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Bodyguards #3
In the Air
A scientist on a mission. A protector with a past. Two hearts collide in a race against time when a terrorist releases a deadly plague across the country.
Sam Darrow has had one goal in life, ever since he was a small child and his beloved older brother enlisted in the Army. He wanted to keep his brother – and his brother’s best friend, Ken - safe. When he read that more soldiers fell to disease than to enemy fire, he dedicated his career to fighting disease. Now an epidemiologist with the CDC, he’s the first to recognize something’s wrong when a new influenza strain pops up all over the US. This puts a target on his back.
Ken Irvine has come a long way since his days in Bridgewater, New Jersey. First a soldier, then a Ranger, and finally a member of Delta Force, war has left its mark on Ken. Now a contractor with Five Star Security, he’s the first person they call when CDC scientists start getting assassinated. When his one-night stand turns out to be his protégé, he knows he’s in trouble.
When that same protégé turns out to be his best friend’s little brother, all grown up, he’s in way over his head.
There’s no time to sit down and figure things out, because someone wants to put a bullet in Sam’s giant brain. Ken may not think he’s relationship material, especially for the kind of guy who’s supposed to be saving the country, but he’ll do anything to keep Sam safe.
Even if he has to break his heart to do it.
In The Air is the third book in the Bodyguards series, but it can be read as a standalone novel. It contains some graphic content, some violent imagery, and mentions of disease.
Sam Darrow has had one goal in life, ever since he was a small child and his beloved older brother enlisted in the Army. He wanted to keep his brother – and his brother’s best friend, Ken - safe. When he read that more soldiers fell to disease than to enemy fire, he dedicated his career to fighting disease. Now an epidemiologist with the CDC, he’s the first to recognize something’s wrong when a new influenza strain pops up all over the US. This puts a target on his back.
Ken Irvine has come a long way since his days in Bridgewater, New Jersey. First a soldier, then a Ranger, and finally a member of Delta Force, war has left its mark on Ken. Now a contractor with Five Star Security, he’s the first person they call when CDC scientists start getting assassinated. When his one-night stand turns out to be his protégé, he knows he’s in trouble.
When that same protégé turns out to be his best friend’s little brother, all grown up, he’s in way over his head.
There’s no time to sit down and figure things out, because someone wants to put a bullet in Sam’s giant brain. Ken may not think he’s relationship material, especially for the kind of guy who’s supposed to be saving the country, but he’ll do anything to keep Sam safe.
Even if he has to break his heart to do it.
In The Air is the third book in the Bodyguards series, but it can be read as a standalone novel. It contains some graphic content, some violent imagery, and mentions of disease.
171 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 21, 2021
28 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
About the author
J.V. Speyer
32 books105 followersJ J. V. Speyer writes LGBTQ+ romance novels heavily flavored with suspense, mystery, and adventure. She has lived in upstate New York and rural Catalonia before making the greater Boston, Massachusetts area her permanent home. She currently lives just south of Boston in a house old enough to remember when her town was a tavern community with a farming problem.
J. V. finds most of her inspiration from music. Her tastes run the gamut from traditional to industrial and back again. When not writing she is a baseball fan, a hockey mom, and a devotee of all things weird and creepy about New England.
J. V. finds most of her inspiration from music. Her tastes run the gamut from traditional to industrial and back again. When not writing she is a baseball fan, a hockey mom, and a devotee of all things weird and creepy about New England.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
January 8, 2022
4 - Stars
J.V. Speyer’s In the Air , the third book in her ‘Bodyguards’ series, could hardly be more timely.
Sam Darrow, an epidemiologist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is one of the nation’s top infectious disease specialists concentrating on influenza and tuberculosis.
When’s two of Sam’s superiors are murdered, Sam becomes the agency’s principal spokesperson providing information to the press and public on the rapid spread of a new highly contagious, highly lethal strain of influenza virus that had not been seen before.
After the first two murders, Ken Irvine, a former Ranger and now a senior bodyguard working for Five Star Security, is hired by CDC and brought to Atlanta to protect Sam. As it turns out, Ken was the best friend of Sam’s older brother, Noah, when the two were growing up together in New Jersey. Unknown to Ken, he was also Sam’s unrequited teenage crush.
At their first meeting in Atlanta - in a neighborhood gay bar - neither Sam or Ken realizes who the other is. That changes quickly - and their growing attraction to one another, and how inappropriate that relationship may be, becomes the focus on Speyer’s novel.
The misunderstandings between the principals are a bit too frequent, and the descriptions of violence are very real, but the final discovery of the source of the epidemic and the resolution of Sam and Ken’s love life are more than satisfying.
J.V. Speyer’s In the Air , the third book in her ‘Bodyguards’ series, could hardly be more timely.
Sam Darrow, an epidemiologist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is one of the nation’s top infectious disease specialists concentrating on influenza and tuberculosis.
When’s two of Sam’s superiors are murdered, Sam becomes the agency’s principal spokesperson providing information to the press and public on the rapid spread of a new highly contagious, highly lethal strain of influenza virus that had not been seen before.
After the first two murders, Ken Irvine, a former Ranger and now a senior bodyguard working for Five Star Security, is hired by CDC and brought to Atlanta to protect Sam. As it turns out, Ken was the best friend of Sam’s older brother, Noah, when the two were growing up together in New Jersey. Unknown to Ken, he was also Sam’s unrequited teenage crush.
At their first meeting in Atlanta - in a neighborhood gay bar - neither Sam or Ken realizes who the other is. That changes quickly - and their growing attraction to one another, and how inappropriate that relationship may be, becomes the focus on Speyer’s novel.
The misunderstandings between the principals are a bit too frequent, and the descriptions of violence are very real, but the final discovery of the source of the epidemic and the resolution of Sam and Ken’s love life are more than satisfying.
November 15, 2022
This book surprised me in a variety of ways. It did quite a few things right, and while I don’t think it’s objectively excellent, I did enjoy it far more than I should have given its issues.
The story is quite unique among gay romances not only because of its subject matter, but because the plot takes centre stage over the romance between Sam and Ken. Even the sex scenes are very brief, which I appreciated- after your first hundred or so romance novels, those can tend to drag if they’re too frequent or don’t advance the plot or characters at all. In fact, the entire story unfolds at a breakneck pace, which suited me very well given that my primary vector of investment was seeing the mystery of the epidemic resolved.
In the wake of COVID, it was interesting to read a story focused on a lethal influenza epidemic. I found it much more powerful and much more disturbing than any other type of threat might have been. Mentions of lockdowns brought back memories from a few years ago, and the endless press conferences and pleading of infectious disease experts to observe basic sanitation measures were very familiar. The author certainly captured the tone of a nation in a public health crisis very well, and the addition of the terrorist element made it even more nightmarish. Despite the darkness, though, the author did manage to weave in moments of levity, such as Sam’s description of the conference rooms by overly-long phrases on the subject of their colour. Not all of the attempts at humour landed, but enough of them did.
Unfortunately, dialogue and character writing are clearly not the author’s strong suits. The dialogue is the biggest problem. I rarely felt that characters were speaking realistically, or even that they had consistent voices. In many cases, the dialogue felt as mechanical as the narration, only there for the purposes of advancing the plot rather than developing the characters or informing our understanding of how they think and relate to each other.
This is, of course, inextricably linked to the character writing, which never graduates beyond the tropes on which each character is based. Sam is never more than a determined, saintly genius doctor. Ken is never more than a veteran turned bodyguard who struggles with his feelings, both in general and for Sam specifically. We never get anything more about them- at least, not anything of substance, which might make them feel more real. Part of this is down to the length of the book- there simply wasn’t much time to flesh them out fully- but that was within the author’s control.
The seemingly endless parade of side characters get it even worse than the mains, and I eventually found most of them grating. Noah is particularly inconsistent, swinging between “badass Colonel Darrow”, “shipper on deck”, and “overprotective and overly concerned big brother”. The conflict created by that juxtaposition might have resulted in some depth for him, but they’re more alternate modes than facets of a complex character.
The romance is also very unrealistic. Sam and Ken go from not (or barely) recognizing each other to insta-love in a matter of weeks, and I never really felt that their relationship was based on anything more than their (relatively ancient) shared history and sexual attraction. Certainly, they’re both very attractive men who I would expect to be attracted to each other, and their relationship absolutely has long-term potential, but framing it as love at this point feels a bit disingenuous, especially given how practical and level-headed they each were in other situations.
This book is the romance novel equivalent of a disaster movie. If you aren’t looking for something with deep writing and just want a story about people surviving and ultimately triumphing over something horrible, this will give you that with a dash of sexy military and ex-military men. It doesn’t overstay its welcome and it wasn’t at any point a slog to get through. However, if you need three-dimensional characters, snappy dialogue, or romantic relationships to unfold realistically, this is probably a pass.
*I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.*
The story is quite unique among gay romances not only because of its subject matter, but because the plot takes centre stage over the romance between Sam and Ken. Even the sex scenes are very brief, which I appreciated- after your first hundred or so romance novels, those can tend to drag if they’re too frequent or don’t advance the plot or characters at all. In fact, the entire story unfolds at a breakneck pace, which suited me very well given that my primary vector of investment was seeing the mystery of the epidemic resolved.
In the wake of COVID, it was interesting to read a story focused on a lethal influenza epidemic. I found it much more powerful and much more disturbing than any other type of threat might have been. Mentions of lockdowns brought back memories from a few years ago, and the endless press conferences and pleading of infectious disease experts to observe basic sanitation measures were very familiar. The author certainly captured the tone of a nation in a public health crisis very well, and the addition of the terrorist element made it even more nightmarish. Despite the darkness, though, the author did manage to weave in moments of levity, such as Sam’s description of the conference rooms by overly-long phrases on the subject of their colour. Not all of the attempts at humour landed, but enough of them did.
Unfortunately, dialogue and character writing are clearly not the author’s strong suits. The dialogue is the biggest problem. I rarely felt that characters were speaking realistically, or even that they had consistent voices. In many cases, the dialogue felt as mechanical as the narration, only there for the purposes of advancing the plot rather than developing the characters or informing our understanding of how they think and relate to each other.
This is, of course, inextricably linked to the character writing, which never graduates beyond the tropes on which each character is based. Sam is never more than a determined, saintly genius doctor. Ken is never more than a veteran turned bodyguard who struggles with his feelings, both in general and for Sam specifically. We never get anything more about them- at least, not anything of substance, which might make them feel more real. Part of this is down to the length of the book- there simply wasn’t much time to flesh them out fully- but that was within the author’s control.
The seemingly endless parade of side characters get it even worse than the mains, and I eventually found most of them grating. Noah is particularly inconsistent, swinging between “badass Colonel Darrow”, “shipper on deck”, and “overprotective and overly concerned big brother”. The conflict created by that juxtaposition might have resulted in some depth for him, but they’re more alternate modes than facets of a complex character.
The romance is also very unrealistic. Sam and Ken go from not (or barely) recognizing each other to insta-love in a matter of weeks, and I never really felt that their relationship was based on anything more than their (relatively ancient) shared history and sexual attraction. Certainly, they’re both very attractive men who I would expect to be attracted to each other, and their relationship absolutely has long-term potential, but framing it as love at this point feels a bit disingenuous, especially given how practical and level-headed they each were in other situations.
This book is the romance novel equivalent of a disaster movie. If you aren’t looking for something with deep writing and just want a story about people surviving and ultimately triumphing over something horrible, this will give you that with a dash of sexy military and ex-military men. It doesn’t overstay its welcome and it wasn’t at any point a slog to get through. However, if you need three-dimensional characters, snappy dialogue, or romantic relationships to unfold realistically, this is probably a pass.
*I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.*
December 16, 2022
In the Air is the third book of the Bodyguard series. You can read each book of this series as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading all books in order to get maximum enjoyment.
Sam is working for the CDC, when a deadly disease spreads around the USA. When his coworker is murdered, he is promoted to being the face of the CDC and at the same time placed under protection, because the attacks are terrorist attacks.
Ken is assigned to Sam. But at the first meeting, they realize, that they have met the night before and have spent the night together. Ah, and Ken is the best friend of Sam's older brother. Soon the terrorists try to kill Sam and Ken is doing everything to protect his charge, while he has growing feelings for Sam.
This story was packed with suspense. I loved the plot and the characters. A really good continuation of this series.
Sam is working for the CDC, when a deadly disease spreads around the USA. When his coworker is murdered, he is promoted to being the face of the CDC and at the same time placed under protection, because the attacks are terrorist attacks.
Ken is assigned to Sam. But at the first meeting, they realize, that they have met the night before and have spent the night together. Ah, and Ken is the best friend of Sam's older brother. Soon the terrorists try to kill Sam and Ken is doing everything to protect his charge, while he has growing feelings for Sam.
This story was packed with suspense. I loved the plot and the characters. A really good continuation of this series.
November 13, 2022
Sam & Ken
I enjoyed this story the most out of the series so far. The investigation in this story added quite a bit while following Sam and Ken's developing relationship.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
I enjoyed this story the most out of the series so far. The investigation in this story added quite a bit while following Sam and Ken's developing relationship.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
![Profile Image for Lilly [Hiatus due to School] .](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1663899589i%2F10381707._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
December 1, 2022
It feels like JV Speyer drew heavily from what actually happened during the COVID pandemic for much of this plotline around a super-flu. It sure sounded pretty familiar, anyway!
In the Air starts out with a bit of mistaken identities trope, in that Sam and Ken meet and even though they knew each other when they were younger (Sam being the little brother of teenage Ken's best friend) they don't recognize each other before having a one night stand. And then oops, turns out Sam is the person Ken has been assigned to protect. There's also a little bit of a childhood sweethearts flavor, as Ken was basically Sam's sexual awakening and his first crush.
Add in lots of stress around someone trying to off Sam so he can't get to the bottom or what's behind this super-flu, and there's lots of great forced proximity, adrenaline high sexy times, and hurt/comfort moments. Despite Ken being hired to protect Sam and repeatedly saving his life, Sam does his fair share of saving Ken right back from his emotional scars. I may have ugly cried at the third act drama/dark moment, not gonna lie. I just love a book where I literally yell out loud at one of the main characters "What are you DOING?!" Haha!
Aside from the excellent romantic plot and can't-stop-reading suspense plot, I also was really intrigued by the continued appearance of FBI Agents Gomes and Rourke, so I had to go scouring J.V. Speyer's backlist to see if they've got their own books. And yes, Agent Luis Gomes is one of the main characters in the Hunter series, so you'd better believe I bought book one (Hunter)!
This is the third book in the Bodyguards series, and can be read as a standalone. The couples from the first two book show up in this one as side characters, with Dan and Eric from book two, Royals, playing a bit bigger role.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are unbiased and my own.
Like this review?
Check out more of my reviews on my blog, Elley the Book Otter
In the Air starts out with a bit of mistaken identities trope, in that Sam and Ken meet and even though they knew each other when they were younger (Sam being the little brother of teenage Ken's best friend) they don't recognize each other before having a one night stand. And then oops, turns out Sam is the person Ken has been assigned to protect. There's also a little bit of a childhood sweethearts flavor, as Ken was basically Sam's sexual awakening and his first crush.
Add in lots of stress around someone trying to off Sam so he can't get to the bottom or what's behind this super-flu, and there's lots of great forced proximity, adrenaline high sexy times, and hurt/comfort moments. Despite Ken being hired to protect Sam and repeatedly saving his life, Sam does his fair share of saving Ken right back from his emotional scars. I may have ugly cried at the third act drama/dark moment, not gonna lie. I just love a book where I literally yell out loud at one of the main characters "What are you DOING?!" Haha!
Aside from the excellent romantic plot and can't-stop-reading suspense plot, I also was really intrigued by the continued appearance of FBI Agents Gomes and Rourke, so I had to go scouring J.V. Speyer's backlist to see if they've got their own books. And yes, Agent Luis Gomes is one of the main characters in the Hunter series, so you'd better believe I bought book one (Hunter)!
This is the third book in the Bodyguards series, and can be read as a standalone. The couples from the first two book show up in this one as side characters, with Dan and Eric from book two, Royals, playing a bit bigger role.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are unbiased and my own.
Like this review?
Check out more of my reviews on my blog, Elley the Book Otter
December 26, 2022
Sam grew up with a big crush on his older brother's best friend, Ken. When his brother and Ken joined the military, Sam decided to study diseases since he read that disease kills more soldiers than the enemy. Now Sam is all grown up and has become an expert on the flu and respiratory disease at the CDC. He has just discovered that there is a unique form of the flu going around and it is very contagious and deadly. He even suspects that it is not natural and may be a biological warfare attempt. In the last few weeks his two superiors have died. One was thought to be a heart attack and the other was shot in the dentist office. Sam is now the spokesperson for the CDC on the flu but his superiors are concerned hat he will be the next target. They have hired him a bodyguard who is supposed to arrive the next day. Shocked by his bosses shooting, he goes to the bar where his friend is working dressed more like a twink than a geek. At the bar he sees a hot stranger and they start flirting. Sam goes to the stranger's hotel room and they have a passionate night together. In the middle of things, Sam sees a scar that he recognizes on the leg of his hook-up and realizes that it is Ken. The next day he is shocked to find out that Ken is his new bodyguard. He trusts Ken completely and would love to continue where they left off the night before but Ken feels guilty about sleeping with a client and his best friends brother.
December 22, 2022
I’m not a usual action suspense kind of reader but I could not put this book down and absolutely have to read the rest of the books in this series. This is a new to me author and already I’m a fan! While characters are mentioned from prior books, I was able to read this as a standalone book.
Sam is a scientist with the CDC and is involved in the latest health care crisis that’s unfolding. When due to certain circumstances, he becomes the new face of the public health care crisis outreach, a security team needs to be called into action to help protect him. Enter Five Star security and Ken. From their first interaction, the chemistry and connection are intriguing. The shared history they have adds another layer onto the bodyguard/protected storyline which I thought was kinda fun. I enjoyed their back and forth and the addition of Noah’s character as the over protective older brother made for an interesting dynamic.
Definitely a good amount of action scenes - the whodunit storyline kept the book moving and had a unique spin to it. There were not as many romance scenes as they take a backseat to the suspense action. It’s certainly not my usual genre to read but I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series and hoping Levi gets a book!
I received a complimentary copy from GRR and this is my honest and fair review.
Sam is a scientist with the CDC and is involved in the latest health care crisis that’s unfolding. When due to certain circumstances, he becomes the new face of the public health care crisis outreach, a security team needs to be called into action to help protect him. Enter Five Star security and Ken. From their first interaction, the chemistry and connection are intriguing. The shared history they have adds another layer onto the bodyguard/protected storyline which I thought was kinda fun. I enjoyed their back and forth and the addition of Noah’s character as the over protective older brother made for an interesting dynamic.
Definitely a good amount of action scenes - the whodunit storyline kept the book moving and had a unique spin to it. There were not as many romance scenes as they take a backseat to the suspense action. It’s certainly not my usual genre to read but I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series and hoping Levi gets a book!
I received a complimentary copy from GRR and this is my honest and fair review.
April 25, 2021
4.25 Stars!
In the Air is book 3 in J.V. Speyer's Bodyguards series, and it features characters from her Hunter series (Luis!!!) but it could technically be read as a standalone.
If you couldn't tell by the exclamation points, I was a bit excited to see Luis Gomes—FBI agent extraordinaire and my favorite J.V. Speyer character ever—in this book. LOL. Anyway, on to the actual review. I really liked Sam, he was a sweetheart, but he also had the strength of character that his job and his personal life required and didn't let anyone walk over him, not even Ken, his childhood crush, and his older brother's BFF when they were little. I liked Ken, although I wanted to shake some sense into him in some instances. They were hot together, but I felt Sam was more mature than Ken sometimes.
I really liked the case, I felt it was plausible, especially considering we're in the middle of a pandemic. It's obvious Ms. Speyer did her research.
Overall, this was an entertaining read. It was intriguing, suspenseful, interesting, with a satisfying conclusion. I really liked Sam and Ken (even if I wished Ken hadn't been so difficult sometimes), and I hope we'll get to see more of Noah and Liam in the future.
*** Copy provided for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
In the Air is book 3 in J.V. Speyer's Bodyguards series, and it features characters from her Hunter series (Luis!!!) but it could technically be read as a standalone.
If you couldn't tell by the exclamation points, I was a bit excited to see Luis Gomes—FBI agent extraordinaire and my favorite J.V. Speyer character ever—in this book. LOL. Anyway, on to the actual review. I really liked Sam, he was a sweetheart, but he also had the strength of character that his job and his personal life required and didn't let anyone walk over him, not even Ken, his childhood crush, and his older brother's BFF when they were little. I liked Ken, although I wanted to shake some sense into him in some instances. They were hot together, but I felt Sam was more mature than Ken sometimes.
I really liked the case, I felt it was plausible, especially considering we're in the middle of a pandemic. It's obvious Ms. Speyer did her research.
Overall, this was an entertaining read. It was intriguing, suspenseful, interesting, with a satisfying conclusion. I really liked Sam and Ken (even if I wished Ken hadn't been so difficult sometimes), and I hope we'll get to see more of Noah and Liam in the future.
*** Copy provided for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
December 31, 2022
Once again, the suspense is riveting, but the romance, not at all! In fact, I'd like to start by saying the 'romance' is practically non-existent, as in the other stories in the series, which is very annoying to me. Dr. Sam Darrow needs protecting, and Kenrick Irvine is the right man for the job. Sam's unresolved feelings for Ken, who is his older brother Noah's best friend, and Ken's new discovery of his own for Sam, complicates the arrangement, as one might expect. However, I find that Noah's interference when things go pear-shaped between them is unwarranted. Sam is a grown man and doesn't need protection from the big, bad former Delta Force soldier. He shows he can handle himself every time he puts Ken in his place. Noah's reaction at the end, before he seems to catch himself, is highly irritating. I'm not always a Sam fan, either, because he overreacts to Ken more than he needs to, as far as I'm concerned. I'm probably in the minority on that, as well as on the way Ken himself seems to take things to extremes in blaming himself for things he cannot control and thinking he's nothing special. It's a nice enough story, but all the extra-ness is unnecessary and is the reason it can't get more than 3.5 stars.
July 18, 2024
A brilliant scientist and his bodyguard
Sam is a brilliant epidemiologist, and with a flu that’s killing thousands of people, he and his team are working flat out. He’s concluded that the flu is actually a domestic terrorist threat, and with two of his colleagues killed, it’s bringing in the FBI and all their resources to solve the problem and protect Sam.
Ken is a bodyguard for a private company, and recognizes Sam, both as his best friend’s brother and a recent hookup where he didn’t know it was Sam. He saves Sam from several attempts on his life, but feels he’s too involved, especially as they grow closer.
Sam’s brother is glad Ken is back, but angry when Sam is injured, and Ken leaves Sam with another bodyguard. Ken realizes he’s abandoned Sam when he needs him most.
Meanwhile, Sam manages to track down the source of the virus, and it’s a pharmaceutical company hoping to cash in on a treatment for this flu and testing it out on the public.
Ken and Sam happily resume their relationship, with Ken seeing he can’t lose the man he loves.
A good book, unfortunately too close to the COVID pandemic and all the conspiracies that brought forward. The writing is a bit awkward at times, but the plot and characters make up for it.
Sam is a brilliant epidemiologist, and with a flu that’s killing thousands of people, he and his team are working flat out. He’s concluded that the flu is actually a domestic terrorist threat, and with two of his colleagues killed, it’s bringing in the FBI and all their resources to solve the problem and protect Sam.
Ken is a bodyguard for a private company, and recognizes Sam, both as his best friend’s brother and a recent hookup where he didn’t know it was Sam. He saves Sam from several attempts on his life, but feels he’s too involved, especially as they grow closer.
Sam’s brother is glad Ken is back, but angry when Sam is injured, and Ken leaves Sam with another bodyguard. Ken realizes he’s abandoned Sam when he needs him most.
Meanwhile, Sam manages to track down the source of the virus, and it’s a pharmaceutical company hoping to cash in on a treatment for this flu and testing it out on the public.
Ken and Sam happily resume their relationship, with Ken seeing he can’t lose the man he loves.
A good book, unfortunately too close to the COVID pandemic and all the conspiracies that brought forward. The writing is a bit awkward at times, but the plot and characters make up for it.
April 26, 2021
This book definitely has an attention-grabbing plot: there’s danger, intrigue, infectious degree science, and also, romance. Sam is an amazing human: brilliant and funny, quietly confident and able to both own his feelings and talk about them competently. Ken has much more baggage, and while he always has the best intentions, he doesn’t always make the best choices. I liked them together, though at times their chemistry felt a bit perfunctory, and the falling into a relationship part of their connection got sidelined in favor of the “this will never work” angsty part. On one hand, there are a ton of very dangerous things happening around them, and the bodyguard/protectee dynamic doesn’t always work in their favor. On the other hand, it’s sometimes hard to see why they want to be together in the first place. And then, of course, Sam will go and say something perfectly heartfelt. I did love the cast of supporting characters: Noah is an epic sibling, and I liked how willing he was to go to bat for both his brother and his friend, even when it got complicated.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 28, 2021
Your first crush is your bodyguard?
I love the Bodyguards series! I was drawn on from the first pages. The story held on to me, wouldn't let go. I couldn't wait to see what happened next. This book is set against the backdrop of an engineered pandemic. Sound familiar? Only this one could be domestic. Enter Sam, CDC genius who discovered the influenza pattern, that can't be random. Now, someone's trying to kill him. The bodyguard the CDC hires just happens to be his first crush, his big brother's best friend. Ken knows he shouldn't fall for Sam. But their attraction is as intense as it is inevitable. As the death count rises, and things become clearer, the attacks on Sam increase. The action is non-stop. The sex is hot. And both men must deal with baggage. Oh yeah, the good guys will win. HEA will be assured. And the bad guys will pay, and pay. You are gonna love this book! Please read the rest of the series. Time. Well. Spent.
This book contains adult themes and language, mm sex and is intended for mature readers only.
I love the Bodyguards series! I was drawn on from the first pages. The story held on to me, wouldn't let go. I couldn't wait to see what happened next. This book is set against the backdrop of an engineered pandemic. Sound familiar? Only this one could be domestic. Enter Sam, CDC genius who discovered the influenza pattern, that can't be random. Now, someone's trying to kill him. The bodyguard the CDC hires just happens to be his first crush, his big brother's best friend. Ken knows he shouldn't fall for Sam. But their attraction is as intense as it is inevitable. As the death count rises, and things become clearer, the attacks on Sam increase. The action is non-stop. The sex is hot. And both men must deal with baggage. Oh yeah, the good guys will win. HEA will be assured. And the bad guys will pay, and pay. You are gonna love this book! Please read the rest of the series. Time. Well. Spent.
This book contains adult themes and language, mm sex and is intended for mature readers only.
February 17, 2024
A well written, solidly detailed, intriguing and very realistic storyline.
I really do stand by the above description of this story; however, my only dissatisfaction with the book was in the contradictory depiction of Ken and his hot/cold, flip-the-switch mind changes and failure to effectively communicate with Sam. His complete about face with Sam following his nearly fatal injury was understandable, but given how many times he'd shut their relationship down prior to that last one made Ken's action hurtful rather than considerate. He looked like a flake who was thoroughly incapable of handling a challenging, adult relationship. I just think the severance transitions might've been smoother, or edited to allow Ken&a decision to seem less wishy washy and more like a believable panic attack inside Ken's head. His actions and inner monologues weren't descriptive enough - I just thought, WTH, Ken?!?
Aside from those freakouts, the storyline was solid. I really appreciate when a writer addresses all the open details so everything is nicely concluded. Four stars.
I really do stand by the above description of this story; however, my only dissatisfaction with the book was in the contradictory depiction of Ken and his hot/cold, flip-the-switch mind changes and failure to effectively communicate with Sam. His complete about face with Sam following his nearly fatal injury was understandable, but given how many times he'd shut their relationship down prior to that last one made Ken's action hurtful rather than considerate. He looked like a flake who was thoroughly incapable of handling a challenging, adult relationship. I just think the severance transitions might've been smoother, or edited to allow Ken&a decision to seem less wishy washy and more like a believable panic attack inside Ken's head. His actions and inner monologues weren't descriptive enough - I just thought, WTH, Ken?!?
Aside from those freakouts, the storyline was solid. I really appreciate when a writer addresses all the open details so everything is nicely concluded. Four stars.
December 6, 2022
The book combines two of the themes I am interested in - solving crime and romance. In this case there is a manufactured influenza spreading rapidly within the US and the CDC has lost two of its top epidemiologists to murder. The body guard assigned to protect the third is the best friend of the third's brother and had known his assigned ass a 13 year old.
The book is well-written. The plot develops liearly and is intricate enought to create some suspense. The bodyguard's character is extremely well-developed which I cannot say for the young man he is assigned to protect. The side characters are really not important to develop so I would dnot fault the author on that.
It is the first book I had read by thiis author and having taught epidemio;ogy, i was fascinated by the way the data was available so quickly and analyzed so thoroughly. That made the book interesting to this reader.
The book is well-written. The plot develops liearly and is intricate enought to create some suspense. The bodyguard's character is extremely well-developed which I cannot say for the young man he is assigned to protect. The side characters are really not important to develop so I would dnot fault the author on that.
It is the first book I had read by thiis author and having taught epidemio;ogy, i was fascinated by the way the data was available so quickly and analyzed so thoroughly. That made the book interesting to this reader.
December 6, 2022
Nothing like a best friend's brother, age gap, bodyguard's romance to catch your interest. This is the third book in the series and I adored it. Sam and Ken were everything. Sam is a genius and an epidemiologist trying to find the cause for a super flu strain that has already killed thousands. Ken is is Sam's brother's best friend and the bodyguard hired by the CDC to protect Sam from those trying to stop his research for their own purposes. As Ken fights to keep Sam safe, they fight their attraction to each other from taking over. As the danger grows, it gets harder to hide their feelings, soon they are not just fighting to keep Sam alive, but also fighting to save their love. I love this book. Sam and Ken really worked and were good for each other. Although Ken didn't think he was worthy, Sam supported him through everything and looked out for him. Ken in turn kept Sam safe and supported his work. This was such a good book and I couldn't put it down.
December 22, 2022
BROTHER’S BEST FRIEND AND SECRET CRUSH!
This is the third book of the Bodyguard series and this time it is Sam Darrow scientist nerd genius that is in danger of being killed but Five Star Security sends in Ken Irvine- ex delta force soldier and army ranger but also Sam’s childhood crush…
They don’t recognise each other after meeting twenty years later in a club and end up spending the night until the next morning at Sam’s debriefing
and introduction to his new bodyguard…
Lots of suspense and action follow in their wake when the attempts on Sam’s life get constant and near fatal that the lines get blurred when they can’t keep their hands off each other but Ken will leave after his assignment…. Leaving a broken heart behind…
In this book we get to see who was behind the flu pandemic and the reasons behind the attacks and a sweet love that blossoms amongst the turmoil!
I voluntarily received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews for an honest opinion on this book.
This is the third book of the Bodyguard series and this time it is Sam Darrow scientist nerd genius that is in danger of being killed but Five Star Security sends in Ken Irvine- ex delta force soldier and army ranger but also Sam’s childhood crush…
They don’t recognise each other after meeting twenty years later in a club and end up spending the night until the next morning at Sam’s debriefing
and introduction to his new bodyguard…
Lots of suspense and action follow in their wake when the attempts on Sam’s life get constant and near fatal that the lines get blurred when they can’t keep their hands off each other but Ken will leave after his assignment…. Leaving a broken heart behind…
In this book we get to see who was behind the flu pandemic and the reasons behind the attacks and a sweet love that blossoms amongst the turmoil!
I voluntarily received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews for an honest opinion on this book.
October 2, 2023
I'd give this 2.5 stars rounded up because it could mostly be me. ;)
What I liked: the overall 'mystery' (though I found it profoundly ironic).
What wasn't as strong: everything else, LOL.
Sam and Ken are okay characters, though their portrayal -- especially Ken's -- seems kind of inconsistent. Sam definitely feels like a public-health person (with his paranoia about germs). Ken is more of an enigma.
The main reasons this didn't really work for me:
1)
I think this is just a case of this author isn't for me.
What I liked: the overall 'mystery' (though I found it profoundly ironic).
What wasn't as strong: everything else, LOL.
Sam and Ken are okay characters, though their portrayal -- especially Ken's -- seems kind of inconsistent. Sam definitely feels like a public-health person (with his paranoia about germs). Ken is more of an enigma.
The main reasons this didn't really work for me:
1)
I think this is just a case of this author isn't for me.
April 26, 2021
This was fantastic!!! Seriously loved Sam and Ken!! Sam discovers a new type of influenza virus has mutated and two if his colleagues have been killed. The CDC where he works hires a bodyguard for him. Ken works for Five Star Security and is Sam’s older brother Noah’s childhood best friend. Sam is broken hearted that mentor and friend has died and goes to a gay nightclub where is picked up by Ken. Sam had a crush on Ken as a teenager and recognizes Ken, but Ken doesn’t recognize Sam until the next day when he meets his new charge. Things get dangerous as whoever release the virus wants Sam dead. This was sooo freakin fantastic, outstanding actually!! I literally couldn’t put the book down!! Highly recommend! I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received.
November 18, 2022
It was an okay read for me. A bit Covid inspired I presume? The angle was interesting and ever since Covid, I am pretty sure people have got a new perspective on the pandemic books and how these things evolve. It was an interesting angle to take it from the POV of CDC, for sure. However, I couldn't really get into it. Something was just missing. I was interested in the story, but not engaged in it. On the surface, it had everything right - communication between characters, a bit of angst, a central plot and side plots, but something wasn't right for me to really get into it. Thankfully, it was short enough and I managed to finish it.
**I was provided an ARC of this book from the GRR for an honest review**
**I was provided an ARC of this book from the GRR for an honest review**
December 25, 2022
Exciting adventure mystery! Sam's life mission is to keep his brother and his brother's best friend, Ken safe. He is an epidemiologist researching diseases with the CDC. When he assesses there is an anomoly with a new strain of flu, he is targeted. Ken, is out of the Army with PTSD, working for Five Star Security. Ken, is assigned to protect Sam who is a major player in the research for the new killer virus. Lots of fictional relevancy, excellent adventure and mystery. Can Ken keep Sam safe? Does Sam find a source and/or a cure? Do Sam and Ken work through their attraction while saving the world? Absolutely exciting sweet story. Great storyline, excellent characters, well done! I can read this story over and over and over. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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December 29, 2022Sam had a crush on his big brother's best friend Ken, both of who joined the military. Interested in science and medicine, he learned that more military personnel succumb to disease than weapon fire, Sam dedicated his life to fighting disease. After joining the CDC, he becomes a target for bad people after there is a bad flu epidemic sweeping the nation. Ken, now working for private security, helps keep Sam safe.
I really liked this book. It's the third in the series and it was face-paced, non-stop action and high heat. The chemistry between the MC's were fire. It's a really great read and a really good series. I have enjoyed every book that I have read from this author. Highly recommend.
I really liked this book. It's the third in the series and it was face-paced, non-stop action and high heat. The chemistry between the MC's were fire. It's a really great read and a really good series. I have enjoyed every book that I have read from this author. Highly recommend.
April 27, 2021
This was a realistic story... centered around a pandemic. A chilling premise due to the greed inherent in so many people. Cautionary at least. Especially due to the way it was spread was so plausible...from a laypersons point of view anyway!
The second-chance-romance was sweet and the best friend of older brother trope was very well done. Since I adore HEA's and suspense, along with some angst to keep things interesting, this was the perfect book for me. The hospital stays cut down on the sexy times, but the tenderness and deep love that grew between the characters, more than made up for it.
The second-chance-romance was sweet and the best friend of older brother trope was very well done. Since I adore HEA's and suspense, along with some angst to keep things interesting, this was the perfect book for me. The hospital stays cut down on the sexy times, but the tenderness and deep love that grew between the characters, more than made up for it.
December 21, 2022
This the third book in this series, it’s about a disease that is flu-like and lots of people are dying. If this is triggering to the reader please proceed carefully. Sam works for the CDC and Ken is his big brothers best friend/one night stand/bodyguard after a threat is made against Sam’s life. I liked this book, it is fast paced, the characters were likeable, it is topical, the couple have plenty of chemistry, they could do with talking to each other rather than assuming. An enjoyable addition to the series.
December 24, 2022
This one hits close to home with a new, deadly flu strain sweeping the country as the result of a terrorist attack. Even worse, the epidemiologists with the CDC who might be able to figure out how to stop it are being assassinated. I would have loved this story even without the romance, as it is an incredibly involving thriller, but, lucky for me, Sam and Ken are wonderful characters with several connections in their past and their story makes for fascinating reading right along with the other plot. Speyer is fast becoming a favorite romantic thriller writer with these bodyguard stories.
April 24, 2021
What’s not to love about a scientist. This book portrayed an influenza outbreak that was killing lots of citizens. Sam, the scientist, figured out that it was a domestic terrorist attack and Ken, the bodyguard, who was assigned to protect him against attacks. Ken is also the best friend of Sam’s older brother Noah. I really enjoyed this book and hope to see more of this series. I received a copy of this book for my review.
December 23, 2022
In the Air is the third book of the Bodyguard series. You can read each book of this series as a standalone.
This is a fast moving, suspense filled action romance.
Sam and Ken have a history. When Sam is in danger Ken is sent to keep him safe.
While dodging would be assassins and trying to save the world there is always time to fall in love.
You will keep turning the pages waiting for these guys to get their well deserved HEA.
Great addition to the Bodyguards series.
This is a fast moving, suspense filled action romance.
Sam and Ken have a history. When Sam is in danger Ken is sent to keep him safe.
While dodging would be assassins and trying to save the world there is always time to fall in love.
You will keep turning the pages waiting for these guys to get their well deserved HEA.
Great addition to the Bodyguards series.
January 2, 2023
Sam Darrow is a scientist at the CDC working on stopping the spread of a highly contagious flu that has suddenly appeared in different cities. After the assassination of his boss and mentor, he is thrust into the position of being the face of the government's response. Ken, his brother's best friend, is brought in to protect him. The men have great chemistry but what I liked the most was the mystery of finding the origin of the outbreak
January 4, 2023
This is the story of Sam and Ken, it is the 3rd book in The Bodyguards series. Please read the trigger warnings. This is an amazing series and with each book I think this is the best one, then comes the next and that one turn into my favourite. I absolutely love Sam and Ken. The action makes for a fast and very enjoyable read. Great book. Please read this series. Can't wait for the next one. Definitely recommended.
I received this book as an Arc and I am happily reviewing it voluntarily.
I received this book as an Arc and I am happily reviewing it voluntarily.
January 11, 2022
the scientist and his bodyguard
Sam became spokesman at the CDC when 2 people were killed and needed a bodyguard and Ken was hired from the agency he worked for. Sam was targeted when he was trying to help find the people who had been doing with a flu virus killing people. People were caught and love the ending! Great book!
Sam became spokesman at the CDC when 2 people were killed and needed a bodyguard and Ken was hired from the agency he worked for. Sam was targeted when he was trying to help find the people who had been doing with a flu virus killing people. People were caught and love the ending! Great book!
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