unavoidable and clandestine meetings become sordid. Life gets more complicated when a co-worker is after Zac's affection, forcing him into a web of lies. His quick thinking leads him to outsmarting himself, destroying everything he had.
He must sacrifice everything if he has any chance of keeping the woman he loves – even if it means going to prison. Or can he beat the system one more time and have it all?
Their love cannot be governed by rules and regulations, but the consequences can.
When Zac Chambers first lays eyes on Darcy there is an instant attraction. There is also an instant violation of Navy policy if they have anything other than a professional working relationship. Zac must confine any lust he has for his lady boss to the corners of his mind.
Darcy Novak is an ambitious, cultured woman trying to make it in a man's world. She's determined to prove she can cut it as an officer in charge of repairing submarines despite some colleagues' negative attitude toward her and wanting to see her fail. What she needs is an ally.
Zac's efforts to fly under the radar catch Darcy's attention and wind up impressing her. When she asks for his help, he's seduced by her position of power and can't refuse, becoming her unlikely collaborator. While they strive to keep their relationship professional, the chemistry between them is too magical to ignore.
As the attraction grows stronger, the passion is unavoidable and clandestine meetings become sordid. Life gets more complicated when a co-worker is after Zac's affection, forcing him into a web of lies. His quick thinking leads him to outsmarting himself, destroying everything he had.
He must sacrifice everything if he has any chance of keeping the woman he loves – even if it means going to prison. Or can he beat the system one more time and have it all?
Their love cannot be governed by rules and regulations, but the consequences can.
Kindle Edition
Published February 26, 2016
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About the author
K.C. McKay
1 book17 followersI've been a freelance writer for a number of years writing articles using humor while exploring politics and travel mostly. I've recently decided to take things to the next level. Life is all about challenges, right?
A good friend of mine was in the Navy and if I had a nickel for every time he started a story with "When I was in the Navy..." I'd be retired. However, many of his stories are extremely entertaining. On top of that, I've spent a lifetime in a household of men. I know the male psyche.
So I came up with the idea about writing a romance novel about a guy in the Navy. Who doesn't love a sailor? On top of that, I like an underdog more than a fire-breathing Alpha male. Hence, Zac Chambers was created.
I took the challenge to a new level by writing a romance solely from the male POV - yes, with sex scenes!
THE GOODWILL GESTURE is set for release in late February 2016.
A good friend of mine was in the Navy and if I had a nickel for every time he started a story with "When I was in the Navy..." I'd be retired. However, many of his stories are extremely entertaining. On top of that, I've spent a lifetime in a household of men. I know the male psyche.
So I came up with the idea about writing a romance novel about a guy in the Navy. Who doesn't love a sailor? On top of that, I like an underdog more than a fire-breathing Alpha male. Hence, Zac Chambers was created.
I took the challenge to a new level by writing a romance solely from the male POV - yes, with sex scenes!
THE GOODWILL GESTURE is set for release in late February 2016.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
February 26, 2016
I am going to start this by saying that this book was nothing that I expected. First of all it was from a male point of view. It was great. It gave insights into how a man finds a woman and how he falls in love.
It tells how a man feels when he is faced with big burly marines and has no choice but to face them down. It was filled with humorous moments that made me laugh out loud.
Secondly the main character Zac Chambers was just always making a mess of things and getting into brawls when he did not mean to. He never even wanted to be on submarine duty. He had his naval career mapped out and it had included the Philippines not Scotland. But he was here and he was willing to do his part. He only wanted to find some sweet Scottish girl to share his evening on shore. Again he is not looking for trouble, it just finds him.
When he is introduced to his boss Lieutenant Darcy Novack. Zac tries to steer clear of her because he doesn’t want any trouble. He can’t help that he keeps thinking about her. He can’t help that he is unintentionally comparing her to the other girls he sees on and off the ship. Once again he realizes he doesn’t look for trouble, it just seems to find him. The circumstances for his building interest with Lieutenant Novack is very well written. She was a unexpected supporter of Zac, even when things looked bad.
The others on the ship and especially in the Pipe Shop, all have distinct personalities and that makes it a lively read. His co-worker Billy Earl is quite the character. He is from Kentucky and has the best way of handling people. He is hilarious. There are also some not so likable characters that cross Zac’s path, but Zac just tries to stay out of trouble. I will say I will never look at a backscratcher the same again.
I think that this was a wonderful book. The humor and the emotion in the book is so good. You pull for Zac and Darcy, even when things do not look good. Zac is personable and you really want things to turn out well for him. A great story. I am glad I was given the chance to read it. The book is a new release and I would say you should not miss reading it.
I was given a copy of the book by the author for an honest review.
It tells how a man feels when he is faced with big burly marines and has no choice but to face them down. It was filled with humorous moments that made me laugh out loud.
Secondly the main character Zac Chambers was just always making a mess of things and getting into brawls when he did not mean to. He never even wanted to be on submarine duty. He had his naval career mapped out and it had included the Philippines not Scotland. But he was here and he was willing to do his part. He only wanted to find some sweet Scottish girl to share his evening on shore. Again he is not looking for trouble, it just finds him.
When he is introduced to his boss Lieutenant Darcy Novack. Zac tries to steer clear of her because he doesn’t want any trouble. He can’t help that he keeps thinking about her. He can’t help that he is unintentionally comparing her to the other girls he sees on and off the ship. Once again he realizes he doesn’t look for trouble, it just seems to find him. The circumstances for his building interest with Lieutenant Novack is very well written. She was a unexpected supporter of Zac, even when things looked bad.
The others on the ship and especially in the Pipe Shop, all have distinct personalities and that makes it a lively read. His co-worker Billy Earl is quite the character. He is from Kentucky and has the best way of handling people. He is hilarious. There are also some not so likable characters that cross Zac’s path, but Zac just tries to stay out of trouble. I will say I will never look at a backscratcher the same again.
I think that this was a wonderful book. The humor and the emotion in the book is so good. You pull for Zac and Darcy, even when things do not look good. Zac is personable and you really want things to turn out well for him. A great story. I am glad I was given the chance to read it. The book is a new release and I would say you should not miss reading it.
I was given a copy of the book by the author for an honest review.
March 8, 2016
The Goodwill Gesture is by K.C. McKay. It is an interesting book and keeps your attention as the action carries you through the book.
Zac Chambers loves being in the Navy. He loves the weather in the Far East and loves picking up ladies at the stops they make. Senior Chief White persuaded him to re-enlist with a ten thousand dollar bonus and a cruise in the Far East. When Zac goes in to talk to him about his new assignment, White tells him his bonus was only a thousand dollars and he was being sent to Scotland. When in the Navy, you do what they tell you to. Zac didn’t like it but he headed for Scotland taking his anger with him.
When he gets to Scotland, he finds it is raining heavily so he is soaked as he sits in customs. When a beautiful lady sits by him, he begins to flirt which is his normal routine. While talking to her, he tells her his woes about being sent to Scotland and his anger at White. Zac manages to get himself in more trouble by opening his mouth than any other way. This time, he is talking to Lieutenant Novak, his boss; but he doesn’t know it yet.
He is assigned to repair submarines and is sent to the pipe department where he is to cut and bend the pipes to fit the submarines. He has no idea what he is to do but is given only a day to figure it out. Lt. Novak eventually tells him that he was sent to Scotland to help her catch his immediate supervisor, Master Chief Woods, in misbehavior and to help her clean up the problems here. Reluctantly, he agrees to help her. Now he can really get into trouble!
The book is hilarious as we follow Zac and his adventures with his new job. He gets into one mess after another without anyone’s help.
Zac Chambers loves being in the Navy. He loves the weather in the Far East and loves picking up ladies at the stops they make. Senior Chief White persuaded him to re-enlist with a ten thousand dollar bonus and a cruise in the Far East. When Zac goes in to talk to him about his new assignment, White tells him his bonus was only a thousand dollars and he was being sent to Scotland. When in the Navy, you do what they tell you to. Zac didn’t like it but he headed for Scotland taking his anger with him.
When he gets to Scotland, he finds it is raining heavily so he is soaked as he sits in customs. When a beautiful lady sits by him, he begins to flirt which is his normal routine. While talking to her, he tells her his woes about being sent to Scotland and his anger at White. Zac manages to get himself in more trouble by opening his mouth than any other way. This time, he is talking to Lieutenant Novak, his boss; but he doesn’t know it yet.
He is assigned to repair submarines and is sent to the pipe department where he is to cut and bend the pipes to fit the submarines. He has no idea what he is to do but is given only a day to figure it out. Lt. Novak eventually tells him that he was sent to Scotland to help her catch his immediate supervisor, Master Chief Woods, in misbehavior and to help her clean up the problems here. Reluctantly, he agrees to help her. Now he can really get into trouble!
The book is hilarious as we follow Zac and his adventures with his new job. He gets into one mess after another without anyone’s help.
March 8, 2016
The Goodwill Gesture is a fun and enjoyable stand-alone contemporary romance with lots of twists and turns throughout.
Told from the perspective of Zac Chambers, a twenty-four year old 'enlisted guy' who is sent to Scotland instead of Philippines by his Senior Chief.
