(Book 3 in the Determination Trilogy. MMF, political romance)
He wants them.
When I first met Kevin Markos, we were both drunk college students at Spring Break. It was a week I never expected, and a week I’d never forget.
Especially since I took pictures.
Unfortunately, life got in the way, careers got in the way…as did Kevin’s miles-deep closet. I thought the only way I’d ever see Kevin again was on a TV screen.
But now?
He’s desperate, broken, and broke.
ShaeLynn Samuels is a unique woman with future plans I want to be a part of. And Kevin never left my heart or my thoughts.
Now I have a chance to make both ShaeLynn’s biggest dream come true—and mine.
Kevin’s coming along for the ride whether he wants to or not.
(The Determination Trilogy is a standalone spin-off trilogy set in the world of the Governor Trilogy.)
Lesli Richardson is the writer behind the curtain of her better-known and more prolific USA Today Bestselling Author pen name, Tymber Dalton (her "wild child" side). She lives in the Tampa Bay region of Florida with her spouse and too many pets of various species. When she's not playing D&D with her friends or shooting skeet, she's a part-time Viking shield-maiden in training, among other pursuits. The two-time EPIC award winner is also the author of over two hundred and fifty books and counting.
She lives in her own little world, but it's okay, because they all know her there.
She also loves to hear from readers! Please check out her website for links, and to sign up for updates to keep abreast of the latest news, snarkage, and releases. There you'll also find reading order lists, and more information about her different series.
Ahhh.. Chris. What can I say? Totally hot between him and Kevin; everything explained about their background; totally love how they both want and respect Shae. Lovely ending.
Book 3 in the Determination Trilogy is smoking hawt! I love this political series from the Talented Ms. Richardson. Normally I avoid political themes because quite often, the author likes to go into their far left or far right rants. Although I find most authors lean far left. Neither are appealing lectures to read about in a romance, especially an erotic romance. Fortunately, this story is more about the ins and outs of non conventional relationship when in the political eye. This can not be read as a standalone. The first two books in this series should be read before starting this one.
To read the rest of my review, click on the image below to see it on my website on or after April 1, 2021.
SPOILER ALERT: This trilogy should definitely be read in order. If you haven’t read Dignity and Diligence (the first two books), this review may contain spoilers.
Dominance is embedded in his very soul, and he won’t sit back when he has the chance to take what he wants! But even Christopher Bruunt, former Secret Service agent, can’t control everything, can he? That one week over twenty years ago is burned into his heart and mind. Shouldn’t he be satisfied with what he has? Absolutely not! When Kevin Markos crashes and burns on live TV, the timing couldn’t be more perfect. He can have it all! But is it a good idea? What if…? Will she agree? Even if they do this, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Portia, Prophet, and Priest aren’t the only ones at risk. Dominance and control only go so far, don’t they? In the end, can even He, the ultimate Dominant, have what he wants?
Scorching hot? Doesn’t even come close! I need a new Kindle because mine is toast! I actually had to turn the thermostat down! This story is even more nuclearly (is that even a word?) hot than Dignity and Diligence. I LOVE ménage! This entire trilogy is packed with ménage that’s beyond blistering. Obviously, this is Christopher’s story. He’s a real, well let’s just say he’s a real dominant, among other things. Since he first appeared in Dignity, I’ve loved and hated him at the same time and on every level. I loved him at first glance, was torn to pieces over what happened to him. My heart bled over his pain. Then, after twenty years, he does what? Anger, almost hatred, doesn’t begin to describe how I felt. What he did, and how…you have to read the book to find out! And this series isn’t just about the sex and ménage. The politics are an incredible draw. But it’s the people, their stories, in all three books that made the world around me disappear. Outside the Governor Trilogy, this is the BEST political thriller romance I’ve ever read. I have to say thank you again to Ms. Richardson. This trilogy is a treat I wanted and needed so very much! Again, you HAVE to read this entire trilogy! You won’t be sorry!
A final note. This is an ADULT book. It contains explicit language and BDSM/ ménage sexual scenes. If you don't enjoy this genre, this may not be the book for you. Check the book blurbs and reviews available on Goodreads and all the booksellers where the book’s sold. Please use them before buying this book. I loved this book, this entire trilogy, so much! I’m sure you will too!
Better than the second book in this trilogy because you get the last person's perspective, but it comes off as sadness porn with the loss of major characters with sort of a happy ending? I felt like this series lost what made the first three great. Yeah, it got in the weeds with the politics, but not quite enough? Everything was glossed over for the sake of getting to the tragedy, but we still had to go through each and every part of primaries and how DID YOU KNOW THAT THEY'RE FISCALLY CONSERVATIVE BUT SOCIALLY LIBERAL???
Again, the books get into the explicit sex, but then blow past it at the same time. This reads not like a journal nor a confessional; it's more like an interview that's happening in real time and also in the past.
The author voice was all over the place for me, but credit where credit is due, Chris got to have a different point of view and voice than the previous books.
I'm all over the place with this review because I'm reliving all my emotions about this book that didn't get said when I finished it a week ago. The high-handed "because I said so and I won't tell you why" gets under my skin like nothing else. Feels deeply disrespectful to both partners.
For what it's worth, I am glad I read these books because I like Richardson's world building. That's the thing that I keep coming back for even when there are chapters of telling and no showing.
Overall I liked the series, but I think the Governor trilogy was much better.
Also what was up with the spelling of Shae's name. Half the time in the book it was 'Shea' when her name is Shaelynn. It was a bit annoying and something that should of been proofed, but it didn't take away from the flow of the story.
I found this trilogy a bit more predictable, as there are so many parallels to the first trilogy. And I have a feeling the next trilogy will follow the same pattern. Hopefully, it will have likeable characters.
I have a feeling the next one will be about Elliot, Leo and Yasmin ( or is it Jasmine? - this was another name that kept interchanging, though not as frequently)
Loved this trilogy even more than the Governor Trilogy. In this last of the three stories, Chris is center stage and we finally get to know who he really is. I cried off and on throughout the series, but Desire tore out my heart. All three of the main characters are strong individuals and through tragedy and triumph I cheered for them. I was stunned with some of the obstacles they had to overcome, but knew/hoped their love and strong character would take them through the other side of tragedy.
Lesli/Tymber writes excellent ménage/bdsm stories and this trilogy was definitely one of her best.
Desire is the last book in the Determination Trilogy. It is written mostly from the point of view of Christopher.
I loved the relationship with Christopher, Shae, and Kevin. There is just so much emotion in this book. I didn't want to put it down and kept reading until it was done. I was blown away. The one thing I wish could have been part of the story was a little on Christopher's relationship with his brother. Still, an amazing series. I can't wait until the Devastation Trilogy.
Damn this was the best book out of this trilogy in my opinion. Page after page things happen that will make you scream and cry, and even cuss out the author a little. But even with all of this you just can't put down the book, you just have to finish it.
I will say I am still in shock over the ending of the book. It makes me want to spank someone.
I binge read the three books in this series. I HAD to find out what happened next to my favorite BDSM poly triad. And what political ideas would be stated. OK, I guessed "who done it", but just a lucky guess. And that's all you get out of me. But the series and enjoy it.
I’m completely rung out, not only did I devour theses books in 3 days I’m now left hanging wanting Elliot and Leo’s story. I loved the governor series and was a bit weary of Kevin but have to admit he’s worked his way into my heart. Well done with another amazing trilogy Lesli.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Great ending to this trilogy even though it felt a bit short for me. I also would have preferred if it had ended on Chris POV since it was his book. I still liked it and will go on to read the next trilogy, George's.
This is the last of the 3 books in this trilogy. As usual, all Lesli Richardson books are my kind of read. I love her writing. The Governor trilogy should be read prior to this one. Love the characters and the plot.
This book is the hardest because of all the secrets that will be unleashed. But Chris also tells how he fell in love and the rest of his story. Again an amazing book with many secrets, but love will win.
It probably would have been really easy, even with the changes already made to these characters and their dynamic, for the author to write Chris as Carter 2.0. However, he is a very different sort of man, and exactly who I'd love to see as the first "First Spouse." He might be the overall "Master" in the dynamic he shares with Kevin and Shae, but I love how satisfied he is in his role as husband and father in comparison to how much power his partners have as President and her Chief of Staff. That doesn't mean he should ever be underestimated.
The exciting conclusion of an amazing series! When Christopher lost Kevin twenty years ago, it devastated him in ways that he is still trying to recover from. Having orchestrated the meeting between Kevin and Shae which resulted in her dream coming true, he finally has all he's ever wanted. But someone is trying to take it all away from him and his lovers. Christopher knows something is wrong but he can't figure out how to stop it. A fabulous ending to an engrossing trilogy!