What do you think?
Rate this book
D.C. Files #1
Serve & Protect
What happens when you fall in love in the heart of politics?
Sam Daniels' life turns upside down when he meets an amazing guy and gets a job offer he can't refuse almost at the same time. Working in politics and sustaining any kind of personal life is never easy, but when you're running a campaign to elect the first woman to the office of the President of the United States, it may become nearly impossible.
Blake Morin, after spending years as a SEAL, lives a quiet life with his daughter and he's fine with that. He can't deny the attraction between him and Sam, but is he ready to enter the world he used to avoid?
Sam Daniels' life turns upside down when he meets an amazing guy and gets a job offer he can't refuse almost at the same time. Working in politics and sustaining any kind of personal life is never easy, but when you're running a campaign to elect the first woman to the office of the President of the United States, it may become nearly impossible.
Blake Morin, after spending years as a SEAL, lives a quiet life with his daughter and he's fine with that. He can't deny the attraction between him and Sam, but is he ready to enter the world he used to avoid?
131 pages, ebook
First published May 28, 2015
92 people are currently reading
386 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
November 5, 2015
The sequel is coming Nov. 13!
Campaign manger MC Sam Daniels is hanging out at a Washington DC bar, lamenting the fact that his boss is retiring and he doesn’t know what to do next. Ex Navy SEAL and current flight instructor at the US Naval Test Pilot School, Blake Morin sees Sam and asks if he can have a seat at Sam’s table in the very crowded bar. The men have a nice, casual discussion and Sam starts to feel a lot better about his future unknown. Eventually, the boys flirt a little bit and find out they are both gay and the attraction is mutual. So, this is the part where the run off to fuck like bunnies and eventually fall in love, the end. Right? Not even close!
One of the many things I found so refreshing and sweet about Serve & Protect was the fact that these boys decided to take their mutual attraction down a few notches and actually have a few dates before jumping into bed. It made for a serious hot first time, filled with emotion. As it turns out, Blake Meanwhile, Sam has just taken a new position which will include long hours and lots and lots of travel for the next 2 years. Sam is up front with Blake right away too, telling him that this job is very important to him and if he and Blake start a relationship, it might not be smooth sailing because of all the time they will be separated. But after voicing each of their concerns, they decide to give a relationship a go. The rest of the book spans 18 months, until the end of Sam’s position.
I really, really enjoyed this book, especially with how mature and honest the MCs were and how hot that made the sex. They struggled with many common obstacles and dealt with them calmly with lots of discussion. As much as I love a good lover’s quarrel, ending in awesome make-up sex, that just did not happen here. The boys really wanted to make their young, fragile relationship work and did a great job communicating their frustration and needs to one another.
There were a few problems I had with the book. The fact that the boys never did have a big blow-out fight was kind of a bummer. I found myself waiting for everything to blow-up because of the incredible stress both men were under, but it never did. Another big problem I had is that since the story is told from Sam’s POV, we never got to go to work with Blake and see what he does as a Navy pilot. And since the two rarely talked about it, were got next to no information. Also, even though the HEA was implied and both men were deeply in love in the end, the book ended after a very stressful moment so we weren’t able to see any of the fallout and/or peace after said moment. This is definitely a book that I’d read a sequel to see exactly how the boys ended up. Since the book is the first in the DC Files series, I may get my wish.
I can recommend this low-angst love story to all M/M romance fans. It was honest and mature and very real. I wish nothing but love and luck for Sam and Blake in all their future endeavors!
Posted ay Gay Book Reviews.
UPDATE: I just heard from the author herself that Sam and Blake WILL be in the sequel! *claps*
Campaign manger MC Sam Daniels is hanging out at a Washington DC bar, lamenting the fact that his boss is retiring and he doesn’t know what to do next. Ex Navy SEAL and current flight instructor at the US Naval Test Pilot School, Blake Morin sees Sam and asks if he can have a seat at Sam’s table in the very crowded bar. The men have a nice, casual discussion and Sam starts to feel a lot better about his future unknown. Eventually, the boys flirt a little bit and find out they are both gay and the attraction is mutual. So, this is the part where the run off to fuck like bunnies and eventually fall in love, the end. Right? Not even close!
One of the many things I found so refreshing and sweet about Serve & Protect was the fact that these boys decided to take their mutual attraction down a few notches and actually have a few dates before jumping into bed. It made for a serious hot first time, filled with emotion. As it turns out, Blake Meanwhile, Sam has just taken a new position which will include long hours and lots and lots of travel for the next 2 years. Sam is up front with Blake right away too, telling him that this job is very important to him and if he and Blake start a relationship, it might not be smooth sailing because of all the time they will be separated. But after voicing each of their concerns, they decide to give a relationship a go. The rest of the book spans 18 months, until the end of Sam’s position.
I really, really enjoyed this book, especially with how mature and honest the MCs were and how hot that made the sex. They struggled with many common obstacles and dealt with them calmly with lots of discussion. As much as I love a good lover’s quarrel, ending in awesome make-up sex, that just did not happen here. The boys really wanted to make their young, fragile relationship work and did a great job communicating their frustration and needs to one another.
There were a few problems I had with the book. The fact that the boys never did have a big blow-out fight was kind of a bummer. I found myself waiting for everything to blow-up because of the incredible stress both men were under, but it never did. Another big problem I had is that since the story is told from Sam’s POV, we never got to go to work with Blake and see what he does as a Navy pilot. And since the two rarely talked about it, were got next to no information. Also, even though the HEA was implied and both men were deeply in love in the end, the book ended after a very stressful moment so we weren’t able to see any of the fallout and/or peace after said moment. This is definitely a book that I’d read a sequel to see exactly how the boys ended up. Since the book is the first in the DC Files series, I may get my wish.
I can recommend this low-angst love story to all M/M romance fans. It was honest and mature and very real. I wish nothing but love and luck for Sam and Blake in all their future endeavors!
Posted ay Gay Book Reviews.
UPDATE: I just heard from the author herself that Sam and Blake WILL be in the sequel! *claps*
March 17, 2019
2.5 stars rounded up because there were no Republicans.
I needed a LGBTQ political romance for a reading challenge. Much to my dismay, I kept finding romances featuring gay Republicans. Look, when Jabba the Trump and Mike “conversion therapy is good” Pence have banned transgender people from the military, argued that employers can discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation, and rescinded directives protecting LGBTQ students...well...I...
Nope.com. My rage would overflow.
While contemplating his future in a bar, Democratic political aide Sam meets Blake, a former Navy Seal and single dad to six-year-old Olivia. The attraction is immediate, and they arrange a date. Days later, a female Democratic presidential candidate taps Sam as her campaign manager. Sam knows that his life will become chaotic, but he and Blake agree to try dating. As the campaign progresses, the two men navigate a long-distance relationship.
Seek & Find had enjoyable aspects. The writing was solid. But much of the story felt superficially drawn. We experience some key moments between the men, but others are glossed over or occur off-page. I preferred workaholic Sam, mainly because Blake wouldn’t stand up to his annoying mother (and on the subject of mothers, Mia was terrible and it irritated me that Sam felt guilty for not seeing Olivia enough).
Haters of angst can rejoice that there is no conflict here. Issues arise, but they are quickly resolved and the two men never have an argument or consider breaking up. It didn’t work so well for me because it seemed to emphasize the subdued emotions and the low stakes to their relationship. It wasn’t a matter of adding angst but adding realism to the story. And speaking of realism, in what world would the Democratic candidate campaign in Alabama and there would be suspense over her winning California?!
I don’t know that I liked the story enough to continue the series, but I did appreciate the more refreshing and sweet moments. And a woman President? Here is a glimpse of my dream ticket (if Beto doesn't run):
Read for SBTB January - March 2019 Quarterly Challenge: A book with a character involved in politics.
I needed a LGBTQ political romance for a reading challenge. Much to my dismay, I kept finding romances featuring gay Republicans. Look, when Jabba the Trump and Mike “conversion therapy is good” Pence have banned transgender people from the military, argued that employers can discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation, and rescinded directives protecting LGBTQ students...well...I...
Nope.com. My rage would overflow.
While contemplating his future in a bar, Democratic political aide Sam meets Blake, a former Navy Seal and single dad to six-year-old Olivia. The attraction is immediate, and they arrange a date. Days later, a female Democratic presidential candidate taps Sam as her campaign manager. Sam knows that his life will become chaotic, but he and Blake agree to try dating. As the campaign progresses, the two men navigate a long-distance relationship.
Seek & Find had enjoyable aspects. The writing was solid. But much of the story felt superficially drawn. We experience some key moments between the men, but others are glossed over or occur off-page. I preferred workaholic Sam, mainly because Blake wouldn’t stand up to his annoying mother (and on the subject of mothers, Mia was terrible and it irritated me that Sam felt guilty for not seeing Olivia enough).
Haters of angst can rejoice that there is no conflict here. Issues arise, but they are quickly resolved and the two men never have an argument or consider breaking up. It didn’t work so well for me because it seemed to emphasize the subdued emotions and the low stakes to their relationship. It wasn’t a matter of adding angst but adding realism to the story. And speaking of realism, in what world would the Democratic candidate campaign in Alabama and there would be suspense over her winning California?!
I don’t know that I liked the story enough to continue the series, but I did appreciate the more refreshing and sweet moments. And a woman President? Here is a glimpse of my dream ticket (if Beto doesn't run):
Read for SBTB January - March 2019 Quarterly Challenge: A book with a character involved in politics.
November 17, 2015
3.5 stars
For a story with a political backdrop, about a gay campaign manager for a female Presidential candidate and an ex-Navy SEAL with a six-year old daughter, this story is surprisingly angst and conflict free. Which could be a good or a bad thing ...
Sam was upfront with Blake about what to expect, should Blake wanted to continue with the relationship. There would be LONG working hours for Sam. There would be weeks and weeks of Sam traveling across the country, which means that he and Blake could only communicate through other means. It would be a tough long distance relationship and it was definitely NOT an ideal time to start a relationship.
That fact was quite refreshing for me; it was nice to see an MC who was quite mature in his expectations.
Like I said, the book was really conflict free. There was no big drama or a blow-out between the two men. Blake said that he would give it a try and he was quite committed. There were no 'tantrum-throwing' moments. Their families were quite supportive, even if Blake's mother was a little stand-offish towards Sam at first. Sam connecting with Olivia (Blake's daughter) quite well, and Olivia was also a nice little girl.
Heck, even Sam's sexuality status was not written as a huge deal. Yep, he was a gay campaign manager, but that was it. No cross burning in the media, no rampant attack on his 'lifestyle'. There were scenes of reporters coming to Blake's house but even that one was quite short.
So, really, it depends on what you're looking for in your reading. As for me, I quite welcome the change. It's nice to read positivity in a setting where being an LGBT could be huge source of drama (I mean, it's POLITIC! There is a reason why I stay away from reading THOSE in real life). It is also lovely to have a BISEXUAL character. I don't know what the next story will be about, but I guess I will check out the sequel :)
For a story with a political backdrop, about a gay campaign manager for a female Presidential candidate and an ex-Navy SEAL with a six-year old daughter, this story is surprisingly angst and conflict free. Which could be a good or a bad thing ...
Sam was upfront with Blake about what to expect, should Blake wanted to continue with the relationship. There would be LONG working hours for Sam. There would be weeks and weeks of Sam traveling across the country, which means that he and Blake could only communicate through other means. It would be a tough long distance relationship and it was definitely NOT an ideal time to start a relationship.
That fact was quite refreshing for me; it was nice to see an MC who was quite mature in his expectations.
Like I said, the book was really conflict free. There was no big drama or a blow-out between the two men. Blake said that he would give it a try and he was quite committed. There were no 'tantrum-throwing' moments. Their families were quite supportive, even if Blake's mother was a little stand-offish towards Sam at first. Sam connecting with Olivia (Blake's daughter) quite well, and Olivia was also a nice little girl.
Heck, even Sam's sexuality status was not written as a huge deal. Yep, he was a gay campaign manager, but that was it. No cross burning in the media, no rampant attack on his 'lifestyle'. There were scenes of reporters coming to Blake's house but even that one was quite short.
So, really, it depends on what you're looking for in your reading. As for me, I quite welcome the change. It's nice to read positivity in a setting where being an LGBT could be huge source of drama (I mean, it's POLITIC! There is a reason why I stay away from reading THOSE in real life). It is also lovely to have a BISEXUAL character. I don't know what the next story will be about, but I guess I will check out the sequel :)
November 12, 2017
3.7 Stars
This was surprisingly pretty good. I randomly picked it because I wanted a political-theme for challenge and didn't have any expectations. Well, for a first-for-me author I liked it a lot more than I thought I would.
The plot is linear, but with large gaps between events. Nothing terribly dramatic; no OTT plot devices, just real life kinds of struggle and experiences one would expect in this situation. I liked how the paparazzi issue was handled between the guys, how they talked out just about everything. You know, like adults. Wow, how refreshing.
The sex was hot (even the phone sex!) but the meat of this book really did revolve around these MCs trying to make a go of a relationship that would not be easy, making the choice to be together and tackling all of the obstacles along the way - including instant families (I love that). So, pick this one if you want something with little angst, nothing in the way of insta-lovey (you can see the affection evolve over the course of a year), and with very little external drama.
The Democratic candidate winning definitely made me feel better...and I can only hope for such an outcome in #2020.
This was surprisingly pretty good. I randomly picked it because I wanted a political-theme for challenge and didn't have any expectations. Well, for a first-for-me author I liked it a lot more than I thought I would.
The plot is linear, but with large gaps between events. Nothing terribly dramatic; no OTT plot devices, just real life kinds of struggle and experiences one would expect in this situation. I liked how the paparazzi issue was handled between the guys, how they talked out just about everything. You know, like adults. Wow, how refreshing.
The sex was hot (even the phone sex!) but the meat of this book really did revolve around these MCs trying to make a go of a relationship that would not be easy, making the choice to be together and tackling all of the obstacles along the way - including instant families (I love that). So, pick this one if you want something with little angst, nothing in the way of insta-lovey (you can see the affection evolve over the course of a year), and with very little external drama.
The Democratic candidate winning definitely made me feel better...and I can only hope for such an outcome in #2020.
February 24, 2019
A straightforward romance, from the very first encounter in a bar to a , passing through a slow but steady relationship development, with a touch of political backdrop and some minor conflicts to keep things from becoming too perfect and boring.
The characters and writing were good and the kid’s presence relevant without becoming too much. Not a bad way to spend a few hours, but I don’t feel the need or curiosity to read any other book in the series.
