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The Power of Zero #4
Swings & Roundabouts
Jack Horwood. Vigilante, hacker, security specialist. Partner to Gareth Flynn. Adoptive father to their two teenage boys. Happily juggling long days and short nights.
Gareth Flynn. Ex-army officer. Ace negotiator. Righter of wrongs. Family man. Away from home more often than he likes.
Desperate for a relationship reset, Jack treats Gareth to a romantic getaway and Sweden’s frigid peace gives them the break they both need. But Jack’s a trouble magnet and the next dead body just a wild skidoo ride away.
Can love, teamwork, and trust survive the troubles that follow them around? Can Jack save what’s become so important to him?
Expect action, drama, and hot romance in book 4 of the Power of Zero series.
Gareth Flynn. Ex-army officer. Ace negotiator. Righter of wrongs. Family man. Away from home more often than he likes.
Desperate for a relationship reset, Jack treats Gareth to a romantic getaway and Sweden’s frigid peace gives them the break they both need. But Jack’s a trouble magnet and the next dead body just a wild skidoo ride away.
Can love, teamwork, and trust survive the troubles that follow them around? Can Jack save what’s become so important to him?
Expect action, drama, and hot romance in book 4 of the Power of Zero series.
338 pages, Paperback
First published May 13, 2018
26 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
About the author
Jackie Keswick
47 books138 followersJackie Keswick writes a mix of suspense, action adventure, fantasy and magical realism. She loves stories with layers, plots with twists and characters with hidden depths. She adores friends to lovers stories, tales of unexpected reunions and second chances, and men who write their own rules. She blogs about English history and food, has a thing for green eyes, and is a great believer in making up soundtracks for everything, including her characters and the cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
October 31, 2023
Best one yet
I love this series so much, it would make a brilliant TV show because the tension and the pacing in conjunction with all the family's tribulations, is just perfect.
There's also lots of British humour, full on sarcasm and a wry sense of the absurd at times. Also the different types of criminal activity which Jackie has used to hang her stories on are really imaginative.
I'm not going to reveal anything of the plot points for what happens in Sweden but let's say, it's nothing you'd guess at in a million years!
I know this one's only just come out but I am desperate for more Jack and Gareth.
#ARC kindly provided by the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
I love this series so much, it would make a brilliant TV show because the tension and the pacing in conjunction with all the family's tribulations, is just perfect.
There's also lots of British humour, full on sarcasm and a wry sense of the absurd at times. Also the different types of criminal activity which Jackie has used to hang her stories on are really imaginative.
I'm not going to reveal anything of the plot points for what happens in Sweden but let's say, it's nothing you'd guess at in a million years!
I know this one's only just come out but I am desperate for more Jack and Gareth.
#ARC kindly provided by the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
May 13, 2018
Jack and Gareth became dear to me from their first appearance in Job Hunt. Life has changed a lot for these two men since then, especially after the events of Ghost Hunt and House Hunt. After more than a year together, Jack and Gareth have hit a rough patch, mostly due to Gareth. There are three parts to the story, part one covering their contretemps plus emotional issues cropping up for Nico, that he won’t discuss. Part two is their trip to Sweden with unexpected crime and part three balances and smooths things out once again. Sounds fairly straightforward but theses books are anything but!
Jackie Keswick writes a complex narrative, not difficult to follow at all, just rich with balanced scenes from their main jobs plus the side-jobs they do, their love life (or sometimes lack of), plans for the future, the care and feeding of two troubled teens and the well-deserved but sadly interrupted holiday. It’s fairly lengthy but interesting, even sometimes fascinating in how the author writes Jack and Gareth’s multifaceted characters. I’ll admit being quite confused as to what Jack determined was motivating Gareth’s mood swings in part one. It took much of the book to find out but I love how these two men solve issues with communication and honesty. Adults!
I can’t wait for the next in the series and the next adventure this family encounters. That’s another thing that’s special about these stories; the way Nico and Daniel are presented and how they respond to Jack and Gareth. I’m almost as invested in the boys as much as the men. Recurring characters from Nancarrow Mining are nearly as familiar. If you haven’t read the series, it’s necessary to start from book one, these do not stand alone. If you enjoy character driven plots with multiple aspects and strong suspense elements I’d suggest you give this series a try!
Jackie Keswick writes a complex narrative, not difficult to follow at all, just rich with balanced scenes from their main jobs plus the side-jobs they do, their love life (or sometimes lack of), plans for the future, the care and feeding of two troubled teens and the well-deserved but sadly interrupted holiday. It’s fairly lengthy but interesting, even sometimes fascinating in how the author writes Jack and Gareth’s multifaceted characters. I’ll admit being quite confused as to what Jack determined was motivating Gareth’s mood swings in part one. It took much of the book to find out but I love how these two men solve issues with communication and honesty. Adults!
I can’t wait for the next in the series and the next adventure this family encounters. That’s another thing that’s special about these stories; the way Nico and Daniel are presented and how they respond to Jack and Gareth. I’m almost as invested in the boys as much as the men. Recurring characters from Nancarrow Mining are nearly as familiar. If you haven’t read the series, it’s necessary to start from book one, these do not stand alone. If you enjoy character driven plots with multiple aspects and strong suspense elements I’d suggest you give this series a try!
May 18, 2022
They go to Sweden,
find a body, fuck lots, and
come home to their boys.
find a body, fuck lots, and
come home to their boys.
January 3, 2019
this series is such a great find! I loved every book of it and this one is no exception. it is interesting how Gareth and Jack have developed and how their relationship works. I love these two together! even when they are fighting, they are great together ... and I love Daniel and Nico. they are the perfect addition
in this book we finally see Gareth break a bit ... which was long overdue actually and so understandable.
I loved the suspense part, loved the romance part, loved how their trust shows (especially Jacks)
a great read!!!!
can't wait for the next one (and I really hope there will be one)
in this book we finally see Gareth break a bit ... which was long overdue actually and so understandable.
I loved the suspense part, loved the romance part, loved how their trust shows (especially Jacks)
a great read!!!!
can't wait for the next one (and I really hope there will be one)
August 31, 2025
Oh, Gareth. To the world, you look like you have it all together, but inside you’re barely hanging on. Thank goodness Jack knows you better than anyone. This story was another wonderful glimpse into Jack and Gareth’s lives with their adopted teens, Nico and Daniel, and the ways they all continue to grow. I especially loved how Nico made the connection between his own struggles and how he was treating Jack and Gareth—it felt so genuine. And Jack, ever patient, peeling back Gareth’s layers until he finally saw that their forever was already here. I can’t wait to read about their first date in the next book!
May 3, 2019
So I'm a happy, happy chick. A little birdie told me (thank you Mrs. Jackie *wink*), that this series is not over yet, and that just makes my day. I've have grown so in love with these boys, it's not even funny. These four bring so much out of you in reading their journeys, and believe me when I say, this one is no different. This one is just as intense, bit it's different now. Things are changing, there's more at stake. And it's basically time to shit or get off the pot.
Gareth, of all people, has been doubting himself so much lately. With being gone at every turn for Aiden, he's missing out on so much. They finally got custody of the boys and it seems since then, he's not had any time to enjoy them. Or Jack. And he's wondering if they need him at all. Meanwhile, Jack is being the more level headed one, and enjoy his role as guardian of the boys with Gareth. He loves picking them up from school and sharing their lives. But don't think he hasn't noticed something is off with Gareth. And Nico. It doesn't help when Gareth’s mom starts making comments that may all isn't hunky dory between them. Jack decides to start at the top. He decides it's time to get away.
He sets it all up and sweeps Gareth away for a surprise getaway. Just the two of them. Just when things are finally starting to settle and they're starting to relax and deal with some of the elephants in the room, they find a dead body in their hotel room. And it's the ex of a friend of Jack’s. Before you know it, they're involved in the investigation one way or another, and things are getting rougher at home with the boys. When they finally crack the case, Nico starts to open up, and so does Gareth. And Jack is kind of floundering. He does all he can to get home in time for the boys to help and does all he can to set Gareth straight and get them on the same path again, but he doesn't know if it will be in time or if his little family will fall apart.
Each book, in this series, has about ripped me apart in some way shape or form. All of them got to me in this one, again. Gareth, normally being the rock, is so unsure of himself, he's doubting his place in the family. Jack, who is usually out of whack, is more together, but because he doesn't know how to help Gareth or Nico with what's bothering them, is causing him to doubt and want to run almost. Nico, who is usually the stronger of him and Daniel, is lashing out. Which is good in a way, because it's better than shutting down, but he's pushing everyone away because he can't deal with what's in his head. And Daniel, the normal all quiet, meek one, went so far as to punch he crap out of Nico. And if you know these two boys, that's a 'what the hell?’ moment.
Each one of these boys is having to come to grips with change and their pasts. All in different ways. And if you can't find a way to work it out and together, it can break you apart. Which nobody wants, but no one is sure of how to fix. I have to say, I love Gareth and Jack so much more than I thought possible. Even with all the crap with work and between them, the boys come first. That's never a doubt with them. They make sure, even miles and miles away, that those boys have what they need. Even if it's them talking at 4 in the morning. They take their roles as guardians seriously, and I love it.
With Gareth and Jack, it was almost weird to see the roles reversed a bit. But it's a lot of changes in their lives in a short amount of time, with a lot of work and garbage mixed in. It's bound to take their toll. Especially when the constant need to be gone for work, keeps them apart. It's hard to stay grounded to their roots and each other. So this was an emotional road for the both of them. Not that it hasn't been already. But with all the new changes, and all the pent up non communication, it had to come to a head. And it was a hard read for it. But so worth it.
I can't even begin to describe how worth it. These guys are fighters. Even at their lowest, they keep fighting. And I can't get enough of them.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
Gareth, of all people, has been doubting himself so much lately. With being gone at every turn for Aiden, he's missing out on so much. They finally got custody of the boys and it seems since then, he's not had any time to enjoy them. Or Jack. And he's wondering if they need him at all. Meanwhile, Jack is being the more level headed one, and enjoy his role as guardian of the boys with Gareth. He loves picking them up from school and sharing their lives. But don't think he hasn't noticed something is off with Gareth. And Nico. It doesn't help when Gareth’s mom starts making comments that may all isn't hunky dory between them. Jack decides to start at the top. He decides it's time to get away.
He sets it all up and sweeps Gareth away for a surprise getaway. Just the two of them. Just when things are finally starting to settle and they're starting to relax and deal with some of the elephants in the room, they find a dead body in their hotel room. And it's the ex of a friend of Jack’s. Before you know it, they're involved in the investigation one way or another, and things are getting rougher at home with the boys. When they finally crack the case, Nico starts to open up, and so does Gareth. And Jack is kind of floundering. He does all he can to get home in time for the boys to help and does all he can to set Gareth straight and get them on the same path again, but he doesn't know if it will be in time or if his little family will fall apart.
Each book, in this series, has about ripped me apart in some way shape or form. All of them got to me in this one, again. Gareth, normally being the rock, is so unsure of himself, he's doubting his place in the family. Jack, who is usually out of whack, is more together, but because he doesn't know how to help Gareth or Nico with what's bothering them, is causing him to doubt and want to run almost. Nico, who is usually the stronger of him and Daniel, is lashing out. Which is good in a way, because it's better than shutting down, but he's pushing everyone away because he can't deal with what's in his head. And Daniel, the normal all quiet, meek one, went so far as to punch he crap out of Nico. And if you know these two boys, that's a 'what the hell?’ moment.
Each one of these boys is having to come to grips with change and their pasts. All in different ways. And if you can't find a way to work it out and together, it can break you apart. Which nobody wants, but no one is sure of how to fix. I have to say, I love Gareth and Jack so much more than I thought possible. Even with all the crap with work and between them, the boys come first. That's never a doubt with them. They make sure, even miles and miles away, that those boys have what they need. Even if it's them talking at 4 in the morning. They take their roles as guardians seriously, and I love it.
With Gareth and Jack, it was almost weird to see the roles reversed a bit. But it's a lot of changes in their lives in a short amount of time, with a lot of work and garbage mixed in. It's bound to take their toll. Especially when the constant need to be gone for work, keeps them apart. It's hard to stay grounded to their roots and each other. So this was an emotional road for the both of them. Not that it hasn't been already. But with all the new changes, and all the pent up non communication, it had to come to a head. And it was a hard read for it. But so worth it.
I can't even begin to describe how worth it. These guys are fighters. Even at their lowest, they keep fighting. And I can't get enough of them.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
December 13, 2019
So honestly I just plain love these two together. This book is a fabulous example of just how much Jack has grown. He's certainly not the same guy who doesn't trust anyone but himself. Gareth has worked his way into Jack's heart and there's no one he trusts more. I loved that he wanted to do something special for Gareth and just get away for a little while just the two of them. Of course in typical Jack fashion everything eventually goes spectacularly wrong.
I liked seeing Gareth realize how much he's the one stuck in their relationship and not recognizing how much Jack has changed. How much faith Jack puts in him. This story really strengthened the bond between these two men. Of course the side plot lines with the boys and what they were going through mentally as they slowly start to realize that they're truly safe now was lovely as well.
Love this series lots and lots.
I liked seeing Gareth realize how much he's the one stuck in their relationship and not recognizing how much Jack has changed. How much faith Jack puts in him. This story really strengthened the bond between these two men. Of course the side plot lines with the boys and what they were going through mentally as they slowly start to realize that they're truly safe now was lovely as well.
Love this series lots and lots.
April 21, 2025
Questo lavoro impone di avere onestà intellettuale. Quindi, non posso negare che questa serie sia bella.
Non posso negare che l’autrice sappia scrivere.
Soggettivamente, però, ho come la sensazione che ci sia una sorta di velo che fa sì che non mi arrivi del tutto, come per esempio la serie della James.
Non posso negare che l’autrice sappia scrivere.
Soggettivamente, però, ho come la sensazione che ci sia una sorta di velo che fa sì che non mi arrivi del tutto, come per esempio la serie della James.
May 26, 2018
Review available at https://scatteredthoughtsandrogueword...
May 27, 2025
The further I get in this series, the more I fall in love with Jack and Gareth.
May 15, 2018
Jack Horwood has found his happy place with sons Nico and Daniel. He’s loving parenthood and dealing with all the ups and downs of life with two teenage boys. Life couldn’t get any better than that. But then, there’s Gareth.
