Smoke and Sin

The Perfect Gentlemen #4

by Shayla Black, Lexi Blake

More than a decade ago, Roman Calder had a scorching affair with the sister of one of his best friends. Augustine Spencer drove him so crazy he thought of nothing but her. The only thing they did more often than heat the sheets was fight. Unprepared for the intensity of their relationship, Roman broke things off and concentrated on things that made sense to his career and putting his best friend, Zack Hayes, in the White House.

Gus Spencer is known to Washington insiders as the president’s secret weapon. Gorgeous and brilliant, Gus runs the press pool with the determination of a shark. No one dares to cross her, not when she’s known for having a spine of steel…but long ago one man melted her down. Despite the fact that she’ll never forgive Roman for breaking her heart, now that they work together she can’t get him off her mind.

When a dangerous investigation leads both Roman and Gus to London, the heat between them becomes unbearable. As they begin to unravel an international conspiracy, they find themselves falling all over again. But when a killer threatens their world, can they fight to stay together or will the sins of their past keep them forever apart?

Genres: Romance, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Suspense, Audiobook, Mystery

428 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 26, 2017

About the author

Shayla Black is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than 100 contemporary, erotic, paranormal, and historical romances. Her books have sold millions of copies and been published in a dozen languages.

As an only child, Shayla occupied herself by daydreaming, much to the chagrin of her teachers. In college, she found her love for reading and started pursuing a publishing career. Though she graduated with a degree in Marketing/Advertising and embarked on a stint in corporate America, her heart was with her stories and characters, so she left her pantyhose and power suits behind.

Shayla currently lives in North Texas with her wonderfully supportive husband, her daughter, and two spoiled tabbies. In her “free” time, she enjoys reality TV, gaming, and listening to an eclectic blend of music.

Follow me on Facebook: http://shayla.link/FBPage

Join me in my Book Beauties group for weekly LIVE chats: http://shayla.link/FBChat

Reviews

[Jonetta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Roman Calder is the chief of staff to the President of the United States. He’s one of “The Perfect Gentlemen” and thirteen years ago, he was in a passionate but secret relationship with Augustine (Gus) Spencer, the sister of one his fellow Gentlemen, Dax Spencer. Though Gus is gorgeous and extremely talented, Roman had a different “vision” of who his wife would be (think Stepford), which was driven by memories of his own parents’ volatile marriage. He broke things off with Gus, at the worst time ever for her. Now they’re both working in the White House, she the number two person in the Press office and the tension between them has never abated. While Roman and the rest of his friends are working diligently to figure out the conspiracy involving the Russians, Gus is waging her own secret investigation that threatens to intersect with theirs.

I expected the story between these two to be steamy, passionate and full of tension and it was that in overdrive. But it also revealed their vulnerabilities and past secrets that I’d never imagined. Gus is smart, resourceful and a handful for Roman who had the misconception he could somehow control her. It was fun seeing how she could disarm the über controlled Roman, known as the Hitman who was fierce in his loyalty to Zack Hayes (POTUS). Their romance far exceeded my expectations.

But the true intrigue belongs to the continuing story arc involving the conspiracy threat to Zack. The investigation ramps up once they get to London and there are significant discoveries that provide a lot more insight. The ending was explosive and I cannot wait to get to the next book, which ends the series and will provide all the answers. This was the story I’d hoped it would be.

FYI, there was a change in narrators that took me by surprise as I loved Kaleo Griffith’s performance in the previous three books. However, five minutes into this story I knew Greg Bordeaux was a worthy replacement and owned these characters. The transition was seamless.

Posted on Blue Mood Café

[Lana ❇✾DG Romance❇✾ · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 STARS

Nothing has ever made me feel as alive as you.”
“And no one has ever broken me the way you did, Roman.”

Holy.
Mother.
Of.
All.
Things.
EPIC.

This book. THIS BOOK was everything!!! My favorite book in the series so far, Smoke and Sin has absolutely blown me away. I was glued to the pages well into the night, completely incapable of setting it down for even a second.

From what I knew of Gus from previous books, I already knew I was going to love her. What I didn't expect was to love her as much as I did. There is nothing I love more than a sex positive heroine. And Gus owned her sexuality. This is a woman that finds no shame in her beauty and sexuality and has no issues flaunting it. She wasn't pining away for the hero without notches on her own bedpost, and I love that. I'm so sick of these heroines that basically go on a sex hiatus in the years that they spend apart from the hero. It's completely unrealistic and I loved that Gus didn't stop living her life after hot and brief affair with Roman went up in fiery flames.

The danger this man posed to her was real. When they were close, she couldn’t think about anything except how it felt to be wrapped up in his embrace, how good it was to be the center of all that ruthless attention.

This is a second chance romance with a bit of enemies to lovers thrown in and I couldn't get enough of it. It gave me life!

Roman doesn't have the nickname of The Hitman for nothing. As the president's Chief Of Staff, the man is ruthless and all about the facts. He's never gotten over Gus and while it's been years since they've been together, he still pines for her...even though Gus can barely stand the sight of him. These two had an extremely antagonistic relationship that had this incredible layer of chemistry underneath it.

Gus never forgave Roman for breaking her heart but she's no longer the naive girl that once fell for him. She's fiery, smart, sharp-witted and has an even sharper tongue. She's not shy about putting anyone in their place, especially Roman.

There's so much that happens in this book, and the continuing series story arc truly comes to a head with the mother of all plot twists. I was left with my jaw on the floor and desperate for the next book.

Please note that this is not meant to be read as a standalone. While each book focuses on a different couple, there is a continuing story arc that goes through each book. And if you haven't read the previous books, you would be very lost.

A totally addicting, twisty, page-turner from beginning to finish, this book owned me! I can't wait for the conclusion!

ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review

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[Kristina · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a load of crap.

She's pathetic, he's worse. It takes him 13 years to even bother trying to be with her again. Even then, he's not sure if he wants that.

He was a massive manwhore for 13 years, fell in love with another woman and thought about marriage with others.

She was a womanwhore for 13 years, and pined for this loser.

This is not a love story, and certainly not romantic.

Just plain bad.

[Shayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need this book now. I already know I will love this book. These 2 authors teaming up can do no wrong. Please get this to us readers asap, aka now :) thanks

[Mysti · Rating 5 out of 5]

UPDATED with info and additional read dates.

Do you have any idea how hard it is for me not to highlight the entire book? I fall in love with this series and these characters more and more every time I listen. Gus and Roman are my most favorite couple in this series. I worship Gus because she's everything I want an FMC to be!

Yes, there was his heart. It was thudding in his chest because she was touching him for the first time in years...... God, he fucking craved Gus. How could the woman be more beautiful all these years later? Sexier? More magnetic?

Augustine “Gus” Spencer (39-ish, Whitehouse Press Secretary, sister of Dax, brilliant badass) started a yearlong affair with her brother’s BFF, Roman Calder (38-ish, Chief of Staff, hardheaded, stubborn ass), in their college days. They were fire and ice and would fight and fuck until they were both comatose.

When Gus discovers she’s pregnant (unbeknownst to Roman), she starts to query him about the status of their relationship. She wants a future together, but he doesn’t and since he’s a bastard, he says some hurtful things. Gus ends up losing the baby and consequently cutting herself off from Roman and the Perfect Gentlemen…. well, everyone except for Maddox.

But no man could love her more. No one would ever love Augustine Spencer as completely as he did. Fucking no one. Too bad he was broken and couldn’t give her his whole heart, the way she deserved.

Fast forward 13 years to present day. Roman has never stopped wanting Augustine, but anytime he tries to talk to her, they end up fighting. She’s now working in the White House so they interact regularly. Gus has held a grudge against him since that fateful night despite the fact Roman doesn’t know everything that happened. The entire crew end up in the UK to investigate the death of Zack’s mom and they're still trying to find out who Deep Throat is. Roman is determined to get her back, but the man is REALLY stupid when it comes to emotions.

"Who said I didn’t want you? I wish I could stop wanting you. I want you every minute of every day, and I have since the moment I laid eyes on you."

Roman starts to question everything when Deep Throat puts him in his place. When he finally learns the truth about why Gus has been so icy all these years(around the 75% mark), his entire world changes.

"I’m so sorry for the way things ended. I’m sorry for making you feel less than extraordinary because you are, Augustine. You are an amazing woman and I’ve missed you. I’ve missed this."

Of course, there are some BIG mysteries unraveled in this one and a lot of suspense and action!! Plus, Zack and Liz's story starts here. For me, this is the most exciting of the books as far as suspense and mystery go. I really enjoyed it and again - will never get tired of listening to it.

“No, we’re finding something new, something better. We’re not the same people. We’ve lived more…and hopefully learned which battles are worth fighting and with what weapons. We’ve both learned to value the connections that are important. Let’s find out how we are together now—this Roman and this Augustine. No looking back.”

SEX: Talk about smoke and sin, this left me sweating. Their first time is at 49% and damn it’s worth the wait. They have sex a few more times and honestly, I wouldn’t have complained if there was even more. Roman gives good oral, which I respect. No condoms are used, thankfully.

GUS: Gus is a fucking QUEEN. If you look at my highlights, I say it so many damn times. She’s a damn shark, chewing up and spitting out her enemies and I’M HERE FOR IT!!!!! She is one of my top FMCs to exist. Y’all might have a problem with her sex forward attitude but screw you! If she wants to fuck someone, let her! That doesn’t make her a whore. She not only uses her sex for pleasure, but she also wields it as a weapon. She’s not above screwing someone to get what she wants. All of that said….. I did get tired of Gus holding onto her anger for so long. Her insecurities regarding Roman are repeated so much that it starts to grate. Since Gus herself is awesome, and the rest of the book is so fabulous, I don’t hold that against the book itself.

ROMAN: Even though Roman is a stubborn ass, I still love him. The man knows how to eat a good “P”, so I can never be too mad at him. He finally realizes what a dick he’s been and he makes up for it.

LAUGHS: This is one of the funniest books. I laughed so freaking much. I think that’s why this one is my fave. There’s humor, sexiness, suspense, gasps, frustrations, and everything else. I love it. This book alone makes the entire series worth it.

DEATH: There’s a death in this book that gave me tears. I've read the book and listened to the audio, and I think I cried because the audio is so much more powerful.

AUDIO: It is HIGHLY recommended. Greg Boudreaux narrates this book and his voice for Roman sets my girl parts on fire, and not in the STD kind of way! Plus, his voice for Gus is really good.

LISTEN TO THIS FUCKING SERIES!

[Anna's Herding Cats]

Neeeeeeed.

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our Perfect Gentlemen find their true loves while trying to unravel the conspiracy that surrounds the current President of the United States, PG Zack Hayes. This book is about PG Roman Calder, the President's Chief of Staff and best friend. It is a second chance trope and is really great. Roman had some ideas about what his future wife would be and that just isn't who fate decides to gift him with. I love this series and can't wait to read the last book. Although, I'll be very sad to see the series, I can't wait to see how it all turns out.

Thirteen years ago Roman Calder has a year long torrid love affair with his friend's sister, Augustine Spencer. To say it ended badly is an understatement. Gus just wasn't what Roman wanted for a wife. He had no idea what a rare gift he threw away, but his eyes were on the prize of winning the presidency for his best friend, Zack Hayes. Now, thirteen years later, Roman and Gus are working together in the White House and Roman knows that he made a big mistake all those years ago and is on a mission to change that outcome.

Gus may be willing to forgive, but she just can't forget how Roman treated her all those years ago. She is also in the middle of a clandestine investigation into the death of the man who stood beside her during her darkest time. A Presidential trip to England is the perfect opportunity to gather information that may lead her to who killed her friend, Maddox. But, she isn't the only one looking for information in England and she soon runs right into Roman and his investigation. An investigation that the Perfect Gentlemen don't want Gus involved with - to protect her. That doesn't go over real well and neither does trying to curtail her activities.

[Radd Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I’m sorry for making you feel less than extraordinary because you are, Augustine. You are an amazing woman.”

“Promise me when we find out who did this to our friends that you won’t do anything rash. You won’t go after them by yourself. You’ll let me hire someone to make them die terribly and painfully while we sit back and watch.”

<<><> Some Backstory <><>

^^ ~ Twenty two years ago, six guys went to Creighton Academy and became known as “The Perfect Gentlemen” (don’t let the name fool you). They were the closest of friends while at the academy and twenty years later they are all very rich, powerful and still remain extremely loyal to each other.

In the previous books, one of the six (Maddox) dies in a plane crash. Gabe, Connor, Dax, Roman and Zack all question the circumstances. Things just aren’t adding up and it appears there may be a lot more to the story than anyone suspects, including ties to the Russian mob and a plot involving the President (who is one of the Perfect Gentlemen).

<><> Book Four Story Overview <><>
Thirteen years ago, Roman and Gus were in a secret relationship for over a year. Gus was sure it was headed to the marriage aisle. Roman was sure it was temporary because his relationship with Gus reminded him too much of his parent’s volatile relationship.
~~ “Eventually, I’ll need a wife.”
“And that won’t be me. So what you’re telling me is that you do think about having a family, but you don’t want one with me.”

~~ “He loved Gus. She was an aching pit in his soul, and if he stepped off the edge with her, there would be no climbing back up. His life would be a tumultuous hell, exactly like his parents.”

~~ “Despite how crazy he was about Gus, he couldn’t live constantly on the edge, always anxious about the next fight.”


Roman was sure he needed a polite, demure woman at his side and the fiery passion he experienced with Gus was not what he needed in the long run.
~~ “You want to know why you can’t be my political wife? It has nothing to do with sex, baby. You are the be-all, end-all of sex for me and you damn well know it. It’s that you can be a righteous bitch and you’ll never learn how to play nice with others. That mouth of yours is a liability I can’t afford, so yes, I’m ending the relationship because I’ve got to grow up and stop playing around.”

Damn - that was harsh. But it epitomizes Roman and Gus‘s relationship. They were fiery and passionate and had heated arguments that were a prelude to some angry, awesome sex
~~ “This was what they did. They pushed and poked each other until one of them backed down or broke. Then they always ended up in bed. Hell, angry sex had been a regular staple for them, and he hated to admit how much he loved it.”

Their relationship ended with Gus left feeling like the secret whore on the side who was good enough to sleep with but not good enough to marry. And if this wasn’t bad enough, Roman was not around to help Gus deal with a loss that shattered her heart.

Fast forward to now and Roman and Gus are both working in the White House. The passion is still there, but the animosity is also there. They have kept their distance but everyone knows they are just one good fight away from unleashing all their pent up passion.

~~ “Roman acts kind of like a big brother around Gus and pokes at her, all while watching her like a hungry lion who wants to pounce on an antelope.”

As the series continues to unfold and all the friends dig into the Russian mystery, eventually Roman and Gus team up to find some answers. But answers about the Russians might have to take a back seat to the honest answers they need to share about their own relationship and events from the past.

~~ “We’re finding something new, something better. We’re not the same people. We’ve lived more…and hopefully learned which battles are worth fighting and with what weapons. We’ve both learned to value the connections that are important. Let’s find out how we are together now—this Roman and this Augustine. No looking back.”

~~ “They hadn’t stopped being passionate. They still argued, but always with the knowledge that, more than anything, they were passionate about each other.”


<><> Characters <><>
Hero: Roman Calder
~ Age: late 30’s or 40
~ Occupation: lawyer and White House Chief Of Staff
~ Roman comes from a long line of powerful DC lawyers. His parents had a very passionate relationship where they either screamed at each other or couldn’t keep their hands off each other. Roman vowed he would never have that volatility in his life again.
Roman was always the type of person who craved money, power, fame and control and he had a plan on exactly how he would achieve his goals - get Zack into the White House and be there every step of the way.

* The following words/phrases were used to describe Roman: known as “The Hitman”, ruthless, plays hardball, eats his opponents for breakfast, analytical, unemotional, passionate about his job in the Oval Office, hollow, views most things as a game he intends to win, loyal, complicated, has to be in control, dominant, likes to be challenged, arrogant, confident, ambitious, intimidating, brilliant, emotionally dumb

~ “You want a marriage that’s the polar opposite of your parents’. You want a wife who won’t fight with you, who never turns your gut inside out. You want to spend your life with a woman who’s incapable of making you wish you hadn’t met her one minute, and then forces you to realize that you can’t live without her in the next. You, my dense friend, want to feel nothing. You want a housekeeper, hostess, and cook you have sex with, one who wears your ring on her finger like a trophy and doesn’t tug on your heart at all.”


Heroine: Augustine Spencer (aka Gus)
~ Age: I’m guessing mid to late 30’s
~ Occupation: second in command at the press office
~ Gus has a law degree and works in the press office at the White House. Her father was an Admiral in the navy and her mother was a New Orleans socialite. Three years ago her father was “caught” in a compromising position that ruined his reputation and Admiral Spencer committed suicide. In the previous book, Gus’ brother Dax worked hard to uncover the truth about what really happened to their dad.

* The following words/phrases were used to describe Gus: man-mangling, tear-inducing, mega shark, feared by most at the White House, keeps everyone in line, man-eating T. rex, evil genius, larger than life, has claws, a force of nature, a schemer, brazen sex bomb, thinks outside the box, good at damage control, doesn’t put up with shit, reckless, has a strong sense of justice, not ashamed of her sexuality, has moxie, completely willing to go to the mat for the people she loves

~ “She’ll keep those damn reporters in line. I heard she made the head of ABC News cry last week.”


<><> A Few Thoughts <><>
^^ ~ I felt really bad for Gus in the beginning. The way Maddox helped her out all those years ago really made my heart melt. The reader is given a peek into a vulnerable and sweet side of Maddox and I love this guy even more. Gah, I wish he was alive!
~~ That was Mad. Arrogant. Sweet. Rebellious. Loving.

^^ ~ I liked Roman and Gus, but to some extent I felt like it was a little bit of a wash/rinse/repeat scenario. Two steps forward and two steps back over and over. It wasn’t until the very, very end of the book where Gus finally felt secure about Roman’s feelings. She was so strong, but very insecure when it came to Roman and that got a tiny bit frustrating for me.
~~ “Every time he thought they’d moved beyond what had happened years ago, she circled right back, like a dog with a bone.”

^^ ~ I thought it took a long time for the suspense element to move forward. 45% before they really started gaining ground.

^^ ~ Deep Throat is back. Still crossing my fingers on who this secret person really is.

^^ ~ I actually didn’t suspect the bad guy until the very end. There was a good red herring thrown in to keep me off track.

^^ ~ I Knew It!!!!! Whew. Loved the last page of this and can’t wait to start the next book. I need to go back and re-read that, just to make sure.

<><> The Basics <><>
- Content Warning: miscarriage,
- Setting: London
- Do you need to read previous books in series?: Yes. There is an overarching story in this series and each books builds upon it. All supporting characters were introduced in previous books, so this should be read in order.
- POV: Dual POV
- Tropes: second chance, suspense
- Hero likable? Yes
- heroine likable? Yes
- h virgin? No
- First time they kiss: 26%
- First time they sleep together: 49%
- Safe sex? No, but they had the all important “clean” and birth control discussion before they hit the sheets
- First time they say I Love You: 87%
- steamy? Yes. Several descriptive bedroom scenes
- Chemistry? they had a string push/pull relationship that led to angsty chemistry
- OW/OM drama? Not really. There was a persistent woman interested in Roman, but he blew her off
- H/h cheat? No
- Time apart? technically thirteen years
- Did I skip pages? No
- Big secrets? at 81% Gus was finally truthful about their loss.
- Did I cry? No
- Did I laugh? No
- Did I swoon🥰? Yes
- Cliffhanger? > kind of. The over arching story continues in the next book
- HEA? Yes - for this couple
- Epilogue? sets up Zack’s story
- Recommend? Yes


<><> Quotes <><>
“He’s male and that means his brain is unfortunately wrapped up in his dick, and his thought process depends on which one is getting the most blood flow.”

“Do you have to shove the two by four up your ass all by yourself or do you have an aide do it for you?”

“He was supposed to be so smart, but sometimes she swore he had the emotional IQ of a turtle.”

“Why was it the only woman in the world who could bring him such peace was also the only one who could rev his temper and turn him into a blind hothead he swore he’d never be?”

“No one could turn around a bad situation like Gus. She could get caught with a gun standing over a dead body and residue all over her hands, and still manage to craft a charming story the police would probably believe.”

“If someone was getting brutally murdered here, it would be him. Gus’s punishment would be going through life knowing he’d valiantly saved hers and that she would never find another lover who could satisfy her the way he did.”

“Lately, he’d spent far more time chasing down reluctant votes on the Hill than women.”

“Everly and Holland like to shoot people. Lara runs a political tabloid, and Gus eats reporters for breakfast,” Roman pointed out. “We have a type, guys. They’re all troublemakers.”

[Bookgasms Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

I swear. I need a minute to catch my breath after that AMAZING and SHOCKING ride!! GAHH this series just keeps getting better and better!! I absolutely love Shayla Black and Lexi Blake's Perfect Gentlemen series as it legit has the perfect combination of action, romance, heat, a compelling storyline and HOT characters!! They always deliver a sassy heroine who will take no prisoners and a hero who will fight to protect her at all costs. I have been waiting for Roman Calder and Augustine "Gus" Spencer's book for ages. It was emotional, sexy, full of political intrigue and was so so intense! I seriously cannot get enough of The Perfect Gentlemen and the women who love them!!

Smoke and Sin was an exceptional addition to the Perfect Gentlemen series as it seamlessly weaved all the pertinent details from the first three books with allllllll the new revelations from this book. In addition, we see the past history between Roman and Gus from years ago and the reason why they have such an acrimonious relationship today. More than ten years ago, after an intense and scorching affair, Roman abruptly ended things with Gus, breaking her heart. Thinking their relationship was too passionate and volatile similar to his dysfunctional parents, he leaves her thinking he was better off settling down for a demure woman he could make a peaceful life with and one who did not challenge him. But years later, Gus is still the only woman to evoke such visceral emotions in him. What happens when a dangerous investigation and international conspiracy lead them to London? Can they fight to stay together or will they allow a killer and the sins of their past keep to them forever apart?

YOU GUYS - this book was everything. I'm obsessed with all of the characters but most impressed with Roman and Gus. It was VERY painful watching their breakup and feeling the pain that Gus did. I felt like I was right alongside with her, holding her hand, hoping she moved on from him. But like the gifted storytellers Black and Blake are - I was hooked from the get go!! I loved Roman's obsession with Gus and the fact that she was it for him. I just needed this hard-headed man to see it and prove it to her! I can talk on and on about this book but just know there was love, pain, explosive passion and SHOCKING OMG revelations. I seriously can not wait for the next book!! Bravo! 5 stars! ~Ratula

***

Wowza, I knew Gus and Roman’s story would be amazing, but Smoke and Sin absolutely blew me away!

The build up to their romance and their history throughout the other Perfect Gentlemen books was fantastic. And to finally find out just what happened between Gus and Roman all those years ago was so very much worth the wait!

There are so many layers to their story. So many intricacies to their relationship as well as their relationships with others. And so much past history and present craziness that they have to overcome to finally come together.

You’ll not this review is short on details. Smoke and Sin is something you need to read on your own to experience all the angst, love and romance for yourself. But note, Roman and Gus’s romance is one for the ages—and fully sets up the final book in the series.

Smoke and Sin builds upon the overarching storyline of The Perfect Gentlemen series and does not stand alone. But the whole series is so amazing you wouldn’t want to read just one story! ~ Missy, 5 stars

[Lover of Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

Smoke and Sin is the fourth installment in the Perfect Gentleman series and I can't believe that I am almost finished with the series because man these books are so good and especially I have loved the focus on the male and female friendships in this series. Of course, the focus especially in the beginning was this brotherhood of friends and I will be honest, I WANT to see much more of this in romance. As much as I adore seeing female friendships, there is something so resonating in seeing such strong bonds between males. And of course, Smoke and Sin, is just another installment that adds deeper enlightenment to the series and the overall development of intrigue and mystery.

I was trying so hard not to remember how it felt to touch you, to have your body against mine, because nothing in my entire life has ever been as exciting as fucking you. Not winning the election. Not running the Oval. Nothing has ever made me feel as alive as you.

Smoke and Sin is a story that begins years previous when our hero Roman and Gus first get together, and begin a secret love affair in college. With Roman being best friend with Gus's brother, there is a forbidden theme to their relationship. But right when Roman is ready to go to D.C. to begin his campaign in getting his best friend to going on the road to becoming President, Gus lays out her hopes and desires for their future. But Roman only had one drive at the time, and hurt Gus and in the process hurt himself and for years Roman and Gus have gone back and forth against each other, the bitterness of the past keeping them from realizing how powerful they are together and the love they has always lived beneath the surface of the resentment and anger. But when the danger to them escalates, and the secrets surmounts, their love and resolve will be tested .....and the biggest test of all.....will love conquer or fail in the end?

Nothing has ever made me feel as alive as you.And no one has ever broken me the way you did, Roman.

I have to say ever since I SAW the cover of the book (and yes I am vain like that) I wanted this book so badly. Nothing speaks more of sensuality between the sheets than this cover. Even though the style is so not my style, it definitely portrays the sexiness that these books definitely convey. And I have to say ever since the first book I have wanted ROMAN's book so badly. And it definitely was well worth the wait on this one. I will point out that this definitely has a enemies to lovers theme to it and anyone that knows my reading knows how picky I am about this trope but I can tell you right now I absolutely ADORED it in so many ways. This pair was so hilarious to read, probably my favorite so far to be honest. I just couldn't get enough of their angst and the drama and the SEX .....some of the best sex scenes I have ever read were in this book here. I couldn't get enough of it here.

I’ll handle everyone. All you have to do is let me stroke you. Let me kiss you. Fuck you. Let me show you everything I should have before. Affection. Need.

The relationship that we have with Roman and Gus is packed with turmoil and honestly its really hard to get the gist of what is really going on between them at times. Most of the times, the vibe we sense is that there is so much anger, the root of their issues just don't get addressed for a while. I get it though from both sides. Roman, is looking for a certain woman for his wife and Gus just doesn't fit the bill but when you see WHY he feels that way, its understandable and once Gus understands WHY, it starts to make more sense to her even when he hurts her, she understands him. Gus has always wanted and loved Roman, but she is her own woman and empowered and will go her own way. I did love her independent streak but I did feel at times she put up her barriers too strong at times, and never let others in. What I DID adore about her, is how defensive she gets on Maddox. Maddox is like the bad boy of the Perfect Gentleman but he was her rock when she really was at her lowest and one of her closest friends. We see how his death really tormented her and how upset she gets when even his best friends don't honor him the way she thinks that they should.

God, she tasted like heaven, like something sweet and forbidden. Like precious memories he’d forgotten. Like perfection

There is actually quite a bit that happens in this book and one of the major elements is a divide between the men and women. Oh the DRAMA and even though it could feel over the top at times, I found it so lively and entertaining and real in some ways. Quite Frankly, both the women and the men here are so strong willed and stubborn and think they know best, so even though they love each other, you see how they battle it on thinking they know best. And I found it so amusing in multitude of ways. But we also see more built up of the plot and I truly had such a curiousity about what more would be built on and more secrets to be revealed on their great enemy.



Now I will say that there is a cliffhanger of sorts....so much so that I need the last BOOK and now!! And boy this cliffy ....I NEVER saw coming at all. Now its more of a cliffhanger in retrospect to the overall plot of the series not the couple that is featured here, they do get their HEA here. And trust me, I almost passed out in shock from what is revealed here. Because I NEED to know what happens and all the what/why/how/when questions that I do have.



Overall I found Smoke and Sin to be a story that is revealing in its tones of hurt, betrayal, secrets and intrigue that will leave you full of anticipation and eagerness for the sensuality and danger that builds with each chapter!

[Shayna · Rating 5 out of 5]

When it comes to romantic suspense, Shayla Black and Lexi Blake are the absolute PROS! Whether they are writing individually or as a team, nobody brings us sex, excitement, and danger quite like this pair! There’s passion. There’s heart-pumping suspense. It’s romance at its finest with enough grit and raw sensuality to have you blushing for days. Black and Blake are my GO TO authors in the romance genre, period. And every single new release they present to the world, makes me fall harder than the one before. This dynamic duo brings PURE MAGIC to the romance community and as a reader, I’m telling you, your life will be changed once you dive into their worlds. 

“Nothing has ever made me feel as alive as you.”

Her eyes had gone cold.  ”And no one has ever broken me the way you did, Roman.”

SMOKE AND SIN is book #4 in The Perfect Gentlemen Series. This is a romantic suspense series that MUST BE read in order. Each book features a different couple, but it’s an ongoing complex storyline throughout the series. Be warned that when you start this series, there is NO turning back. You WILL become addicted, hooked, and obsessed! SMOKE AND SIN brings us Roman Calder and Gus (Augustine) Spencer - two of the most STUBBORN characters in this series, which of course makes for a FANTASTIC love story. There’s obvious chemistry the first AND second go-round. There’s the push/pull aspect that makes you tingle all over. They are super INTENSE, super PASSIONATE, and they will make you FEEL all sorts of wonderful things. Of course, there is danger around every corner, but Gus is a woman who can handle her own, so it’s so fun to watch these two fight for control. It makes the surrender and the passionate moments that much sweeter.

“God, she tasted like heaven, like something sweet and forbidden. Like precious memories he’d forgotten. Like perfection.”

Two AMAZING characters. One UNDENIABLE connection. A SECOND CHANCE they never knew they wanted. SMOKE AND SIN was absolute PERFECTION!

[Miftahul · Rating 1 out of 5]

this is the fourth book of the perfect gentlemen series and i loved the first 3 books. This book is about Gus who us Dax’s sister and Roman who is Dax’s bff and one of the perfect gentlemen. Roman and Gus used to be friends with benifits until they broke up and years later their lust blossoms again 😑 and they fuck. I skipped through the whole book and its not like i dont like the characters. I love Gus and how strong she is but i just dont like her with Roman. I dont even find chemistry between them, they didnt have that connection and all they do is fight which is annoying as hell. Gus and Roman together both are annoying. I actually liked the idea of Roman and Joy together, only if she didnt die then their story would have been a lot better than Gus and Roman’s. I really liked Gus’s character as in individual, but she and Roman didnt bond, it seemed forced and they fuck all the time and when they are not fucking, they fight. I seriously wish Joy didnt die and this book was about Roman and Joy, their story seriously would have been so much better and i mean they dont have any scenes together but i can legit feel the chemistry between Joy and Roman. But on the other hand Roman is annoying as hell, i think his character is the only character that i hate from this series. I love Gus a lot tho, she is strong as fuck.

[Sheila Melo · Rating 5 out of 5]

DO NOT SPOIL THIS BOOK FOR YOURSELF. Avoid spoilers and this book will not disappoint.

"Dealing with any of the Perfect Gentlemen was always an intricate game of chess. Thankfully, she'd had a lifetime to become a master."

FINAL DECISION: Hot, angst filled, dramatic and full of surprises. This second chance at love story kept me up until 3am and then all I wanted to do was re-read it.

THE STORY: Years ago Roman Calder and Gus Spencer had a hot affair. Things blew up because the passion and intensity of the relationship was something that scared Roman. Yet the two cannot completely avoid one another because Gus is the sister of one of Roman's best friends. And perhaps they don't actually want to avoid one another as Gus took a job at the White House where Roman is chief of staff. As the Perfect Gentlemen's investigation takes them to London, their proximity heats up the lingering passion between them. The question is whether they have a better chance the second time around.

OPINION: This is a difficult book for me to review. Not because I didn't love it, I certainly did. Not because I'm confused, I'm not. The problem is that almost anything gives away too much in this series now. This book was so good that I started reading it immediately upon it downloading to my Kindle and then just kept reading, without stopping, until I finished at 3am. When I got up in the morning (after only 3 hours sleep), I just kept thinking "I need to re-read _________". And that is why I give this book 5 stars. The romance, the story, everything worked for me in this book. For me, the only part I hated is that the next book of the series won't be out until October 2018.

On the plot, readers of the series will be familiar with the Perfect Gentlemen's quest. Beginning with the death of the sixth of their group, Maddox, in the first book of the series, the conspiracy has expanded to include the deaths of a number of people and a connection to the Russian mafia. As book 3 ended, a number of the PG were on their way to London to investigate another suspicious death. That is the setup for this book which begins just as the prior book ended.

As I warn at the beginning of this review, this is a book that is meant to be experienced as the story unfolds. I encourage you to not read spoilers because this book is packed with secrets and reveals.

I won't give anything away, but I assure you that the investigation continues, there is more danger and suspense and the plot continues to unfold. AND I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED how the story line continues to be interwoven and reexplained and unraveled. I generally find the plot in romance books to merely be vehicles for the romance, but here the plot is so exciting and well done that I continue to puzzle over the details between books. That continues to be true here as I keep wondering about the details and what they mean. That's all I'm giving away on the plot. You'll have to read the rest yourself.

Even as the plot was thrilling, what I really love about these books are the relationships: between the PG, between the heroes and heroines, and the developing friendships between the women. In the prior books, Roman and Gus were the most difficult characters for me. There was something unclear about who they were. That explodes here as the story between these character covers a lot of ground.

Gus is a strong, vibrant woman. She is brash and unapologetic, openly a sexual being, intelligent. She's put the PGs in their place for years. What I didn't expect was how I would fall in love with Gus because of all those qualities that I knew but also the softer side of her character that is revealed here. Both Roman and Gus present themselves as impervious and yet there are depths to them that are shown here and which I would never have expected.

Roman was also a surprise for me because he is more unsure of himself than I expected. This book tackles head on the idea that he was threatened by Gus in ways that romance books rarely address. I thought their story was thoughtful and difficult. Lots of angst and pain between these two (but totally different vibe than between Dax and Holland in book 3). By the end of this book, Roman has had to ask himself some fundamental questions about himself and I liked the journey so much.

This book is hot and exciting, but I really felt the pain and desire for connection between these characters. And perhaps that is why I felt the most satisfied with the conclusion of their story -- because they had to travel so far and overcome so much to be together and yet they managed to make that journey.

WORTH MENTIONING: Readers of the series won't be surprised that much of the overarching story isn't resolved here. In fact, the story goes in a whole new direction.

CONNECTED BOOKS: SMOKE AND SIN is the fourth book in the Perfect Gentlemen series. This series is meant to be read in order and the book really doesn't stand alone because it depends upon information in the prior books (although the romance is self-contained).

STAR RATING:  I give this book 5 stars.This review was originally posted on Top10RomanceBooks.com

[Cami · Rating 4 out of 5]

Roman & Gus are my favorite couple so far in this series!! The storyline with the action & mystery has been great through this entire series but I have had some issues with the sappy romances between the couples in each book.

This book was much better when it came to the romance part of it. It wasn’t near as sappy and unrealistic. Much more up to par with the love stuff if you ask me.

[Ana Santos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story from the Perfect Gentlemen series. My absolute favourite so far.
Gus is THE female character. I love her badass attitude. Just love her! An incredible example of Girl/Woman Power!

[Jessica Morales]

I can't wait to read this book. I wish we knew when it will be released.

[Tiffany Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need this book like I need my next breath. I have been in agony waiting for the next installment in this series. Just tell me when the release date is. I'm so excited!!!!

[Gawelleb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Je n’y aurais pas cru ...

[Devika · Rating 5 out of 5]

love this series..too bad i have to wait one year for the next book!

[Jenny Jo Weir · Rating 4 out of 5]

I took a hiatus from this series because it can all get a bit much in the romance department with all these characters and their love stories but I finally came back to finish it up. Luckily, the break was exactly what I needed because it allowed me to enjoy this one. My favorite thing about this story is the mystery plot line. I have loved that from book one and is the reason I've looked forward to finishing the series. This one is a nice continuation until the final installment.

[Jojo92 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un excellent livre qui continue la trame de l’histoire avec des intrigues, et des retournements de situation. J’ai beaucoup aimé même si j’ai été un peu perdu pendant un moment. Augustine et Roman sont parfait l’un pour l’autre on a du mal à comprendre qu’avec des étincelles entre eux comme cela ils ne se soient pas rapproché avant.
Et quel fin!!! Vive Septembre !!!!

[Bambi Unbridled · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shayla and Lexi have been extremely evil with this series - giving us the teases of Mad and not answering the question of "is he or isn't he?" But I have been riveted to this series arc as they have dribbled out the facts of the conspiracy and huge political secret. I think it speaks to the quality of the writing that I have enjoyed this series despite being overtired of everything political over the past year.

The Perfect Gentlemen up in this installment is Roman Calder, right hand to the president, Zack Hayes. Roman is known around the White House as the Hitman... protecting the president with an iron hand. It seems that Roman's entire existence (at least since prep school) has been aimed at getting Zack Hayes to the White House. Nothing, and no one, is more important than his friend Zack. His single-minded focus has turned him into an asshole playboy, refusing to get serious about any woman unless she fits his cookie cutter mold for the perfect political wife. Unfortunately, when he found that woman, she was married to his best friend. He left a lot of broken hearts in the dust, including that of our heroine. I really had a hard time liking Roman... he seemed cold and manipulative, and he was very slow to learn a lesson from past mistakes. There were many times that I wanted to tell him to STFU and pay attention!

Augustine Spencer is the sister of one of the other Perfect Gentlemen, Dax. She and Roman went hot and heavy during law school, and she thought they would become an intimate power couple in Washington politics. But Roman treated Gus more like a dirty little secret, and broke her heart when she expressed an interest about the future. So after that heartbreak and then a further personal tragedy, Gus distanced herself from everyone except Maddox. I really liked Gus. She is an independent assertive heroine, dubbed the Ice Queen around the White House, but she hides a fiercely loyal heart of gold beneath her icy demeanor. I felt so bad for her when it came to Roman and the way he treated her, but I loved that she was unapologetic about herself, her sexuality, and her life and ambitions in general. I was a little worried a couple times when it seemed that Gus would go off half-cocked into danger... but she didn't cross the line into that TSTL heroine role.

Needless to say the relationship between Roman and Gus was a lot of hot and cold. They have explosive sexual chemistry but a lot of drama between them. Roman really needs to grovel and realize that he doesn't treat Gus the way she deserves to be treated, and Gus will have to come to terms with what happened in the past and forgive Roman for his part in it. And of course when they fall into bed, things are very intense.

As has been the case with most of this series, I have been more obsessed with the political intrigue than the romance. We are finally starting to get some answers as it seems the series is winding down... and let me tell you that I was squee'ing by the end. I can't wait for the next book!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher, Tantor Audio.

[J Kiwibooknerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love loved it!!!! Just sad there is a whole freaking year to wait till Zack and Liz's book.....by that time I will have forgotten the previous books....:(

[Sofia Lazaridou · Rating 1 out of 5]

I will make this quick. The hero is a manwhore, the heroine is a womanwhore. Great for them. For once the heroine is not virginal. What really really bothered me is that she slept with Mad before she slept with Roman and a year after her break up with Roman she and Maddox and I quote "we fucking like bunnies". One of the few things that turn me off a book faster than I can close it is having one of the MCs sleep with a person who is close to the other MC and that's why I avoid books where the hero has dated the heroine's sister for example. To make things worse, Roman was seriously in love with another woman and he is a douche. From the prologue, I truly got the idea that he didn't care for her and in the previous books, I thought that he was in love with Zack's wife. Both MCs did something I despise and that's why I will not continue with the book.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Smoke and Sin
4 Stars

Series note: This is book #4 in The Perfect Gentlemen series. Each book continues the ongoing story arc, and therefore, must be read in order.

***Warning: Minor Spoilers Ahead***

In this installment, the Perfect Gentlemen and the women in their lives travel to London where Roman Calder and Augusta Spencer join forces to investigate the mysterious death of Constance Hayes and its connection to the deaths of others close to the President. As they work together, Roman and Gus must come to terms with their volatile past and decide whether or not to take a chance on their future.

Roman and Gus's romance is the best in the series thus far. Both have grown and matured over the years and have come to realize that they are better together than apart. Gus's strength and self-confidence make her a particularly engaging heroine and it is fun watching her bring the cool, calm and collected Roman to his knees.

Despite the ups and downs of the various romantic relationships in the books, the twists and turns in the ongoing mystery keep the pages turning. Following the clues and developing theories regarding who did what, when, and where is particularly entertaining and I eagerly await the answers to the open questions in the final book focusing on the President and his press secretary. It should be one hell of a showdown!

[Stephanie Nicol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ich habe es vermutet 😁

[Lissy Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can not wait for he next installment!!

[Misty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is absolutely my most favourite of this series, this book was explosive!
I loved Roman and Gus together. Both fighting with their past in different ways, both knowing the other was bad for them and they would end up hurt and yet neither of them could give up on the other. Their relationship was pure fire, passionate and yet tender, full of fights and love. Roman's reaction when Gus told him of the baby... awwww, I wanted to hug him so much!
And I want to hit Zack. I seriously want to punch him (with love of course) and tie HIM up and yell at him while he can't walk away for the way he's treating Liz. Grrrrrrrrr. Men and their hero complex.
I think I need to break down my various thoughts into sections... this will be epically long, sorry!

1) Mad. I hoped since the first book that he wasn't really dead. The first clue was the funeral, when Gabriel told his friends Mad had personally arranged it. A man devastated for the loss of his woman (he told as much to Everly) doesn't arrange a burlesque dancer for his funeral, knowing that his woman's brother (and probably Sara as well) would attend. It would be a slap in the face and going on reading, every glimpse we got of Mad pictured a boy that liked to have fun but that cared deeply for his friends and had an inner core of gentleness and loyalty. I couldn't believe he would hurt his friends that way.
I also think Sara knows what's going on. She's been quiet and disappeared on the background. I think Mad didn't want to tell her at first, she sure didn't know anything during Scandal never Sleeps, but then I think Mad came to know she was at risk of losing the baby and told her, to reassure her. Since she loves Mad, she has all the interest in keeping quiet about him being alive, even with her brother, because she knows how much is at stake. And after all the secrecy game the PG played with Gus and Liz, I really hope nobody will dare to ask her "how could you not tell us?".
When Gus went to Kemp's room, that was the moment I 100% knew Mad was alive. Before that it was just wishful thinking, but the sketch was the giveaway and the phone call as well. If I thought he was talking to Mad, the conversation made perfect sense. Poor Kemp, I was sad when he died :(
Now I wonder what did Mad say to both Kemp, Thomas and who knows who else, to convince them to play his game without telling Zack? How and when did he talk to them? Because it's clear the Secret Services helped him disappear. Since the Russians in Scandal Never Sleeps talked about the plane incident as if they actually planned it, I have to suspect Mad knew about the bomb and maybe parachuted out of the plane before it crashed? And then the Secret Service hid him away?

I'm also not completely sold on the idea that he's the mastermind behind the various Deep Throats. It looks like the logical conclusion, but why would the first Deep Throat warn Everly about Gabriel? Tell her that if Gabe had to choose, he would cut her loose, bury the evidence and protect his friends? If Mad knows about the conspiracy, then he knows Zack is in danger. It would be in Zack's best interest that Everly trusted Gabriel, shared with him everything she knew so that Gabriel could tell Zack. Why tell Everly not to trust him? And more, Mad had to know the PG would realize Everly is his sister. That would automatically bring her in the fold, if not as a trusted member of the inner circle, at least as someone who needed to be protected.
The other thing that I don't understand is that Deep Throat involved Lara. Lara = Capitol Scandal = public exposure. If Mad's goal is to unravel the mystery and save Zack from whatever is happening, why risk that a journalist publish the story? It would ruin Zack and Mad doesn't want Zack ruined, he wants him saved. Deep Throat told Everly "The truth must be revealed". He involved Lara. It seems to me that Deep Throat wants the whole plot exposed, which is why he tells Everly not to trust Gabriel, because Gabe would bury it all to save Zack.
I think I'm missing something here, but yes, I'm not convinced Mad is behind Deep Throat. After all, Deep Throat said "Several factions are competing to come out on top, and some don’t even realize other teams exist."
So far we have Team Russia, Team Perfect Gentlemen, Team Maddox. Possibily Team Deep Throat.

2) Joy. I like Joy, or at least I like the image that was delivered of her. But this book definitely makes me question her character. She went out of her way to be friends with Gus. She was friends with Holland. She was sent Zack's way by his father and groomed to be a powerful man's wife. And we all know that behind powerful men are powerful women. She convinced Roman to have the last speech in a region that they already knew was lost to them and she was killed there. Maximum impact, both in the region and nationally. There was a blonde that was seen with Frank Hayes at the hospital and that paid the doctors to get Constance Hayes out the night she died. She initiated the e-mail exchange with Roman, an exchange that was later used to blackmail Zack. Her funeral was with a closed casket. She was shot in the chest, not in the face, why would her casket be closed? And who has the authority to decide if a casket stay closed or open? Her husband? Her father? Who? I don't know about stuff like that, but it seems weird that Zack would want the casket to be closed. So, after reading Love And Let Die, we know that the dead don't always stay dead... and that wounds and death can be faked. Is Joy still alive? Is she in bed with the Russian? Is she going to reappear and accuse Zack of trying to kill her, saying that she had to fake her death to survive? And yet her name was on Natalia's list for assassination... why would she write it, if the death was a fake one? Natalia also said they took care of two women: "the woman" and "that bitch". So either she's talking about Constance and Joy or she's talking about Holland (the woman) and Constance (the bitch) ?

3) The White House leak of information. So, I want to believe Liz was framed. The clues are there, Vanessa can easily steal her password and send e-mails in her name, and I'm thinking about her just because she's a character we already met and she works with both Gus and Liz. But really, it could be anyone from the press section. But seriously, how cool would it be if Liz was actually guilty? If she was the leak, if she was really working with the Russians? Imagine the drama, the lack of trust, the path to forgiveness and atonement she'd have to take. Imagine what she would have to do to gain Zack's trust back. And wouldn't it be useful to use a Russian plant against them? To finally have someone on the inside, for a change? I don't really know if I want her to be innocent, after all :P

4) Natalia and Sergei. So, since Zack came to my own conclusion, that he's actually Natalia's son and he's really Sergei, I'll rule it out. I love Zack, but books taught me that if a character believes something, it's almost never true :P
Let's see what we know about Natalia:
- she was sent as a girl to spy on Zack's father, probably by her husband who was likely KGB.
- She wrote in her diary she had shamed the school and working for the ambassador was the way to wipe the slate clean. It was also the only way to protect "something". Everly initially thought she was referring to herself, but I think she was talking about her child.
- She was often transferred and given new identities.
- She didn't remember Sergei's surname because "They change so many times. My Sergei’s name is always changing right in front of my face."
- She still loved Sergei. She never stopped. How could she have?
- She didn't like the people she had to deal with because they were after the money, while there is a greater purpose.
- According to her, Sergei is a very smart man who speaks perfect English and will destroy America as he was always supposed to.

So here are a couple of theories:
- Zack isn't Frank's son and Frank is Sergei: there's a small note in Seduction in Session that says that when Zack went to talk to his father, his father actually told him he never had a son. But then it's noted that he really looks like his father. So, Zack could actually be the son of a brother/relative of Frank and that's why he never really cared about Zack other than for his own ambition. He never cared if he ruined his life in the process, by killing his mother and wife. He's faking his dementia to stay in the White House and leak information for the Russians. But if he's Sergei, what purpose could he have? From what Natalia says, Sergei is a sort of Russian patriot who's taking the Cold War a bit too far. From everything we know, Frank is absolutely no patriot. He only cares about power, not a higher purpose.

- Zack is Frank's son and Frank's dementia is real (so he really didn't know what he was saying when he told Zack he never had children). So who is Sergei?
I think Sergei is Natalia's husband, the one who sent her to spy on Frank Hayes. Constance Hayes accidentally killed his son and Natalia sort of went crazy. She became uncontrollable. Sergei talked to Zach's father: "this is what we're going to do: I'm not going to expose your wife as a murderer, thus probably ruining your son's chances of becoming the President, but you'll work with me. We'll make sure Zach becomes President and when he is [insert evil plan that I still have to understand]".
Zach's father agrees. That leaves Sergei with the problem of a crazy Natalia. So what does he do? A couple of theories here: he could have persuaded her to raise little Zack as if he was her son, making him love her more than his own mother, seeking her for guidance... and all the while little Zack was being raised by a member of the Bratva to become the President of the United States and (somehow) destroy the country, the ultimate revenge for the death of her son.
Or, (this is more surreal) he could have played on her momentary lapse of control and make her believe that Constance actually killed little Zack and plotted with her husband to switch the babies and make her believe her Sava was dead. So Natalia actually believed Zack was her son and would have done anything to keep him safe.

Either way, Natalia raised Zack and was more of a mother to him than his own, until he was seven years old. Then he never saw her again. We know that fifteen years ago she came to the USA and I believe she wanted to keep an eye on Zack who was out from the Creighton Accademy and going to college. She watched him, followed him around, observed him with his friends. Remember that she recognized Connor? She would, if she saw him with Zack.

I like the theory of Sergei being Natalia's husband more than him being Frank. It makes more sense to me, knowing what we know about Frank's character. But, if Zack is really Frank's son, what does the Bratva have over him? How can Sergei use him to "destroy the country"? There's a reason he did whatever he could to help Zack become President. And where is Sergei? In Scandal Never Sleeps we're told that he's "closer than we think". He must be in the White House, somewhere, working from the inside. But that would mean we still haven't met him. While Frank being Sergei would be somewhat climatic, Sergei being someone we never met, wouldn't have the same impact.
I suppose we still miss a piece of the puzzle, probably something Mad knows but can't place yet. Something that will come out only in the last book.

I can't wait for the last installment, it will be epic!

[Allyson Sherwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

The BEST of The Perfect Gentlemen! Roman and Gus are a perfect mix of angst, lust and sin!!

“...with any of the Perfect Gentlemen was always an intricate game of chess.”

The dynamic duo are at it again with the fourth book of The Perfect Gentlemen series, Smoke and Sin. Shayla Black and Lexi Blake are quite the team with their impeccable writing skills, giving us a book that we race to 1-click on Amazon! These two are the Queens for romantic suspense novels delivering 5 Stars of passion, red hot lust with a side of mystery and suspense!

Sin with the two most hardheaded, stubborn characters of the series; Roman Calder and Augustine (Gus) Spencer. Not only are they just stubborn, they are fiercely independent, one-minded and stuck in their own ways. “Hell, he and Gus were oil and water. God, they were like his parents. Always fucking or fighting—with almost nothing in between.” 13 years ago changed both Roman and Gus’s lives and not for the better. Making them both bitter and moody. Once a hot and heavy fling, Roman decided to side with the Perfect Gentlemen to get Zach to the white house, which meant leaving Gus to the wind.

“But no man could love her more. No one would ever love Augustine Spencer as completely as he did. Fucking no one. Too bad he was broken and couldn’t give her his whole heart, the way she deserved.
    Maybe it was better if she hated him.”

Now, 13 years later, both are working in the same vicinity, within the White House for Zach. You could cut the tension with a knife when they are present in the same room, but they mind their manners only speaking to one another when needed. The danger is still ever present behind the mystery of The Perfect Gentlemen and the lurkers in the shadows. Can Roman keep Gus safe without divulging the secrets? And can Gus keep up with the men of the group or will she cause drama of her own? What about Gus’s secrets that she has hidden away for so long, what happens when hers come to shine?

I am a sucker for second chance romances and with Smoke and Sin, I was on the edge of my seat, getting no sleep, wanting/not wanting to finish this book. Intense like no other and multiple times I was giddy with joy at the end with all the revelations! Out of all The Perfect Gentlemen books, this was my FAVORITE! The best banter award between characters goes to Roman and Gus; it was riveting, superior and I enjoyed it immensely!

“I’d like a sharp knife-- serrated would be nice--and a tarp, please. There’s no reason to ruin a perfectly good Aubusson rug. It’s innocent. The rug, that is. My victim isn’t. He deserves to feel a lot of pain.”
Roman rushed over and nudged her from the doorway. “Don’t mind her. She’s upset because The Bachelor isn’t airing here in the UK and I spoiled the ending for her.”  

This is an EPIC MUST READ!

[Marie Brown (Marie's Tempting Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marie's Tempting Reads ARC Review:

Things get more intense in the fourth book in Lexi Blake and Shayla Black's newest Perfect Gentlemen book, Smoke and Sin! Another puzzle piece gets added from the secrets that are revealed and then another intricate and eye opening clue gets revealed all while the flame between Gus and Roman (which has been brewing for years) comes roaring back to life, hot and fast and definitely more sexy than you can imagine!

The one thing I love most about this series is the amazing action and danger with every new secret and piece to the puzzle of Mad's death that gets exposed. And the way Gus takes charge and wades through everything with bravery and takes no crap attitude had me rooting for her from the get go. Roman is stubborn, trying to keep his distance from the one woman who he has always loved and will do just about anything to protect had me wanting to wack him on the head yet had me softening toward him with every insane thing that came out of his mouth. But I could NOT deny the amazing, sizzling chemistry between him and Gus. Their hate-love relationship kept me on my toes and kept the sex scorching hot and lip-biting GOOD! Out of the other Perfect Gentlemen books, this one has to be my number 1 read! Not only can I feel that things will finally come to a glorious ending once the last book gets here, but I just LOVED how I could never figure out how Roman and Gus would be like together with every new chapter. These two had stubborn-ness in spades but the lust and obvious love they have for each other was too irresistible.

Smoke And Sin is a thrilling, exciting, fast-paced, super sexy read that gets a RIVETING FIVE SHOOTING STARS!