The characters and writing were good and the kid’s presence relevant without becoming too much. Not a bad way to spend a few hours, but I don’t feel the need or curiosity to read any other book in the series.
February 3, 2016
4.5 stars...This ended up being really good and reading it while our real life election is going on was kind of weird but cool.
December 20, 2015
Copy of this book received for the exchange of fair and honest review.
Reading this while news of Democratic Debates splashed over the media (and I'm not even American) made this story more... THERE. It also reminds me of The West Wing and Commander in Chief tv series, without any bad guy to get pissed about (well, not much). Which is good as the whole plot was quite angst-free and both MCs were quite upfront from the first time of their situation. There were a couple of potential "trouble" but quickly doused before turning into real problems.
Although, with that blurb, I certainly didn't expect the story would be quite family-oriented. I'm not complaining though. I loved the take-and-give and understanding the characters had for the others limitation. It's cute how Blake, the ex-SEAL turned teacher, was the domestic one "manage" Sam when they're home. Their interaction with Blake's daughter was cute too (too bad there wasn't any pet in this book, it would make it cuter!).
For a less than 150 pages story this book seemed longer although the time span for only over a year. That said, I also thought there's not enough exposure of Blake's work other than one scene. I felt there's more room to extend on other things too, making the story more complete... and more reading time too. ^^
All in all, this is a nice introduction to Megan Linden's works for me. I certainly will look up continuing stories on this series.
Reading this while news of Democratic Debates splashed over the media (and I'm not even American) made this story more... THERE. It also reminds me of The West Wing and Commander in Chief tv series, without any bad guy to get pissed about (well, not much). Which is good as the whole plot was quite angst-free and both MCs were quite upfront from the first time of their situation. There were a couple of potential "trouble" but quickly doused before turning into real problems.
Although, with that blurb, I certainly didn't expect the story would be quite family-oriented. I'm not complaining though. I loved the take-and-give and understanding the characters had for the others limitation. It's cute how Blake, the ex-SEAL turned teacher, was the domestic one "manage" Sam when they're home. Their interaction with Blake's daughter was cute too (too bad there wasn't any pet in this book, it would make it cuter!).
For a less than 150 pages story this book seemed longer although the time span for only over a year. That said, I also thought there's not enough exposure of Blake's work other than one scene. I felt there's more room to extend on other things too, making the story more complete... and more reading time too. ^^
All in all, this is a nice introduction to Megan Linden's works for me. I certainly will look up continuing stories on this series.
Want to read
December 26, 2018💝 FREE on Amazon today (12/26/2018)! 💝
Blurb:
Sam Daniels thought he won a jackpot when he met an amazing guy, but then the very next day he got a job offer he couldn’t refuse. The problem? Sustaining any kind of personal life while working in politics was never easy, but when you were running a campaign to elect the first woman to the office of the President of the United States, it might become nearly impossible.
Blake Morin lived a quiet life with his daughter after spending years as a SEAL and he was fine with that. He didn’t want to fight the attraction towards Sam, but could he really find his place in the world he’d used to avoid?
Blurb:
Sam Daniels thought he won a jackpot when he met an amazing guy, but then the very next day he got a job offer he couldn’t refuse. The problem? Sustaining any kind of personal life while working in politics was never easy, but when you were running a campaign to elect the first woman to the office of the President of the United States, it might become nearly impossible.
Blake Morin lived a quiet life with his daughter after spending years as a SEAL and he was fine with that. He didn’t want to fight the attraction towards Sam, but could he really find his place in the world he’d used to avoid?
December 16, 2015
I inhaled the book in a day and a half, and if not for pesky work, it would have been half that time. Full disclosure: this book is written by a friend whom I've known for almost a decade, so I was inclined to like this novel straight off the bat, but I have no doubt that its merits are its own. Despite being a person with relatively little interest in m/m romance (f/f/m would be my drug of choice, were it readily available on the market in high quality), I found myself completely forgetting about any qualms and just gripped by the character-driven story and rooting for those guys.
It wasn't quite what I'd expected, admittedly. This love story between a former active duty soldier / single dad and a political campaign strategist wasn't epic, or conflict-ridden, or terribly angsty (albeit the long distance relationship aspect did hit a bit closer to home as my own relationship was long distance for almost two years and it was terrible). What it was instead was fun and warm, fluffy and cute. A feel-good story about responsible and reasonable adults who work on their relationship and overcome real-life obstacles which at the same time explodes some cliches by sole virtue of presenting a gay guy without children of his own as the one striving to find the work-life balance. Add to that the fact that there are people of colour, well-rounded female characters and that one of the MCs is bi - and you have a very good combination.
The pacing is very good, the dialogues are frequently cute, the characters are perhaps almost too idealised but sometimes that's what the heart wants. After some romances where characters did some pretty shitty things before getting together, this was a nice change of pace.
And now the only question is - do I read the Christmas novella that follows now or do I wait a week to be in the right (depressed) spirit...
It wasn't quite what I'd expected, admittedly. This love story between a former active duty soldier / single dad and a political campaign strategist wasn't epic, or conflict-ridden, or terribly angsty (albeit the long distance relationship aspect did hit a bit closer to home as my own relationship was long distance for almost two years and it was terrible). What it was instead was fun and warm, fluffy and cute. A feel-good story about responsible and reasonable adults who work on their relationship and overcome real-life obstacles which at the same time explodes some cliches by sole virtue of presenting a gay guy without children of his own as the one striving to find the work-life balance. Add to that the fact that there are people of colour, well-rounded female characters and that one of the MCs is bi - and you have a very good combination.
The pacing is very good, the dialogues are frequently cute, the characters are perhaps almost too idealised but sometimes that's what the heart wants. After some romances where characters did some pretty shitty things before getting together, this was a nice change of pace.
And now the only question is - do I read the Christmas novella that follows now or do I wait a week to be in the right (depressed) spirit...
December 18, 2015
This book was given to me free by the author in exchange for an unbiased review.
Sam meets Blake in a bar just before he is asked to run a Senator's presidential campaign. Most of the book takes place over long distances phone calls as Sam is in DC not very often.
The book follows their relationship for just over a year. I loved them together even Blake's daughter Olivia. If anything I guess there might gave been a little more angst. There were signs of issues but these were quickly solved. I think over this time period and the long distance relationship it would not gave been all plain sailing.
I'd love another book with Sam as Chief of Staff and to see how the relationship with Blake continues.
Sam meets Blake in a bar just before he is asked to run a Senator's presidential campaign. Most of the book takes place over long distances phone calls as Sam is in DC not very often.
The book follows their relationship for just over a year. I loved them together even Blake's daughter Olivia. If anything I guess there might gave been a little more angst. There were signs of issues but these were quickly solved. I think over this time period and the long distance relationship it would not gave been all plain sailing.
I'd love another book with Sam as Chief of Staff and to see how the relationship with Blake continues.
June 7, 2023
Sam Daniels is a political operator who gets offered the job of a lifetime campaign manager for a serious candidate for US president. The timing suck because he just met a man, Blake Morin, who he feels will be important to him. Sam is literally working his ass of to get Senator Margaret Galloway to win the Democratic nomination, then to victory. Sam and Blake have to work hard to make their relationship work.Add in that Blake is a single father and his daughter Olivia is his primary concern. So when the press realizes they are in a relationship, the paparazzi is aggressive to provide information that isn't really in the public interest.
January 5, 2019
It ended THERE
3 stars just for THAT.
I am not at all an aficionado of the political world. I'd go so far as to say that I hate every behind the scenes (and front and center) part of the current political process because hypocrisy, mudslinging, back-scratching and the like give me a fundamental, down-to-my-soul case of the heebie-jeebies.
[Climbing off the soapbox] phew!
That said, this book was engaging, the relationship felt real. The actual-world problems were believable-ish. I've got a couple of niggles on the fortitude of the paparazzi/press in this situation for several reasons, BUT it didn't detract from the relationship development which felt...like kismet.
I'm bummed about the abrupt ending. After the buildup I would have liked to see a couple more chapters to wind down and solidify the plot/relationship.
Overall I can't complain (ha!) too much. As this is the first book in an ongoing series, I hope to see these MCs get more than a maybe-possibly-sorta-kinda HFN.
3 stars just for THAT.
I am not at all an aficionado of the political world. I'd go so far as to say that I hate every behind the scenes (and front and center) part of the current political process because hypocrisy, mudslinging, back-scratching and the like give me a fundamental, down-to-my-soul case of the heebie-jeebies.
[Climbing off the soapbox] phew!
That said, this book was engaging, the relationship felt real. The actual-world problems were believable-ish. I've got a couple of niggles on the fortitude of the paparazzi/press in this situation for several reasons, BUT it didn't detract from the relationship development which felt...like kismet.
I'm bummed about the abrupt ending. After the buildup I would have liked to see a couple more chapters to wind down and solidify the plot/relationship.
Overall I can't complain (ha!) too much. As this is the first book in an ongoing series, I hope to see these MCs get more than a maybe-possibly-sorta-kinda HFN.
November 22, 2017
A solid four stars!
Blake and Sam meet at a bar and hit it off. The next day, Sam gets a job offer to run the Presidential Campaign. They decide to carryon with their date anyways and soon they are getting more and more attached.
I love that Sam and Blake kept the communication open. Hey are essentially in a long distance relationship the majority of the time so communication is a huge factor in keeping them strong.
There is no drama, a sweet little girl and two men who know what they want and work for it.
Thank you Secret Santa for a gift I thoroughly enjoyed!!
Blake and Sam meet at a bar and hit it off. The next day, Sam gets a job offer to run the Presidential Campaign. They decide to carryon with their date anyways and soon they are getting more and more attached.
I love that Sam and Blake kept the communication open. Hey are essentially in a long distance relationship the majority of the time so communication is a huge factor in keeping them strong.
