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Secret Service #2
Playing the Ace
Thanks to influential friends, Hugh Pritchard may escape a jail sentence for the part he played in Gust McKee's scheme to flood the country with counterfeit silver. Emlyn Strickland intends to keep an eye on both Pritchard and the jailed McKee, but it's no easy task when his attention is taken up by the new case Bishop assigns him—and the new partner, an overbearing senior agent by the name of Philip Mowbray.
Darrow, enlisted as part-time informant by a pragmatic Bishop, loathes Mowbray at first sight, convinced the agent doesn't have the ability to keep Emlyn out of trouble… Not as well as he does, anyway. Mowbray's dislike of him, as swift and commensurate, is a sentiment echoed by other agents at the Treasury, where Darrow finds himself an unwelcome presence.
Determined to salvage a new life out of the broken remains of his old one, Darrow sets up an easel in his Bowery attic to supplement his Service pay and tries to make the most of infrequent evenings with the busy Emlyn. But those stolen moments aren't enough and when Emlyn lands in the hospital after his assignment goes awry, Darrow tentatively offers to move in with him until he's recovered.
The decision brings Darrow into Emlyn's investigation and soon they're working together to track down the man threatening senators who've vowed to repeal the Silver Act. When their assassin sets his sights on the Act's most vocal opponent, the hunt turns into a desperate race to Washington, where the saving of a president may come at a heartbreaking price.
Words: 68,090
Darrow, enlisted as part-time informant by a pragmatic Bishop, loathes Mowbray at first sight, convinced the agent doesn't have the ability to keep Emlyn out of trouble… Not as well as he does, anyway. Mowbray's dislike of him, as swift and commensurate, is a sentiment echoed by other agents at the Treasury, where Darrow finds himself an unwelcome presence.
Determined to salvage a new life out of the broken remains of his old one, Darrow sets up an easel in his Bowery attic to supplement his Service pay and tries to make the most of infrequent evenings with the busy Emlyn. But those stolen moments aren't enough and when Emlyn lands in the hospital after his assignment goes awry, Darrow tentatively offers to move in with him until he's recovered.
The decision brings Darrow into Emlyn's investigation and soon they're working together to track down the man threatening senators who've vowed to repeal the Silver Act. When their assassin sets his sights on the Act's most vocal opponent, the hunt turns into a desperate race to Washington, where the saving of a president may come at a heartbreaking price.
Words: 68,090
242 pages, ebook
First published July 1, 2022
7 people are currently reading
229 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
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August 13, 2017I need this like, today. <3 Love Tamara Allen! She does some of the best MM slow-burn historical novels!
July 14, 2022
this book is for you if:
- you didn't think there was enough sex in the previous book
- you didn't think there was enough manful hospital bedside waiting in the previous book
- you didn't think there was enough of president grover cleveland in the previous book
- you look at anakin skywalker and think "gosh, i wish he were a gay 19th century gene parmesan"
- you fucking love it when a dude who thinks he is dying uses his last thought to consider how much he fucking loves his incredibly annoying love interest and then, after he recovers, NEVER tells him about it
there is really no way to phrase any of the above things without sounding like i didn't like this book. let me be clear: this book fucking rules in every possible way. every book should strive to be this book. shakespeare who. jane austen where. murasaki shikibu when
- you didn't think there was enough sex in the previous book
- you didn't think there was enough manful hospital bedside waiting in the previous book
- you didn't think there was enough of president grover cleveland in the previous book
- you look at anakin skywalker and think "gosh, i wish he were a gay 19th century gene parmesan"
- you fucking love it when a dude who thinks he is dying uses his last thought to consider how much he fucking loves his incredibly annoying love interest and then, after he recovers, NEVER tells him about it
there is really no way to phrase any of the above things without sounding like i didn't like this book. let me be clear: this book fucking rules in every possible way. every book should strive to be this book. shakespeare who. jane austen where. murasaki shikibu when
May 14, 2023
3.5 stars
The MCs weren’t at their brightest here and there were a few continuity issues and things that were introduced and then dropped without them having any consequence ().
On the other hand, the writing flew easily, and I was entertained enough for everything else to not bother me too much. I like Darrow and Emlyn as a couple, so I enjoyed the moments they shared and , even if it didn’t come to be in the most realistic way.
The MCs weren’t at their brightest here and there were a few continuity issues and things that were introduced and then dropped without them having any consequence ().
On the other hand, the writing flew easily, and I was entertained enough for everything else to not bother me too much. I like Darrow and Emlyn as a couple, so I enjoyed the moments they shared and , even if it didn’t come to be in the most realistic way.
April 1, 2024
As much as I was lukewarm about the first one, I didn't expect this one to be such a decline. Maybe because there was such a huge gap between when they were written, but it just didn't feel like the same series, for all that it continued right from when the first one ended. I just couldn't get into this one, and I couldn't have cared less for the "romance" that basically consisted of these two getting boners no matter how close to dying they were from their various injuries. But given the general incompetence of everyone in this book, including the so-called assassin, I guess it wouldn't take much to assume that
Anyway, the first book took place over one week, and they were often on their own and nowhere close to anywhere they could send or receive communications quickly (which would be telegrams in those days), which allowed for some leeway in the logic department. Not here. Our bumbling heroes make one idiotic call after another, refuse to see reason even when it's smacking them in the face (or shooting them in the leg, or choking them, or punching them in the face, or...you get the point). All told, these two books take place over a few weeks, tops, and our guys are head over heels for each other for no real sustainable reason aside from an addiction to the adrenaline rush. I couldn't find any way to find their romance believable. They're also experts in each other's thoughts and feelings, as if they'd been together their whole lives, so there's nothing new for them to learn about each other.
The case they were working was also pretty boring, and full of so many logic fails that I couldn't even explain them all. There were also several inconsistencies with the case and the timeline and the movements of the characters, which didn't help. Add onto that a couple of things that were setup and then went nowhere, although maybe she's holding those back for a possible third book, which I will definitely not be reading if it ever comes out.
It pains me to give one of Allen's books 2 stars, because I've really liked or loved nearly everything of hers I've read so far, but this one was not up to par and didn't hold my attention. As evidenced by the fact that after putting the book down to do life stuff and picking it up again several hours later, I had to sit and think for a few moments before remembering what the last thing was I read:
Anyway, the first book took place over one week, and they were often on their own and nowhere close to anywhere they could send or receive communications quickly (which would be telegrams in those days), which allowed for some leeway in the logic department. Not here. Our bumbling heroes make one idiotic call after another, refuse to see reason even when it's smacking them in the face (or shooting them in the leg, or choking them, or punching them in the face, or...you get the point). All told, these two books take place over a few weeks, tops, and our guys are head over heels for each other for no real sustainable reason aside from an addiction to the adrenaline rush. I couldn't find any way to find their romance believable. They're also experts in each other's thoughts and feelings, as if they'd been together their whole lives, so there's nothing new for them to learn about each other.
The case they were working was also pretty boring, and full of so many logic fails that I couldn't even explain them all. There were also several inconsistencies with the case and the timeline and the movements of the characters, which didn't help. Add onto that a couple of things that were setup and then went nowhere, although maybe she's holding those back for a possible third book, which I will definitely not be reading if it ever comes out.
It pains me to give one of Allen's books 2 stars, because I've really liked or loved nearly everything of hers I've read so far, but this one was not up to par and didn't hold my attention. As evidenced by the fact that after putting the book down to do life stuff and picking it up again several hours later, I had to sit and think for a few moments before remembering what the last thing was I read:
May 15, 2023
Not so sure what to make of this one... I didn't like it at the same level as the first one in the series, it dragged and I had problems to keep my concentration. It was like I was reading about two different people altogether, they've become, as Linda would put it TSTL... I was rolling my eyes hard at the stupidity of many of the main characters actions and the incongruence in the reactions of the secondary ones. Then, I think there's some problems in the timeline continuity and they did a big production of some things that didn't have any consecuences later. So, the best part of this book... the BR with Ele and Linda :)
September 14, 2022
It's been a 'long time between drinks' for a Tamara Allen read for me ... and this sequel read proved as engaging as the first one (albeit with a little less 'action/drama'). I was completely immersed into the historical setting and the social, emotional and legal barriers facing the MCs. I'd definitely be up for be another book in this series! 4.5 stars.