It is not your typical romance read and Zac's relationship with Darcy develops over time despite set-backs and twists that are thrown their way. Zac has the habit of landing himself into trouble without trying, he has a smart mouth but you sense underneath he has a good heart and tries to do the right thing, even when, as the reader you might be shouting at him "don't do it!"
Darcy Novak, is his senior and is a strong female, who doesn't let her guard down easily. She has a great sense of self and knowing what she wants and despite the risks gives Zac a chance.
The secondary characters throughout are interesting and described well, I had no trouble picturing each one of them.
For me the only drawback was that in only hearing Zac's voice, sometimes his thoughts seemed a little immature and Darcy, although only a few years older seemed a lot older and wiser.
The Goodwill Gesture is well written and I thought the pace was steady throughout. It is both engaging and humorous from the opening lines making it a fun and enjoyable read.
Told from the perspective of Zac Chambers, a twenty-four year old 'enlisted guy' who is sent to Scotland instead of Philippines by his Senior Chief.
It is not your typical romance read and Zac's relationship with Darcy develops over time despite set-backs and twists that are thrown their way. Zac has the habit of landing himself into trouble without trying, he has a smart mouth but you sense underneath he has a good heart and tries to do the right thing, even when, as the reader you might be shouting at him "don't do it!"
Darcy Novak, is his senior and is a strong female, who doesn't let her guard down easily. She has a great sense of self and knowing what she wants and despite the risks gives Zac a chance.
The secondary characters throughout are interesting and described well, I had no trouble picturing each one of them.
For me the only drawback was that in only hearing Zac's voice, sometimes his thoughts seemed a little immature and Darcy, although only a few years older seemed a lot older and wiser.
The Goodwill Gesture is well written and I thought the pace was steady throughout. It is both engaging and humorous from the opening lines making it a fun and enjoyable read.
March 8, 2016
A fun read
The Goodwill Gesture is a stand-alone contemporary romance with lots of twists and turns throughout.
Told from the perspective of young Zac Chambers, a twenty- four year old 'enlisted guy' who is sent to Scotland instead of the Philippines by his Senior Chief.
It is not your typical romance read and Zac's relationship with Darcy develops overtime despite setbacks and twists that are thrown their way. Zac has the habit of landing himself in trouble without trying, he has a smart mouth but you sense underneath he has a good heart and tries to do the right thing, even when, as the reader you might be shouting at him 'don't do it!'
Darcy Novak, is his senior and is a strong female, who doesn't let her guard down easily. She has a great sense of self and knowing what she wants and despite the risks gives Zac a chance.
For me the only drawback was that in only hearing Zac's voice, sometimes his thoughts seemed a little immature and Darcy, although only a few years older seemed a lot older and wiser.
The Goodwill Gesture is well written and I thought the pace was steady throughout. It is both engaging and humorous from the opening lines making it a fun and enjoyable read.
The Goodwill Gesture is a stand-alone contemporary romance with lots of twists and turns throughout.
Told from the perspective of young Zac Chambers, a twenty- four year old 'enlisted guy' who is sent to Scotland instead of the Philippines by his Senior Chief.
It is not your typical romance read and Zac's relationship with Darcy develops overtime despite setbacks and twists that are thrown their way. Zac has the habit of landing himself in trouble without trying, he has a smart mouth but you sense underneath he has a good heart and tries to do the right thing, even when, as the reader you might be shouting at him 'don't do it!'
Darcy Novak, is his senior and is a strong female, who doesn't let her guard down easily. She has a great sense of self and knowing what she wants and despite the risks gives Zac a chance.
For me the only drawback was that in only hearing Zac's voice, sometimes his thoughts seemed a little immature and Darcy, although only a few years older seemed a lot older and wiser.
The Goodwill Gesture is well written and I thought the pace was steady throughout. It is both engaging and humorous from the opening lines making it a fun and enjoyable read.
February 18, 2016
I really liked this book. No, I actually LOVED it! It was a little different reading an entire romance from the male POV only, but Zac was so interesting and I loved his voice. What made this a great romance was the fact that the author took the time to build the story. This was not a cliché alpha male and virgin girl who hook up on the first date book, but rather Darcy is the sophisticated Navy officer and an affair with Zac is off limits.
Now, you want to take about funny? I was hysterical with laughter. Zac's sidekick, Billy Earl, had me cracking up everytime he was on the pages. And there was a scene with a backscratcher which was pure gold. Throughout the book Zac thinks he being clever, but his plans usually backfire and he digs himself deeper and deeper in trouble. Throw in a nympho who's after Zac and this goes down as one of the funniest books I've read with more twists and turns than an amusement park ride.
If you want to laugh and root for an underdog, this book is just the ticket.
Five big fat shiny stars!
An ARC was provided for an honest review.
Now, you want to take about funny? I was hysterical with laughter. Zac's sidekick, Billy Earl, had me cracking up everytime he was on the pages. And there was a scene with a backscratcher which was pure gold. Throughout the book Zac thinks he being clever, but his plans usually backfire and he digs himself deeper and deeper in trouble. Throw in a nympho who's after Zac and this goes down as one of the funniest books I've read with more twists and turns than an amusement park ride.
If you want to laugh and root for an underdog, this book is just the ticket.
Five big fat shiny stars!
An ARC was provided for an honest review.
May 8, 2020
This book centers on the relationship of Zac and Darcy. It’s told through Zac’s POV. Zac is a petty officer in the Navy and reenlisted only to be screwed out of a bonus and choice of duty station. He sets of to Scotland and his new life aboard the Anticipation and meets Darcy his Lieutenant. The story centers around their struggle to be together despite the navy’s no fraternization rules. Overall the story was a sweet romance with very little conflict besides the navy’s rules and the catalytic event near the end. The dialogue was very bland and it was obviously written by someone without heavy ties to the military. I enjoyed the way it was written from zacs pov because that’s not something you see very often. Also that it was the woman in the power position. The sex scenes were awful( minus the splits) and the language used in them were cringeworthy. The premise was fantastic and I loved everything zac did to try and be worthy of her. It’s a slow starter but I liked that the characters had real life consequences for their actions everything wasn’t all peachy throughout the story. Overall sweet romance that took a trope and flipped it and made it fresh.
August 27, 2020
Nope.
2% in and the hero, Zac, is a complete egotistical, sexist, butt-face who objectifies women.
Opens up with him getting two women drunk, not caring for their names and dubbing them "Betty big tits" and "Esther Eskimo" and giving a false name of his own.
Also, his reason for signing up for another 4 years in the Navy is:
1. Shagging Filipino women at every port- apparently being an officer is like being a "gigolo" and this is a perk.
2. getting drunk and then doing no.1
3. £10,000 bonus that turns out to only be £1,000 (anyone see karma, being a super-bitch? Ha!)
When Zac is then told he'll be based in Scotland on a none battleship, instead of the Philippines he's pissed that he is going to be sharing a ship/sub or whatever with women. God forbid someone without testicles would be working with him and not just laying on her back. And just because he cannot understand a scottish accent, his inner monologue dubs the Scotsman at customs a "dumb-shit".
Urgh.... I cannot read a book with this male as a main character.
What. An. Pillock.....
Quickest DNF I've ever had.
2% in and the hero, Zac, is a complete egotistical, sexist, butt-face who objectifies women.
Opens up with him getting two women drunk, not caring for their names and dubbing them "Betty big tits" and "Esther Eskimo" and giving a false name of his own.
Also, his reason for signing up for another 4 years in the Navy is:
1. Shagging Filipino women at every port- apparently being an officer is like being a "gigolo" and this is a perk.
2. getting drunk and then doing no.1
3. £10,000 bonus that turns out to only be £1,000 (anyone see karma, being a super-bitch? Ha!)
When Zac is then told he'll be based in Scotland on a none battleship, instead of the Philippines he's pissed that he is going to be sharing a ship/sub or whatever with women. God forbid someone without testicles would be working with him and not just laying on her back. And just because he cannot understand a scottish accent, his inner monologue dubs the Scotsman at customs a "dumb-shit".
Urgh.... I cannot read a book with this male as a main character.
What. An. Pillock.....
Quickest DNF I've ever had.
February 3, 2016
I was really excited to read this! The synopsis really drew me in.
Unfortunately I found it slow to get in to and it never really changed. Now it was incredibly well-written and descriptive and I really enjoyed that but I think at the end of the day it perhaps wasn't for me.
I enjoyed initially reading the male POV but I feel this book may have benefited from dual POV so female readers can relate a little more.
However, I would definitely read something from this author again and this book is definitely worth checking out for yourself.
*The author of this book very generously gave me a free copy in exchange for my honest review. Thank you!
Unfortunately I found it slow to get in to and it never really changed. Now it was incredibly well-written and descriptive and I really enjoyed that but I think at the end of the day it perhaps wasn't for me.
I enjoyed initially reading the male POV but I feel this book may have benefited from dual POV so female readers can relate a little more.
However, I would definitely read something from this author again and this book is definitely worth checking out for yourself.
*The author of this book very generously gave me a free copy in exchange for my honest review. Thank you!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews