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Determination Trilogy #1
Dignity
My name is Kevin Markos, former anchor for Full News Broadcasting. I say former, because an exhaustion- and frustration-fueled emotional on-air meltdown of apocalyptic proportions means my previously dignified reputation and successful career as a highly respected conservative TV news host and commentator lay in smoking, irreparable ruins. Only one person will hire me now, and it's the last person I want to work for—Democratic Senator ShaeLynn Samuels, who's determined to be the next president of the United States. My reluctance isn't because of her, but because of who's working for Christopher Bruunt, the head of her Secret Service detail. A college spring break trip I thought was safely hidden forever in my past, even if it never strayed far from my thoughts, now comes back to haunt me. But if I take this job and succeed, it could resurrect my career and put me at the right hand of the most powerful person in the United States. But how much am I personally willing to sacrifice to claw my way back to the top? Because Christopher never forgot that spring break, either. And he has a few agendas of his own. This MMF contemporary political romance features older main characters, second-chance love, an Alpha Secret Service agent, power exchange, pining, frenemies to lovers, a secret workplace romance at the highest levels of our nation's government, political intrigue, and a satisfying HEA. Book 1 of the Determination Trilogy, a standalone spin-off trilogy set in the world of the Governor Trilogy, the Devastation Trilogy, and others.
317 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 28, 2018
73 people are currently reading
285 people want to read
About the author
Lesli Richardson
176 books446 followersLesli 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
January 30, 2019
After I read the amazing Governor series, I tried to read this spinoff but I could not get into it at all.
The main character was not that charming and I could not stand his internal monologue which expands in several chapters.
Also I couldn't understand how it is possible after he realises that he is gay and he does not like sex with women, ends up enjoying kinky sex with the female character. The book does not imply anywhere that he is bi, only that he has a revelation that he is gay and in love with the same man for years.
I still haven't decided if I want to read book 2 of the trilogy. Maybe I will read it just to understand whether from the female character’s point of view any of these makes sense. Or not.
Of course I am still looking forward to the next spinoff “Devastation trilogy" which if I guessed correctly is about the George, the Governor of Tennessee (from Lieutenant, Governor trilogy book 2). We will see :)
The main character was not that charming and I could not stand his internal monologue which expands in several chapters.
Also I couldn't understand how it is possible after he realises that he is gay and he does not like sex with women, ends up enjoying kinky sex with the female character. The book does not imply anywhere that he is bi, only that he has a revelation that he is gay and in love with the same man for years.
I still haven't decided if I want to read book 2 of the trilogy. Maybe I will read it just to understand whether from the female character’s point of view any of these makes sense. Or not.
Of course I am still looking forward to the next spinoff “Devastation trilogy" which if I guessed correctly is about the George, the Governor of Tennessee (from Lieutenant, Governor trilogy book 2). We will see :)
January 1, 2022
Despite the single POV, this had a somewhat disjointed feel. We really have no insight into the female lead - that’s book 2. And the other hero is book 3. This story is Kevin, who almost reads like a woman at times, but you might chalk that up to being a submissive. Hard to believe he kept his shit together for 20 years only to lose it in such a spectacular fashion.
There is a lot, a lot of telling and not showing. There is a lot of jumping around time wise. The past the far past the present and then fast forward two years. It leaves the reader feeling very excluded. Not sure I’ll continue on. With the exception of a couple scenes, I didn’t ever really connect with any of the characters.
And there was a lot of politics. It’s like every factoid of the research behind this has to be included. By the way, in case you missed it the first - what seems like a billion times - Kevin is socially liberal. So there was quite a bit of lecturing. Which I didn’t need as I was already reading the book.
There is a lot, a lot of telling and not showing. There is a lot of jumping around time wise. The past the far past the present and then fast forward two years. It leaves the reader feeling very excluded. Not sure I’ll continue on. With the exception of a couple scenes, I didn’t ever really connect with any of the characters.
And there was a lot of politics. It’s like every factoid of the research behind this has to be included. By the way, in case you missed it the first - what seems like a billion times - Kevin is socially liberal. So there was quite a bit of lecturing. Which I didn’t need as I was already reading the book.
January 28, 2021
After ripping through the Governor Trilogy and loving it, I had to check out this spin-off series. Boy is it delightful. This book features Kevin Markos who was a bad guy in the previous series. But as they say, every story has two sides. In her fictional works, Ms. Richardson definitely shows both sides and is less political. Which is ironic because this is a story involving politics. This book can be read as a standalone. It is better to read the Governor trilogy first to receive the full effect.
To read the rest of my review, click on the image below to see it on my website on or after Feb 3, 2021.
To read the rest of my review, click on the image below to see it on my website on or after Feb 3, 2021.
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September 5, 2024🎁 FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (4/23/2019)! 🎁
January 8, 2019
Determination Trilogy, Book 1. Blazing hot, politically savvy, and brilliant!
For exactly one week, he knew exactly who he was, what he wanted. Then…poof! It was gone. It was his fault! And he never forgot. Twenty years later, his career on the fast track, now was NOT the time for Kevin Markos to go full-on Peter Finch on live TV. His career lies in smoking ruins around him, and for what? Hiding is the only thing that makes sense. Then, dumbfounded, his past comes roaring back with a vengeance. But with that past comes a future he never saw coming. Is this his punishment? So much is at stake. Can he really do this? The better question is, does he have a choice?
WOW! At first, I despised Kevin. He burned his world to the ground, not once but twice! Along the way, he tore more than one person’s life to shreds. Selfish, liar, smarmy, there seemed nothing redeemable about him. But when his past came calling twenty years later, I never expected what happened. Neither will you! Lesli Richardson takes you on a thrill ride that’s sultry, sexy, and scorching hot. This may be Kevin’s story, but all the people in this book are magnetic. The politics will pull you into the story regardless of where you are on the political spectrum. You HAVE to read this book. While this is set in the same world as the Governor Trilogy, don’t expect this to be a duplicate. I’ve never read anything like this. I absolutely adored it! My expectations for this book were sky high, and Lesli Richardson blew every expectation I had out of the water! You couldn’t ask for anything better! This was the best post-holiday gift that I could have wanted!
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 so much! I think you will too!
Thanks for reading my review and happy reading!
For exactly one week, he knew exactly who he was, what he wanted. Then…poof! It was gone. It was his fault! And he never forgot. Twenty years later, his career on the fast track, now was NOT the time for Kevin Markos to go full-on Peter Finch on live TV. His career lies in smoking ruins around him, and for what? Hiding is the only thing that makes sense. Then, dumbfounded, his past comes roaring back with a vengeance. But with that past comes a future he never saw coming. Is this his punishment? So much is at stake. Can he really do this? The better question is, does he have a choice?
WOW! At first, I despised Kevin. He burned his world to the ground, not once but twice! Along the way, he tore more than one person’s life to shreds. Selfish, liar, smarmy, there seemed nothing redeemable about him. But when his past came calling twenty years later, I never expected what happened. Neither will you! Lesli Richardson takes you on a thrill ride that’s sultry, sexy, and scorching hot. This may be Kevin’s story, but all the people in this book are magnetic. The politics will pull you into the story regardless of where you are on the political spectrum. You HAVE to read this book. While this is set in the same world as the Governor Trilogy, don’t expect this to be a duplicate. I’ve never read anything like this. I absolutely adored it! My expectations for this book were sky high, and Lesli Richardson blew every expectation I had out of the water! You couldn’t ask for anything better! This was the best post-holiday gift that I could have wanted!
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 so much! I think you will too!
Thanks for reading my review and happy reading!
December 5, 2019
4.6 stars
Politics make strange bedfellows. Kevin only wanted one thing but for a week long ago, his world was upended and he made the decision to just walk away but he never forgot that one person and how he made him feel. Fast forward twenty years and his career is on high until he torpedoes it in response to an incident which leaves him unemployable, or is he? Returning to Florida to lick his wounds and regroup, he is visited by the last people he ever expected and thus begins the possibility for a new life with some challenges to overcome. Is Kevin up to the task or will he walk away again? This is one book that really brings out a range of mixed emotions. It deals with adult themes and should be consumed with the understanding of encountering explicit language, BDSM and steamy ménage scenes. Ms. Richardson is one author who delves deep and stays true to the landscape when crafting her storylines. Whether you are a fan of politics or not, this is one book that will suck you in and leave you craving for more.
Politics make strange bedfellows. Kevin only wanted one thing but for a week long ago, his world was upended and he made the decision to just walk away but he never forgot that one person and how he made him feel. Fast forward twenty years and his career is on high until he torpedoes it in response to an incident which leaves him unemployable, or is he? Returning to Florida to lick his wounds and regroup, he is visited by the last people he ever expected and thus begins the possibility for a new life with some challenges to overcome. Is Kevin up to the task or will he walk away again? This is one book that really brings out a range of mixed emotions. It deals with adult themes and should be consumed with the understanding of encountering explicit language, BDSM and steamy ménage scenes. Ms. Richardson is one author who delves deep and stays true to the landscape when crafting her storylines. Whether you are a fan of politics or not, this is one book that will suck you in and leave you craving for more.
December 29, 2018
I have been waiting for this book since the Governor Trilogy ended. I was curious about Kevin Markos and if he was as big of an ass off the camera as he was during the interview with Owen.
Kevin Markos lost his job as a highly respected conservative TV news host and commentator after a meltdown on air after an issue hit him too hard and when he was pressured to defend the perpetrators. His past is about to catch up with him. Twenty years ago, after a week with Christopher Bruunt, he had to walk away and never contact him again. Now, Christopher is working with Democratic Senator ShaeLynn Samuels. Christopher knows the one person that can help Shae win the POTUS is Kevin.
This book hits the full range of emotions. There is so much depth in the characters. Kevin was amazing. He went on a full journey to discover that it was OK to be himself. Christopher was just wow. I liked how Shae connects the two.
Kevin Markos lost his job as a highly respected conservative TV news host and commentator after a meltdown on air after an issue hit him too hard and when he was pressured to defend the perpetrators. His past is about to catch up with him. Twenty years ago, after a week with Christopher Bruunt, he had to walk away and never contact him again. Now, Christopher is working with Democratic Senator ShaeLynn Samuels. Christopher knows the one person that can help Shae win the POTUS is Kevin.
This book hits the full range of emotions. There is so much depth in the characters. Kevin was amazing. He went on a full journey to discover that it was OK to be himself. Christopher was just wow. I liked how Shae connects the two.
July 5, 2019
Honestly, after finished reading theGovernor series, I was debating whether I should skip this series and go straight to the Devastation trilogy. Everyone who have read the Governor would have the same feeling as me. Cos Kevin was a jerk according to what we have known.
However, Lesli is not just any average author. she is one with a magic pen and magical mind. After you finished this book, you would not hate Kevin, you would see him fm different angles, different facets and his past that made him who he is.
This is also a book of redemption. A man who got a second chance to get back the dream of his life and stop lying to himself about who he really is.
This book is refreshing to read and I highly recommend you to try it !
However, Lesli is not just any average author. she is one with a magic pen and magical mind. After you finished this book, you would not hate Kevin, you would see him fm different angles, different facets and his past that made him who he is.
This is also a book of redemption. A man who got a second chance to get back the dream of his life and stop lying to himself about who he really is.
This book is refreshing to read and I highly recommend you to try it !
May 1, 2024
I loved the Governor series and grew to care about those characters so I wanted to delve deeper into that universe.
It took me awhile to get into this one. Kevin came off as a whiner. It was hard to root for him in the beginning. I wanted to love him because I was excited to see where his character would be taken after seeing him as a brief side character in the Governor series.
It eventually picked up towards the end and I want to see if the second book will give new insight of deeper connections between these people. TBH the female lead seems not that important to the triad. Chris and Shae seem to be kinky FWBs who could walk away from each other at any time without much fuss. Kevin considers himself gay. This could have been sold as a MM romance and not a MMF romance. I'm going to see if the second book will deliver on selling me why they don't dump Shae and go live their lives with a lot less drama in the private sector.
It took me awhile to get into this one. Kevin came off as a whiner. It was hard to root for him in the beginning. I wanted to love him because I was excited to see where his character would be taken after seeing him as a brief side character in the Governor series.
It eventually picked up towards the end and I want to see if the second book will give new insight of deeper connections between these people. TBH the female lead seems not that important to the triad. Chris and Shae seem to be kinky FWBs who could walk away from each other at any time without much fuss. Kevin considers himself gay. This could have been sold as a MM romance and not a MMF romance. I'm going to see if the second book will deliver on selling me why they don't dump Shae and go live their lives with a lot less drama in the private sector.
December 30, 2018
Carter, Susa and Owen hold a special place in my heart.. But so far this series has started off well. I can see the parallels between Owen and Kevin and it's what made me like him in the end. But he has a little bit of a edge to him which is different.
I this trilogy is as good as the first one... I really want to know more bout Shae ever since we met her in the Governor trilogy. I also hope that we can see more of the triad from the first series.
Downside, I felt it kind of glossed over things slightly in this one compared to how much detail was given in the first book for Owen, which set things up nicely for Susa and Carter's books.
I this trilogy is as good as the first one... I really want to know more bout Shae ever since we met her in the Governor trilogy. I also hope that we can see more of the triad from the first series.
Downside, I felt it kind of glossed over things slightly in this one compared to how much detail was given in the first book for Owen, which set things up nicely for Susa and Carter's books.
June 12, 2025
2.5 to 3 ⭐️
I really enjoyed the Governor Trilogy so I thought I’d give this spin off series a go.
It was easy listen while doing daily tasks but it was also quite boring.
There was a ton of info dump in the beginning and then just a lot of internal monologue with very little “in the moment” dialogue between characters.
The spice did not hit like the Governor Trilogy, didn’t even come close. And the chemistry between all three of the characters just wasn’t there for me.
I already purchased the rest of the audio series, so I’ll most likely listen to them, but overall this was just okay. I felt like if I kept going it would get better but it just overall was okay.
I really enjoyed the Governor Trilogy so I thought I’d give this spin off series a go.
It was easy listen while doing daily tasks but it was also quite boring.
There was a ton of info dump in the beginning and then just a lot of internal monologue with very little “in the moment” dialogue between characters.
The spice did not hit like the Governor Trilogy, didn’t even come close. And the chemistry between all three of the characters just wasn’t there for me.
I already purchased the rest of the audio series, so I’ll most likely listen to them, but overall this was just okay. I felt like if I kept going it would get better but it just overall was okay.
January 4, 2019
As much as I loved the Governor Trilogy, I loved this even more. I don't agree with Lesli's political outlook, but she really knows how to write a good story. Dignity lets us get to know Kevin and we see the difficulties the triad has to overcome to reach their goals. At this point in the trilogy, though, I couldn't get a handle on what I really thought about Chris. But I was fascinated with each of these characters and couldn't wait for book two. Thankfully, I all three were released at the same time.
September 28, 2024
I've read the governor trilogy which I adored. But this didn't quite live up to that for me. There was a lot of telling, not showing. I couldn't get past him stating he was gay, then both having sex and falling in love with a woman and not then being bi. For the first time I didn't like that I didn't have the other viewpoints as I've no idea why she wanted to be his slave. There was no obvious connection that I had seen. But it's lesli Richardson. It's still so well written. But this just didn't hit the mark for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2019
This is the first book in a new trilogy from this author, and this story is told in Kevin’s POV, which starts off at the lowest point in his life, and tells about his dreams and aspirations. When he receives an offer he cannot refuse, he is brought back into contact with Chris who is a special agent. This is a well written story which had me intrigued and hooked from the very beginning, and I look forward to reading more in this trilogy.
January 29, 2020
The first book in this series and it takes place in the same world as Governor Trilogy.
What I enjoyed about this book was Kevin’s journey in making choice for himself and doing something that made him happy no matter what everyone else thinks. And I really loved the relationship between the three main characters.
I did feel that this book did a told of telling, but not a lot of showing. I would have like to have more in depth scenes between the characters.
What I enjoyed about this book was Kevin’s journey in making choice for himself and doing something that made him happy no matter what everyone else thinks. And I really loved the relationship between the three main characters.
I did feel that this book did a told of telling, but not a lot of showing. I would have like to have more in depth scenes between the characters.
January 7, 2022
Just not as good as the Governor trilogy. The characters are flat. Too much tell and not enough show. Couldn't get past the tone. The author voice was too strong and carried through each of the main characters in this series so they all sounded the same.
There were moments where it's explicit and then moments where it gets shy???? Like, uwu sorry that's not my thing to tell uwu?? wtf. How is this a confessional to another person style suddenly? 20 pages ago you were in detail about the dick sucking and now you can't tell me?
Chris comes back into his life for 2 intensive weeks of reprogramming Kevin and they show none of it? Bullshit. "I'm going to put you through your paces blah blah blah" Okay, fucking show me how that went! How did y'all feel? How did you resolve that? We just skip ahead and it's all sunshine and rainbows.
Also, suddenly Kevin is homoflexible enough to want to be in a sexual relationship with Shae with none of these people fucking talking about it? Bullshit. No negotiation in the slightest? That took me out of it.
There were moments where it's explicit and then moments where it gets shy???? Like, uwu sorry that's not my thing to tell uwu?? wtf. How is this a confessional to another person style suddenly? 20 pages ago you were in detail about the dick sucking and now you can't tell me?
Chris comes back into his life for 2 intensive weeks of reprogramming Kevin and they show none of it? Bullshit. "I'm going to put you through your paces blah blah blah" Okay, fucking show me how that went! How did y'all feel? How did you resolve that? We just skip ahead and it's all sunshine and rainbows.
Also, suddenly Kevin is homoflexible enough to want to be in a sexual relationship with Shae with none of these people fucking talking about it? Bullshit. No negotiation in the slightest? That took me out of it.
January 8, 2019
A great beginning to an amazing trilogy. When Kevin Markos has had enough and implodes on-air during his television show, he knows that life as he knows it is over. What he doesn't expect is his long lost love showing up at his house and offering a surprising option. This book is told from Kevin's point of view and switches between the past and the present. It is not a standalone.
January 9, 2019
Loved it
This book was not as intense as the first trilogy, but it still gives you some excitement. This story gives you a different look at the triad than in the first trilogy.
This story will bring you in and there will be points that irritate you, and other that will make you laugh and cry. Enjoy this journey, I know I did.
Until Next Time... Tabi
This book was not as intense as the first trilogy, but it still gives you some excitement. This story gives you a different look at the triad than in the first trilogy.
This story will bring you in and there will be points that irritate you, and other that will make you laugh and cry. Enjoy this journey, I know I did.
Until Next Time... Tabi
August 31, 2024
It started with Governor and i fell in love with the stories and people. I'm glad we still hear about them in the next serie in this political world.
It makes me laugh, it gives me a great feeling to be part of this world and i just want more......
First book of this serie is again amazing. Will stop now to start book 2😉👍
It makes me laugh, it gives me a great feeling to be part of this world and i just want more......
First book of this serie is again amazing. Will stop now to start book 2😉👍
April 11, 2019
Wow! I wasn’t sure what to expect out of this book but I definitely got more. I was completely engrossed and had a hard time putting the book down. I’m definitely going to have to read the other books in the series.
May 3, 2019
4 stars
Loved this story. I'm glad Kevin and Chris finally found each other again. The story was very well written and I loved it. I still have problems getting around the Shae relationships though but that's just my mind set. But it works for them and that's all that matters.
Loved this story. I'm glad Kevin and Chris finally found each other again. The story was very well written and I loved it. I still have problems getting around the Shae relationships though but that's just my mind set. But it works for them and that's all that matters.
May 6, 2019
Holy (expletive deleted)
What a wild rollercoaster ride of a story!
I was just expecting a hot sex story.
Instead, I got a well crafted political fantasy which I found believable and encouraging.
And a much sexier story than I expected!
What a wild rollercoaster ride of a story!
I was just expecting a hot sex story.
Instead, I got a well crafted political fantasy which I found believable and encouraging.
And a much sexier story than I expected!
January 11, 2021
I really loved this redemption story and seeing everything that happened from Kevin's perspective. It started a bit slow for me, but I felt it really made up for it's slow start. Will keep reading the other books in this universe. All of them are gold if you ask me. :)
September 22, 2024
This is a captivating read for fans of complex, enlightening romance and politics, particularly those who enjoy stories that explore themes of redemption, self-discovery, and the intersection of power, identity, and desire.
November 24, 2024
DNF - 62% writing style is fine, though I didn't love the jump back and forth formatting as it wasn't consistent. The relationship dynamic got a bit too aggressive and creepy for me. Also spouting off love so quickly made it feel overwhelming unrealistic.
April 1, 2025
This is book 1 in a trilogy from Lesli Richardson and oh my can she write!! Check out her other series & standalone writing is Tymber Dalton that’s hot🔥🔥🔥 I have been reading her for two decades she’s takes you in a journey a roller coaster of emotions with believable characters
January 1, 2019
Amazing story! I couldn't put it down! Best part.. 2 others to go with it!! If you have not read Lesli Richardson...you don't know what your missing!!
January 3, 2019
HOT!
If you loved the governor trilogy, you will absolutely love this book. It is just as fast paced and the heat level is scorching!!
If you loved the governor trilogy, you will absolutely love this book. It is just as fast paced and the heat level is scorching!!
February 11, 2019
Had a very hard time getting in to this book...seems to be filled with alot of information that's not needed for the story and just drags on
April 10, 2020
This wasn’t my favorite trilogy in the Governor world but it was good. Not as heavily focused on flashbacks (which, thank goodness, because that drives me crazy). But I enjoyed it. I wish there had been an epilogue.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews