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Stars from Peril #1
The Spy's Love Song
For a singer and a spy, love might be mission impossible.
Jaxon Powers has what most only dream of. Fame. Fortune. Gold records and Grammy awards. Lavish hotel suites and an endless parade of eager bedmates. He’s adored all over the world—even in the remote, repressive country of Vasnytsia, where the tyrannical dictator is a big fan. The State Department hopes a performance might improve US relations with a dangerous enemy. But it means Jaxon’s going in alone… with one exception.
Secret agent Reid Stanfill has a covert agenda with global ramifications. Duty means everything to him, even when it involves protecting a jaded rock star. Jaxon and Reid’s mutual attraction is dangerous under Vasnytsia’s harsh laws—and matters get even worse when they’re trapped inside the borders. Romance will have to wait… assuming they make it out alive.
Dreamspun Desires #67
Jaxon Powers has what most only dream of. Fame. Fortune. Gold records and Grammy awards. Lavish hotel suites and an endless parade of eager bedmates. He’s adored all over the world—even in the remote, repressive country of Vasnytsia, where the tyrannical dictator is a big fan. The State Department hopes a performance might improve US relations with a dangerous enemy. But it means Jaxon’s going in alone… with one exception.
Secret agent Reid Stanfill has a covert agenda with global ramifications. Duty means everything to him, even when it involves protecting a jaded rock star. Jaxon and Reid’s mutual attraction is dangerous under Vasnytsia’s harsh laws—and matters get even worse when they’re trapped inside the borders. Romance will have to wait… assuming they make it out alive.
Dreamspun Desires #67
165 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 2, 2018
14 people are currently reading
209 people want to read
About the author
Kim Fielding
176 books1,309 followersKim Fielding lives in Oregon and travels as often as she can manage. A professor by day, at night she rushes into a phone booth to change into her author costume (which involves comfy clothes instead of Spandex and is, sadly, lacking a cape). Her superpowers include the ability to write nearly anywhere, often while simultaneously doling out assistance to her family. Her favorite word to describe herself is "eclectic" and she finally got that seventh tattoo.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
September 11, 2018
A rock star and his newly appointed bodyguard find themselves in the middle of murder and mayhem.
Jaxon knows nothing about Vasnytsia until he's cajoled into performing for the country's dictator. Reid, who speaks Vasnytisian, accompanies Jaxon.
What follows is a weird, scary, heart-pounding adventure in a country completely closed off from the outside world and ruled by a greedy, power-hungry man who suppresses all free speech and resistance. Think North Korea but in Eastern Europe.
Clearly, Vasnytsia is a fictional country, but its politics and policies are all too real.
When a woman dies drinking poisoned wine meant for Reid, Reid knows their time is up. Reid begs Jaxon to play dumb and leave Vasnytsia without him, but Jaxon won't have it. He and Reid, who (surprise!) is a spy, have bonded, and Jaxon won't leave him.
Jaxon is famous and easily recognizable, but despite his reputation, he's not a spoiled celebrity. He's damn brave and kind. I loved the interactions between Jaxon and the group of rebellious Vasnytsians who try to help him and Reid escape.
The romance is not the main focus of the story, and the steam is minimal, but I still felt the connection between Reid and Jaxon. You really get to know a person when your life is on the line.
Both men are loyal and selfless. They don't want to die, but they want to help the Vasnytsian people too, so they decide to go out in a blaze of glory.
The Spy's Love Song is exciting and fresh. The ending is somewhat abrupt but still a HEA, albeit a tentative one. Kim Fielding never disappoints. She's a wonderful storyteller and a stellar writer (no editing issues in sight). Big thumbs up this book!
Jaxon knows nothing about Vasnytsia until he's cajoled into performing for the country's dictator. Reid, who speaks Vasnytisian, accompanies Jaxon.
What follows is a weird, scary, heart-pounding adventure in a country completely closed off from the outside world and ruled by a greedy, power-hungry man who suppresses all free speech and resistance. Think North Korea but in Eastern Europe.
Clearly, Vasnytsia is a fictional country, but its politics and policies are all too real.
When a woman dies drinking poisoned wine meant for Reid, Reid knows their time is up. Reid begs Jaxon to play dumb and leave Vasnytsia without him, but Jaxon won't have it. He and Reid, who (surprise!) is a spy, have bonded, and Jaxon won't leave him.
Jaxon is famous and easily recognizable, but despite his reputation, he's not a spoiled celebrity. He's damn brave and kind. I loved the interactions between Jaxon and the group of rebellious Vasnytsians who try to help him and Reid escape.
The romance is not the main focus of the story, and the steam is minimal, but I still felt the connection between Reid and Jaxon. You really get to know a person when your life is on the line.
Both men are loyal and selfless. They don't want to die, but they want to help the Vasnytsian people too, so they decide to go out in a blaze of glory.
The Spy's Love Song is exciting and fresh. The ending is somewhat abrupt but still a HEA, albeit a tentative one. Kim Fielding never disappoints. She's a wonderful storyteller and a stellar writer (no editing issues in sight). Big thumbs up this book!
Read
September 11, 2018What happens when a jaded rock star and a State Department operative get trapped in country with an oppressive regime? I have a whole lot of fun writing their story, that's what.
This is the first book in the Stars from Peril series. Each novel will work as a standalone, but they're connected in that the protagonists were all born in the same small town: Peril, Nebraska. The second book, Redesigning Landry Bishop, will be out in 2019.
This is the first book in the Stars from Peril series. Each novel will work as a standalone, but they're connected in that the protagonists were all born in the same small town: Peril, Nebraska. The second book, Redesigning Landry Bishop, will be out in 2019.
September 28, 2018
Wow, I’m not sure what I was expecting but it certainly wasn’t this. There’s nothing to compare it to and isn’t that refreshing these days? This story is classic Fielding: solid characters brought together with some tricky challenges and entertaining twists that end on a happy note. I always enjoy her books and this was no exception. Jaxon has everything he’s ever dreamed of but his life is sorely lacking something…or someone. When he agrees to perform in Vasnytsia, his rock star hazy vision begins to clear and he discovers what he’s missing. Too bad he can’t have him. Reid has no time for distractions, he’s tasked with a crucial mission. To his great frustration, the real man behind the rock star illusion slips past his defenses and adds complications he can’t afford. He must keep his eye on the objective, which proves to be harder than he ever imagined.
What's to like: Both Jaxon and Reid are captivating and charming in their own unique ways. Jaxon is a spoiled brat with a pure heart. Reid is a gruff government ‘bodyguard’ with a deep secret. They clash and sparks fly. The plan is to accept the request for Jaxon to perform for the Prime Minister, an acoustic olive branch of sorts. Get in, play, get out. Simple. It doesn’t take long for them to realize there is nothing simple about this trip. And making it out alive has become their new objective. I’ll be honest when I tell you politics inside my kindle is not something I crave. I read for enjoyment and an escape, two things I don’t equate with politics. However, Fielding did a fantastic job incorporating the powers-that-be without discouraging my choice to give this book a go. The corrupt regime in Vasnytsia is sobering at best. There are some ‘wait a minute‘ suspend reality moments near the end. But I was too caught up in their tale to give it much notice.
What's to love: It’s interesting that the romantic aspects of this story are never in your face but I felt them just the same. One of the things I loved the most was the power of music. When Jax sang for his attentive audience of one, I melted into the background of those intimate moments. Their connection wasn’t immediate but the intensity of their situation forged them together like steel. Exploring Vasnytsia was interesting. As solemn as it was, it was also filled with hope and faith. There weren’t any castles in the sky but the brute determination and unparalleled strength of a society desperate for democracy gave me chills. My heart raced as they fought for their freedom. And the ending left me so happy I thought I might burst. Seriously good stuff.