Gareth Flynn has been run ragged by his boss, Aidan Conrad, and the Nancarrow Mining operation. Besides that, he’s also on edge, feeling that he’s left Jack with all the responsibilities of home life. The more pressures that plague Gareth, the more it causes him to explode. Until finally, Jack walks out, which leads him back to his own dangerous way of blowing off steam. It’s in the heat of an argument that Jack and Gareth forget Nico and Daniel can hear them, and it raises questions for the boys.
With all the goings-on between Jack and Gareth, Nico and Daniel have their own issues. The boys are getting ready to choose careers, and with their fragile past and close relationship, they have to face they can’t be together all the time. Being alone with strangers is not an option for Daniel, and Nico begins to question Jack and Gareth’s relationship.
Between work, the boys, and Gareth, Jack also spends a lot of time and energy trying to find a way to bring his relationship with Gareth back around to as normal as possible, but all does not go well in trying to put their romance back together. Not when Jack discovers a body in ice.
Jackie Keswick can do no wrong. Swings & Roundabouts is a superbly written novel about parenthood and the changes that affect the lives of two loving men. It also brings out the worries and fears in two wonderful boys, Daniel and Nico, and how their past still makes life difficult at times. Jack and Gareth give it their all to have a special rapport with Daniel and Nico, and it pulls at the heartstrings. The romance between Jack and Gareth is not overly explicit; the flirting, warmth, and chemistry they share is just pure and honest love. Even with the boys and a solid support unit in Roz and Aidan, Jack and Gareth still find ways to have some alone time and keep the romance alive.
The novel is set up in three parts and is not without suspense and danger for Jack and Gareth. There are several cases they team up to solve: a man accused of stealing six million dollars, the security issues at Nancarrow, and a murder.
I follow a few series and The Power of Zero is one that tops my list. I highly recommended it. For me it really starts with the prequel The Power of Zero, the story of a much younger Jack Horwood. The next three series installments are a must read. I can’t say much more about Jackie Keswick other than her narrative and characters are amazing, and I’m so looking forward to the next book in this series.
Reviewed by Maryann for The Novel Approach
Gareth Flynn has been run ragged by his boss, Aidan Conrad, and the Nancarrow Mining operation. Besides that, he’s also on edge, feeling that he’s left Jack with all the responsibilities of home life. The more pressures that plague Gareth, the more it causes him to explode. Until finally, Jack walks out, which leads him back to his own dangerous way of blowing off steam. It’s in the heat of an argument that Jack and Gareth forget Nico and Daniel can hear them, and it raises questions for the boys.
With all the goings-on between Jack and Gareth, Nico and Daniel have their own issues. The boys are getting ready to choose careers, and with their fragile past and close relationship, they have to face they can’t be together all the time. Being alone with strangers is not an option for Daniel, and Nico begins to question Jack and Gareth’s relationship.
Between work, the boys, and Gareth, Jack also spends a lot of time and energy trying to find a way to bring his relationship with Gareth back around to as normal as possible, but all does not go well in trying to put their romance back together. Not when Jack discovers a body in ice.
Jackie Keswick can do no wrong. Swings & Roundabouts is a superbly written novel about parenthood and the changes that affect the lives of two loving men. It also brings out the worries and fears in two wonderful boys, Daniel and Nico, and how their past still makes life difficult at times. Jack and Gareth give it their all to have a special rapport with Daniel and Nico, and it pulls at the heartstrings. The romance between Jack and Gareth is not overly explicit; the flirting, warmth, and chemistry they share is just pure and honest love. Even with the boys and a solid support unit in Roz and Aidan, Jack and Gareth still find ways to have some alone time and keep the romance alive.
The novel is set up in three parts and is not without suspense and danger for Jack and Gareth. There are several cases they team up to solve: a man accused of stealing six million dollars, the security issues at Nancarrow, and a murder.
I follow a few series and The Power of Zero is one that tops my list. I highly recommended it. For me it really starts with the prequel The Power of Zero, the story of a much younger Jack Horwood. The next three series installments are a must read. I can’t say much more about Jackie Keswick other than her narrative and characters are amazing, and I’m so looking forward to the next book in this series.
Reviewed by Maryann for The Novel Approach
May 25, 2018
4.5 out of 5 stars
Description ~
Jack Horwood. Vigilante, hacker, security specialist. Partner to Gareth Flynn. Adoptive father to their two teenage boys. Happily juggling long days and short nights.
Gareth Flynn. Ex-army officer. Ace negotiator. Righter of wrongs. Family man. Away from home more often than he likes.
Desperate for a relationship reset, Jack treats Gareth to a romantic getaway and Sweden’s frigid peace gives them the break they both need. But Jack’s a trouble magnet and the next dead body just a wild skidoo ride away.
Can love, teamwork, and trust survive the troubles that follow them around? Can Jack save what’s become so important to him?
My Review ~
Swings & Roundabouts is the 4th book in The Power of Zero series. This is a series that must be read in order as it follows the same couple, Jack and Gareth, through their relationship and life around them.
I am completely and utterly in love with this series, so I was completely excited that this new book was coming out. First as I stated above this is not a standalone book, so you can't just dive into it. This is a true series where the books need to be read in order or you'll lose a lot of the storyline and continuity.
This story finds Jack and Gareth at a bit of cross purposes, moreso that they aren't taking enough time for them and putting everything, and everyone, else first. Both have gotten a tad bit snappish at each other, and that's when Jack finally decides enough is enough and he plans a get-a-way for them to a surprise location. Unfortunately things don't go totally as planned and on their final day on holiday, they stumble across a dead body.
As I started off with, I absolutely love this series and these two characters. Jack and Gareth aren't your typical romantic heroes, honestly both are anti-heroes to some extent. However they're extraordinarily redeemable characters with lots of depth and continued growth through each successive book. Their protective instincts for those they love and consider theirs makes them more than you'd expect to find in two ex-military men who don't tend to show emotions to the greater world. That is until they both realize how much they need each other and their adopted boys, Nico and Daniel.
I truly enjoy the interaction between Gareth and Jack, and then both men with Nico and Daniel. In some ways the boys are less world-weary copies of Gareth and Jack. However that doesn't make them less wounded and damaged from what their lives have been like, and Jack and Gareth are the best to get them through all of their healing. This series is very well written, has storylines that suck you into them, and tend to pack a strong emotional punch.
I highly recommend this series if you've never picked one up, and if you have this next book is a must read to see what Jack and Gareth get up to, next. I can't wait for the next book in this series or from this author.
Description ~
Jack Horwood. Vigilante, hacker, security specialist. Partner to Gareth Flynn. Adoptive father to their two teenage boys. Happily juggling long days and short nights.
Gareth Flynn. Ex-army officer. Ace negotiator. Righter of wrongs. Family man. Away from home more often than he likes.
Desperate for a relationship reset, Jack treats Gareth to a romantic getaway and Sweden’s frigid peace gives them the break they both need. But Jack’s a trouble magnet and the next dead body just a wild skidoo ride away.
Can love, teamwork, and trust survive the troubles that follow them around? Can Jack save what’s become so important to him?
My Review ~
Swings & Roundabouts is the 4th book in The Power of Zero series. This is a series that must be read in order as it follows the same couple, Jack and Gareth, through their relationship and life around them.
I am completely and utterly in love with this series, so I was completely excited that this new book was coming out. First as I stated above this is not a standalone book, so you can't just dive into it. This is a true series where the books need to be read in order or you'll lose a lot of the storyline and continuity.
This story finds Jack and Gareth at a bit of cross purposes, moreso that they aren't taking enough time for them and putting everything, and everyone, else first. Both have gotten a tad bit snappish at each other, and that's when Jack finally decides enough is enough and he plans a get-a-way for them to a surprise location. Unfortunately things don't go totally as planned and on their final day on holiday, they stumble across a dead body.
As I started off with, I absolutely love this series and these two characters. Jack and Gareth aren't your typical romantic heroes, honestly both are anti-heroes to some extent. However they're extraordinarily redeemable characters with lots of depth and continued growth through each successive book. Their protective instincts for those they love and consider theirs makes them more than you'd expect to find in two ex-military men who don't tend to show emotions to the greater world. That is until they both realize how much they need each other and their adopted boys, Nico and Daniel.
I truly enjoy the interaction between Gareth and Jack, and then both men with Nico and Daniel. In some ways the boys are less world-weary copies of Gareth and Jack. However that doesn't make them less wounded and damaged from what their lives have been like, and Jack and Gareth are the best to get them through all of their healing. This series is very well written, has storylines that suck you into them, and tend to pack a strong emotional punch.
I highly recommend this series if you've never picked one up, and if you have this next book is a must read to see what Jack and Gareth get up to, next. I can't wait for the next book in this series or from this author.
July 14, 2018
Review can be read at It's About The Book
Jack Horwood and Gareth Flynn are in something of a rut. Gareth is busy doing work all over Europe and Jack is busy doing work at home. To compound their problems they’ve done enough of a good job providing a safe and stable home for Daniel and Nico that Nico is starting to deal with his emotional problems. All together it’s a lot. Things don’t crash down around them but there are cracks. Jack doesn’t want cracks. Jack plans a quick vacation for them. It’s wonderful. Things get resolved and both men feel confident in their relationship then Jack finds a dead body.
I had misgivings about reading a fourth book in a series about a stable couple. In my experience this has always ended with me feeling like the characters are simply rehashing old arguments, their conflict feeling manufactured, or there’s no conflict and character growth and it’s just a couple of people doing some stuff. I’m not a person who can read beloved characters for the sake of reading beloved characters. In spite of my misgivings I really enjoyed this book. The conflict felt new and plausible.
The Nancarrow family is still a hot mess. Mostly this is alluded to in this installment. It’s being kept on the back burner so it can stay hot for later. There’s also some loose strings that may never be picked up again. Each installment of the series is a bit like a snapshot of their lives at the time. If we don’t see their various investigations resolved by the end we may simply never know. Next time there will be new things. Honestly, I don’t know if I love that or hate it.
One aspect of this book I really enjoyed is it shows serious jobs take serious work that takes a long time to accomplish. Too frequently characters are portrayed in books as having a demanding job yet they still have time to look like a model or a bodybuilder and on top of that they have time to have a deep and meaningful relationship with lots of time to stare into their partner’s eyes. That’s simply not realistic. Information gathering takes time. Jack’s hacking and Gareth’s in person diplomacy style require hours of dedication. Hours spent not with each other. TL;DR it was the realism that made this book work for me.
Jack Horwood and Gareth Flynn are in something of a rut. Gareth is busy doing work all over Europe and Jack is busy doing work at home. To compound their problems they’ve done enough of a good job providing a safe and stable home for Daniel and Nico that Nico is starting to deal with his emotional problems. All together it’s a lot. Things don’t crash down around them but there are cracks. Jack doesn’t want cracks. Jack plans a quick vacation for them. It’s wonderful. Things get resolved and both men feel confident in their relationship then Jack finds a dead body.
I had misgivings about reading a fourth book in a series about a stable couple. In my experience this has always ended with me feeling like the characters are simply rehashing old arguments, their conflict feeling manufactured, or there’s no conflict and character growth and it’s just a couple of people doing some stuff. I’m not a person who can read beloved characters for the sake of reading beloved characters. In spite of my misgivings I really enjoyed this book. The conflict felt new and plausible.
The Nancarrow family is still a hot mess. Mostly this is alluded to in this installment. It’s being kept on the back burner so it can stay hot for later. There’s also some loose strings that may never be picked up again. Each installment of the series is a bit like a snapshot of their lives at the time. If we don’t see their various investigations resolved by the end we may simply never know. Next time there will be new things. Honestly, I don’t know if I love that or hate it.
One aspect of this book I really enjoyed is it shows serious jobs take serious work that takes a long time to accomplish. Too frequently characters are portrayed in books as having a demanding job yet they still have time to look like a model or a bodybuilder and on top of that they have time to have a deep and meaningful relationship with lots of time to stare into their partner’s eyes. That’s simply not realistic. Information gathering takes time. Jack’s hacking and Gareth’s in person diplomacy style require hours of dedication. Hours spent not with each other. TL;DR it was the realism that made this book work for me.
May 24, 2018
5 Stars!
Swings & Roundabouts is book 4 in the Power of Zero series and it needs to be read in order. Trust me, you don't want to miss any of it.
Jake is sort of juggling his job with his new responsibilities as an adoptive father for Nico and Daniel and taking care of everything at home, while his partner Gareth, has been away for work more often than not.
It's working for them until it isn't, and Jake surprises Gareth with a romantic getaway in Sweden so they can reconnect, but trouble seems to follow Jake everywhere he goes.
This is my favorite of the 4 books, and that's saying a lot since the previous installments have been 4.5-5 Star reads for me. I just loved seeing that while things aren't perfect between Jake and Gareth, they were willing to work through their issues and emerged even stronger in the end. And of course, I adored seeing them with Nico and Daniel and the lengths they were willing to go to make things better for them after what they lived through before coming to live with Gareth and Jake.
The chemistry between Gareth and Jake was out of this world, especially once they were in Sweden and got some time for themselves.
The cases the guys were working on were interesting and fast-paced, both with satisfying results. And the teamwork was outstanding, as always. I love Aiden and Raf and the Swedish police members that helped Jake and Gareth clear their friend Oskar's name.
Overall, this was another fantastic addition to the series, with a strong HFN and a great ending that will tide me over while I (im)patiently wait for the next installment in the series. Highly recommendable!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Swings & Roundabouts is book 4 in the Power of Zero series and it needs to be read in order. Trust me, you don't want to miss any of it.
Jake is sort of juggling his job with his new responsibilities as an adoptive father for Nico and Daniel and taking care of everything at home, while his partner Gareth, has been away for work more often than not.
It's working for them until it isn't, and Jake surprises Gareth with a romantic getaway in Sweden so they can reconnect, but trouble seems to follow Jake everywhere he goes.
This is my favorite of the 4 books, and that's saying a lot since the previous installments have been 4.5-5 Star reads for me. I just loved seeing that while things aren't perfect between Jake and Gareth, they were willing to work through their issues and emerged even stronger in the end. And of course, I adored seeing them with Nico and Daniel and the lengths they were willing to go to make things better for them after what they lived through before coming to live with Gareth and Jake.
The chemistry between Gareth and Jake was out of this world, especially once they were in Sweden and got some time for themselves.
The cases the guys were working on were interesting and fast-paced, both with satisfying results. And the teamwork was outstanding, as always. I love Aiden and Raf and the Swedish police members that helped Jake and Gareth clear their friend Oskar's name.
Overall, this was another fantastic addition to the series, with a strong HFN and a great ending that will tide me over while I (im)patiently wait for the next installment in the series. Highly recommendable!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
May 23, 2025
Amo questa serie e ho amato profondamente questo quarto libro.
Rimango sempre incantata dalla nitidezza con cui l'autrice cesella le emozioni dei suoi personaggi.
Jack, Gareth, Nico e Daniel continuano a sorprendermi e commuovere. I loro animi sono come sfere di vetro soffiato dai mille colori, bellissime ma da maneggiare con cura. Non fraintendetemi, hanno spine dorsali d'acciaio, ma le cicatrici che si portano addosso sono sempre dolorose crepe che possono frantumare gli equilibri di una giovane, meravigliosa famiglia.
Una storia avvolgente, calda, ricca di scoperte e svolte, in cui l'amore si intreccia con paure, incertezze emotive e indagini appassionanti.
Il doppio filo dell’investigazione e della vita quotidiana, con le sue sfide a volte affilate, tesse meravigliosamente la trama della narrazione, arricchita da sentimenti veri e intensi, personaggi, vecchi e nuovi, appassionanti e interessanti.
Le pagine scorrono veloci e coinvolgenti, la resa italiana è curata e accattivante.
Una serie imperdibile, che mia scalda sempre il cuore.
Hugs&kisses
Rimango sempre incantata dalla nitidezza con cui l'autrice cesella le emozioni dei suoi personaggi.
Jack, Gareth, Nico e Daniel continuano a sorprendermi e commuovere. I loro animi sono come sfere di vetro soffiato dai mille colori, bellissime ma da maneggiare con cura. Non fraintendetemi, hanno spine dorsali d'acciaio, ma le cicatrici che si portano addosso sono sempre dolorose crepe che possono frantumare gli equilibri di una giovane, meravigliosa famiglia.
Una storia avvolgente, calda, ricca di scoperte e svolte, in cui l'amore si intreccia con paure, incertezze emotive e indagini appassionanti.
Il doppio filo dell’investigazione e della vita quotidiana, con le sue sfide a volte affilate, tesse meravigliosamente la trama della narrazione, arricchita da sentimenti veri e intensi, personaggi, vecchi e nuovi, appassionanti e interessanti.
Le pagine scorrono veloci e coinvolgenti, la resa italiana è curata e accattivante.
Una serie imperdibile, che mia scalda sempre il cuore.
Hugs&kisses
February 26, 2020
Thank you for the ARC read, I voluntarily give this book an honest review. One man seeks trust while the other looks for truth. While out on assignment in Sweden Gareth and Jack are both searching... What one finds the other is affected. One lead is now dead with reports show that Gareth is the father of a murdered victim can Jack and the team clear his name while trying to save their home life? When they get back home will they still have Nico and Daniel or will one of the boys run for fear of disappointing everyone. One case closes and another opens who will be the next target on Jack's radar. Dive dap in the cover ops of Jack and Gareth as they have to chase down each new prey of villians.
June 11, 2020
This series is absolutely amazing.
These books just get better and l can't wait to read the next one of the series.
Jack and Garath are wonderful and l love the boys Nic and Daniel. The storyline is so good, you get drawn in from the go and it's very hard to put the book down for long. It is funny how every time Jack try's to spend time with Garath something happens. Made me laugh at times.
It is very touching how they deal with the horrors Nic and Daniel and even Jack went through. Flashbacks are terrible as many of us know but its how you learn to cope with them that matter.
Recommend reading highly 1000%++++
These books just get better and l can't wait to read the next one of the series.
Jack and Garath are wonderful and l love the boys Nic and Daniel. The storyline is so good, you get drawn in from the go and it's very hard to put the book down for long. It is funny how every time Jack try's to spend time with Garath something happens. Made me laugh at times.
It is very touching how they deal with the horrors Nic and Daniel and even Jack went through. Flashbacks are terrible as many of us know but its how you learn to cope with them that matter.
Recommend reading highly 1000%++++
August 3, 2020
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars. A very satisfactory ending to a wonderful series. Unfortunately in this last book I began to tire of Gareth and Jack's back and forth. Even I think it was Jack that said only he could always initiate an argument in the hot tub and walk out the door. And, it seems he did in each of the prior three books, and then this fourth one, too.
But overall, Jack and Gareth were a great pairing along with Nico and Daniel, the abused kids they adopted. It seems there is going to be one more backstory to this author's initial story about Jack's life on the street and I'm sure I'll be reading it.
But overall, Jack and Gareth were a great pairing along with Nico and Daniel, the abused kids they adopted. It seems there is going to be one more backstory to this author's initial story about Jack's life on the street and I'm sure I'll be reading it.
November 27, 2019
So happy for them....
I'm so happy for both Jack and Gareth, and the boys, coming to terms with their feelings for each other. They still have a difficult road to travel, regarding their insecurities towards each other. But, hopefully it will all work out for them. I'm looking forward to reading more about them. I'm also, curious as to how everything worked out, especially with Nico, he has the most difficulty.
I'm so happy for both Jack and Gareth, and the boys, coming to terms with their feelings for each other. They still have a difficult road to travel, regarding their insecurities towards each other. But, hopefully it will all work out for them. I'm looking forward to reading more about them. I'm also, curious as to how everything worked out, especially with Nico, he has the most difficulty.
February 26, 2020
Phenomenal writing
Some authors can set a scene that makes you feel you’re right smack in the middle of it while others merely describe what’s happening. Jackie is the first kind. I love being pulled into the story as if it’s happening right in front of me. Jack and Gareth have captured my heart from the start. In this fourth installment their story continues as they struggle to find their place with each other as lovers and parents, Gareth a little more than Jack this time.
Some authors can set a scene that makes you feel you’re right smack in the middle of it while others merely describe what’s happening. Jackie is the first kind. I love being pulled into the story as if it’s happening right in front of me. Jack and Gareth have captured my heart from the start. In this fourth installment their story continues as they struggle to find their place with each other as lovers and parents, Gareth a little more than Jack this time.
June 27, 2020
I've really enjoyed this series. I really like the character progressions/maturing of Jack and Gareth's relationship. With the added strengthening of their chosen family unit with Nico and Daniel this story, for me, is the best one yet.
As usual there are several strands of plot all going on together and a strong cast of supporting characters, both old and new. I'm looking forward to seeing where this goes next.
As usual there are several strands of plot all going on together and a strong cast of supporting characters, both old and new. I'm looking forward to seeing where this goes next.
July 10, 2022
This fabulous series just gets better and better. Rather than the action and adventure taking the forefront, I loved how any suspense was arranged around the emotional and romantic element of the story, which seemed perfectly fitting given Gareth and Jack are now settled together with their adopted teenage sons.
This was such an emotionally nuanced read which made me love our couple (and their boys) even more, accompanied by an exciting and complex plot. I am truly hooked on this series!
This was such an emotionally nuanced read which made me love our couple (and their boys) even more, accompanied by an exciting and complex plot. I am truly hooked on this series!
March 3, 2025
I have had this book since 2020, and I do not remember reading it. I was just browsing on the Ms. Keswick's website and saw it. I may have bought it again, but I have read it now and can say I thoroughly enjoyed it. Jack and Gareth are one of my favorite couples and I read everything I can of them. I thought this book was about the strengthening of their relationship. It was well written with both romance and mystery. I loved the description of Sweden. Recommend reading.
May 24, 2025
Riletti tutti i volumi precedenti 🤩
Amo tantissimo questa Serie e anche questo volume mi ha emozionata e commossa.😍💖
La convivenza tra Jack e Garrett e l'adozione di Daniel e Nico, non è tutta rosa e fiori. Ci sono cicatrici, paure, incertezze, fughe, mancanza di colloqui, segreti.
Ma sono tutti forti e decisi di far funzionare questa nuova famiglia, anche se un weekend metterà a dura prova gli animi.
💖💖💖💖💖
Amo tantissimo questa Serie e anche questo volume mi ha emozionata e commossa.😍💖
La convivenza tra Jack e Garrett e l'adozione di Daniel e Nico, non è tutta rosa e fiori. Ci sono cicatrici, paure, incertezze, fughe, mancanza di colloqui, segreti.
Ma sono tutti forti e decisi di far funzionare questa nuova famiglia, anche se un weekend metterà a dura prova gli animi.
💖💖💖💖💖
February 15, 2020
Trouble really does find Jack wherever he goes. I mean seriously, he's in the middle of frozen nowhere and still manages to trip over a body. I absolutely love this entire series, seeing Jack and Gareth navigate the pitfalls of their relationship and make a home for Nico and Daniel keeps me coming back for more.
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book*
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book*
November 24, 2025
This series just gets better and better. I love the way the characters have built a family and a life for themselves. I love how these strong, confident, competent men can also still be foolish and wrong and have to learn new ways of dealing with themselves and each other. Most of all, I love that they always earn their happy endings.
February 4, 2022
Yesss.
OMG loving this series. These two, such great writing. Keeping me hooked to a series that is a lot longer than I would have stuck to. The way this story has been put together and stitched out has been amazing. Totally hooked.
OMG loving this series. These two, such great writing. Keeping me hooked to a series that is a lot longer than I would have stuck to. The way this story has been put together and stitched out has been amazing. Totally hooked.
May 15, 2018
The Power of Zero is one of my top favorite series. "Swings & Roundabouts" was an amazing addition to the series. Don't forget to read The Power Of Zero" prequel to the series about Jack Horwood.
August 31, 2020
3.5 Stars.
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