Want to read
June 5, 2017WHHHHHAAAAAT???? A soon-to-be-sequel to Allen's The Road to Silver Plume??? Gimme!
July 7, 2023
One of those rare and lovely instances where I actually enjoyed the sequel even more than the original! The imbalance issues I felt in the first book felt resolved here, and I enjoyed having a chance to see more of these characters and their relationship. This really did feel like a direct continuation of the first book, though there were a couple of details that felt a little off to me--perhaps an issue of the long-ish gap between the two books being written? Fairly minor, and on the whole this was a satisfying read. Though I will say
January 28, 2025
This was okay. A little dull but the romance level was better than book 1.
September 3, 2022
***4.5 ❤️***
July 15, 2022
4.5 stars
Love this series!
I highly recommend re-reading book 1 in its entirety before starting this as Playing the Ace is an immediate continuation of the storyline.
Love this series!
I highly recommend re-reading book 1 in its entirety before starting this as Playing the Ace is an immediate continuation of the storyline.
October 1, 2022
It's been a long wait since The Road to Silver Plume and I do recommend a reread before moving into this sequel, which starts right after the end of the first book. Emlyn Strickland is back in his Treasury office, a bit shaken but undaunted by the dangers of the Colorado adventure. A new case of threats against politicians looking to repeal the silver standard, and a new supercilious partner, both challenge him.
Darrow is working for the Treasury in what is meant to be a limited capacity, using his personal knowledge of the counterfeiting business to identify bad bills and their creators. He's far from popular with his ex-colleagues, for changing sides, and when Emlyn's case takes him among those folks, Darrow is determined to come along. Whether he's protection, or a red flag for the anger of the men he once knew, is debatable.
I enjoyed spending more time with these men, and finding out more about their pasts, especially Darrow's. There's a fair bit of action in this story, driving the men together with danger and risk. There's also a cameo from a favorite couple from The Only Gold. The ending is satisfying from a relationship standpoint, as settled as one could expect from that era. It would be possible to put these guys through another adventure together (and I'd read it in a moment) but this serves to give them the happiness they deserve.
Darrow is working for the Treasury in what is meant to be a limited capacity, using his personal knowledge of the counterfeiting business to identify bad bills and their creators. He's far from popular with his ex-colleagues, for changing sides, and when Emlyn's case takes him among those folks, Darrow is determined to come along. Whether he's protection, or a red flag for the anger of the men he once knew, is debatable.
I enjoyed spending more time with these men, and finding out more about their pasts, especially Darrow's. There's a fair bit of action in this story, driving the men together with danger and risk. There's also a cameo from a favorite couple from The Only Gold. The ending is satisfying from a relationship standpoint, as settled as one could expect from that era. It would be possible to put these guys through another adventure together (and I'd read it in a moment) but this serves to give them the happiness they deserve.
July 4, 2022
I have been looking forward to this book ever since it was announced there would be a sequel, and have been checking back regularly every few months for updates for the past five years. Was beyond thrilled yesterday to happen to check and to see a publication date and wasted no time downloading and devouring this wonderful novel.
As with all her books, Allen captures the mood and historical details so perfectly while offering a compelling plot and oh so delightful characters. Seeing Emlyn and Darrow's relationship grow and blossom into something solid from the beautiful budding start the first novel ended with was oh so so satisfying. The way they care and worry and look out for each other throughout was eminently enjoyable! Great read from start to finish!
As with all her books, Allen captures the mood and historical details so perfectly while offering a compelling plot and oh so delightful characters. Seeing Emlyn and Darrow's relationship grow and blossom into something solid from the beautiful budding start the first novel ended with was oh so so satisfying. The way they care and worry and look out for each other throughout was eminently enjoyable! Great read from start to finish!
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August 15, 2022I am not going to rate the book as I DNF @60 %.
At that point I realised I did not care about the characters or the plot or the sex scenes and it was time to move on and hopefully come back to it sometime later.
I feel so ashamed I didn't like it the way I liked all the other books by Tamara Allen. I do not know what didn't work for me - possible the fact that it is a sequel and the falling in love is basically covered in the previous book. Perhaps I just wasn't in the right mood to read it.
I am and always will be Tamara Allen's fan.
At that point I realised I did not care about the characters or the plot or the sex scenes and it was time to move on and hopefully come back to it sometime later.
I feel so ashamed I didn't like it the way I liked all the other books by Tamara Allen. I do not know what didn't work for me - possible the fact that it is a sequel and the falling in love is basically covered in the previous book. Perhaps I just wasn't in the right mood to read it.
I am and always will be Tamara Allen's fan.
Want to read
May 30, 2022Tamara Allen writes some of the best historical m/m fiction, so I am very excited this has gotten a release date.
July 16, 2022
A new Tamara Allen book is rare enough to be cause for celebration, and Playing the Ace is no exception. It comes with a warning, however: unless you've read The Road to Silver Plume, the first book in the series, you will likely be confused or frustrated, as this book's action starts almost immediately after the conclusion of Plume, and no synopsis is provided. Considering that the first book was released almost seven years ago, that's a lot to ask of a reader, even a fan like me.
Once I went back and skimmed over Silver Plume, I was in a better position to appreciate Playing the Ace. Aspiring Secret Services field agent Emlyn Strickland and paroled counterfeiter Darrow Gardiner have thwarted a scheme to flood the market with counterfeit silver, and Gardiner has agreed to serve as a part-time informant for the Service. But there are members of the counterfeit ring still at large, and they're not happy about a federal proposal to repeal the silver standard. In fact, they're not above threatening the life of the bill's supporters, including President Grover Cleveland himself.
While this is going on, Emlyn and Darrow are tentatively mapping out their new relationship. Emlyn is starting to think it is more than just a physical fling, while Darrow believes that's all it can be, given the differences in their lives. Emlyn is a government employee who is on the fast track, while Darrow is an ex-con whose efforts to go straight are complicated by his former accomplices' promise of riches if he comes back to their side.
Allen gently but steadily portrays the progression of Emlyn and Darrow's relationship. Although Darrow initially insists theirs is a temporary affair, he is never cruel to Emlyn, who catches feelings early on. Both men face dangerous situations, and the prospect of losing each other makes them realize how much they mean to each other. Emlyn's trust as Darrow's former associates try to lure him back to the dark side inspires the ex-con to be a better person, even when he is treated with disdain by Emlyn's annoying new partner and dismissed by Emlyn's superiors when he suggests Darrow could be a potentially useful permanent member of the Service.
There are many more sexytimes scenes in this book than in Plume, but there are plenty of action scenes as well and lots of opportunities for our MCs to risk life and limb to save the day. This leads to several swoon-worthy hospital vigils and deathbed confessionals. I still wish Allen had included more backstory from Silver Plume; it's really not fair to expect readers to remember the details of a seven year old book. But given her flair for creating Gilded Age historical romances that feel true to their time, I really can't complain.
Once I went back and skimmed over Silver Plume, I was in a better position to appreciate Playing the Ace. Aspiring Secret Services field agent Emlyn Strickland and paroled counterfeiter Darrow Gardiner have thwarted a scheme to flood the market with counterfeit silver, and Gardiner has agreed to serve as a part-time informant for the Service. But there are members of the counterfeit ring still at large, and they're not happy about a federal proposal to repeal the silver standard. In fact, they're not above threatening the life of the bill's supporters, including President Grover Cleveland himself.
While this is going on, Emlyn and Darrow are tentatively mapping out their new relationship. Emlyn is starting to think it is more than just a physical fling, while Darrow believes that's all it can be, given the differences in their lives. Emlyn is a government employee who is on the fast track, while Darrow is an ex-con whose efforts to go straight are complicated by his former accomplices' promise of riches if he comes back to their side.
Allen gently but steadily portrays the progression of Emlyn and Darrow's relationship. Although Darrow initially insists theirs is a temporary affair, he is never cruel to Emlyn, who catches feelings early on. Both men face dangerous situations, and the prospect of losing each other makes them realize how much they mean to each other. Emlyn's trust as Darrow's former associates try to lure him back to the dark side inspires the ex-con to be a better person, even when he is treated with disdain by Emlyn's annoying new partner and dismissed by Emlyn's superiors when he suggests Darrow could be a potentially useful permanent member of the Service.
There are many more sexytimes scenes in this book than in Plume, but there are plenty of action scenes as well and lots of opportunities for our MCs to risk life and limb to save the day. This leads to several swoon-worthy hospital vigils and deathbed confessionals. I still wish Allen had included more backstory from Silver Plume; it's really not fair to expect readers to remember the details of a seven year old book. But given her flair for creating Gilded Age historical romances that feel true to their time, I really can't complain.
July 27, 2022
Another great story
I love Tamara Allen, because she's able to create stories that don't seem forced, overly dramatic or with so much sex in them that they feel cheap and without any real content. Her heroes are really well developed with their quircks and flaws and always make you root for them because they are so human and down to Earth. Authors stories have calm flow, and this one was no exception. If you want quick rush down the highway and then the end, this will not be it. The book was lovely because it was paced so well, and therefore reminded me of older stories and books, that are written in a way I sometimes feel no one is able to write in anymore. Thank you, dear author! This was a treat.
I love Tamara Allen, because she's able to create stories that don't seem forced, overly dramatic or with so much sex in them that they feel cheap and without any real content. Her heroes are really well developed with their quircks and flaws and always make you root for them because they are so human and down to Earth. Authors stories have calm flow, and this one was no exception. If you want quick rush down the highway and then the end, this will not be it. The book was lovely because it was paced so well, and therefore reminded me of older stories and books, that are written in a way I sometimes feel no one is able to write in anymore. Thank you, dear author! This was a treat.
January 2, 2023
This sequel was so so good! Just as good as the first, and even more action-packed.
Both Darrow and Emlyn head back to New York to work on their case involving the silver standard. Darrow is still waiting his commutation from the governor for his work on the case from The Road to Silver Plume. In the meantime, Emlyn finds ways for Darrow to help him out back at the Service. Unfortunately, not everyone is accepting and sure of Darrow's conversion to the right side of the law, especially Emlyn's new partner. The two of them get pulled into politics and in the orbit of powerful political figures, and I love how it was Darrow who helped the most. I won't say more. Everyone should enjoy the thrill of those scenes.
I do have to say that I enjoyed a lot of the secondary characters in this story, some from Emlyn's work like Will and Mr. Bishop, and some from Darrow's past, like Simon. I hope we get to see more of them in any other sequel in this series.
And I hope this isn't the last we will see of Darrow and Emlyn. This sequel leaves them in a good place, but I truly need to see more of them.
Both Darrow and Emlyn head back to New York to work on their case involving the silver standard. Darrow is still waiting his commutation from the governor for his work on the case from The Road to Silver Plume. In the meantime, Emlyn finds ways for Darrow to help him out back at the Service. Unfortunately, not everyone is accepting and sure of Darrow's conversion to the right side of the law, especially Emlyn's new partner. The two of them get pulled into politics and in the orbit of powerful political figures, and I love how it was Darrow who helped the most. I won't say more. Everyone should enjoy the thrill of those scenes.
I do have to say that I enjoyed a lot of the secondary characters in this story, some from Emlyn's work like Will and Mr. Bishop, and some from Darrow's past, like Simon. I hope we get to see more of them in any other sequel in this series.
And I hope this isn't the last we will see of Darrow and Emlyn. This sequel leaves them in a good place, but I truly need to see more of them.
July 13, 2023
The sequel to The Road to Silver Plume: further adventures of greenhorn Treasury agent Emlyn Strickland and reformed counterfeiter Darrow Gardiner, former antagonists, now lovers, in 1890-ish New York and beyond. Less plot, more love this time, and I don’t think I enjoyed it as much (but I did enjoy it). Protestations of love – and repressions of the same – between likeable but somewhat cardboard-y leading characters can be hard to take. The repertoire of interactions between them struck me as limited: there was a lot of grinning and goddamning and soft snorting and running fingers through hair. Despite the violence, the tone was genteel, and it all seemed rather unreal; the indestructibility of Emlyn and Darrow was definitely overplayed by the end. Finally, I’m not quite sure how I felt reading MM sex scenes in an MM romance written by a woman for – as I understand it – a predominantly female audience.
November 19, 2023
A wonderful return to the life and love of Darrow and Emlyn in the turn of the century 1900s US. Acwellvwritten story with many twists and turns in the plot, more strengthening of their love, hot sex, danger, and enemies everywhere. As well as their back stories opening up for both.
Darrow now working for the Gov is struggling to leave his old life behind, the love of Emlyn keeping him on the straight and narrow. But it's hard when no kne trusts him apart from Emlyn.
If you love these twists and turns, the good guys always gettimg ther man, many scenes of hospital bed vigils , dangerous balls, annoying work partners, lovable work partners, oh and a reference and meetimg with characters frim another of Ms Allen's boons then you'll live this.
Read it and enjoy. I'm looking forward to the next instalment.
Darrow now working for the Gov is struggling to leave his old life behind, the love of Emlyn keeping him on the straight and narrow. But it's hard when no kne trusts him apart from Emlyn.
If you love these twists and turns, the good guys always gettimg ther man, many scenes of hospital bed vigils , dangerous balls, annoying work partners, lovable work partners, oh and a reference and meetimg with characters frim another of Ms Allen's boons then you'll live this.
Read it and enjoy. I'm looking forward to the next instalment.
August 30, 2022
An excellent sequel, which picks up right after The Road to Silver Plume ends. It's great to see the guys working together, even if technically they're not supposed to. They keep showing what a great team they make, get into all kinds of scrapes, nearly get killed a few times, and otherwise get into all sorts of trouble. I finished with a happy sigh. Even though the ending was fully satisfying, I would quickly snap up a third book to see what hijinks they could get up to next.
August 12, 2022
I am so glad I read the first book again before reading this one. It's a great book and an absolutely lovely (slow burn) read. And this book perfectly picks up where the first book left off and continues to be just as lovely. Both books are well written with interesting characters, plot, and setting. I loved escaping into this highly engaging book with its complex, lovable characters and delightful chemistry. This book ... like the first ... works hard for its HEA ending ... which just makes it all the more sweeter. Unique and lovely ... I could not recommend this charming series more.
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January 31, 2023Just didn’t do it for me. I’m normally a fan of learning-to-be-together more than falling-in-love stories but not in this case. Maybe it’s set too close to the end of the first story (it picks up literally an hour later) so it’s actually just a continuation of falling in love. Despite being less plot heavy than the first, the plot has to do more work here because there’s less character development. I still like Emlyn and Darrow as characters.
February 15, 2023
Definitely have to read book 1 first as this carries on straight from it.
Darrow and Emlyn are - eventually - back in New York and Darrow has to tread the line between his old and new lives.
The reality of living in a big city on not much, and trying to eke out time together is well done.
The continual chasing down of the counterfeiters lands both men in danger and in hospital.
Darrow and Emlyn are - eventually - back in New York and Darrow has to tread the line between his old and new lives.
The reality of living in a big city on not much, and trying to eke out time together is well done.
The continual chasing down of the counterfeiters lands both men in danger and in hospital.
July 10, 2023
Amazing sequel. There wasn't as much action as in the first book, this one focused a bit more on the relationship between Darrow and Emlyn, but I enjoyed it just as much. I also loved the cameo of another set of my favorite characters 😉.
I'm hoping there'll be more books in this series, I'd love to see what new adventures are waiting for these two.
I'm hoping there'll be more books in this series, I'd love to see what new adventures are waiting for these two.
February 14, 2023
4.5 stars. Understand that Tamara Allen has given up on being an author, which is a great shame. Would've loved more stories about Em and Darrow.
June 9, 2024
I love reading books by Tamara Allen, She has a way of making me laugh and cry in her books.I like that we found out more about the two young men and how life was with then growing up and the people that helped them out in life.
I can't wait to see them come back and have new things to see.
I can't wait to see them come back and have new things to see.
Currently reading
July 4, 2022I'm just so happy!
September 17, 2022
I hope this becomes a series because I really love these two. Not only that, it was a lovely surprise to see Jonah and Reid make an appearance!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews