Hello everyone!
Time for another book blog, and I once again reached for an author who writes stories that are very near and dear to my heart.
I mean, I never actually thought I'd see the day when I enjoy reading about gay romance, but there you have it, surprises happen everywhere and at any time!
Of course this book is probably not as high on my list as some of her others, but that doesn't mean it wasn't an enjoyable read. I tend to go through her reading material very, very quickly, which does obviously mean I need to occasionally re-read things before new releases happen.
In any event, however, this one was a first read.
It IS a sequel though, so obviously if you want to read this as a stand-alone, you can, but it'll make a lot more sense if you read the first book before it.
I'm talking about Test of Valor.
This is a sequel of Valor on the Move, the story Keira Andrews wrote about the homosexual son of an American president who falls in love with his Secret Service agent, Shane Kendrick, who's not only older than him but, you know, his bodyguard.
You can find the link to the previous book down below on this page, as well as to some others by Ms Andrews which I've read and reviewed already, but I'll give you a brief rundown anyway.
Valor, aka Rafael Castillo and Shane Kendrick met while Rafa's father was still active POTUS, and they probably wouldn't have really done anything to forward the budding relationship between them if not for poor Rafa's kidnapping and Shane getting shot along the side of his skull. Yeah, ouch. Anyway, Shane saved Rafa's life, and eventually quit the Secret Service to go with Rafa to Australia where the pair of them would be able to not only enjoy in their respective professions (security counselling and becoming a chef) but their relationship away from the eyes of the media.
This is where Test of Valor begins.
Well, actually, it begins with Shane having nightmares about being too late to save Rafa, on account that he needs to testify in the hearing that's wrapping up the case. Meanwhile, to make matters even worse on the topic of nerves, Rafa's parents are flying over for a visit which isn't really doing wonders for either of them.
That being said, however, their relationship seems to be going stronger than ever, physically and emotionally, sans Shane telling Rafa about his nightmares.
Because he wants to protect him, you know.
Gah. Men.
Anyway, just before the ex-POTUS and FLOTUS arive, Shane receives notice that he needs to fly to the States to give testimony, where he's basically treated like a pariah by the Secret Service though he does pay a visit to his colleague's wife and dying son.
Meanwhile, Rafa welcomes his parents and older brother, who tore a rotator cuff and needs to heal before thinking about the Olympics again, but also finds out that his parents were the ones who arranged for Shane to be flown to the USA for the hearing as opposed to doing it via video conference. Suffice to say, Rafa's NOT happy, and neither is Matthew, actually, who drops some very good truths in this book.
I kind of liked him best, let's be honest.
Shane gets back and he and Rafa hit a snag in their relationship as Rafa's mother had insinuated Shane would be cheating on Rafa with an ex fling of his, Darnell, which obviously isn't the case and the cheating accusation really doesn't sit well with Shane, but then again it wouldn't with anybody with a sound mind, obviously.
It really doesn't help that Rafa's mother gets drunk and accuses Shane of being Rafa's sugar daddy instead of a true partner, which puts wider cracks into everything.
And oh, they have to spend time at activities with them and try not to do anything TOO gay, you know.
Double gah.
After seeing some sights in Sydney, the group travel out by train during which Rafa and Shane have a falling out, but seem to be on the mend when a helicopter tour is scheduled ...
... and the chopper goes down into a lake.
Yup, you read it right.
The ex-POTUS is stuck with metal in his torso, the pilot is dead, but Shane manages to get the rest of them out without as many injuries, and they wait for the morning rescue while sharing some heart-to-hearts among themselves.
Obligatory cameos at this point include Rafa's best friend Ashleigh, his sister-in-law Hadley, while his brother Christian and sister Adriana come flying to Australia because, you know, their family almost died.
But at least the relationship between the two leads mends out, they talk stuff out, Shane seems to be accepted with the family AND with the Secret Service again, and they can finally breathe.
Which for them means Shane kicking his security counselling off the ground and Rafa attending Cordon Bleu and making some real friends, but the book proper ends with Rafa proposing to Shane, and Shane saying yes.
FIN
I have to say, I didn't like this on as much as the first, and I can't even tell you why. It had all the same elements as Valor on the Move, and yet ... something was missing. I'll have to figure out just what it was, but to be honest I don't know if I'll be rereading this one as much as its predecessor. Half of the things being hashed out in this book had ALREADY been debated in the first though, so maybe it was that. Also, I really, REALLY disliked the ex-FLOTUS in this one, and the Secret Service come across as a bunch of self-entitled douche bags.
It might just be that my snarling and negativity transferred over to the entire book, who knows.
All I know is, I can recommend it - but if you're expecting something as good as Valor on the Move, read cautiously, as you might be disappointed.
But hey, maybe you won't be! And if not, GOOD FOR YOU!
xx
*image not mine
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