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Valor #1-2
Valor: the Complete Duology
Forbidden love in the White House—read the complete action-packed romance!
He’d give his life to protect the president’s son. But he never expected to risk his heart.
Growing up gay in the White House hasn’t been easy for Rafael Castillo. Codenamed “Valor” by the Secret Service, Rafa feels anything but brave as he hides in the closet and tries to stay below the radar in his last year of college.
It’s definitely not part of Rafa’s plan to get a hot new Secret Service agent, but he’s made it this long dateless and innocent, keeping his desires strictly to himself. Besides, it’s not like Shane Kendrick would even look at him twice if it wasn’t his job.
While protecting the president’s shy, boring son isn’t Shane's dream White House assignment, it’s an easy enough task since no one pays Rafa much attention. He discovers there’s a vibrant young man beneath the timid public shell, and while he knows Rafa has a crush on him, he assures himself it’s harmless. Shane’s never had room for romance in his life, and he’d never cross that line with a protectee.
But he's never been tempted like this before.
Even if Shane and Rafa can run away together, will their forbidden love survive in the real world?
Read Valor on the Move and Test of Valor in one convenient collection!
The Complete Duology by Keira Andrews is a collection of two M/M bodyguard gay romances featuring an age difference, Jane Austen levels of pining, first times, forbidden love against the odds, and of course a happy ending.
He’d give his life to protect the president’s son. But he never expected to risk his heart.
Growing up gay in the White House hasn’t been easy for Rafael Castillo. Codenamed “Valor” by the Secret Service, Rafa feels anything but brave as he hides in the closet and tries to stay below the radar in his last year of college.
It’s definitely not part of Rafa’s plan to get a hot new Secret Service agent, but he’s made it this long dateless and innocent, keeping his desires strictly to himself. Besides, it’s not like Shane Kendrick would even look at him twice if it wasn’t his job.
While protecting the president’s shy, boring son isn’t Shane's dream White House assignment, it’s an easy enough task since no one pays Rafa much attention. He discovers there’s a vibrant young man beneath the timid public shell, and while he knows Rafa has a crush on him, he assures himself it’s harmless. Shane’s never had room for romance in his life, and he’d never cross that line with a protectee.
But he's never been tempted like this before.
Even if Shane and Rafa can run away together, will their forbidden love survive in the real world?
Read Valor on the Move and Test of Valor in one convenient collection!
The Complete Duology by Keira Andrews is a collection of two M/M bodyguard gay romances featuring an age difference, Jane Austen levels of pining, first times, forbidden love against the odds, and of course a happy ending.
427 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 11, 2021
26 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
About the author
Keira Andrews
64 books3,112 followersKeira aims for the perfect mix of character, plot, and heat in her M/M romances. She writes everything from swashbuckling pirates to heartwarming holiday escapism. Her fave tropes are enemies to lovers, age gaps, forced proximity, and passionate virgins. Although she loves delicious angst along the way, Keira guarantees happy endings!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
July 2, 2021
7/1/2021 - Couldn’t wait to listen again. 🎧📚💕
Original reviews of individual books
Valor on the Move:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Test of Valor:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
6/24/2021 - I listened to them separately from the library - but jumped on owning the box set. Great deal - no matter where, but it’s in KU w/WS for $7.47. 🎧💗📚🎧
Original reviews of individual books
Valor on the Move:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Test of Valor:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
6/24/2021 - I listened to them separately from the library - but jumped on owning the box set. Great deal - no matter where, but it’s in KU w/WS for $7.47. 🎧💗📚🎧
June 30, 2021
~4.5
Valor on The Move
Sweet and sad, heartbreaking and heartwarming
I loved both Rafa and Shane. Rafa hides who he is but lets Shane see the real him. Shane is strong and loyal but doesn't let people close. Yet, Rafa manages to get under his skin. The bond between those two was strong and real despite difference in age and life experience.
But the most powerful scenes in the first book were not romance related. It was Rafa's confrontation with his family. Both before the kidnapping and after. The hurt, the heartbreak, the anger and then acceptance and forgiveness and a chance to make it right. It was unexpected, it made me cry and added depth to the story.
Test of Valor
Believable relationships development without forced drama and with lots of steam - a winning combination. I loved seeing Rafa and Shane being a real couple and facing Rafa's family as a unit. Using extreme circumstances to resolve certain conflicts felt a bit repetitive but action benefited the plot so I let it slide.
Overall, less intense than book one but still engaging and heartwarming. Perfect closure for Rafa and Shane story
Valor on The Move
Sweet and sad, heartbreaking and heartwarming
I loved both Rafa and Shane. Rafa hides who he is but lets Shane see the real him. Shane is strong and loyal but doesn't let people close. Yet, Rafa manages to get under his skin. The bond between those two was strong and real despite difference in age and life experience.
But the most powerful scenes in the first book were not romance related. It was Rafa's confrontation with his family. Both before the kidnapping and after. The hurt, the heartbreak, the anger and then acceptance and forgiveness and a chance to make it right. It was unexpected, it made me cry and added depth to the story.
Test of Valor
Believable relationships development without forced drama and with lots of steam - a winning combination. I loved seeing Rafa and Shane being a real couple and facing Rafa's family as a unit. Using extreme circumstances to resolve certain conflicts felt a bit repetitive but action benefited the plot so I let it slide.
Overall, less intense than book one but still engaging and heartwarming. Perfect closure for Rafa and Shane story
July 17, 2023
7/1/2021 - Couldn’t wait to listen again. 🎧📚💕
Original reviews of individual books
Valor on the Move:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Test of Valor:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
6/24/2021 - I listened to them separately from the library - but jumped on owning the box set. Great deal - no matter where, but it’s in KU w/WS for $7.47. 🎧💗📚🎧
Original reviews of individual books
Valor on the Move:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Test of Valor:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
6/24/2021 - I listened to them separately from the library - but jumped on owning the box set. Great deal - no matter where, but it’s in KU w/WS for $7.47. 🎧💗📚🎧
March 1, 2022
This audiobook has both books in the series in it.
The two books stand alone, so I'll review them separately here.
Valor on the Move is a good story. Age-gap (which I can take or leave) and forbidden romance.
I liked the overarching story though. There was conflict, and emotional stuff. But the story wasn't only about the emotional stuff. I mean, there was true action and real conflict in this story.
The events in this book definitely set the stage for the second book.
Which, I'll admit, it took me a bit to get to listening. I was wondering how Keira Andrews was going to pull off the "battle for survival" aspect of this story.
Test of Valor was also really good.
We get to see both MC's grow.
Aaaaand, we get the emotional rollercoaster that is "expected" in a romance novel in addition to a real good story that does, in fact, have a "battle for survival".
I really liked the way it was pulled off. And I'm glad I didn't quit listening after book one.
The two books stand alone, so I'll review them separately here.
Valor on the Move is a good story. Age-gap (which I can take or leave) and forbidden romance.
I liked the overarching story though. There was conflict, and emotional stuff. But the story wasn't only about the emotional stuff. I mean, there was true action and real conflict in this story.
The events in this book definitely set the stage for the second book.
Which, I'll admit, it took me a bit to get to listening. I was wondering how Keira Andrews was going to pull off the "battle for survival" aspect of this story.
Test of Valor was also really good.
We get to see both MC's grow.
Aaaaand, we get the emotional rollercoaster that is "expected" in a romance novel in addition to a real good story that does, in fact, have a "battle for survival".
I really liked the way it was pulled off. And I'm glad I didn't quit listening after book one.
September 15, 2024
I loved the first book, full 5 stars!
I thought the second book couldn't get any better, there wasn't much left to tell.
But this story is even better, I couldn't believe it. If only I could give it at least 6 stars here.
The struggles Raf and Shane face seemed so real and authentic.
And the ending is so beautiful, it's so heartwarming and the only possible ending for them.
Not to mention the hot scenes......
The narrator does an excellent job. There were so many different voices that it was easy to understand which character was speaking. Although I am “in love” with Shane’s voice 🫶
I thought the second book couldn't get any better, there wasn't much left to tell.
But this story is even better, I couldn't believe it. If only I could give it at least 6 stars here.
The struggles Raf and Shane face seemed so real and authentic.
And the ending is so beautiful, it's so heartwarming and the only possible ending for them.
Not to mention the hot scenes......
The narrator does an excellent job. There were so many different voices that it was easy to understand which character was speaking. Although I am “in love” with Shane’s voice 🫶
June 27, 2021
I really enjoyed reading these well written fast reading books in the Valor series, looking into the world of the Secret Service details' that protect there the President and his family was so interesting but wrapping it around a forbidden romance made it even more fun to read. Rafa is the President's youngest son is in the closet because he didn't want to make waves with his fathers conservative constituents, but after falling for and being protected by his secret service agent Shane life has became more livable. So now that his father's term is over and Rafa's free, he goes in search for Shane who transfered after the incident and it's finially the right time to find out if the love they share was worth the wait.
June 29, 2021
Valor: The Complete Duology by Kiera Andrews is a fabulous and nostalgic read.
When I first started reading this book, the story and the characters felt familiar. I was trying to remember if I had read it before and true enough I found copies of the old versions of the individual volumes. Having read them again brings a different perspective and appreciation for these stories.
The story of Shane and Rafa is an age-gap, forbidden romance. Rafa the President's son who is secretly gay falls for his handsome, but older bodyguard. As the two of them interact more often, they form a bond and an understanding that both know they shouldn't but can't stop. Their attraction for each other is intense and they've denied it for sometime knowing it is not appropriate. Circumstances have forced them to confront it to its inevitable conclusion and it was explosive.
Things are definitely complicated after all nothing is simple for someone who is part of the USA's first family. There is plenty of intrigue, danger and action. Add in suspense and mystery as well as family drama then you have a very entertaining story.
Keira Andrews' writing on the first book is crisp and the flow of the story is smooth and fast-paced with just enough breathing room. The details regarding how the Secret Service works and the way the tiny details were shown involving the lives of the supporting cast makes it easy to empathize with them and not just see these characters are mere background fodder.
The social commentaries regarding LGBT rights as well as the political issues holds pretty well to today's standard. The family drama that ensued after the tense crisis felt so real and I definitely can feel for Rafa during those times.
Having read this before, I had an inkling on who the culprit was but the mystery is well-crafted that it still left a few possibilities on the table as to how the resolution might end up.
The ending of Valor on the Move is sweet and definitely well deserved for these two.
The second book, Test of Valor is the story after that happily ever after and examines what it truly entails.
Rafa and Shane are now living in Australia with Shane establishing his own security company while Rafa prepares to enter culinary school with both enjoying surfing on the beach near their place. Life they say is not always rainbows and sunshine. With Shane suffering from nightmares involving the past events, Rafa's parents being terrible regarding their son's relationship and doing everything to try separate the two, add in Shane's former colleagues being angry and disdainful towards him - the couple had to fight hard to be together and to be accepted and have their chance for complete happiness.
This story was a great examination of their relationship from what makes them hold on to it, to the things that they both needed to work on in order to keep their love and connection healthy and not be ripped apart by so many external forces that wants their relationship to fail. It showed Rafa and Shane's vulnerability and their characters' growth pretty well.
Like the first book, the supporting characters are vibrant and well-written and not just some throwaway thing in the story.
The writing flows beautifully mixing drama and humor very well. There were some portions in which there is a bit of a lull but the other sections with so much action happening made up for those.
Anyway, Valor: The Complete Duology is definitely an entertaining age-gap romance with great characters and riveting story. I recommend this book and give it 4.75 stars out of 5.
I received an arc copy of this book via GRR and I have chosen to publish my fair and honest review.
When I first started reading this book, the story and the characters felt familiar. I was trying to remember if I had read it before and true enough I found copies of the old versions of the individual volumes. Having read them again brings a different perspective and appreciation for these stories.
The story of Shane and Rafa is an age-gap, forbidden romance. Rafa the President's son who is secretly gay falls for his handsome, but older bodyguard. As the two of them interact more often, they form a bond and an understanding that both know they shouldn't but can't stop. Their attraction for each other is intense and they've denied it for sometime knowing it is not appropriate. Circumstances have forced them to confront it to its inevitable conclusion and it was explosive.
Things are definitely complicated after all nothing is simple for someone who is part of the USA's first family. There is plenty of intrigue, danger and action. Add in suspense and mystery as well as family drama then you have a very entertaining story.
Keira Andrews' writing on the first book is crisp and the flow of the story is smooth and fast-paced with just enough breathing room. The details regarding how the Secret Service works and the way the tiny details were shown involving the lives of the supporting cast makes it easy to empathize with them and not just see these characters are mere background fodder.
The social commentaries regarding LGBT rights as well as the political issues holds pretty well to today's standard. The family drama that ensued after the tense crisis felt so real and I definitely can feel for Rafa during those times.
Having read this before, I had an inkling on who the culprit was but the mystery is well-crafted that it still left a few possibilities on the table as to how the resolution might end up.
The ending of Valor on the Move is sweet and definitely well deserved for these two.
The second book, Test of Valor is the story after that happily ever after and examines what it truly entails.
Rafa and Shane are now living in Australia with Shane establishing his own security company while Rafa prepares to enter culinary school with both enjoying surfing on the beach near their place. Life they say is not always rainbows and sunshine. With Shane suffering from nightmares involving the past events, Rafa's parents being terrible regarding their son's relationship and doing everything to try separate the two, add in Shane's former colleagues being angry and disdainful towards him - the couple had to fight hard to be together and to be accepted and have their chance for complete happiness.
This story was a great examination of their relationship from what makes them hold on to it, to the things that they both needed to work on in order to keep their love and connection healthy and not be ripped apart by so many external forces that wants their relationship to fail. It showed Rafa and Shane's vulnerability and their characters' growth pretty well.
Like the first book, the supporting characters are vibrant and well-written and not just some throwaway thing in the story.
The writing flows beautifully mixing drama and humor very well. There were some portions in which there is a bit of a lull but the other sections with so much action happening made up for those.
Anyway, Valor: The Complete Duology is definitely an entertaining age-gap romance with great characters and riveting story. I recommend this book and give it 4.75 stars out of 5.
I received an arc copy of this book via GRR and I have chosen to publish my fair and honest review.
July 3, 2021
You don't have to be a fan of politics to fall in love with Rafa and Shane's sweet romance.
Valor on the Move: 5/5 stars
With plenty of emotional moments, family drama, and an unexpected suspense plotline, Rafa and Shane's romance was a captivating read that I didn't want to put down! I fell in love with Rafa pretty much instantly, and the more I got to know about his hopes and dreams the more I wished he could be free to be authentically himself. I can't even imagine how hard it must have been to hide such an integral part of himself for so many years. As Rafa lived out his last year in the White House, it was adorable to see him and Shane form an unexpected friendship. Bonding over midnight meals and shared conversations may not have been the most conventional start to a relationship, but their connection was undeniably strong. As the two of them struggled to resist the pull towards each other, I really enjoyed seeing how the rest of Rafa and Shane's lives evolved. I wasn't expecting the catalyst for their confession to be quite so scary, but a part of me was elated to see the two of them be open and honest about their desires. The aftermath of that event had unexpected consequences for Rafa's family and Shane's secret service friends, and I'll admit that I had no idea what was coming in the last half of this story. From unexpected allies to devastating betrayals, Rafa and Shane took me on quite a rollercoaster ride. I have a lot of respect for how maturely Rafa and Shane handled the chaos, and though there were times when I was sure these two couldn't find a way to make a romantic relationship work, they proved me wrong in the end.
Test of Valor: 5/5 stars
Though the first book in this duology convinced me of Shane and Rafa's love, this story showed me that they could weather any storm together. From family tension to frustrating communication issues, these men were on pretty rocky ground at the start. I both understood why Shane didn't want to burden Rafa with his struggles and felt like screaming every time he refused to share his pain. All Rafa wanted was to be treated as an equal, but Shane was stuck in his protector mindset. Things got ugly in this story, not just between Shane and Rafa but with Rafa's family, but it felt like something the two of them needed to overcome to take their relationship to the next level. I was really happy to see the two of them grow together and work through their issues, even if it took much longer than I wanted. I certainly wasn't expecting their family vacation to take such a dangerous turn, but if there's anything that puts the important things in life into perspective it's a life-or-death scenario. Seeing Shane and Rafa work together to keep the people close to them safe made it clear how strong of a bond they shared. Best of all, the emergency didn't magically fix their communication issues--Rafa and Shane did talk out their feelings and make plans to do better in the future.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
Valor on the Move: 5/5 stars
With plenty of emotional moments, family drama, and an unexpected suspense plotline, Rafa and Shane's romance was a captivating read that I didn't want to put down! I fell in love with Rafa pretty much instantly, and the more I got to know about his hopes and dreams the more I wished he could be free to be authentically himself. I can't even imagine how hard it must have been to hide such an integral part of himself for so many years. As Rafa lived out his last year in the White House, it was adorable to see him and Shane form an unexpected friendship. Bonding over midnight meals and shared conversations may not have been the most conventional start to a relationship, but their connection was undeniably strong. As the two of them struggled to resist the pull towards each other, I really enjoyed seeing how the rest of Rafa and Shane's lives evolved. I wasn't expecting the catalyst for their confession to be quite so scary, but a part of me was elated to see the two of them be open and honest about their desires. The aftermath of that event had unexpected consequences for Rafa's family and Shane's secret service friends, and I'll admit that I had no idea what was coming in the last half of this story. From unexpected allies to devastating betrayals, Rafa and Shane took me on quite a rollercoaster ride. I have a lot of respect for how maturely Rafa and Shane handled the chaos, and though there were times when I was sure these two couldn't find a way to make a romantic relationship work, they proved me wrong in the end.
Test of Valor: 5/5 stars
Though the first book in this duology convinced me of Shane and Rafa's love, this story showed me that they could weather any storm together. From family tension to frustrating communication issues, these men were on pretty rocky ground at the start. I both understood why Shane didn't want to burden Rafa with his struggles and felt like screaming every time he refused to share his pain. All Rafa wanted was to be treated as an equal, but Shane was stuck in his protector mindset. Things got ugly in this story, not just between Shane and Rafa but with Rafa's family, but it felt like something the two of them needed to overcome to take their relationship to the next level. I was really happy to see the two of them grow together and work through their issues, even if it took much longer than I wanted. I certainly wasn't expecting their family vacation to take such a dangerous turn, but if there's anything that puts the important things in life into perspective it's a life-or-death scenario. Seeing Shane and Rafa work together to keep the people close to them safe made it clear how strong of a bond they shared. Best of all, the emergency didn't magically fix their communication issues--Rafa and Shane did talk out their feelings and make plans to do better in the future.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
July 1, 2021
4.5 stars
I liked both of the books included here, which follow the forbidden, but definitely hot and sweet romance between the president’s closted son and an agent in his secret service detail. There’s angst, danger, drama, an age gap, and plenty of steam and feels--it’s an engrossing read the whole way through. I loved Rafa and Shane together, and it was great watching them figure out how to be together and a relief every time they survived another obstacle. Speaking of obstacles...
There are actual violent extremists and conspiracies in this series, and those dangers are definitely relevant. There’s also the obstacles that come from closer to home: Rafa’s family is horrible, and from the first book, where I found the way even his “supportive” brother basically forced him to disclose something he wasn’t ready to tell him, based on his own assumptions and stereotypes, gross rather than the heartwarming moment it was apparently meant to be, to the second, where his parents basically throw their weight around in every conceivable way because they don’t think Rafa has the intelligence, or the right, to make his own relationship decisions, they just...did not win me over at all. There’s supposed to be a narrative of redemption for them I think, of them learning and getting better, and maybe this is a generational thing but I just...didn’t think they deserved it? Too little, too late, too much bigotry and entitlement. However, more generous readers probably won’t have this reaction, especially after some of the more dramatic moments in the second book (vague, because spoilers suck).
The secret service also, it must be said, does not always come off looking good-- not the organization, which is portrayed as draining, exploitative, and rigidly unrewarding, and not the agents, who are (except for Shane of course) apparently all catty jerks who snipe at anyone who doesn’t meet their expectations like high school bullies...I’m not saying this isn’t a realistic depiction (I wouldn’t know) but wow...not a job I’d want or people I’d want to work with, if so.
Overall, a compelling read, with plenty of danger and romance, and a fitting HEA.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I liked both of the books included here, which follow the forbidden, but definitely hot and sweet romance between the president’s closted son and an agent in his secret service detail. There’s angst, danger, drama, an age gap, and plenty of steam and feels--it’s an engrossing read the whole way through. I loved Rafa and Shane together, and it was great watching them figure out how to be together and a relief every time they survived another obstacle. Speaking of obstacles...
There are actual violent extremists and conspiracies in this series, and those dangers are definitely relevant. There’s also the obstacles that come from closer to home: Rafa’s family is horrible, and from the first book, where I found the way even his “supportive” brother basically forced him to disclose something he wasn’t ready to tell him, based on his own assumptions and stereotypes, gross rather than the heartwarming moment it was apparently meant to be, to the second, where his parents basically throw their weight around in every conceivable way because they don’t think Rafa has the intelligence, or the right, to make his own relationship decisions, they just...did not win me over at all. There’s supposed to be a narrative of redemption for them I think, of them learning and getting better, and maybe this is a generational thing but I just...didn’t think they deserved it? Too little, too late, too much bigotry and entitlement. However, more generous readers probably won’t have this reaction, especially after some of the more dramatic moments in the second book (vague, because spoilers suck).
The secret service also, it must be said, does not always come off looking good-- not the organization, which is portrayed as draining, exploitative, and rigidly unrewarding, and not the agents, who are (except for Shane of course) apparently all catty jerks who snipe at anyone who doesn’t meet their expectations like high school bullies...I’m not saying this isn’t a realistic depiction (I wouldn’t know) but wow...not a job I’d want or people I’d want to work with, if so.
Overall, a compelling read, with plenty of danger and romance, and a fitting HEA.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 30, 2021
This is my review of Valor: The Complete Duology - Overall 4.4 Stars
A Secret Service agent, assigned to protect the President's son. Protecting him is not the only relationship either wishes to have. Definitely a forbidden romance. One of the best kind.
Valor on the Move 3.75 Stars
Rafael Castillo grew up in the WH. Being gay was never easy. Not free to explore. Especially when you're always being watched. There was always that innate fear of stepping out and being true to himself. Add conservative parents and you have a recipe for disaster.
Shane Kendrick, worked his way through the ranks. Professionalism is very important to keeping your job. No personal relationships with those you are sworn to protect. Being assigned to the president's son... anything but harmless.
There were some pace-of-story drawbacks with how their relationship came together. Not the right kind of conflict, given what their match was destined to become.
Shane had lots of world experience and Rafa didn't posses any. Rafa was definitely immature. I guess it's to be expected, given the sheltered life he lived in the WH and with strict parents.
Test of Valor- 5 Stars
We continue to follow the story of Shane and Rafael.
Shane gave up his career as a Secret Service agent. Rafa is awaiting his chef classes to begin. Both in Australia, living their best life... until Rafa's parents and brother, decide to make their presence known. There can be only one reason for the visit. While on a trip across Australia, Rafa and Shane begin to have an unusual amount of disagreements. Then unthinkable happens. Now they are all in danger. It takes Rafa and Shane working together and bringing them to safety.
Facing Rafa's family as a unit, was the best choice for them.
Rafa has grown so much and Shane is a positive influence on him. These two are weathering their storms together. After reading the second book, we can have a greater picture of how their story has naturally progressed.
**I received this duology ARC via Gay Romance Reviews for my honest feedback.**
A Secret Service agent, assigned to protect the President's son. Protecting him is not the only relationship either wishes to have. Definitely a forbidden romance. One of the best kind.
Valor on the Move 3.75 Stars
Rafael Castillo grew up in the WH. Being gay was never easy. Not free to explore. Especially when you're always being watched. There was always that innate fear of stepping out and being true to himself. Add conservative parents and you have a recipe for disaster.
Shane Kendrick, worked his way through the ranks. Professionalism is very important to keeping your job. No personal relationships with those you are sworn to protect. Being assigned to the president's son... anything but harmless.
There were some pace-of-story drawbacks with how their relationship came together. Not the right kind of conflict, given what their match was destined to become.
Shane had lots of world experience and Rafa didn't posses any. Rafa was definitely immature. I guess it's to be expected, given the sheltered life he lived in the WH and with strict parents.
Test of Valor- 5 Stars
We continue to follow the story of Shane and Rafael.
Shane gave up his career as a Secret Service agent. Rafa is awaiting his chef classes to begin. Both in Australia, living their best life... until Rafa's parents and brother, decide to make their presence known. There can be only one reason for the visit. While on a trip across Australia, Rafa and Shane begin to have an unusual amount of disagreements. Then unthinkable happens. Now they are all in danger. It takes Rafa and Shane working together and bringing them to safety.
Facing Rafa's family as a unit, was the best choice for them.
Rafa has grown so much and Shane is a positive influence on him. These two are weathering their storms together. After reading the second book, we can have a greater picture of how their story has naturally progressed.
**I received this duology ARC via Gay Romance Reviews for my honest feedback.**
June 29, 2021
2.5 stars
I didn't really enjoy this duology, unfortunately. I mostly enjoyed Valor on the Move, but I agree with other readers who had issues with the relationship between Sane and Rafa. This could have been readily avoided by putting a different conflict in the middle, separating the two MCs and letting Rafa have some world widening experiences before they inevitably got together. Rafa just starts off too immaturely for me, and while you can tell that stems in a lot of ways from depression/repression, it makes the much older Shane feel pretty gross for taking advantage of a sad, lonely young man.
It's well written, and the fact that the age differences doesn't make the whole book unbearable is a testament to Andrews' talent.
However, the age difference still proves problematic in the sequel, Test of Valor. This expands the relationship between Shane and Rafa. It's much less story driven, and much more focused on their relationship (...and sex. Too much sex). It's a perfectly fine sequel, but a lot of the drama really stems from Rafa's family interfering. Set only 6 or so months after Valor on the Move, I admit I found the speed of the relationship a tiny bit fast and the depth of emotion between Shane and Rafa slightly unrealistic.
While it is still well written, I found the basis for it a little immature - there was a lot of potential to really delve into their trauma, as detailed in the first story, and the struggles with Rafa's mother, and the communication issues they all have, but instead it relies on some last minute drama to get people to change.
Also, as an Australian, I need to beg authors to avoid using my country as a 'foreign' setting - aside from mangling the language, inaccuracies (even small ones) make reading books set here excruciating.
Overall, there is plenty to find enjoyable in this series - Andrews is a really good writer, and I enjoy her style. Unfortunately, this duology just wasn't for me.
I didn't really enjoy this duology, unfortunately. I mostly enjoyed Valor on the Move, but I agree with other readers who had issues with the relationship between Sane and Rafa. This could have been readily avoided by putting a different conflict in the middle, separating the two MCs and letting Rafa have some world widening experiences before they inevitably got together. Rafa just starts off too immaturely for me, and while you can tell that stems in a lot of ways from depression/repression, it makes the much older Shane feel pretty gross for taking advantage of a sad, lonely young man.
It's well written, and the fact that the age differences doesn't make the whole book unbearable is a testament to Andrews' talent.
However, the age difference still proves problematic in the sequel, Test of Valor. This expands the relationship between Shane and Rafa. It's much less story driven, and much more focused on their relationship (...and sex. Too much sex). It's a perfectly fine sequel, but a lot of the drama really stems from Rafa's family interfering. Set only 6 or so months after Valor on the Move, I admit I found the speed of the relationship a tiny bit fast and the depth of emotion between Shane and Rafa slightly unrealistic.
While it is still well written, I found the basis for it a little immature - there was a lot of potential to really delve into their trauma, as detailed in the first story, and the struggles with Rafa's mother, and the communication issues they all have, but instead it relies on some last minute drama to get people to change.
Also, as an Australian, I need to beg authors to avoid using my country as a 'foreign' setting - aside from mangling the language, inaccuracies (even small ones) make reading books set here excruciating.
Overall, there is plenty to find enjoyable in this series - Andrews is a really good writer, and I enjoy her style. Unfortunately, this duology just wasn't for me.
June 27, 2021
Valor: The Complete Duology is a fabulous read by Keira Andrews. I am thrilled that these books are being re-released in this duology, as I loved them when I first read them years ago.
This is forbidden romance at it's finest, with the President's son falling for his bodyguard. Cue all the feels. I love the way the two slowly connect, despite knowing they shouldn't. They bond on a level a bodyguard shouldn't bond with his charge. And it's awesome!
There's plenty of intrigue, danger, and action. This is Washington after all. There's romance, politics, and plenty of sexual connection. And, of course, with his dad being in the White House, Rafa has been hiding his sexuality.
Their story also includes grief and loss, and learning to make the most out of one's life. This part is wonderfully done.
I enjoy the forbidden aspect a lot, as it certainly leads to some interesting things once they are outed. I also enjoy the complex nature of the family issues.
I don't want to give everything away, but the two fight hard to be together and to be accepted among Rafa's family and Shane's colleagues. Both men get a chance for happiness and fully embrace this opportunity.
Valor: The Complete Duology is a fabulous bodyguard romance. I enjoy every moment of this Keira Andrews gem. The relationship, as well as the political factor are riveting. If you haven't yet read this one, do yourself a favor and set some time aside for it.
This is forbidden romance at it's finest, with the President's son falling for his bodyguard. Cue all the feels. I love the way the two slowly connect, despite knowing they shouldn't. They bond on a level a bodyguard shouldn't bond with his charge. And it's awesome!
There's plenty of intrigue, danger, and action. This is Washington after all. There's romance, politics, and plenty of sexual connection. And, of course, with his dad being in the White House, Rafa has been hiding his sexuality.
Their story also includes grief and loss, and learning to make the most out of one's life. This part is wonderfully done.
I enjoy the forbidden aspect a lot, as it certainly leads to some interesting things once they are outed. I also enjoy the complex nature of the family issues.
I don't want to give everything away, but the two fight hard to be together and to be accepted among Rafa's family and Shane's colleagues. Both men get a chance for happiness and fully embrace this opportunity.
Valor: The Complete Duology is a fabulous bodyguard romance. I enjoy every moment of this Keira Andrews gem. The relationship, as well as the political factor are riveting. If you haven't yet read this one, do yourself a favor and set some time aside for it.
July 2, 2021
The “duology” here doesn’t just mean two books in a series. These are two parts of a continuing romance between Rafael Castillo, 21-year-old closeted son of the President of the United States, and Shane, the new secret service agent on his protective detail. Valor on the Move is the first book and Test of Valor is the sequel. Rafa and Shane have an age-gap, ‘forbidden” relationship because of their protector/protectee relationship. Rafa has lived a sheltered, coddled life so far. He’s not only sexually inexperienced but in my opinion, not as mature as your typical 21-year old. I enjoy age gap romances, but here, it didn’t work that well because of the maturity difference between the two men. Putting that aside, the storyline was engaging and actually pretty exciting towards the end of Book 1.
Book 2, Test of Valor, picks up with Rafa and Shane’s story almost as if it’s an extended (very extended) epilogue. The two men are now an established couple living on the beach in Australia. Unlike Book 1, this story focuses more on issues within Rafa and Shane’s relationship. The plot is driven by miscommunication and the BIG misunderstanding, which I never particularly enjoy especially when it seems contrived or dominates the story as it does here. We do get a really nice epilogue with a HEA, but the journey to it felt forced. Despite my trope complaints, it’s still an enjoyable read and the storyline is interesting enough to keep you engaged.
Book 2, Test of Valor, picks up with Rafa and Shane’s story almost as if it’s an extended (very extended) epilogue. The two men are now an established couple living on the beach in Australia. Unlike Book 1, this story focuses more on issues within Rafa and Shane’s relationship. The plot is driven by miscommunication and the BIG misunderstanding, which I never particularly enjoy especially when it seems contrived or dominates the story as it does here. We do get a really nice epilogue with a HEA, but the journey to it felt forced. Despite my trope complaints, it’s still an enjoyable read and the storyline is interesting enough to keep you engaged.
July 4, 2021
So this series (Valor on the Move & Test of Valor) would overall be good. Was it great? Not entirely. Over the two books you can connect with the characters of Rafa and Shane and you want to root for them. There area couple issues in the stories though. All of us MM romance readers many times have to allow for artistic license by authors in certain areas (speed of infatuation, holes in military/police/gang stories, etc.). Usually if something doesn’t work so well I take an objective look at the whole story and move past the issue. In this story (specifically in Valor on the Move) there wasn’t much buildup at all before the two MCs were negotiating feels for each other and such. It was abrupt in my opinion. I actually connected easier with their separate back stories (Shane’s family guilt baggage and Rafa’s conflict in staying in the closet during his father’s very conservative presidency). I will say that what Rafa’s father did to him at the benefit was all kinds of f*ed up. In spite of the timeline issues, I was glad that Rafa found safety in Shane…and this is moved over into the second book (Test of Valor). The second book was a bit lack luster in the plot in my opinion but I got more attached to the characters, so you win some you lose some. There was a lot of sex but I wasn’t too worried about it. Not entirely necessary but not a huge gripe. I am rating this series a 4 out of 5 because it came in just above “meh” for me.
June 27, 2021
This is definitely a game of two halves for me.
I really enjoyed Valor On The Move. Rafa and Shane's developing relationship is lovely. There's a ton of sweet and heat as Shane, a Secret Service agent new to the White House detail, fights his attraction to his protectee, Rafa - the President's youngest son. Their bond is amazingly strong, however, and despite being put to the test by Rafa's not being out, his family and other external factors, it's strong enough to get both men what they want in the end.
I got a lot out of the writing style, plot and pacing in this book. I think the balance between the action and romance/steamy bits was probably about right, too.
Test of Valor, on the other hand, annoyed me. I'm obviously delighted that Shane and Rafa worked towards their HEA (or at least HFN) at the end of the first book, but I spent the majority of this one in a state of irritation because of Rafa's family, the group finding themselves in one ridiculously far-fetched situation after another and the often total lack of communication. I can suspend disbelief to an extent, but this was quite a lot of steps too far for me. It feels to me like there's the bones of something good here but it's nowhere near achieving the balance book one did.
So, my scores are:
Valor On The Move - 4*
Test Of Valor - 2*
Overall - 3*
A copy was provided by GRR. This is my honest review.
I really enjoyed Valor On The Move. Rafa and Shane's developing relationship is lovely. There's a ton of sweet and heat as Shane, a Secret Service agent new to the White House detail, fights his attraction to his protectee, Rafa - the President's youngest son. Their bond is amazingly strong, however, and despite being put to the test by Rafa's not being out, his family and other external factors, it's strong enough to get both men what they want in the end.
I got a lot out of the writing style, plot and pacing in this book. I think the balance between the action and romance/steamy bits was probably about right, too.
Test of Valor, on the other hand, annoyed me. I'm obviously delighted that Shane and Rafa worked towards their HEA (or at least HFN) at the end of the first book, but I spent the majority of this one in a state of irritation because of Rafa's family, the group finding themselves in one ridiculously far-fetched situation after another and the often total lack of communication. I can suspend disbelief to an extent, but this was quite a lot of steps too far for me. It feels to me like there's the bones of something good here but it's nowhere near achieving the balance book one did.
So, my scores are:
Valor On The Move - 4*
Test Of Valor - 2*
Overall - 3*
A copy was provided by GRR. This is my honest review.
July 1, 2021
I must confess up front that Keira Andrews is one of my favorite MM romance authors. First, because she is a good writer and second because she is a good story teller. While not as powerful for me as some of her other books, the Amish Trilogy and Semper Fi, in particular, these two books had an engaging story with sympathetic MCs that kept me reading through both books. One thing she does really well is provide us with good backstories and developed secondary characters, here, Chris in book one and Matty in book two.
The tale of the romance between the president's son who wants to be a chef and the secret service agent assigned to protect him and who is dealing with a family tragedy includes one major disaster in each volume--and, yes, you are expecting these and do wait for them--is it going to be the Sydney Bridge? the helicopter ride? the train?
There is ALOT of sex in this book--so know that going in (so to speak).
I am also not a huge fan of the overused age gap trope and this gets flogged a bit here. It was nice, however, to see the younger MC not be described in stereotypical feminine terms. They both come across as men.
I have to say that after reading ARCs by several other authors, it was great to return to one of the masters of the form.
The tale of the romance between the president's son who wants to be a chef and the secret service agent assigned to protect him and who is dealing with a family tragedy includes one major disaster in each volume--and, yes, you are expecting these and do wait for them--is it going to be the Sydney Bridge? the helicopter ride? the train?
There is ALOT of sex in this book--so know that going in (so to speak).
I am also not a huge fan of the overused age gap trope and this gets flogged a bit here. It was nice, however, to see the younger MC not be described in stereotypical feminine terms. They both come across as men.
I have to say that after reading ARCs by several other authors, it was great to return to one of the masters of the form.
July 4, 2021
Valor on the Move - Rafa is in the closet. He's ready to step out as soon as his last semester of college is over. His dad will be out of the White House and he will be free to be himself. Shane Kendrick has worked hard to get to the White House detail. It isn't the big league of protecting the president. Rafa and Shane bond over late night dinners made by Rafa himself. When Rafa finds out some hurtful news, he takes off recklessly from the White House. After Shane gets Rafa to calm down and agree to go back and talk to his parents, they are ambushed and Rafa is taken prisoner.
Test of Valor - Rafa is finally living his true life. He's in Australia waiting for chef school to start and learning to surf. Shane gave up his secret service career to be with Rafa. Moving with him to Australia was an easy decision if only the nightmares would stop. While on a train trip through Australia with his parents and brother things get worse. An accident puts all their lives in jeopardy and only Rafa and Shane working as a team will they have a chance of coming out okay.
Test of Valor - Rafa is finally living his true life. He's in Australia waiting for chef school to start and learning to surf. Shane gave up his secret service career to be with Rafa. Moving with him to Australia was an easy decision if only the nightmares would stop. While on a train trip through Australia with his parents and brother things get worse. An accident puts all their lives in jeopardy and only Rafa and Shane working as a team will they have a chance of coming out okay.
July 2, 2021
Valor on the Move
Keira Andrews captured the essence of security at the Whitehouse for the president and his family exactly as I imagine it.
The first day of Whitehouse duty for Shane to protect Rafael, code name Valor, and the pleasure begins. I struggled to put this book down, rolling my eyes when forced to. Thank goodness I can start book two immediately.
Trigger Warning: Their is a point that can lead to anxiety, but not severe.
Test of Valor
Rafael and Shane have semi-settled in Australia before the Cordon Bleu chef school has started. They must first get through the visit by the parents and the rocks they throw in the way. Mrs Castillo is really a work of art!
Keira Andrew's has now become a name that I look out for and will safely be an instant click.
You can read book one as a standalone, but why would you want to when book two completes and confirms their decision on forever.
I received a copy from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
Keira Andrews captured the essence of security at the Whitehouse for the president and his family exactly as I imagine it.
The first day of Whitehouse duty for Shane to protect Rafael, code name Valor, and the pleasure begins. I struggled to put this book down, rolling my eyes when forced to. Thank goodness I can start book two immediately.
Trigger Warning: Their is a point that can lead to anxiety, but not severe.
Test of Valor
Rafael and Shane have semi-settled in Australia before the Cordon Bleu chef school has started. They must first get through the visit by the parents and the rocks they throw in the way. Mrs Castillo is really a work of art!
Keira Andrew's has now become a name that I look out for and will safely be an instant click.
You can read book one as a standalone, but why would you want to when book two completes and confirms their decision on forever.
I received a copy from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
July 16, 2021
The first part of this Duology is set in the White House but isn't overtaken with political moves. Rafa is the closeted youngest son of a sitting second-term president. He is staying in the closet to protect his conservative father's administration. He just wants to make it to Inauguration Day so he can escape to culinary school in another country. Shane is the openly gay Secret Service agent assigned to his protection detail. The first book does have a healthy dose of intrigue and action. I did like that both characters are aware of their situation and do their best to consider it before acting.
The second book is one of my favorite types. The after the HEA. Shane and Rafa have started living their lives together, but the loose ends keep popping up and causing problems. This is the story of them cementing their relationship and learning to be a couple. They have to contend with disapproval from Rafa's parents and suspicion from the Secret Service over the first book's events.
The second book is one of my favorite types. The after the HEA. Shane and Rafa have started living their lives together, but the loose ends keep popping up and causing problems. This is the story of them cementing their relationship and learning to be a couple. They have to contend with disapproval from Rafa's parents and suspicion from the Secret Service over the first book's events.
June 25, 2021
Our way
Valor on the Move
“When I’m with you, I don’t have to hide.” I did so much swooning while reading about Rafa’s and Shane’s emotionally fraught but heartfelt journey. They have such a steamy, sweet connection and it made my heart full to see them find a way to be together even when it seemed like everything was against them.
Test of Valor
I’m happy we got to see Shane and Rafa again but I must say that I spent most of this book frustrated with all of the characters in it. Rafa’s parents, grrr. As for, Rafa and Shane, they have a truly intense bond but oh how I wish they had just talked more, or at least sooner. Their love is palpable though and I’d bet on them against anyone.
Valor on the Move
“When I’m with you, I don’t have to hide.” I did so much swooning while reading about Rafa’s and Shane’s emotionally fraught but heartfelt journey. They have such a steamy, sweet connection and it made my heart full to see them find a way to be together even when it seemed like everything was against them.
Test of Valor
I’m happy we got to see Shane and Rafa again but I must say that I spent most of this book frustrated with all of the characters in it. Rafa’s parents, grrr. As for, Rafa and Shane, they have a truly intense bond but oh how I wish they had just talked more, or at least sooner. Their love is palpable though and I’d bet on them against anyone.
June 27, 2021
3.5 ⭐️’ꌚ
Loved the first book; super sweet & steamy!! The reader can’t help but fall completely for Rafa. He is such a sweet & troubled young man; I can’t even imagine having grown up a child of the US President {absolutely no thank you}.
The relationship between Rafa & Shane develops so beautifully. I truly enjoyed ‘Valor on the Move.’
Book two starts out very nicely. However it very quickly unravels into a series of unbelievable events. The ending feels completely contrived and unnecessary, I wish it had been different.
Still, overall I enjoyed reading this little series and was grateful for the chance to read it.
Loved the first book; super sweet & steamy!! The reader can’t help but fall completely for Rafa. He is such a sweet & troubled young man; I can’t even imagine having grown up a child of the US President {absolutely no thank you}.
The relationship between Rafa & Shane develops so beautifully. I truly enjoyed ‘Valor on the Move.’
Book two starts out very nicely. However it very quickly unravels into a series of unbelievable events. The ending feels completely contrived and unnecessary, I wish it had been different.
Still, overall I enjoyed reading this little series and was grateful for the chance to read it.
June 25, 2021
Rafa and Shane had an unconventional start to their love story. Rafa was the president's son and Shane was his Secret Service protection. These two books take you through how they met, fell in love, moved on from the White House to the great downunder and finding their way into a new life together. Shane has some issues with nightmares and PTSD that causes some angst between the two men. Now Rafa's mother, the former first lady, at times deserves a swift slap but eventually is forced to see how great these two men are together. This duet is a must read!
June 30, 2021
Suspense and romance, what a pair! I enjoyed these books. Shane and Rafa were great together, even if Rafa came across as a little needy at times. I love bodyguard/client romance tropes, and this is a quick and easy read. We get the action and suspense in book one and book two continues with some angst and their HEA. There is no cliff hanger at the end of book one, but I was keen to see where their next adventure would take them.
July 2, 2021
Excellent!! I had originally read Valor on the Move when it came out but had never read Test of Valor. I seriously enjoyed getting to know Shane and Rafa all over again and also getting their hard fought HEA. So many of the issues in the story line still seem prevalent today. This is an extremely well written story of two flawed men who love each other unconditionally and will work to keep that love. I received an advanced copy; this is my honest and voluntary review.
July 4, 2021
Shane is a security guard for the president's son & he will do whatever he needs to do to protect him! But what he didn't expect was to fall in love with the sweet, shy man!
Rafa is in the closet and plans on staying there until he meets his hot new security guard! These two are super sweet and watching this sweet kid come alive under Shane's love was beautiful! 😀❤️
*I received a copy of this book from GRR, and this is my honest review*
Rafa is in the closet and plans on staying there until he meets his hot new security guard! These two are super sweet and watching this sweet kid come alive under Shane's love was beautiful! 😀❤️
*I received a copy of this book from GRR, and this is my honest review*
September 27, 2021
The first book was a good start into the romance series. It was not very demanding and the political plot threat vanished into the background silently without becoming a leading point. But the characters and their emotional struggle are engaging enough.
But sadly that didn’t work for the second book in this series. It was predictable and boring, it only survived on the credits of the first book. That’s why I had to withdraw the fourth star.
But sadly that didn’t work for the second book in this series. It was predictable and boring, it only survived on the credits of the first book. That’s why I had to withdraw the fourth star.
June 25, 2021
ARC received for an honest review.
Valor on the Move
Rafael "Rafa" Castillo AKA Valor (Mouse to the secret service jerks) is in the closet. He's ready to step out as soon as his last semester of college is over. His dad will be out of the White House and he will be free to be himself. It's time to get a new secret service detail and Rafa has hit the jackpot with Shane.
Shane Kendrick has worked hard to get to the White House detail. It isn't the big league of protecting the president but at least it isn't the other Castillo kids. He's drawn to Rafa even though he doesn't want to be.
Rafa and Shane bond over late night dinners made by Rafa himself. When Rafa finds out some hurtful news, he takes off recklessly from the White House. Shane and his partner chase after him, barely keeping up. When Rafa stops at a rest stop, he unloads his anger and hurt onto Shane and it's a very intense/sexually charged few minutes. After Shane gets Rafa to calm down and agree to go back and talk to his parents, they are ambushed and Rafa is taken prisoner. Will they survive? Will they ever get a chance at a HEA?
I really liked the parts of the book that centered on Rafa and Shane. I felt like the two MCs had good chemistry and they had a believable attraction. The parts that had Rafa's family not so much. I didn't like Rafa's mother at all. The father was little better. The siblings where absent and rarely came around, so I didn't get much of a read on them except they all were self absorbed.
Test of Valor
Rafael "Rafa" Castillo is finally living his true life. He's in Australia waiting for chef school to start and learning to surf. Shane gave up his secret service career to be with Rafa. Moving with him to Australia was an easy decision if only the nightmares would stop. Rafa and Shane are making a life together and they aren't about to let the visit from Rafa's parents mess with that. When Rafa's parents show up it's abundantly clear that they're there to break the two up. When Rafa and Shane are invited on a train trip through Australia with his parents and brother, things get worse and Rafa and Shane are arguing over things that should've been talked through. An accident puts all their lives in jeopardy and only Rafa and Shane working as a team will they have a chance of coming out okay.
I really liked this follow up book. Rafa and Shane are more committed and working on a life together. As in book one Rafa's mother is a piece of cake and it takes life and death to get her to see reason. The father and siblings are more supportive of their relationship in this book. There was entirely too much sex in a book of this length IMO.
Merged review:
ARC received for an honest review.
Valor on the Move
Rafael "Rafa" Castillo AKA Valor (Mouse to the secret service jerks) is in the closet. He's ready to step out as soon as his last semester of college is over. His dad will be out of the White House and he will be free to be himself. It's time to get a new secret service detail and Rafa has hit the jackpot with Shane.
Shane Kendrick has worked hard to get to the White House detail. It isn't the big league of protecting the president but at least it isn't the other Castillo kids. He's drawn to Rafa even though he doesn't want to be.
Rafa and Shane bond over late night dinners made by Rafa himself. When Rafa finds out some hurtful news, he takes off recklessly from the White House. Shane and his partner chase after him, barely keeping up. When Rafa stops at a rest stop, he unloads his anger and hurt onto Shane and it's a very intense/sexually charged few minutes. After Shane gets Rafa to calm down and agree to go back and talk to his parents, they are ambushed and Rafa is taken prisoner. Will they survive? Will they ever get a chance at a HEA?
I really liked the parts of the book that centered on Rafa and Shane. I felt like the two MCs had good chemistry and they had a believable attraction. The parts that had Rafa's family not so much. I didn't like Rafa's mother at all. The father was little better. The siblings where absent and rarely came around, so I didn't get much of a read on them except they all were self absorbed.
Test of Valor
Rafael "Rafa" Castillo is finally living his true life. He's in Australia waiting for chef school to start and learning to surf. Shane gave up his secret service career to be with Rafa. Moving with him to Australia was an easy decision if only the nightmares would stop. Rafa and Shane are making a life together and they aren't about to let the visit from Rafa's parents mess with that. When Rafa's parents show up it's abundantly clear that they're there to break the two up. When Rafa and Shane are invited on a train trip through Australia with his parents and brother, things get worse and Rafa and Shane are arguing over things that should've been talked through. An accident puts all their lives in jeopardy and only Rafa and Shane working as a team will they have a chance of coming out okay.
I really liked this follow up book. Rafa and Shane are more committed and working on a life together. As in book one Rafa's mother is a piece of cake and it takes life and death to get her to see reason. The father and siblings are more supportive of their relationship in this book. There was entirely too much sex in a book of this length IMO.
Valor on the Move
Rafael "Rafa" Castillo AKA Valor (Mouse to the secret service jerks) is in the closet. He's ready to step out as soon as his last semester of college is over. His dad will be out of the White House and he will be free to be himself. It's time to get a new secret service detail and Rafa has hit the jackpot with Shane.
Shane Kendrick has worked hard to get to the White House detail. It isn't the big league of protecting the president but at least it isn't the other Castillo kids. He's drawn to Rafa even though he doesn't want to be.
Rafa and Shane bond over late night dinners made by Rafa himself. When Rafa finds out some hurtful news, he takes off recklessly from the White House. Shane and his partner chase after him, barely keeping up. When Rafa stops at a rest stop, he unloads his anger and hurt onto Shane and it's a very intense/sexually charged few minutes. After Shane gets Rafa to calm down and agree to go back and talk to his parents, they are ambushed and Rafa is taken prisoner. Will they survive? Will they ever get a chance at a HEA?
I really liked the parts of the book that centered on Rafa and Shane. I felt like the two MCs had good chemistry and they had a believable attraction. The parts that had Rafa's family not so much. I didn't like Rafa's mother at all. The father was little better. The siblings where absent and rarely came around, so I didn't get much of a read on them except they all were self absorbed.
Test of Valor
Rafael "Rafa" Castillo is finally living his true life. He's in Australia waiting for chef school to start and learning to surf. Shane gave up his secret service career to be with Rafa. Moving with him to Australia was an easy decision if only the nightmares would stop. Rafa and Shane are making a life together and they aren't about to let the visit from Rafa's parents mess with that. When Rafa's parents show up it's abundantly clear that they're there to break the two up. When Rafa and Shane are invited on a train trip through Australia with his parents and brother, things get worse and Rafa and Shane are arguing over things that should've been talked through. An accident puts all their lives in jeopardy and only Rafa and Shane working as a team will they have a chance of coming out okay.
I really liked this follow up book. Rafa and Shane are more committed and working on a life together. As in book one Rafa's mother is a piece of cake and it takes life and death to get her to see reason. The father and siblings are more supportive of their relationship in this book. There was entirely too much sex in a book of this length IMO.
Merged review:
ARC received for an honest review.
Valor on the Move
Rafael "Rafa" Castillo AKA Valor (Mouse to the secret service jerks) is in the closet. He's ready to step out as soon as his last semester of college is over. His dad will be out of the White House and he will be free to be himself. It's time to get a new secret service detail and Rafa has hit the jackpot with Shane.
Shane Kendrick has worked hard to get to the White House detail. It isn't the big league of protecting the president but at least it isn't the other Castillo kids. He's drawn to Rafa even though he doesn't want to be.
Rafa and Shane bond over late night dinners made by Rafa himself. When Rafa finds out some hurtful news, he takes off recklessly from the White House. Shane and his partner chase after him, barely keeping up. When Rafa stops at a rest stop, he unloads his anger and hurt onto Shane and it's a very intense/sexually charged few minutes. After Shane gets Rafa to calm down and agree to go back and talk to his parents, they are ambushed and Rafa is taken prisoner. Will they survive? Will they ever get a chance at a HEA?
I really liked the parts of the book that centered on Rafa and Shane. I felt like the two MCs had good chemistry and they had a believable attraction. The parts that had Rafa's family not so much. I didn't like Rafa's mother at all. The father was little better. The siblings where absent and rarely came around, so I didn't get much of a read on them except they all were self absorbed.
Test of Valor
Rafael "Rafa" Castillo is finally living his true life. He's in Australia waiting for chef school to start and learning to surf. Shane gave up his secret service career to be with Rafa. Moving with him to Australia was an easy decision if only the nightmares would stop. Rafa and Shane are making a life together and they aren't about to let the visit from Rafa's parents mess with that. When Rafa's parents show up it's abundantly clear that they're there to break the two up. When Rafa and Shane are invited on a train trip through Australia with his parents and brother, things get worse and Rafa and Shane are arguing over things that should've been talked through. An accident puts all their lives in jeopardy and only Rafa and Shane working as a team will they have a chance of coming out okay.
I really liked this follow up book. Rafa and Shane are more committed and working on a life together. As in book one Rafa's mother is a piece of cake and it takes life and death to get her to see reason. The father and siblings are more supportive of their relationship in this book. There was entirely too much sex in a book of this length IMO.
June 30, 2021
I really enjoyed this duet. Book 1 was all about the forbidden romance between Rafa and Shane, with them finally getting together at the end. Book 2 dealt with all the complications that came between them, including Rafa's disapproving relatives and Shane's internal issues regarding their age gap. Overall, it was great storytelling. I'd definitely read this author again.
July 17, 2021
His Personal Protection Detail.
MM, Age gap, First Time, Hurt/comfort Contemporary romance. Easy to read and page-turners, the books flowed from book 1 to book 2 seamlessly. Both main characters were likeable and both had their own insecurities and pain to cope with, lots of drama and action throughout. I enjoyed both books and read them in one sitting. HEA.
MM, Age gap, First Time, Hurt/comfort Contemporary romance. Easy to read and page-turners, the books flowed from book 1 to book 2 seamlessly. Both main characters were likeable and both had their own insecurities and pain to cope with, lots of drama and action throughout. I enjoyed both books and read them in one sitting. HEA.
December 20, 2021
I loved this duology! I found myself rooting for Rafa and Shane to figure it all out! I wasn’t sure the second book was going to be as interesting, since the first one was SO good! But I was wrong, the second book was perfection!! I am going to binge on all of Keira Andrew’s books, I love her writing! Don’t miss her holiday book, Only One Bed! It’s a great story also!! 🤩
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