Beware of: Fast-paced, low steam, nail-biting adventures. Political mayhem. And two extremely different men on different tracks craving a merging bridge and a new destination.
This book is for: Rock star groupies, Fielding fans, and anyone looking for something off the beaten path.
Book UNfunk
What's to like: Both Jaxon and Reid are captivating and charming in their own unique ways. Jaxon is a spoiled brat with a pure heart. Reid is a gruff government ‘bodyguard’ with a deep secret. They clash and sparks fly. The plan is to accept the request for Jaxon to perform for the Prime Minister, an acoustic olive branch of sorts. Get in, play, get out. Simple. It doesn’t take long for them to realize there is nothing simple about this trip. And making it out alive has become their new objective. I’ll be honest when I tell you politics inside my kindle is not something I crave. I read for enjoyment and an escape, two things I don’t equate with politics. However, Fielding did a fantastic job incorporating the powers-that-be without discouraging my choice to give this book a go. The corrupt regime in Vasnytsia is sobering at best. There are some ‘wait a minute‘ suspend reality moments near the end. But I was too caught up in their tale to give it much notice.
What's to love: It’s interesting that the romantic aspects of this story are never in your face but I felt them just the same. One of the things I loved the most was the power of music. When Jax sang for his attentive audience of one, I melted into the background of those intimate moments. Their connection wasn’t immediate but the intensity of their situation forged them together like steel. Exploring Vasnytsia was interesting. As solemn as it was, it was also filled with hope and faith. There weren’t any castles in the sky but the brute determination and unparalleled strength of a society desperate for democracy gave me chills. My heart raced as they fought for their freedom. And the ending left me so happy I thought I might burst. Seriously good stuff.
Beware of: Fast-paced, low steam, nail-biting adventures. Political mayhem. And two extremely different men on different tracks craving a merging bridge and a new destination.
This book is for: Rock star groupies, Fielding fans, and anyone looking for something off the beaten path.
Book UNfunk
October 11, 2018
Kim Fielding's normally a reliable read. But nothing worked here: the plot was a mass of quite jaw-dropping holes (can you have a mass of holes? yeah, today, I can). The MCs' relationship came out of nowhere. Secondary characters scattered at random through the book, popping up for 5 seconds and disappearing.
Don't bother with this - go and read Rattlesnake instead.
Don't bother with this - go and read Rattlesnake instead.
Read
October 9, 20185 Hearts!
Oh how I adored this book. It was the perfect antidote for a blah sort of day because it made me smile, it made me sit on my hands in anticipation as the danger increased and relish in the romance between a spy and a rock star.
There is always something to story that is built on deception not matter how intense. It give an edge to what could be something rather simply and ramps up the angst. Add in a spy, a foreign country run by a severe tyrant who wants a pop punk prince to play a few concerts; you’ve got yourself in for one hell of a ride full of suspense.
Our talented ginger musician Jaxon Powers tells us the story of his life well… before and after. We meet Jaxon after a party in his lavish hotel room that he laments more the cleanup needed more than the debauchery he would have partaken in. Jaxon is in a transitional stage of his life entering his late 30’s as well as rethinking his career. While he loves what his music has brought him, he’s becoming less entangled by the delusions of fame and searching for more depth. He wants more than the sex from fans looking to fuck the rock star and more of the intimacy of a true relationship. When his manager tells him of a special gig he wants Jaxon to perform, Jaxon gets thrown into the spotlight of stage he never thought he’d play on.
Jaxon is asked to perform for the Prime Minister of Vasnytsia which is basically as bad as Russia but smaller. The people there are under a strict rule that borderlines the Hitler-era with how music is banned and reminded me slightly of the movie Swing Kids with the Black Cat and the young folk who find ways to listen to outlawed music. From the first meeting with Reid Stanfill, aka the one assistant and spy, amongst a group trying to convince Jaxon do perform in Vasnytsia, you feel the attraction. From the first words out of Reid’s mouth you feel the chemistry and from the first unexpected kiss between them, you know these two are going to be explosive.
There are many dangers to Jaxon being there, his sexuality being illegal, and his manager and the intelligence community believe sending in support disguised as Jaxon’s assistant is what will work. Just two men, one a minstrel and one a knight going into enemy territory to give hope to those in the darkness of communism.
Wow. Really, Sara? Really. Trust me. While the plot may seem a bit out there, if you like stories of the underdog overcoming the impossible, of being saved and saving your hero right back, you will fall hard for this story like I did.
I loved Jaxon and not just because he’s a ginger musician. I loved how he has fought for his celebrity status but doesn’t use it as manipulation. He knows where he stands, he knows the fans that want a piece of him really want a piece of the star and don’t see the guy who grew up in a small town singing in barns. He gets it and he knows that he wants someone to see the real him. Jaxon is attracted to Reid from the start but while Reid gives moments of intimacy he pulls back with the adage of this can’t happen and I am just here to complete the mission. Read just one scene between them, one bit of Reid knowing who Jaxon is outside the dossier he studied and you know Reid is hooked on Jaxon as fast as Jaxon is hooked in Reid. Reid just needs that one moment where he could lose what he didn’t know he could keep for him to own up to how he feels.
Goodness. Reid. Can I just take a moment to admire you in a suit and run my hand over your close cropped hair? You, sir, are amazing. You go into this mission knowing what can go wrong but not knowing that you and your heart will come out of this for the better. You guard because it’s your job but you protect because you care. Even in the intense moments where you should lose your cool, you keep it together to make sure Jaxon comes out okay yet you sacrifice yourself over and over again to do what’s right. You are all about the job but Jaxon gets so far under your skin, you’d rather deal with the intrusion than extract it and be left empty. You are amazing and Jaxon deserves every damn bit of you and you deserve him. No matter where you live.
Yeah.
Um…Rambling Red is on a roll.
The whole of this story is wonderful. It’s romantic with the stolen moments and admissions between Reid and Jaxon. It’s intriguing with the espionage and political uprising that the men take part in, even if it wasn’t part of the plan. It’s full of music, lyrics, understanding, romance and the idea of freedom being attainable.
It’s just so freaking good.
That’s it.
It’s so freaking good.
Oh how I adored this book. It was the perfect antidote for a blah sort of day because it made me smile, it made me sit on my hands in anticipation as the danger increased and relish in the romance between a spy and a rock star.
There is always something to story that is built on deception not matter how intense. It give an edge to what could be something rather simply and ramps up the angst. Add in a spy, a foreign country run by a severe tyrant who wants a pop punk prince to play a few concerts; you’ve got yourself in for one hell of a ride full of suspense.
Our talented ginger musician Jaxon Powers tells us the story of his life well… before and after. We meet Jaxon after a party in his lavish hotel room that he laments more the cleanup needed more than the debauchery he would have partaken in. Jaxon is in a transitional stage of his life entering his late 30’s as well as rethinking his career. While he loves what his music has brought him, he’s becoming less entangled by the delusions of fame and searching for more depth. He wants more than the sex from fans looking to fuck the rock star and more of the intimacy of a true relationship. When his manager tells him of a special gig he wants Jaxon to perform, Jaxon gets thrown into the spotlight of stage he never thought he’d play on.
This prime minister dude, he’s not letting anyone into his country except you and one assistant. His people will provide your support on their end. But don’t worry, kiddo. It’s only for a few days. You’ll be in and out, everything smooth as butter.
Jaxon is asked to perform for the Prime Minister of Vasnytsia which is basically as bad as Russia but smaller. The people there are under a strict rule that borderlines the Hitler-era with how music is banned and reminded me slightly of the movie Swing Kids with the Black Cat and the young folk who find ways to listen to outlawed music. From the first meeting with Reid Stanfill, aka the one assistant and spy, amongst a group trying to convince Jaxon do perform in Vasnytsia, you feel the attraction. From the first words out of Reid’s mouth you feel the chemistry and from the first unexpected kiss between them, you know these two are going to be explosive.
There are many dangers to Jaxon being there, his sexuality being illegal, and his manager and the intelligence community believe sending in support disguised as Jaxon’s assistant is what will work. Just two men, one a minstrel and one a knight going into enemy territory to give hope to those in the darkness of communism.
Wow. Really, Sara? Really. Trust me. While the plot may seem a bit out there, if you like stories of the underdog overcoming the impossible, of being saved and saving your hero right back, you will fall hard for this story like I did.
I loved Jaxon and not just because he’s a ginger musician. I loved how he has fought for his celebrity status but doesn’t use it as manipulation. He knows where he stands, he knows the fans that want a piece of him really want a piece of the star and don’t see the guy who grew up in a small town singing in barns. He gets it and he knows that he wants someone to see the real him. Jaxon is attracted to Reid from the start but while Reid gives moments of intimacy he pulls back with the adage of this can’t happen and I am just here to complete the mission. Read just one scene between them, one bit of Reid knowing who Jaxon is outside the dossier he studied and you know Reid is hooked on Jaxon as fast as Jaxon is hooked in Reid. Reid just needs that one moment where he could lose what he didn’t know he could keep for him to own up to how he feels.
You’re not just scratching my itches, Reid. And I think I annoy you too much for you to adore me. But God, that under-the-skin thing? You’re deeper than that. I think you’ve worked yourself all the way into my heart.
Goodness. Reid. Can I just take a moment to admire you in a suit and run my hand over your close cropped hair? You, sir, are amazing. You go into this mission knowing what can go wrong but not knowing that you and your heart will come out of this for the better. You guard because it’s your job but you protect because you care. Even in the intense moments where you should lose your cool, you keep it together to make sure Jaxon comes out okay yet you sacrifice yourself over and over again to do what’s right. You are all about the job but Jaxon gets so far under your skin, you’d rather deal with the intrusion than extract it and be left empty. You are amazing and Jaxon deserves every damn bit of you and you deserve him. No matter where you live.
Yeah.
Um…Rambling Red is on a roll.
The whole of this story is wonderful. It’s romantic with the stolen moments and admissions between Reid and Jaxon. It’s intriguing with the espionage and political uprising that the men take part in, even if it wasn’t part of the plan. It’s full of music, lyrics, understanding, romance and the idea of freedom being attainable.
It’s just so freaking good.
That’s it.
It’s so freaking good.
January 14, 2022
Darum geht's:
Jaxon Powers ist ein weltweit erfolgreicher Sänger. Sogar der Diktator eines kleinen osteuropäischen Landes gehört zu seinen Fans und deshalb wird Jaxon von der US-Regierung gebeten, in Vasnytsia aufzutreten und damit die internationalen Beziehungen zu verbessern. Mit ihm kommt nur "Regierungsmitarbeiter" Reid, der auf ihn aufpassen und für ihn übersetzen soll. Auch wenn es zwischen ihnen prickelt, wird das keine Vergnügungsreise. Denn Jaxon wird in der Diktatur gegängelt und mit langweiligen Besichtigungstouren gequält. Und Reid hat sowieso seine ganz eigenen Pläne.
Meine Meinung dazu gibt’s hier
Jaxon Powers ist ein weltweit erfolgreicher Sänger. Sogar der Diktator eines kleinen osteuropäischen Landes gehört zu seinen Fans und deshalb wird Jaxon von der US-Regierung gebeten, in Vasnytsia aufzutreten und damit die internationalen Beziehungen zu verbessern. Mit ihm kommt nur "Regierungsmitarbeiter" Reid, der auf ihn aufpassen und für ihn übersetzen soll. Auch wenn es zwischen ihnen prickelt, wird das keine Vergnügungsreise. Denn Jaxon wird in der Diktatur gegängelt und mit langweiligen Besichtigungstouren gequält. Und Reid hat sowieso seine ganz eigenen Pläne.
Meine Meinung dazu gibt’s hier
October 2, 2018
Jaxon Powers is a rock star who has it all: fame, fortune, gold records and awards, and plenty of money. He agrees to travel to Vasnytsia with Reid Stanfill as his pseudo personal assistant after the state department pleads for his cooperation. The dictator in this small country is a fan. He may be the only fan since he doesn’t allow his people Internet access, and they only see state-run television, so no other access to the world outside their borders. The citizens will be allowed to attend the concert and Talmirov will be seen as a benevolent man.
Once there, they do one concert for the president and then have to wait several days for the big public concert, but Jaxon finds out all is not as it seemed, and Reid is actually a secret agent working to help the resistance in Vasnytsia to overcome tyranny. He also learns that there’s an underground movement of men and women who do get access to his music. He has fans in this country—brave men and women who are not only fans but are willing to help him and Reid escape when their plans go downhill. When the plot is found out and there’s an attempt on Reid’s life, he separates himself from Jaxon so the young man can get home, but even that doesn’t go according to plan and they end up together fighting for their lives.
I’m not giving a lot of detail in this review because this story deserves to be read. It’s not just a love story. It’s the story of unsung heroes—the commoners who rise up to make their country a better place. And it’s the story of Jaxon reaching deep inside and showing who he really is—a young man willing to go out on a limb to help so many people in their struggle for freedom. There’s quiet moments and times for introspection for the young man who was born in Nebraska and left at eighteen to make his way in the world. And there’s time to learn a bit about Reid and his sense of responsibility and perfectionism. There’s not a lot of sex in this story, just enough to secure the romance, so to speak, but it really wasn’t needed to make this story outstanding.
I loved all the secondary characters the author created. Even with the language barrier, they were believable, brave, strong, and certainly interested in their freedom. Looking back, I realize that I feel like these are real people and I wonder how they are doing today. Jaxon was a terrific character with so much to like about him. He owned his faults and tried to live up to his hopes and dreams and when push came to shove, he showed the world a strength of character many wouldn’t have known he had. Reid, however, was difficult for me to like. He was quite cold and standoffish at first. In fact, he was so in denial about the possibility that he deserved happiness and a future with a partner who loved him that it took forever for him to get there. On one hand, that was spot-on for his character, but on the other, it made him more difficult to love. I’m sure it’s a quandary for authors who need to find the perfect balance.
I definitely recommend this story to those who enjoy stories of intrigue and revolution, those who love rock stars, and those who are just looking for a high quality MM romance that has a lot of substance and isn’t bogged down by gratuitous sex scenes.
ARC provided by the publisher through Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words in exchange for an impartial review.
Once there, they do one concert for the president and then have to wait several days for the big public concert, but Jaxon finds out all is not as it seemed, and Reid is actually a secret agent working to help the resistance in Vasnytsia to overcome tyranny. He also learns that there’s an underground movement of men and women who do get access to his music. He has fans in this country—brave men and women who are not only fans but are willing to help him and Reid escape when their plans go downhill. When the plot is found out and there’s an attempt on Reid’s life, he separates himself from Jaxon so the young man can get home, but even that doesn’t go according to plan and they end up together fighting for their lives.
I’m not giving a lot of detail in this review because this story deserves to be read. It’s not just a love story. It’s the story of unsung heroes—the commoners who rise up to make their country a better place. And it’s the story of Jaxon reaching deep inside and showing who he really is—a young man willing to go out on a limb to help so many people in their struggle for freedom. There’s quiet moments and times for introspection for the young man who was born in Nebraska and left at eighteen to make his way in the world. And there’s time to learn a bit about Reid and his sense of responsibility and perfectionism. There’s not a lot of sex in this story, just enough to secure the romance, so to speak, but it really wasn’t needed to make this story outstanding.
I loved all the secondary characters the author created. Even with the language barrier, they were believable, brave, strong, and certainly interested in their freedom. Looking back, I realize that I feel like these are real people and I wonder how they are doing today. Jaxon was a terrific character with so much to like about him. He owned his faults and tried to live up to his hopes and dreams and when push came to shove, he showed the world a strength of character many wouldn’t have known he had. Reid, however, was difficult for me to like. He was quite cold and standoffish at first. In fact, he was so in denial about the possibility that he deserved happiness and a future with a partner who loved him that it took forever for him to get there. On one hand, that was spot-on for his character, but on the other, it made him more difficult to love. I’m sure it’s a quandary for authors who need to find the perfect balance.
I definitely recommend this story to those who enjoy stories of intrigue and revolution, those who love rock stars, and those who are just looking for a high quality MM romance that has a lot of substance and isn’t bogged down by gratuitous sex scenes.
ARC provided by the publisher through Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words in exchange for an impartial review.
October 2, 2018
When the State Department approaches Jaxon Powers to perform in the country of Vasnytsia (think North Korea, but European), all Jax knows is this could improve the US's relations with a dangerous enemy. He reluctantly agrees, but quickly things go sideways when his assistant Reid Stanfill, actually a secret agent working to topple the corrupt prime minister, Talmirov, has to escape and it could cost both their lives. The two must work together and rely on the Vasnytsian underground to, hopefully, get out alive.
I love a good bodyguard falls for his protectee / forbidden attraction trope and Kim Fielding delivers a gripping story with suspense and interesting characters.
The story is told in third person from Jax's POV, but I would have liked more background on Reid, as he remains pretty much a mystery throughout.
The Spy's Love Song is a low steam romance with action and suspense. Overall I found it an enjoyable story with a fascinating cast of characters, a compelling plot, and a sweet happy ending.
3.5 Stars
Advanced Review Galley copy of The Spy's Love Song provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
I love a good bodyguard falls for his protectee / forbidden attraction trope and Kim Fielding delivers a gripping story with suspense and interesting characters.
Jaxon looked at him solemnly. “I’d retire if it meant I could keep you.” Huh. He hadn’t consciously realized the truth of those words until he said them out loud. “Would you do the same?”
“Can’t.”
“Why not?”
“What else would I be?” Reid said it angrily, but his eyes showed hurt and fear.
Jaxon framed Reid’s face with his palms. “You’d be you. Reid Stanfill. That’s more than enough.”
Glowering, Reid pulled away slightly. “You’re talking something serious when we’ve only known each other for a few days.”
“We could spend a year doing dinner and a movie and long walks on the beach and I wouldn’t get to see the real you as well as I have already. I guess being on the lam tends to strip away layers of pretense. We know each other better than anyone else on this planet knows us. And I like what I know.”
The story is told in third person from Jax's POV, but I would have liked more background on Reid, as he remains pretty much a mystery throughout.
The Spy's Love Song is a low steam romance with action and suspense. Overall I found it an enjoyable story with a fascinating cast of characters, a compelling plot, and a sweet happy ending.
3.5 Stars
Advanced Review Galley copy of The Spy's Love Song provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
March 13, 2019
Audiobook reviewI‘d looked forward to listening to this book. I mean a spy on a secret mission and a musician invited to a country with closed borders. It was a book I just needed to listen to.
Jaxon Powers is living the life so many dream about. The life of a rock star. He has the fame and fortune, the adoration from the masses. When he’s invited to a remote country with closed borders and a tyrannical dictator he naturally hesitates to accept the gig. His manager persuades him and off he and a new assistant and translator, Reid Stanfill flies. Their visit is filled with supervised outings but things are not what they seem and neither is Reid.
There is a certain formula to the Dreamspun Desires books. The instant love, the fluffiness and high doses of sugar. The relationships are usually lightning-fast and the plot isn’t all that deep. That’s standard for this series and something you know going in. With The Spy’s Love Song I also got the political intrigue, assassination attempts and a few bouts of suspense on top of the rest. Sure the plot in general was very farfetched but I guess that’s also par for course.
Drew Bacca was a bit of a hit and miss with me. I loved his enthusiasm for his narration. That he was actually singing when Jaxon was singing, but well, he really should stick with narrating and leave the singing to the musicians ;) I also really loved his impersonation of Sean Connery’s James Bond. I could really see him before me, standing in the bar saying “Shaken, not stirred”. However, for the most part his narration didn’t work for me as he put the emphasis on the wrong words. It made the narration feel a bit off and kept me to fully enjoy the book.
A copy of this book was generously provided by the in exchange for an honest review
March 15, 2019
Look out James Bond...Jaxon Powers is on the case...
Jaxon Powers is famous the world over and has fans even in small unheard of Vasnytsia wjith its tyrannical dictator and its this fame that the state department wants to use to get one of their agents into Vasnytsia on a covert op. There are just a couple of obstacles that could prove problematic to the mission the first one being that Jaxon can only take one person with him and that person needs to be Reid Stanfill and the second one is that being 'gay' in Vasnytsia can get you thrown into jail.
To say that Reid and Jaxon don't start off well is more than a bit of an understatement, but as they travel through Vasnytsia and come to depend on each other for their very survival they also begin to realize that there's more to each of them than the other realizes. Reid quickly realizes that Jaxon isn't an overindulged, success story who never really outgrew the life of privilege that Reid believes him to have grown up surrounded by. Just as Jaxon also comes to realize that there's more to Reid than his near military precision hair cut and stuffy suits.
Jaxon and Reid's story was a case of opposites attract...with just one catch Jaxon is on the cusp of what basically amounts to a mid-life crisis when he wakes up in a hotel room that looks like the Armageddon has happened and Jaxon slept through it.
These men definitely locked horns on more than one occasion leaving both men angry, frustrated and maybe knowing the other just a little bit better.
When a failed attempt at murder quickly makes Reid realize that he was the intended victim and someone is definitely on to who he truly is and why he's in Vasnytsia with Jaxon. Reid's first priority becomes to convince Jaxon to get out of Vasnytsia as quickly as possible, but Jaxon's determined not to abandon the man who he's beginning to feel a very strong attraction for so leaving is not on his agenda.
As Jaxon and Reid work together gaining the help of some of Vasnytsia's citizens who want to see their government over thrown they devise a plan that will hopefully see Reid's mission goal accomplished, but it's going to take the determination of both men to see it through if they have any hope of getting out of Vesnytsia alive.
'The Spy's Love Song' was one of those stories that is best enjoyed with a moderate suspension of belief and the desire to read an entertaining story that leaves reality behind at times...but not too far behind...and weaves in a touch of romance.
While this is by no means my first time reading/listening to a Kim Fielding story, it was my first time listening to an audio book narrated by Drew Bacca and thankfully I'm pleased to say that Mr. Bacca has one of those voices that add character, depth and emotion to a story making for an enjoyable listening experience and I'm looking forward to hearing more from this narrator in the near future.
*************************
An audio book of 'The Spy's Love Song' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Jaxon Powers is famous the world over and has fans even in small unheard of Vasnytsia wjith its tyrannical dictator and its this fame that the state department wants to use to get one of their agents into Vasnytsia on a covert op. There are just a couple of obstacles that could prove problematic to the mission the first one being that Jaxon can only take one person with him and that person needs to be Reid Stanfill and the second one is that being 'gay' in Vasnytsia can get you thrown into jail.
To say that Reid and Jaxon don't start off well is more than a bit of an understatement, but as they travel through Vasnytsia and come to depend on each other for their very survival they also begin to realize that there's more to each of them than the other realizes. Reid quickly realizes that Jaxon isn't an overindulged, success story who never really outgrew the life of privilege that Reid believes him to have grown up surrounded by. Just as Jaxon also comes to realize that there's more to Reid than his near military precision hair cut and stuffy suits.
Jaxon and Reid's story was a case of opposites attract...with just one catch Jaxon is on the cusp of what basically amounts to a mid-life crisis when he wakes up in a hotel room that looks like the Armageddon has happened and Jaxon slept through it.
These men definitely locked horns on more than one occasion leaving both men angry, frustrated and maybe knowing the other just a little bit better.
When a failed attempt at murder quickly makes Reid realize that he was the intended victim and someone is definitely on to who he truly is and why he's in Vasnytsia with Jaxon. Reid's first priority becomes to convince Jaxon to get out of Vasnytsia as quickly as possible, but Jaxon's determined not to abandon the man who he's beginning to feel a very strong attraction for so leaving is not on his agenda.
As Jaxon and Reid work together gaining the help of some of Vasnytsia's citizens who want to see their government over thrown they devise a plan that will hopefully see Reid's mission goal accomplished, but it's going to take the determination of both men to see it through if they have any hope of getting out of Vesnytsia alive.
'The Spy's Love Song' was one of those stories that is best enjoyed with a moderate suspension of belief and the desire to read an entertaining story that leaves reality behind at times...but not too far behind...and weaves in a touch of romance.
While this is by no means my first time reading/listening to a Kim Fielding story, it was my first time listening to an audio book narrated by Drew Bacca and thankfully I'm pleased to say that Mr. Bacca has one of those voices that add character, depth and emotion to a story making for an enjoyable listening experience and I'm looking forward to hearing more from this narrator in the near future.
*************************
An audio book of 'The Spy's Love Song' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
April 28, 2021
4.25 stars
I’ve never been a fan of the Dreamspun brand but a friend’s review convinced me to give this short novel a try. After all, it was written by Kim Fielding. I loved it, little flaws and all, and was enamored with Jaxon and eventually warmed up to Reid. Risking life and limb, they run for their lives in this small, nondescript, Eastern European country. That was all the more fascinating knowing the author had spent time in that ethnic region. I adored Jaxon’s interactions with the locals as the world famous rock star became sympathetic to their plight under a criminal dictatorship. Some danger, some unexpected bravery, some simple ethnic food surrounding a budding romance and, voila! A story worth reading.
Please ma’m, I’d like some more.
I’ve never been a fan of the Dreamspun brand but a friend’s review convinced me to give this short novel a try. After all, it was written by Kim Fielding. I loved it, little flaws and all, and was enamored with Jaxon and eventually warmed up to Reid. Risking life and limb, they run for their lives in this small, nondescript, Eastern European country. That was all the more fascinating knowing the author had spent time in that ethnic region. I adored Jaxon’s interactions with the locals as the world famous rock star became sympathetic to their plight under a criminal dictatorship. Some danger, some unexpected bravery, some simple ethnic food surrounding a budding romance and, voila! A story worth reading.
Please ma’m, I’d like some more.
July 12, 2019
I am quite disappointed in this book. It’s hastily put together, the story rushed, the ending sugary and even more hurried. Jaxon’s character, who seemed much much younger than his late 30s, was OK, but everybody else’s was not developed enough or too stereotypical for me to connect with. Speaking of stereotypes, here we have Russia again, the evil of all evils. Every other book features the monster. It’s boring and tiresome at this point. And it’s like everybody else on this planet is squeaky clean. If we are talking about one imaginary country, then why the heck not make up another one? Anyway, the book already screams AU to me what’s with the premise an all. I also have a strong urge to tag it as YA.
Denise has a review I completely agree with, if you want check it out:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Denise has a review I completely agree with, if you want check it out:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
October 12, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
Kim Fielding offers up a tale of espionage, danger, and a little romance on the side in her latest release, The Spy’s Love Song. With fast-paced action, a little taste of rock and roll, and a growing relationship trying to survive all the chaos, we meet Reid and Jaxon and learn their story. Jaxon left the small town in Nebraska where he grew up as soon as he could. With his guitar strapped to his back and a few dollars in his pocket, he managed to do the impossible—become a star with eight Grammy awards and counting to his name. But letters to home go unanswered and there is a hole in his heart where his family once was and Jaxon’s life is more empty than full these days.
Reid is all about the job; wearing his suit like a badge of honor and stealing secrets for the government means he is a loner by choice. He underestimates Jaxon, labeling him as a spoiled star who uses people and money without care, but as the noose tightens around their necks and Reid’s life is threatened, he soon realizes that there is more to Jaxon Powers than he ever realized possible. As the two men run for their lives, they begin to see each other as they truly are and slowly the intense attraction they have blossoms into something more.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
Kim Fielding offers up a tale of espionage, danger, and a little romance on the side in her latest release, The Spy’s Love Song. With fast-paced action, a little taste of rock and roll, and a growing relationship trying to survive all the chaos, we meet Reid and Jaxon and learn their story. Jaxon left the small town in Nebraska where he grew up as soon as he could. With his guitar strapped to his back and a few dollars in his pocket, he managed to do the impossible—become a star with eight Grammy awards and counting to his name. But letters to home go unanswered and there is a hole in his heart where his family once was and Jaxon’s life is more empty than full these days.
Reid is all about the job; wearing his suit like a badge of honor and stealing secrets for the government means he is a loner by choice. He underestimates Jaxon, labeling him as a spoiled star who uses people and money without care, but as the noose tightens around their necks and Reid’s life is threatened, he soon realizes that there is more to Jaxon Powers than he ever realized possible. As the two men run for their lives, they begin to see each other as they truly are and slowly the intense attraction they have blossoms into something more.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
October 17, 2018
I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
This is a cracking romantic adventure that kept me riveted and made me happy. True - the story is a completely implausible flight of fancy but Jaxon captured my heart in the first chapter and I couldn’t put his book down.
When rockstar Jaxon is invited by the State Department to visit a tiny dictatorship as a goodwill gesture, he finds himself accompanied by Reid, a sexy secret agent posing as his assistant. Vasnytsia seems to be a cross between North Korea and Chechnya and Reid and Jaxon quickly find themselves in more trouble than they anticipated.
Nothing about this story is plausible - but I loved every moment. Some of the descriptions of the country and the food will be familiar to anyone who has travelled in former Soviet bloc countries but the rest is gold dust from Kim Fielding’s unrivalled imagination. Reid and Jaxon’s love/hate relationship is good fun and chemistry crackles between them. Jaxon’s journey from bored, spoiled rockstar to revolutionary martyr is highly entertaining.
This book pulled me out of a bit of a reading funk and I loved it. It reads like a self aware Clive Cussler novel - or maybe Dirk Pitt meets Austin Powers? Anyways. A great read.
This is a cracking romantic adventure that kept me riveted and made me happy. True - the story is a completely implausible flight of fancy but Jaxon captured my heart in the first chapter and I couldn’t put his book down.
When rockstar Jaxon is invited by the State Department to visit a tiny dictatorship as a goodwill gesture, he finds himself accompanied by Reid, a sexy secret agent posing as his assistant. Vasnytsia seems to be a cross between North Korea and Chechnya and Reid and Jaxon quickly find themselves in more trouble than they anticipated.
Nothing about this story is plausible - but I loved every moment. Some of the descriptions of the country and the food will be familiar to anyone who has travelled in former Soviet bloc countries but the rest is gold dust from Kim Fielding’s unrivalled imagination. Reid and Jaxon’s love/hate relationship is good fun and chemistry crackles between them. Jaxon’s journey from bored, spoiled rockstar to revolutionary martyr is highly entertaining.
This book pulled me out of a bit of a reading funk and I loved it. It reads like a self aware Clive Cussler novel - or maybe Dirk Pitt meets Austin Powers? Anyways. A great read.
October 3, 2018
In a delightful mix of humor, exciting international spy adventure, and secretive romance, ‘The Spy’s Love Song’ is a subtle mix of The Bodyguard (the 1992 version with Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston), a James Bond movie, and its very own, fresh look at today’s politics. I mean the part where the US tries to make friends with dictators any which way they can. Jaxon is a jaded rock star who has it all yet can’t find happiness, and Reid is a secret agent posing as Jaxon’s bodyguard while on a mission that might just get both of them killed if they are discovered. It’s an explosive mix (pun intended) that certainly kept my attention and had me wondering how the heck these two guys were going to make it.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
October 2, 2018
3.5 stars
I admit that I thought this was as a little bit of a stretch. I mean, a famous rocker, being invited to sing in this foreign country of Vasnytsia – I believe it’s in Eastern Europe – that feels a bit like current North Korea… and gets involved into some sort of revolution. Yes, I know it’s fiction, people, but still… I can’t help feeling like so.
However, this kind of dangerous situation helps with my being able to accept the quick turnabout in Jaxon and Reid’s relationship. They were forced to think smart and quick to try to find a way out of the country without being scathed. So, I could accept that it accelerated their feeling towards one another.
I also enjoyed the interaction between Jaxon, Reid, and a number of Vasnytsia’s rebels who are itching to make a move towards their dictator of a leader. I imagine these scenes would be GREAT on big screen, you know? Especially the climax when Jaxon sings in front of the Vasnytsia’s people.
The ending is a little bit abrupt as well as in the vein of happy for now rather than HEA, though. Which fits the story but influences my rating nonetheless.
A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
I admit that I thought this was as a little bit of a stretch. I mean, a famous rocker, being invited to sing in this foreign country of Vasnytsia – I believe it’s in Eastern Europe – that feels a bit like current North Korea… and gets involved into some sort of revolution. Yes, I know it’s fiction, people, but still… I can’t help feeling like so.
However, this kind of dangerous situation helps with my being able to accept the quick turnabout in Jaxon and Reid’s relationship. They were forced to think smart and quick to try to find a way out of the country without being scathed. So, I could accept that it accelerated their feeling towards one another.
I also enjoyed the interaction between Jaxon, Reid, and a number of Vasnytsia’s rebels who are itching to make a move towards their dictator of a leader. I imagine these scenes would be GREAT on big screen, you know? Especially the climax when Jaxon sings in front of the Vasnytsia’s people.
The ending is a little bit abrupt as well as in the vein of happy for now rather than HEA, though. Which fits the story but influences my rating nonetheless.
A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
November 26, 2018
Spies and M/M romance is a combination I'm generally very much in favour of - throw in a rockstar for good measure, and you've got a recipe I'll be unable to resist. But alas, in this case the result was rather mediocre. The story couldn't decide if it wanted to be a romance or a spy thriller and ended up delivering an at best half-baked version of each, with a plot that consisted of more holes than substance. Sometimes the whole thing felt more like an outline with [insert plot here] notations scrawled in the margins that noone ever got around to following up on than a properly developed novel. I liked Jaxon's character, but Reid was both underdeveloped and irritating as hell. Not to mention, the amount of suspension of disbelief that would have been necessary to take this whole set-up (with its half-assed "let's make up a random country we can shove on a vaguely defined spot on the map" worldbuilding, Mr. Superspy working for a never defined random government agency who stumbles around like a complete moron, and general apparent lack of any proper planning for that oh-so-crucial mission) seriously was simply beyond me.
August 9, 2020
Hmm. I did like the romance very much, but the premise was so bizarre. It felt like concepts drawn from a hat, which can be a lot of fun, but it never really came together for me. I had trouble suspending disbelief.
I was shocked, too, that this was published in 2018. It seems really out of touch for a book's climax to be all about bringing a dictator's crimes to light, and then he suffers, and everything changes for the better in his country. Dictators know how to keep enough people happy and rich so that no one with any power over them cares about their sins. I think we all knew this by 2018.
I also don't like the anti-communist stance of the book, although I understand the problem was corruption and not the specific system of government. Still, dreaming of being rich is part of the locals' idea of freedom, but keeping people dreaming of personal wealth is just another method of control.
I do like Kim Fielding, and she always writes appealing, flawed characters. I don't think I will reread this one, but my problems with it are probably just my own issues. I would've loved this when I was a teen (in the early 90s), so if you feel nostalgic for an old-school spy thriller plot, and would like to read a queer version, you may enjoy this book more than I did.
I was shocked, too, that this was published in 2018. It seems really out of touch for a book's climax to be all about bringing a dictator's crimes to light, and then he suffers, and everything changes for the better in his country. Dictators know how to keep enough people happy and rich so that no one with any power over them cares about their sins. I think we all knew this by 2018.
I also don't like the anti-communist stance of the book, although I understand the problem was corruption and not the specific system of government. Still, dreaming of being rich is part of the locals' idea of freedom, but keeping people dreaming of personal wealth is just another method of control.
I do like Kim Fielding, and she always writes appealing, flawed characters. I don't think I will reread this one, but my problems with it are probably just my own issues. I would've loved this when I was a teen (in the early 90s), so if you feel nostalgic for an old-school spy thriller plot, and would like to read a queer version, you may enjoy this book more than I did.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2022
Wieder eine gute Story aus der Beloved-Serie
Als der erfolgreiche Musiker Jaxon Powers einem Auftritt im von einem Diktator regierten Vasnytsia zustimmt, ahnt er nicht, was da auf ihn zukommt. Da er nur eine Person als Begleitung mitnehmen darf, wird Reid als Bodyguard und Übersetzer für ihn engagiert. Was Jaxon nicht ahnt, Reid ist in Wahrheit ein Spion, der Beweise für die Korruption des tyrannischen Diktators außer Landes bringen soll. Leider bleibt das Vorhaben nicht unentdeckt und die beiden müssen fliehen.
Die spannende und glaubwürdige Liebesgeschichte von Jaxon und Reid hat mir gefallen. Die Gefahr in der sie sich befinden, schweißt die beide fest zusammen. Die Szene, in der Jaxon ein Liebeslied für Reid schreibt war toll. Am Schluss hat mir allerdings ein Epilog gefehlt, so war das Ende für meinen Geschmack etwas zu wage.
Als der erfolgreiche Musiker Jaxon Powers einem Auftritt im von einem Diktator regierten Vasnytsia zustimmt, ahnt er nicht, was da auf ihn zukommt. Da er nur eine Person als Begleitung mitnehmen darf, wird Reid als Bodyguard und Übersetzer für ihn engagiert. Was Jaxon nicht ahnt, Reid ist in Wahrheit ein Spion, der Beweise für die Korruption des tyrannischen Diktators außer Landes bringen soll. Leider bleibt das Vorhaben nicht unentdeckt und die beiden müssen fliehen.
Die spannende und glaubwürdige Liebesgeschichte von Jaxon und Reid hat mir gefallen. Die Gefahr in der sie sich befinden, schweißt die beide fest zusammen. Die Szene, in der Jaxon ein Liebeslied für Reid schreibt war toll. Am Schluss hat mir allerdings ein Epilog gefehlt, so war das Ende für meinen Geschmack etwas zu wage.
August 9, 2020
A great book in the romantic suspense tradition. Jaxon was a rock star who was starting to long a bit for a more normal life. Reid was a good organizer and handler sent from the State Department, and it didn't take too long to realize there was a lot more going on behind the scenes. Okay, perhaps the total set of circumstances here would be very unlikely, but so are millionaire princes who fall for a commoner and gay cowboys with babies. I found most individual scenes realistic, and felt I got to know some great secondary characters, who were real people working quietly against oppression. The climactic scenes were full of feeling and the ending was great--both for the people of that country and our guys' HEA.
August 14, 2019
💜The Spy 👀 Who Rocked 🎸 Me! Reid and Jaxon!💜
"Asphyxiation via Snogging!" What a Way to Go!💋
Title: The Spy's Love Song: Stars From Peril #1
Author: Kim Fielding
Narrator: Drew Bacca
Format: Unabridged Audiobook
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Listening Length: 5hrs 32min
Release Date: 2/28/2019
Genre/ Trope(s): MM Romance; Contemporary; Spies/ Espionage; Action/ Adventure
Page Count: 166p. Kindle Ed.
SteaMMy Swordplay: 2 out of 5⚔
Sharonica-Stars: 5 out of 5✨
GoodReads AVG: 3.75🌟
My Thoughts and Review:
Reid and Jaxson
💎WHAT A SURPRISING GEM!💎
I needed to find a book for a reading challenge in the MM Romance group I am in on Goodreads. In my search, this one came across my Kindle and piqued my interest because it not only was about a singer but was about a spy. Who doesn't love a Bond or Bourne man?
The author created such an intricate world filled with strong fully actualized characters so real that you could close your eyes and see them as clearly as if they were on a movie screen. The country of Vasnytsia was reminiscent of other countries we have seen in the news, where dictators keep people under their strict rule, cutting them off from the outside world. I was able to empathize with these people, and felt their fear and loathing for a government that kept them in abject poverty and forced ignorance of the world outside their borders.
Fielding's characters became people I cared about. While the story was a romance about MCs Reid and Jaxson, I also grew to care for the citizens who put their lives in jeopardy to hide and help Jaxson and Reid.
I usually read books filled with enough fluff and fun to fill a giant unicorn pinata. This one caught me sooooo off guard. I cried ugly tears 😭 more than once. Dayaum you, Kim Fielding! And Dayaum you, Drew Becca for giving such a profound performance narrating. **Sigh... I curse you both with love and rainbows!😂 💖🌈💖
This has been one of my favorite reads/ listens so far this year. Quite possibly one of my faves of all time in the MM Romance genre. I absolutely loved it!
**I recommend this to anyone who loves a good read, and especially recommend to anyone who is a fan of audible.
Just in case you had a doubt, I loved it!!!💖
5 I-Spy-Rocker-Stars✨✨✨✨✨
"Asphyxiation via Snogging!" What a Way to Go!💋
Title: The Spy's Love Song: Stars From Peril #1
Author: Kim Fielding
Narrator: Drew Bacca
Format: Unabridged Audiobook
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Listening Length: 5hrs 32min
Release Date: 2/28/2019
Genre/ Trope(s): MM Romance; Contemporary; Spies/ Espionage; Action/ Adventure
Page Count: 166p. Kindle Ed.
SteaMMy Swordplay: 2 out of 5⚔
Sharonica-Stars: 5 out of 5✨
GoodReads AVG: 3.75🌟
My Thoughts and Review:
Reid and Jaxson
💎WHAT A SURPRISING GEM!💎
I needed to find a book for a reading challenge in the MM Romance group I am in on Goodreads. In my search, this one came across my Kindle and piqued my interest because it not only was about a singer but was about a spy. Who doesn't love a Bond or Bourne man?
The author created such an intricate world filled with strong fully actualized characters so real that you could close your eyes and see them as clearly as if they were on a movie screen. The country of Vasnytsia was reminiscent of other countries we have seen in the news, where dictators keep people under their strict rule, cutting them off from the outside world. I was able to empathize with these people, and felt their fear and loathing for a government that kept them in abject poverty and forced ignorance of the world outside their borders.
Fielding's characters became people I cared about. While the story was a romance about MCs Reid and Jaxson, I also grew to care for the citizens who put their lives in jeopardy to hide and help Jaxson and Reid.
I usually read books filled with enough fluff and fun to fill a giant unicorn pinata. This one caught me sooooo off guard. I cried ugly tears 😭 more than once. Dayaum you, Kim Fielding! And Dayaum you, Drew Becca for giving such a profound performance narrating. **Sigh... I curse you both with love and rainbows!😂 💖🌈💖
This has been one of my favorite reads/ listens so far this year. Quite possibly one of my faves of all time in the MM Romance genre. I absolutely loved it!
**I recommend this to anyone who loves a good read, and especially recommend to anyone who is a fan of audible.
Just in case you had a doubt, I loved it!!!💖
5 I-Spy-Rocker-Stars✨✨✨✨✨
March 7, 2019
The sweetness of this story made me smile. Bringing out the other side of stardom, this story shows how people aren't always what they seem. If you give them a chance, they can amaze you.
Jaxon Powers has it all. Money, fame, men and women in bed. Yet, he yearns for something...more. When the State Department asks him to play a concert in Vasnytsia, he's a little taken aback that he's got fans there, but signs on quickly.
Reid Stanfill is a spy. Okay, so really he's a Secret Agent for the state, but he's on a mission to provide evidence that the reigning leader of Vasnytsia is corrupt and now that Jaxon has agreed to sing there, he's got his cover story. Except, he wasn't planning on getting to know Jaxon.
This was a cute story of two people who are too busy with their careers to let anyone in. After a few days together, under stress and running for their lives, they learn everything they need to know about each other and start letting go of their walls.
Drew Bacca did an amazing job with the narration giving Reid the very serious tone that his character took and Jaxon the subtle twang of a drawl from his roots. I thought the singing that he managed to be on point and solemn, as the story's need required at the time. Overall, his voice kept me engaged, gave the characters life and made the story fun to listen to.
If you are looking for a nice, easy, engaging story with characters full of depth, this is an awesome choice.
*Audio copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to http://gaybook.reviews/ *
Jaxon Powers has it all. Money, fame, men and women in bed. Yet, he yearns for something...more. When the State Department asks him to play a concert in Vasnytsia, he's a little taken aback that he's got fans there, but signs on quickly.
Reid Stanfill is a spy. Okay, so really he's a Secret Agent for the state, but he's on a mission to provide evidence that the reigning leader of Vasnytsia is corrupt and now that Jaxon has agreed to sing there, he's got his cover story. Except, he wasn't planning on getting to know Jaxon.
This was a cute story of two people who are too busy with their careers to let anyone in. After a few days together, under stress and running for their lives, they learn everything they need to know about each other and start letting go of their walls.
Drew Bacca did an amazing job with the narration giving Reid the very serious tone that his character took and Jaxon the subtle twang of a drawl from his roots. I thought the singing that he managed to be on point and solemn, as the story's need required at the time. Overall, his voice kept me engaged, gave the characters life and made the story fun to listen to.
If you are looking for a nice, easy, engaging story with characters full of depth, this is an awesome choice.
*Audio copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to http://gaybook.reviews/ *
February 12, 2020
Kim Fielding is one of my preferred authors.
Reid and Jaxon's love story was a nice little book.
Which is the problem in a nutshell for me. I wanted, due to the seriousness of the issues involved, a deeper more nuanced telling than books in this particular imprint are supposed to have. I came expecting a small mission and got world changing events... And yet, it's told, despite the violence and events of international importance, as if it were just some 80s semi-serious escapade movie. (Also, considering the situation, very few people died or were even injured...) I think this story could have been more, so only 3 stars.
However, 3 stars because of Kim's usual fine characterization touches make the leads human. Jaxon doesn't suddenly learn the local language overnight and get's to be brave and resourceful WITHOUT being a martial artist/fighter. Reid, despite being a martial artist/covert operative/linguist who makes suits look good by wearing them, is not an ego monster, actually cares, and is judgmental toward Jaxon at first. The secondary characters could have been more sharply defined, but, as this was told from Jaxon's point of view, it struck me that the lack of definition may be more characterization. Jaxon spends a lot of his time inside his head communing with his muse; if Reid had been telling the story, the details would have been crisper.
All in all, this is worth a read even if it didn't entirely live up to its potential.
Reid and Jaxon's love story was a nice little book.
Which is the problem in a nutshell for me. I wanted, due to the seriousness of the issues involved, a deeper more nuanced telling than books in this particular imprint are supposed to have. I came expecting a small mission and got world changing events... And yet, it's told, despite the violence and events of international importance, as if it were just some 80s semi-serious escapade movie. (Also, considering the situation, very few people died or were even injured...) I think this story could have been more, so only 3 stars.
However, 3 stars because of Kim's usual fine characterization touches make the leads human. Jaxon doesn't suddenly learn the local language overnight and get's to be brave and resourceful WITHOUT being a martial artist/fighter. Reid, despite being a martial artist/covert operative/linguist who makes suits look good by wearing them, is not an ego monster, actually cares, and is judgmental toward Jaxon at first. The secondary characters could have been more sharply defined, but, as this was told from Jaxon's point of view, it struck me that the lack of definition may be more characterization. Jaxon spends a lot of his time inside his head communing with his muse; if Reid had been telling the story, the details would have been crisper.
All in all, this is worth a read even if it didn't entirely live up to its potential.
August 14, 2019
DNF at 45%. Dull. This adjective best describes this book. Dull, cliched, characters with nonexistent chemistry, dull, cliched plot on dull, cliched & depressing east European background. No reason to hang on up to the predictable happy ending. We don't even know one of the MCs at this point beyond the hot spy exterior*.
My breaking point was
* (They never have average looking spies in these books/movies. You can easily recognize the spy by how hot he is)
My breaking point was
* (They never have average looking spies in these books/movies. You can easily recognize the spy by how hot he is)
October 2, 2018
4 Stars!
I found this book sweet and entertaining. There were a few parts that dragged a bit too much for my taste, but the second half was action-packed and fast-paced, with some angst thrown in for good measure (I even shed a few tears here and there).
Both Jaxon and Reid were likable, perhaps Jaxon more so than Reid, but that could be because the story is told from Jaxon's POV. They had great chemistry, though, and brought out the best of each other.
Overall, this was a pretty good addition to the Dreamspun Series and the start of another series by Kim Fielding, so I hope we'll get to catch up with Jaxon and Reid in the future.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
I found this book sweet and entertaining. There were a few parts that dragged a bit too much for my taste, but the second half was action-packed and fast-paced, with some angst thrown in for good measure (I even shed a few tears here and there).
Both Jaxon and Reid were likable, perhaps Jaxon more so than Reid, but that could be because the story is told from Jaxon's POV. They had great chemistry, though, and brought out the best of each other.
Overall, this was a pretty good addition to the Dreamspun Series and the start of another series by Kim Fielding, so I hope we'll get to catch up with Jaxon and Reid in the future.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
November 23, 2018
Jaxon Powers would not say he's excited to perform a concert for a dictator, but he's willing to do his part if it might help the people living under the dictator's rule. After all, it's just a couple concerts and he's back home to finish his latest album. And while he's not exactly keen on the handler he's being sent in with--Reid Stanfill, a federal agent of some kind--again, it's just a couple concerts and he's back home. But the reality is that it's not that simple. There's more going on around Jaxon than he realizes at first--just as there's more to Reid than he gave him credit for at first. When the mission goes wrong and both their lives are in danger, Jaxon finds himself in more than one position he never thought possible...
May 25, 2023
Hm.
I probably should have guessed from the fictional eastern European country in the blurb that this wouldn't go so well. I think if you want to set your story in our world, do set it in our world in a real country, not a made-up cliché of one (even if some of the stereotypes are positive).
Now, I get it, this is first and foremost meant to be a romance, not a believable political thriller, but unfortunately it doesn't particularly deliver on that front either. Both of the main characters are more cardboard cutouts than real people (Reid especially) and the two characters are just kind of insta-attracted and then insta-in-love without their chemistry ever being believable.
1.5 stars.
I probably should have guessed from the fictional eastern European country in the blurb that this wouldn't go so well. I think if you want to set your story in our world, do set it in our world in a real country, not a made-up cliché of one (even if some of the stereotypes are positive).
Now, I get it, this is first and foremost meant to be a romance, not a believable political thriller, but unfortunately it doesn't particularly deliver on that front either. Both of the main characters are more cardboard cutouts than real people (Reid especially) and the two characters are just kind of insta-attracted and then insta-in-love without their chemistry ever being believable.
1.5 stars.
October 22, 2018
I love Kim Fielding and was very excited for this book to come out. What's not to love about a dashing, mysterious secret agent? I also really enjoyed watching Jaxon's journey as a disillusioned, listless pop star who finds something worth fighting for. I just wish that there was a little... more. I felt like Jaxon and Reid were suddenly in each other's arms without any real buildup of chemistry. I also wasn't quite buying the story by the end. A little more time and editing would have helped. That being said, though, it was still a great read!
November 12, 2018
Jaxon is a rock star with a dangerous despot for a fan. He gets roped into performing at the request of the US government, only to deal with a regime similar to North Korea and subterfuge galore. With a sexy spy as his bodyguard and murder afoot, he’ll need to use his wits, his heart, and his music to get what he wants and win the day.
April 9, 2020
While reading this, I had flashbacks to my summer choir tour in East Germany in 1987 -- the rabbit-hutch cinder block apartment buildings, the lack of people on the streets, the propaganda touring for Westerners, all so accurate. (Although the building on the cover looks too nice -- not nearly grey and drab enough.) Overall, a good story.
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