There is no drama, a sweet little girl and two men who know what they want and work for it.
Thank you Secret Santa for a gift I thoroughly enjoyed!!
April 6, 2017
Took me forever to finish, couldn't hold my interest, found it boring.
January 1, 2016
*A free copy of the book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Blake Morin, after spending years as a SEAL, lives a quiet life with his daughter Olivia and he’s fine with that. One night he meets Sam Daniels in a bar and it’s like love at first sight. Sam has a quite interesting life… soon he will start to run a campaign to elect the first woman to the office of the President of the United States, and starting seeing someone, it isn’t going to be easy. I really liked to read about all about Sam and his job, how it can really be tough and create situations not really nice to others. Blake is a really beautiful soul and a very doting father to his baby girl. I liked to read how she’s his first priority and when Sam’s private life becomes public, Blake tries to protect his daughter and to stay close to Sam. I have to say that Sam was really, really lucky to have Blake by his side. Sometimes things got bad and I thought that it was going to be a fight or a period of no talking to each other but nothing happened. Everything was dealt with maturity… too much, sometimes. Sam was really lucky with Blake and I would have liked to see a bit of angst. I know that love makes you do things that sometimes you wouldn’t do but sometimes it was like Blake was the one that worked the most to make their relationship work. I liked Blake’s mother because she did right to voice her concerns about the “I’m not happy about this whole thing: you are here and Sam is far away most of the time” situation.
3.5 stars
Blake Morin, after spending years as a SEAL, lives a quiet life with his daughter Olivia and he’s fine with that. One night he meets Sam Daniels in a bar and it’s like love at first sight. Sam has a quite interesting life… soon he will start to run a campaign to elect the first woman to the office of the President of the United States, and starting seeing someone, it isn’t going to be easy. I really liked to read about all about Sam and his job, how it can really be tough and create situations not really nice to others. Blake is a really beautiful soul and a very doting father to his baby girl. I liked to read how she’s his first priority and when Sam’s private life becomes public, Blake tries to protect his daughter and to stay close to Sam. I have to say that Sam was really, really lucky to have Blake by his side. Sometimes things got bad and I thought that it was going to be a fight or a period of no talking to each other but nothing happened. Everything was dealt with maturity… too much, sometimes. Sam was really lucky with Blake and I would have liked to see a bit of angst. I know that love makes you do things that sometimes you wouldn’t do but sometimes it was like Blake was the one that worked the most to make their relationship work. I liked Blake’s mother because she did right to voice her concerns about the “I’m not happy about this whole thing: you are here and Sam is far away most of the time” situation.
3.5 stars
April 22, 2020
Falling sleep on a first date? That’s a great way to make a good impression...
Seriously, though, I liked both main characters & I loved Olivia, she just seemed so cute...
The media attention added a realistic component to the story.
All in all, this was a nice story that seemed realistic.
Seriously, though, I liked both main characters & I loved Olivia, she just seemed so cute...
The media attention added a realistic component to the story.
All in all, this was a nice story that seemed realistic.
May 25, 2020
This is my first book by Megan and won’t be the last. I’m definitely pulled into the DC world going on here. The storyline was good (other than Blake’s mom) and the romance was sweet. I love how Sam and Blake’s love grew. Olivia is adorable!
January 29, 2022
Sam Daniels is about to end his eight-year tenure working for a senator, when he meets Blake Morin. He's an idealist working in D.C. and he's not sure what he's going to do next.
Blake Morin is a single father, teaching at the US Naval Test Pilot School after his SEAL tour of duty. He's a private man, raising his six-year-old daughter Olivia with the help of his family.
When Blake approaches the handsome man in the bar, he has no idea it will be more than a friendly conversation.
Sam isn't sure about his future but he's looking forward to dating Blake. When he's asked to be the campaign manager of a presidential hopeful, he's worried their tentative start will crash and burn before they even get started. These guys are great communicators and they talk about the challenges of a long-distance relationship and if they even want to try to date while Sam is traveling so much.
Their romance was a slow burn, no angst, but steamy once they got started. I often wondered if the focus of the book was supposed to be on the romance or the life of a man working in politics. I liked Sam, Blake and little Olivia, they were interesting characters but the story seemed very flat and the relationship between the men didn't feel like a relationship between men. It's hard to put a finger on exactly what it was that kept tweaking me about their relationship but I kept expecting more rough and tumble moments and it felt very feminine yet the men weren't effeminate.
The way the author ended the book also seemed to throw the focus more on the political life than their relationship and it seemed very abrupt. There's definitely room to tell more of Sam and Blakes life.
A nice, easy read but I wanted more depth.
For more of my reviews follow my blog at https://wyldheartreads.wordpress.com/
If you prefer to listen to my reviews, you can find my reviews on Spotify here: https://anchor.fm/wyldheart-reads
Blake Morin is a single father, teaching at the US Naval Test Pilot School after his SEAL tour of duty. He's a private man, raising his six-year-old daughter Olivia with the help of his family.
When Blake approaches the handsome man in the bar, he has no idea it will be more than a friendly conversation.
Sam isn't sure about his future but he's looking forward to dating Blake. When he's asked to be the campaign manager of a presidential hopeful, he's worried their tentative start will crash and burn before they even get started. These guys are great communicators and they talk about the challenges of a long-distance relationship and if they even want to try to date while Sam is traveling so much.
Their romance was a slow burn, no angst, but steamy once they got started. I often wondered if the focus of the book was supposed to be on the romance or the life of a man working in politics. I liked Sam, Blake and little Olivia, they were interesting characters but the story seemed very flat and the relationship between the men didn't feel like a relationship between men. It's hard to put a finger on exactly what it was that kept tweaking me about their relationship but I kept expecting more rough and tumble moments and it felt very feminine yet the men weren't effeminate.
The way the author ended the book also seemed to throw the focus more on the political life than their relationship and it seemed very abrupt. There's definitely room to tell more of Sam and Blakes life.
A nice, easy read but I wanted more depth.
For more of my reviews follow my blog at https://wyldheartreads.wordpress.com/
If you prefer to listen to my reviews, you can find my reviews on Spotify here: https://anchor.fm/wyldheart-reads
November 1, 2020
I had to stop reading this because of the style of writing and the lack of editing. It was really strange because some of it was actually really well written but when it wasn't it was really odd and awkward. The part that tripped me up the most was that "a" and "the" were huge challenges for the author. They were frequently misused or missing entirely. How does that happen? Because of those issues and the generally awkward prose I never really got involved with the characters or the story. I'm moving on.
December 17, 2020
3.5
Very low angst enjoyable romance. There were a lot of times where I felt there was going to be some kind of fall out, but each time it was resolved quickly and without much angst. I wavered between a 3.5 and 4, because I think it would depend on how well you felt the issues were resolved, as sometimes I felt they were more brushed over, but that said, the lack of angst was also quick soothing.
The daughter just bordered on overly angelic but was generally ok.
I finished wanting to read more in the series.
Very low angst enjoyable romance. There were a lot of times where I felt there was going to be some kind of fall out, but each time it was resolved quickly and without much angst. I wavered between a 3.5 and 4, because I think it would depend on how well you felt the issues were resolved, as sometimes I felt they were more brushed over, but that said, the lack of angst was also quick soothing.
The daughter just bordered on overly angelic but was generally ok.
I finished wanting to read more in the series.
February 10, 2022
It was ok. There is very little tension and all elements of the book (including the characters, the relationship, the conflict, etc.) feel very surface-level. There are a lot of points where the writing is super cliché / tropey to the point of making you cringe. The dialogue is awkward and, for a political book about campaign management, there is very little talk of politics or managing a campaign. There are plot lines that don't really go anywhere or do much for the story.
This also needs a heavy editing hand. There are a look of typos and little mistakes.
This also needs a heavy editing hand. There are a look of typos and little mistakes.
April 25, 2023
3.5 rounded up to 4
Two nice blandish guys meet. One is about to have a huge work commitment. They date through it, no major issues, one guys mom isn't very nice, one is working too hard, but it's normal and average and it just came across as a little bland to me. I wasn't really invested in either of them and didn't love being with them, but I did appreciate that they were adults and had no ridiculous dramas just to drive the plot.
Two nice blandish guys meet. One is about to have a huge work commitment. They date through it, no major issues, one guys mom isn't very nice, one is working too hard, but it's normal and average and it just came across as a little bland to me. I wasn't really invested in either of them and didn't love being with them, but I did appreciate that they were adults and had no ridiculous dramas just to drive the plot.
March 12, 2025
Short, sweet romance with little angst or unnecessary drama - a quick and entertaining read, though I'd have liked a little more depth and complexity to... well, all of the story and characters, really. More of a 3-3.5 to be honest (once again, begging for half star ratings... *sigh*), but I liked it enough to feel generous.
November 20, 2021
New author for me! I needed a book for a challenge and found this one unexpectedly!
I liked it a lot! No super devastating angst. I like the communication between the MCs.
But what I am really excited about was NEW AUTHOR FOR ME! Lol - all new backlist! :)
I liked it a lot! No super devastating angst. I like the communication between the MCs.
But what I am really excited about was NEW AUTHOR FOR ME! Lol - all new backlist! :)
April 10, 2022
DNF
Too many errors and it was distracting me from what really was shaping up like a great story. But there are only so many mistakes I can stand and so many missed words I can read along standing.
Blipping shame.
Too many errors and it was distracting me from what really was shaping up like a great story. But there are only so many mistakes I can stand and so many missed words I can read along standing.
Blipping shame.
January 16, 2024
fantastic and satisfying
Taut, real, romantic, and fresh. Feels like the best of West Wing remixed into a delicious book read focused on one staffer’s life at AND outside of work.
Cheers to middle aged men being in a relationship realistically facing bumps, hurdles, and more.
Taut, real, romantic, and fresh. Feels like the best of West Wing remixed into a delicious book read focused on one staffer’s life at AND outside of work.
Cheers to middle aged men being in a relationship realistically facing bumps, hurdles, and more.
September 15, 2020
Seek and Find
This is my first venture into m/m books and I was not disappointed. Blake and Sam had a great dynamic.
This is my first venture into m/m books and I was not disappointed. Blake and Sam had a great dynamic.
September 24, 2022
Sam and Blake are nice guys- pretty superficial story, not much plot. Quick read. Don't plan to continue series.
July 4, 2020
As a political book, this was right up my alley: no issues were really discussed, YAY! As a romance it was well-written. Angst? Well, long-distance for sure, a single father, crazy work/rest hours but I couldn't care less about the paparazzi which gave the single dad, Blake, fits. Maybe I didn't get it but it just seemed like a true suck-it-up moment. It just felt tepid to me: meh. (I like drama which this lacked.)
July 14, 2015
3 Heart Review by Roberta
So, I’m really unsure what to write about this book. I saw that this book had politics and a former Navy Seal….I was expecting action, adventure…Blake even has a kidlet…I couldn’t wait!! Yet, this wasn’t that kind of book.
Sam Daniels is a man who has worked in politics his whole career and he’s about to be at loose ends at the congressman he works for is retiring. He gets the chance of a lifetime in working a presidential campaign and he accepts. Sam meets this intriguing man at a bar and the attraction is instant. Sam works on this campaign and he spends oodles of time on the road. Sam is trying to make a long distance relationship with this wonderful guy work as well as being able to do the best job possible and getting his candidate elected.
Blake Morin, now this is a former Navy Seal who now is an instructor. Blake has a 6 year old daughter is just about the cutest thing ever!! Blake is a man who knows who he is and yet, he’s also this intensely private person. Having met Sam, he’s trying this relationship thing. It’s hard as Sam is away more than he’s there. Blake is just this really sweet, warm and very giving guy.
The secondary characters in this story were pretty nice. They show our MC’s lots of love and support. I liked that Blake’s daughter, Olivia. She was such a sweet character. It truly showed a side of Blake that you don’t see a lot in male characters. I liked Blake’s family. I loved the fact that his mother was really protective of her children and wanted to make sure that the people that are spending time with them are worthy of them.
I have to say that there was just a bit of sex. Not a lot, mind you. It was just to show the growing relationship between Sam and Blake.
I will say that I was disappointed reading this book. I expected some action and adventure and what I got was just a slow moving romance. It wasn’t a bad book, it was just that the title was very misleading and it made my expectations for this book greater than what the book was. This story was just slow and tender and just flowed along. I really wanted this book to swallow me whole and that just didn’t happen. Nothing really happened in this book and that bothers me.
I think this is a book to read if you’ve either read a really heart-wrenching book and need something to just bring you down or if you are looking for a bit of fluff to pass the time on a Sunday afternoon.
Please keep in mind, it was ok, just misleading by the title and my own expectations.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
So, I’m really unsure what to write about this book. I saw that this book had politics and a former Navy Seal….I was expecting action, adventure…Blake even has a kidlet…I couldn’t wait!! Yet, this wasn’t that kind of book.
Sam Daniels is a man who has worked in politics his whole career and he’s about to be at loose ends at the congressman he works for is retiring. He gets the chance of a lifetime in working a presidential campaign and he accepts. Sam meets this intriguing man at a bar and the attraction is instant. Sam works on this campaign and he spends oodles of time on the road. Sam is trying to make a long distance relationship with this wonderful guy work as well as being able to do the best job possible and getting his candidate elected.
Blake Morin, now this is a former Navy Seal who now is an instructor. Blake has a 6 year old daughter is just about the cutest thing ever!! Blake is a man who knows who he is and yet, he’s also this intensely private person. Having met Sam, he’s trying this relationship thing. It’s hard as Sam is away more than he’s there. Blake is just this really sweet, warm and very giving guy.
The secondary characters in this story were pretty nice. They show our MC’s lots of love and support. I liked that Blake’s daughter, Olivia. She was such a sweet character. It truly showed a side of Blake that you don’t see a lot in male characters. I liked Blake’s family. I loved the fact that his mother was really protective of her children and wanted to make sure that the people that are spending time with them are worthy of them.
I have to say that there was just a bit of sex. Not a lot, mind you. It was just to show the growing relationship between Sam and Blake.
I will say that I was disappointed reading this book. I expected some action and adventure and what I got was just a slow moving romance. It wasn’t a bad book, it was just that the title was very misleading and it made my expectations for this book greater than what the book was. This story was just slow and tender and just flowed along. I really wanted this book to swallow me whole and that just didn’t happen. Nothing really happened in this book and that bothers me.
I think this is a book to read if you’ve either read a really heart-wrenching book and need something to just bring you down or if you are looking for a bit of fluff to pass the time on a Sunday afternoon.
Please keep in mind, it was ok, just misleading by the title and my own expectations.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews