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Where There's Smoke
2012 Rainbow Award Winner - 2nd Place, Gay Erotic Fiction
Anthony Hunter wonders what the hell he’s gotten himself into when he agrees to manage an unproven candidate’s campaign for governor of California. As soon as he meets the gorgeous, charismatic—and married—politician, attraction gives Anthony’s rock-solid professionalism a run for its money, and Anthony knows he’s in way over his head.
Jesse Cameron doesn’t like the idea of putting himself out there as a happily married, wholesome candidate, but his retired senator uncle insists it’ll give him an edge over a challenging rival. The only problem is that Jesse’s marriage is over, existing only to maintain his heterosexual façade. Oh, and there’s that minor detail about his undeniable attraction to his smoking hot campaign manager. Or the fact that the attraction is very, very mutual.
Before long, temptation explodes into a sizzling, secret relationship, but under the microscope of the media and the relentless scrutiny of the voting public, Anthony and Jesse can only keep their secret for so long. And this is one scandal a campaign won’t survive...
This book was previously published and has been lightly revised from its original version.
Anthony Hunter wonders what the hell he’s gotten himself into when he agrees to manage an unproven candidate’s campaign for governor of California. As soon as he meets the gorgeous, charismatic—and married—politician, attraction gives Anthony’s rock-solid professionalism a run for its money, and Anthony knows he’s in way over his head.
Jesse Cameron doesn’t like the idea of putting himself out there as a happily married, wholesome candidate, but his retired senator uncle insists it’ll give him an edge over a challenging rival. The only problem is that Jesse’s marriage is over, existing only to maintain his heterosexual façade. Oh, and there’s that minor detail about his undeniable attraction to his smoking hot campaign manager. Or the fact that the attraction is very, very mutual.
Before long, temptation explodes into a sizzling, secret relationship, but under the microscope of the media and the relentless scrutiny of the voting public, Anthony and Jesse can only keep their secret for so long. And this is one scandal a campaign won’t survive...
This book was previously published and has been lightly revised from its original version.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 20, 2012
64 people are currently reading
940 people want to read
About the author
L.A. Witt
219 books2,725 followersL.A. Witt and her husband have been exiled from Spain and sent to live in Maine because rhymes are fun. She now divides her time between writing, assuring people she is aware that Maine is cold, wondering where to put her next tattoo, and trying to reason with a surly Maine coon. Rumor has it her arch nemesis, Lauren Gallagher, is also somewhere in the wilds of New England, which is why L.A. is also spending a portion of her time training a team of spec ops lobsters.
Authors Ann Gallagher and Lori A. Witt have been asked to assist in lobster training, but they "have books to write" and "need to focus on our careers" and "don't you think this rivalry has gotten a little out of hand?" They're probably just helping Lauren raise her army of squirrels trained to ride moose into battle.
Visit her website at http://www.gallagherwitt.com/.
Authors Ann Gallagher and Lori A. Witt have been asked to assist in lobster training, but they "have books to write" and "need to focus on our careers" and "don't you think this rivalry has gotten a little out of hand?" They're probably just helping Lauren raise her army of squirrels trained to ride moose into battle.
Visit her website at http://www.gallagherwitt.com/.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 202 reviews
October 3, 2014
4.5 Stars!
This was a really great read. The MCs had great chemistry....Jesse the former actor running for governor and Anthony his campaign manager.
I loved that the romance was a slow build. The sexual tension between Jesse and Anthony was delicious.
There wasn't a lot of drama, which was great! Most of the plot centered around the fact that Jesse had to hide behind his marriage to Simone.
I was so glad that Simone's character wasn't evil and vindictive. She was supportive of Jesse, knowing how important the campaign was to him. My heart broke for her because she really did love Jesse.
The sex, while limited, was very HOT. Stolen moments here and there.
The sex and romance didn't overpower the story. It was a nice mix of both. It was a bit heavy on the politics, which didn't bother me...but might bother some.
Overall, I liked this one a lot and would definitely recommend it!
This was a really great read. The MCs had great chemistry....Jesse the former actor running for governor and Anthony his campaign manager.
I loved that the romance was a slow build. The sexual tension between Jesse and Anthony was delicious.
There wasn't a lot of drama, which was great! Most of the plot centered around the fact that Jesse had to hide behind his marriage to Simone.
I was so glad that Simone's character wasn't evil and vindictive. She was supportive of Jesse, knowing how important the campaign was to him. My heart broke for her because she really did love Jesse.
The sex, while limited, was very HOT. Stolen moments here and there.
The sex and romance didn't overpower the story. It was a nice mix of both. It was a bit heavy on the politics, which didn't bother me...but might bother some.
Overall, I liked this one a lot and would definitely recommend it!
December 1, 2017
It’s with a heavy heart that I rate this book quite low. I’m a huge fan of L.A. Witt, but once in a while, one of her stories doesn’t work for me.
I didn’t like the deception at the centre of the story, ie a couple on the verge of divorcing but keeping up appearances to win an election. I couldn’t get past that and it tainted my reading.
So many great books from this author : I prefer to remember them than dwelling on this one.
I didn’t like the deception at the centre of the story, ie a couple on the verge of divorcing but keeping up appearances to win an election. I couldn’t get past that and it tainted my reading.
So many great books from this author : I prefer to remember them than dwelling on this one.
March 9, 2012
This book hit all the right notes for me. It was frustrating, romantic, and real. Anthony was all old school sex appeal and intimidating as hell, and Jesse was just good and true. I liked how every situation was handled. And the women in this story were awesome. Ranya is probably one of my favorite female characters in an M/M. It ended exactly as it needed to, but you spent the whole book wondering how the HELL it would work out.
If politics bore you this ain't for you, but the romance was great and holySHITwow the sex was so hott and meaningful.
If politics bore you this ain't for you, but the romance was great and holySHITwow the sex was so hott and meaningful.
January 17, 2018
The story kept me engaged even as the romance, which ran intense and powerful and hot out the gate, lost a bit of traction near the end. 3.5 stars rounded up.
I'd been the skeleton in a man's closet one too many times and didn't want to go down that road again.
Even if the sex was amazing. And the man made me trip over my own feet. And he had a smile that was like Ctrl+Alt+Delete on my brain.
Intimidating and impossibly competent campaign manager Anthony has been hardened by his work with lying, cheating, and thieving politicos. Yet he softens for Jesse, the very charming and very married (in name only!) former actor who is so much more than a pretty face. Their want and need for one another is instantaneous. It burns like smoke and fire.
The book is chock-full of enough political intrigue and smoldering sex to rival an episode of Scandal. Life on the campaign trail, both the mundane and insane, is explored. Yet Witt also shines a spotlight on substantial issues ranging from domestic violence to racial profiling. She doesn’t merely pay lip service, either, but addresses them in a thoughtful and touching manner. These aspects were particularly well-done.
Jesse and Anthony's relationship is forbidden, which heightens the passion. And you come to see and believe that they are a natural and fitting pair. However, the pivotal relationship conflict does not play out between Jesse and Anthony. Rather, Jesse and Simone’s relationship takes center stage in the novel’s denouement. Simone was a very sympathetic figure, deserving of her own happily-ever-after, and the heartfelt resolution between her and Jesse was welcome. But I felt that some of Jesse and Anthony’s interactions read as somewhat lacking and rushed compared to Jesse and Simone’s more emotional (and time-consuming) ones.
The men end on a hopeful and solid note, and while I would have loved to see more of the two just be, I still loved what we did see. Here's hoping that Witt takes another stab at a political-themed book!
I'd been the skeleton in a man's closet one too many times and didn't want to go down that road again.
Even if the sex was amazing. And the man made me trip over my own feet. And he had a smile that was like Ctrl+Alt+Delete on my brain.
Intimidating and impossibly competent campaign manager Anthony has been hardened by his work with lying, cheating, and thieving politicos. Yet he softens for Jesse, the very charming and very married (in name only!) former actor who is so much more than a pretty face. Their want and need for one another is instantaneous. It burns like smoke and fire.
The book is chock-full of enough political intrigue and smoldering sex to rival an episode of Scandal. Life on the campaign trail, both the mundane and insane, is explored. Yet Witt also shines a spotlight on substantial issues ranging from domestic violence to racial profiling. She doesn’t merely pay lip service, either, but addresses them in a thoughtful and touching manner. These aspects were particularly well-done.
Jesse and Anthony's relationship is forbidden, which heightens the passion. And you come to see and believe that they are a natural and fitting pair. However, the pivotal relationship conflict does not play out between Jesse and Anthony. Rather, Jesse and Simone’s relationship takes center stage in the novel’s denouement. Simone was a very sympathetic figure, deserving of her own happily-ever-after, and the heartfelt resolution between her and Jesse was welcome. But I felt that some of Jesse and Anthony’s interactions read as somewhat lacking and rushed compared to Jesse and Simone’s more emotional (and time-consuming) ones.
The men end on a hopeful and solid note, and while I would have loved to see more of the two just be, I still loved what we did see. Here's hoping that Witt takes another stab at a political-themed book!
March 5, 2012
Finally a new book for the comfort-reads-shelf! I loved it from beginning to the end. The chemistry between Jesse and Anthony was hot, the story was well-rounded and wrapped up perfectly. I don't think I have read anything by this author and didn't like it. I'm already waiting for the next book.
Want to read
June 24, 2015Free today on Amazon 6/24/15
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March 19, 2017
Oh man, I fucking loved this book! I don't know why it has a fairly low rating, but I think it was amazing!
Jesse and Anthony clicked from the beginning, they had CRAZY good chemistry, and it was so intense and passionate and the sex was hotttt!!! Like fuckkk, was it good. Plus, I am a sucker for forbidden romance, having to hide it and make sure they don't get caught, and that just added to the sexiness of it all, to the heat and passion. For me, anyway.
But honestly, I loved how it wasn't because it was forbidden that Jesse and Anthony wanted each other - they just loved each other, truly and honestly were in love. I love this scene where Anthony is with his friend and the friend asks when he knew he wanted Jesse, and Anthony can't pin point one certain moment- he'd always wanted him, it had just been there, from the start.
And I also love when the female characters that are technically "in the way" of our MC's getting together, they're not always evil, selfish bitches. I loved Simone, and I loved that she was a person, not just a plot device to make it oh so easy for the two MC's to be together without guilt. Simone put up with a lot of a shit and it was hard for her, but she made it through, and I loved what Jesse did for her at the end. Also, Rayna, Jesse's assistant, was awesome too, loved her!
Everything about this book just <333 made me so happy. L.A. Witt manages to, more often then not, satisfy me with her books. Definitely, definitely recommend this. I couldn't put it down, was up until 4 in the morning reading as much as I could. Definitely a lot better than the overall rating suggests.
Jesse and Anthony clicked from the beginning, they had CRAZY good chemistry, and it was so intense and passionate and the sex was hotttt!!! Like fuckkk, was it good. Plus, I am a sucker for forbidden romance, having to hide it and make sure they don't get caught, and that just added to the sexiness of it all, to the heat and passion. For me, anyway.
But honestly, I loved how it wasn't because it was forbidden that Jesse and Anthony wanted each other - they just loved each other, truly and honestly were in love. I love this scene where Anthony is with his friend and the friend asks when he knew he wanted Jesse, and Anthony can't pin point one certain moment- he'd always wanted him, it had just been there, from the start.
And I also love when the female characters that are technically "in the way" of our MC's getting together, they're not always evil, selfish bitches. I loved Simone, and I loved that she was a person, not just a plot device to make it oh so easy for the two MC's to be together without guilt. Simone put up with a lot of a shit and it was hard for her, but she made it through, and I loved what Jesse did for her at the end. Also, Rayna, Jesse's assistant, was awesome too, loved her!
Everything about this book just <333 made me so happy. L.A. Witt manages to, more often then not, satisfy me with her books. Definitely, definitely recommend this. I couldn't put it down, was up until 4 in the morning reading as much as I could. Definitely a lot better than the overall rating suggests.
July 26, 2016
Wow, this was smoking. (see what I did there?)
Seriously, though - this was great. Aspiring gubernatorial candidate, secretly gay, but publicly happily married falls for his also secretly gay campaign manager. And vice versa. The bedroom scenes - yeah... smoking!! But I also really enjoyed the story the author tells, of political campaigns, intrigue, and integrity, and not selling your soul to the devil.
Couldn't put this down for any length of time. I regret nothing!
Seriously, though - this was great. Aspiring gubernatorial candidate, secretly gay, but publicly happily married falls for his also secretly gay campaign manager. And vice versa. The bedroom scenes - yeah... smoking!! But I also really enjoyed the story the author tells, of political campaigns, intrigue, and integrity, and not selling your soul to the devil.
Couldn't put this down for any length of time. I regret nothing!
February 5, 2014
4.5 stars rounded up to 5...
This was my first LA Witt book and it didn't disappoint.
I loved chain smoking Anthony Hunter. So sexy!
Anthony Hunter is a campaign manager hired to run Jesse Cameron's gubernatorial race for the state of California. Jesse is closeted gay man, married to movie star Simone. Theirs is now a marriage of convenience after Jesse came out to his wife as gay. Simone has agreed to stay in the marriage until Jesse is elected and divorce afterwards. What Jesse didn't count on was falling for his campaign manager and all the complications that arise as a result. Anthony's chemistry with Jesse was explosive. These two were so hot together.
Thank you LA Witt so much for not painting Simone as the evil villain in this story. I have recently read another book where the wife of a closeted gay man is painted as a jealous shrew. I was so happy to see that is not the case here. My heart broke for Simone. She loved Jesse so much.
This one is going in my favorites!
This was my first LA Witt book and it didn't disappoint.
I loved chain smoking Anthony Hunter. So sexy!
Anthony Hunter is a campaign manager hired to run Jesse Cameron's gubernatorial race for the state of California. Jesse is closeted gay man, married to movie star Simone. Theirs is now a marriage of convenience after Jesse came out to his wife as gay. Simone has agreed to stay in the marriage until Jesse is elected and divorce afterwards. What Jesse didn't count on was falling for his campaign manager and all the complications that arise as a result. Anthony's chemistry with Jesse was explosive. These two were so hot together.
Thank you LA Witt so much for not painting Simone as the evil villain in this story. I have recently read another book where the wife of a closeted gay man is painted as a jealous shrew. I was so happy to see that is not the case here. My heart broke for Simone. She loved Jesse so much.
This one is going in my favorites!
April 12, 2012
I don't smoke but Anthony makes me want of try. He is hot and is the best in your work , manage a candidate's campaign for governor. Jess is a man that wants change the world and challenging your rival. But he has a secret , his marriage is over, existing only to maintain his heterosexual facade. The attraction among Anthony and Jess is mutual and when explodes the passion will hard keep their secret for long to media. Many topics are in this story, complex and intriguing and very engaging. Unfortunately a gay governator is not yet accepted by most people and Jess will choose Anthony and the love and especially keep his integrity moral.
PS. In Italy, the governator of Puglia is gay, Niki Vendola is loved it and respected as politic man... perhaps there's one hope
PS. In Italy, the governator of Puglia is gay, Niki Vendola is loved it and respected as politic man... perhaps there's one hope
December 7, 2017
Finished but not finished. This is too political for me.
Skimming a lot of political scenes, it's just too boring and too long.
Started well, until 40% mark and went downhill.
Less politic maybe a bit enjoyable.
Poor Simone. Glad Anthony and Jesse got their HEA. But still...
Note.
The sex was somehow hot and enjoyable (ehem)
Skimming a lot of political scenes, it's just too boring and too long.
Started well, until 40% mark and went downhill.
Less politic maybe a bit enjoyable.
Poor Simone. Glad Anthony and Jesse got their HEA. But still...
Note.
The sex was somehow hot and enjoyable (ehem)
January 7, 2016
I really wanted to like this book more but it simply dragged on and on ... I got quite frustrated with the pace in the end and it distracted me from Jesse & Anthony. There was some real potential throughout but it just didn't flow for me
October 3, 2014
4.5 Stars
July 9, 2012
Unofficial review
The writing was well done. The author's mistake - involving political views in a romance novel. It's one thing to add politics into a story. It's another to trash on party groups in a manner that will turn readers off. I nearly gave this a 1 star as a DNF and wanted to return to my reviewing blog telling them that this would be my first DNF book out of the 130 books I've received from them in the past year. That's how irritated I was. Fortunately, I gritted my teeth and plowed through the tasteless bashing. I will say, this is probably the last book I'm willing to read from the author. Unfortunate since she did mention writing a f/f book which is hard to come by. I'm not really interested in being labeled as uneducated and stupid. Basically, my thoughts are - I guess I'm too dumb by her definition. Then logically, I can't possibly comprehend good writing so I guess I'm too stupid get this book. This leads me to the conclusion I no longer need to support her work because I'm just uneducated and never use my brain.
Official Review
"A young lady should never discuss sex, religion or politics in polite company." This is a phrase that was drilled into me since I was a young child. It appears we are not in polite company with Ms. Witt in WHERE THERE'S SMOKE. In this book we receive two of the three. Since this is a romance story, I'm thrilled with the sex because that's what I want to read about. The politics I could have done without.
Let me clarify. The focus of this story is about politics. This I'm fine with since Ms. Witt did an excellent job showing the dirty side of politics through the struggles of Jesse Cameron and Anthony Hunter. I am impressed with the portrayal and learned a bit more about the game of politics. The reality of politics disappoints me, but I understand it and felt badly for Jesse.
Jesse is retired Senator Roger Cameron's nephew and the former senator's pick for California governor candidacy. Anthony Hunter is the miracle worker campaign manager. Both of these men are ones I admire.
Jesse is running for the governor office as a Democrat even though he wants to be Independent. As an unknown with no track record except his wild college and Hollywood days, it's a long shot. His picture perfect marriage with a twice Oscar winning actress definitely helps boost his image. My issue isn't because the book is based on politics. It isn't even with Jesse running as a Democrat. What I found as a turn-off is Ms. Witt's attacks on a specific political group. From the book, it comes across as what she feels is the better political party through her use of characters blasting one group for being uneducated and brainless. Or better yet, with brains which are never used.
I did take this personally as my loved ones are in this party and I've been labeled as that party despite my Libertarian leanings. The first few chapters were distasteful enough that I nearly rated this one star and returned the book as "Did Not Finish". I didn't think I could continue if I had to read through anymore of this bile. I suffered through the tasteless mockery and came out feeling as if I were soiled with mud thrown at me. My recommendation to the author is if she wants this story for broader appeal, the unbalanced attacks should have been cut out during the editing. Some of the readers are in the demographics she's calling stupid. One could argue this is merely fiction and these are not her real views. My answer is - perception is reality.
I am glad that I stuck with the book though because when we finally move on to the real conflict, the story becomes really good. The real situation is Jesse being a hypocrite and whether he can make the choice for a resolution he can live with – will it be ethnical or unethical? The struggle is difficult. My gut is churning in this situation. Jesse is a gay man using his happy heterosexual marriage as a foundation for his campaign. I can't begin to even fathom how he could think this wouldn't be a problem. I'm frankly shocked a man who came in 4th in his law school class would actually think this would work.
The characters in this book are well developed. I really enjoyed them. On characters alone, I would give this book a four star rating. I enjoy Rayna, Jesse's assistant, who possesses a wicked wit. I like how she is a woman of colour and it's not an in your face reminder. It came across as natural. Anthony Hunter leaves me speechless. His only flaw is he smokes. I love everything about Anthony. Jesse is at heart a sweetheart who wants to do the right thing. The issues he wants to resolve are personal to him and he wants to make a difference. It's people like him who change the world and who I want in a government office.
Unfortunately for him, his uncle's tactics basically "screwed the pooch". Let us not forget Jesse's wife, Simone Lancaster. For her, my heart weeps. Unrequited love is never a happy situation. It makes me hate Jesse a bit for the hellish situation she's forced into living. Lastly, one secondary character my heart breaks for is Jesse's brother, Chris. Domestic violence is something I would never condone and I really appreciated Ms. Witt's portrayal of it.
This story concludes in a lose-lose situation for me. No one makes it out of the situation unscathed, least of all Jesse. Yet through it all, the ending is perfect for me. Jesse makes the choice I can admire and give my full support. If it weren't for the political attacks, this book would have made a five star for me. I recommend this book to m/m lovers who enjoy angst, unrequited love and personal sacrifice for the greater good.
The writing was well done. The author's mistake - involving political views in a romance novel. It's one thing to add politics into a story. It's another to trash on party groups in a manner that will turn readers off. I nearly gave this a 1 star as a DNF and wanted to return to my reviewing blog telling them that this would be my first DNF book out of the 130 books I've received from them in the past year. That's how irritated I was. Fortunately, I gritted my teeth and plowed through the tasteless bashing. I will say, this is probably the last book I'm willing to read from the author. Unfortunate since she did mention writing a f/f book which is hard to come by. I'm not really interested in being labeled as uneducated and stupid. Basically, my thoughts are - I guess I'm too dumb by her definition. Then logically, I can't possibly comprehend good writing so I guess I'm too stupid get this book. This leads me to the conclusion I no longer need to support her work because I'm just uneducated and never use my brain.
Official Review
"A young lady should never discuss sex, religion or politics in polite company." This is a phrase that was drilled into me since I was a young child. It appears we are not in polite company with Ms. Witt in WHERE THERE'S SMOKE. In this book we receive two of the three. Since this is a romance story, I'm thrilled with the sex because that's what I want to read about. The politics I could have done without.
Let me clarify. The focus of this story is about politics. This I'm fine with since Ms. Witt did an excellent job showing the dirty side of politics through the struggles of Jesse Cameron and Anthony Hunter. I am impressed with the portrayal and learned a bit more about the game of politics. The reality of politics disappoints me, but I understand it and felt badly for Jesse.
Jesse is retired Senator Roger Cameron's nephew and the former senator's pick for California governor candidacy. Anthony Hunter is the miracle worker campaign manager. Both of these men are ones I admire.
Jesse is running for the governor office as a Democrat even though he wants to be Independent. As an unknown with no track record except his wild college and Hollywood days, it's a long shot. His picture perfect marriage with a twice Oscar winning actress definitely helps boost his image. My issue isn't because the book is based on politics. It isn't even with Jesse running as a Democrat. What I found as a turn-off is Ms. Witt's attacks on a specific political group. From the book, it comes across as what she feels is the better political party through her use of characters blasting one group for being uneducated and brainless. Or better yet, with brains which are never used.
I did take this personally as my loved ones are in this party and I've been labeled as that party despite my Libertarian leanings. The first few chapters were distasteful enough that I nearly rated this one star and returned the book as "Did Not Finish". I didn't think I could continue if I had to read through anymore of this bile. I suffered through the tasteless mockery and came out feeling as if I were soiled with mud thrown at me. My recommendation to the author is if she wants this story for broader appeal, the unbalanced attacks should have been cut out during the editing. Some of the readers are in the demographics she's calling stupid. One could argue this is merely fiction and these are not her real views. My answer is - perception is reality.
I am glad that I stuck with the book though because when we finally move on to the real conflict, the story becomes really good. The real situation is Jesse being a hypocrite and whether he can make the choice for a resolution he can live with – will it be ethnical or unethical? The struggle is difficult. My gut is churning in this situation. Jesse is a gay man using his happy heterosexual marriage as a foundation for his campaign. I can't begin to even fathom how he could think this wouldn't be a problem. I'm frankly shocked a man who came in 4th in his law school class would actually think this would work.
The characters in this book are well developed. I really enjoyed them. On characters alone, I would give this book a four star rating. I enjoy Rayna, Jesse's assistant, who possesses a wicked wit. I like how she is a woman of colour and it's not an in your face reminder. It came across as natural. Anthony Hunter leaves me speechless. His only flaw is he smokes. I love everything about Anthony. Jesse is at heart a sweetheart who wants to do the right thing. The issues he wants to resolve are personal to him and he wants to make a difference. It's people like him who change the world and who I want in a government office.
Unfortunately for him, his uncle's tactics basically "screwed the pooch". Let us not forget Jesse's wife, Simone Lancaster. For her, my heart weeps. Unrequited love is never a happy situation. It makes me hate Jesse a bit for the hellish situation she's forced into living. Lastly, one secondary character my heart breaks for is Jesse's brother, Chris. Domestic violence is something I would never condone and I really appreciated Ms. Witt's portrayal of it.
This story concludes in a lose-lose situation for me. No one makes it out of the situation unscathed, least of all Jesse. Yet through it all, the ending is perfect for me. Jesse makes the choice I can admire and give my full support. If it weren't for the political attacks, this book would have made a five star for me. I recommend this book to m/m lovers who enjoy angst, unrequited love and personal sacrifice for the greater good.
February 22, 2024
RECENSIONE A CURA DI EVELYNE
Avevo voglia di una lettura leggera, dolce e romantica e ho letto “Dove c’è fumo”, perché sapevo che la Witt non mi avrebbe delusa.
Solitamente non amo le letture che trattano di politica, ma in questo caso la trama mi è sembrata molto originale e ho voluto provare qualcosa di nuovo. La caratterizzazione è molto buona, i protagonisti non risultano mai scontati, anche se a volte mi è sembrato strano l’autrice abbia scelto di farli agire in un determinato modo. Ha comunque ottenuto un ottimo risultato.
Venite a leggerla sul nostro blog!
Avevo voglia di una lettura leggera, dolce e romantica e ho letto “Dove c’è fumo”, perché sapevo che la Witt non mi avrebbe delusa.
Solitamente non amo le letture che trattano di politica, ma in questo caso la trama mi è sembrata molto originale e ho voluto provare qualcosa di nuovo. La caratterizzazione è molto buona, i protagonisti non risultano mai scontati, anche se a volte mi è sembrato strano l’autrice abbia scelto di farli agire in un determinato modo. Ha comunque ottenuto un ottimo risultato.
Venite a leggerla sul nostro blog!
August 17, 2015
An enjoyable read that follow the twists and turns of a campaign trail and how to build integrity on a foundation of lies.
Read
April 15, 2020DNF at 71%
After sitting for almost a year in my "reading" list, I am definitely dumping this book, I know I'll never reopen it.
It's not bad, just not for me
After sitting for almost a year in my "reading" list, I am definitely dumping this book, I know I'll never reopen it.
It's not bad, just not for me
Read
June 23, 2015Re-released June 2015.
November 26, 2020
Bella storia, semplice, lineare e in perfetto stile Witt. L'ho scelta per rilassarmi un po' e non mi è dispiaciuta.
La politica non è il mio forte, né mi piace molto leggerne, ma l'autrice ha gestito bene il tutto, anche se molto presente.
La politica non è il mio forte, né mi piace molto leggerne, ma l'autrice ha gestito bene il tutto, anche se molto presente.
March 15, 2017
Quando mi è stato proposto di recensire “Dove c’è fumo” ero in fibrillazione per vari motivi: L.A. Witt è una delle mie autrici preferite e adoro ogni storia che sforna, l’argomento di questo libro è in linea con il mio attuale telefilm favorito e, soprattutto, ho seguito con interesse i tweet della signora Witt durante le elezioni americane ed ero curiosa di vedere come si sarebbe destreggiata con una tematica analoga, benché questa vicenda sia stata scritta già qualche anno fa.
Il risultato? Mi ha conquistata. Completamente conquistata. Non importa se la storia parte avvantaggiata, perché è davvero impeccabile sotto ogni aspetto: per trama, caratterizzazione dei personaggi e stile.
Il titolo, ad esempio, è pressoché perfetto per molteplici ragioni. Come sappiamo, è l’incipit di un noto proverbio, qui molto calzante, ma la cosa non si esaurisce lì. Nella storia si parla anche di ‘cortina di fumo’ per sviare scomode verità e, soprattutto, fumo e accendini avranno i loro momenti di gloria. Le descrizioni di Anthony sono riuscite a far venire i brividi e palpitazioni anche a me, non solo a Jesse.
Tutto il libro è percorso da una sottile corrente che mi ha elettrizzata, tenendomi incollata alle pagine. L’attrazione che si percepisce fra Jesse e Anthony arriva fino al lettore e ci si ritrova a sentire sulla pelle ogni emozione, ogni turbamento. La trama, nient’affatto scontata, è appassionante e, fino all’ultima riga, si rimane col fiato sospeso.
Devo complimentarmi con l’autrice per l’idea, ma anche per la resa italiana, talmente coinvolgente da far perdonare facilmente qualche piccolo refuso sfuggito.
In questa storia ho avuto il batticuore, ho riso e brontolato, mi sono indignata e perfino commossa in un paio di punti.
Abbiamo dei personaggi eccezionali. Non solo Jesse e Anthony, due uomini tosti che diventano deliziosi budini tremanti, così diversi e così perfetti insieme, ma tutta una serie di altri soggetti che impreziosiscono la trama. Sotto una patina di successo e vite da copertina, si nascondo argomenti delicati, come l’omosessualità forzatamente occultata dei personaggi conosciuti, la mancanza di privacy, la violenza domestica e i disordini alimentari. Il tutto è trattato in modo plausibile e rispettoso, anche se non edulcorato.
Ho adorato che Jesse abbia dei solidi principi e un’umanità toccante, così come ho amato che Anthony – il migliore dei compaign manager, il più spietato e temuto – in realtà non giochi mai sporco, non basi i propri successi scavando nel fango degli altri. La sua onestà ideologica mi ha colpita positivamente, visto che – si sa – in politica tutto è lecito, pur di vincere.
Ranya, l’assistente di Jesse, merita un applauso a parte, perché la sua ironia e i suoi consigli sono davvero preziosi.
Ho parole di merito anche per Simone, la moglie di Jesse, che qui ha l’ingrato compito di essere ‘il terzo incomodo’. Il suo rapporto con Jesse è particolare e il mio consiglio è di darle fiducia. È molto umana nelle sue fragilità, ma è soprattutto una bella persona.
Lasciatevi conquistare da questa bellissima storia, completa sotto ogni aspetto, a partire dalle scene sensuali che non mancano e sono davvero, davvero coinvolgenti, a volte un po’ intense, ma anche passionali e dolcissime, per passare ad altre mille sfaccettature di questo gioiellino. Da leggere? Assolutamente sì.
Il risultato? Mi ha conquistata. Completamente conquistata. Non importa se la storia parte avvantaggiata, perché è davvero impeccabile sotto ogni aspetto: per trama, caratterizzazione dei personaggi e stile.
Il titolo, ad esempio, è pressoché perfetto per molteplici ragioni. Come sappiamo, è l’incipit di un noto proverbio, qui molto calzante, ma la cosa non si esaurisce lì. Nella storia si parla anche di ‘cortina di fumo’ per sviare scomode verità e, soprattutto, fumo e accendini avranno i loro momenti di gloria. Le descrizioni di Anthony sono riuscite a far venire i brividi e palpitazioni anche a me, non solo a Jesse.
Tutto il libro è percorso da una sottile corrente che mi ha elettrizzata, tenendomi incollata alle pagine. L’attrazione che si percepisce fra Jesse e Anthony arriva fino al lettore e ci si ritrova a sentire sulla pelle ogni emozione, ogni turbamento. La trama, nient’affatto scontata, è appassionante e, fino all’ultima riga, si rimane col fiato sospeso.
Devo complimentarmi con l’autrice per l’idea, ma anche per la resa italiana, talmente coinvolgente da far perdonare facilmente qualche piccolo refuso sfuggito.
In questa storia ho avuto il batticuore, ho riso e brontolato, mi sono indignata e perfino commossa in un paio di punti.
Abbiamo dei personaggi eccezionali. Non solo Jesse e Anthony, due uomini tosti che diventano deliziosi budini tremanti, così diversi e così perfetti insieme, ma tutta una serie di altri soggetti che impreziosiscono la trama. Sotto una patina di successo e vite da copertina, si nascondo argomenti delicati, come l’omosessualità forzatamente occultata dei personaggi conosciuti, la mancanza di privacy, la violenza domestica e i disordini alimentari. Il tutto è trattato in modo plausibile e rispettoso, anche se non edulcorato.
Ho adorato che Jesse abbia dei solidi principi e un’umanità toccante, così come ho amato che Anthony – il migliore dei compaign manager, il più spietato e temuto – in realtà non giochi mai sporco, non basi i propri successi scavando nel fango degli altri. La sua onestà ideologica mi ha colpita positivamente, visto che – si sa – in politica tutto è lecito, pur di vincere.
Ranya, l’assistente di Jesse, merita un applauso a parte, perché la sua ironia e i suoi consigli sono davvero preziosi.
Ho parole di merito anche per Simone, la moglie di Jesse, che qui ha l’ingrato compito di essere ‘il terzo incomodo’. Il suo rapporto con Jesse è particolare e il mio consiglio è di darle fiducia. È molto umana nelle sue fragilità, ma è soprattutto una bella persona.
Lasciatevi conquistare da questa bellissima storia, completa sotto ogni aspetto, a partire dalle scene sensuali che non mancano e sono davvero, davvero coinvolgenti, a volte un po’ intense, ma anche passionali e dolcissime, per passare ad altre mille sfaccettature di questo gioiellino. Da leggere? Assolutamente sì.
June 5, 2012
I absolutely loved this book…the plot, the characters, I loved everything about it. Anthony Hunter is so F’ing hot! The MC’s, Anthony Hunter and Jesse Cameron really do sizzle together…they make a great couple. I was really disturbed that my two favorite side characters were the cig & lighter because I’m not a smoker. The Personal Assist (Ranya?) hands down is my favorite female character in a MM book. She was in the book quite a bit and she didn’t annoy me all. I liked the wife even when I became annoyed with their situation. Oh, I understood why Jesse was so considerate toward her feelings and I understand why she went left on him. I don’t fault the storyline for it, that’s part of what made the story so good. I was annoyed just cause, Jesse was suffering, LOL! Uncle Roger was so slick and all the stuff going on with the dad, Chris and his wife. I could read another book about the Cameron family alone. That family is a hot mess. I want to know how our boys are dealing with being out to the public and their families.
March 7, 2012
This book gave a brief glimpse into the world of politics and how so much is perceived and spun to get someone elected to office. I could feel the attraction between Anthony and Jesse and liked the build up and sexual tension, but something unfortunately was missing for me with them. I kept thinking throughout the book that with Anthony and Jesse juggling so much, that it all would come crashing down and that kept me intrigued to see how it was all going to play out. While I understand that Simone needed to be an integral part of the story, she was just annoying to me and towards the end of the book, I just wanted her to go away, she just made the character of Jesse look weak. While I enjoyed reading this book, there was a little too much that was just not explained enough to tie everything up at the end of the story.
March 6, 2012
The reason for 3 stars instead of 4 is that even though I really enjoyed this while reading it, I can already tell it's going to be one I'll forget quickly and not one that will stay with me and have me thinking back on it later and wanting to re-read. Not my favorite L.A. Witt book but still better than a lot of stuff I've read lately. I don't know how she can write so fast and still put out such consistently good stuff.
March 7, 2012
A political campaign is stressful enough but add in all these secrets, Wow!
I enjoyed this story all the MC's were real and finally a story where the wife wasn't evil or conniving.
(Well, there was one evil wife, but not a MC! )
I enjoyed this story all the MC's were real and finally a story where the wife wasn't evil or conniving.
(Well, there was one evil wife, but not a MC! )
July 6, 2016
4.5 Smoking Stars!!
This book was so smart and sexy - what a great combination! It kept me entertained from start to finish. The heat between Anthony and Jesse was smoking hot and the secondary characters rounded out the story beautifully!
Well worth your time. Highly recommend.
This book was so smart and sexy - what a great combination! It kept me entertained from start to finish. The heat between Anthony and Jesse was smoking hot and the secondary characters rounded out the story beautifully!
Well worth your time. Highly recommend.
June 20, 2012
Whilst I don’t love politicians, I do love politics, local and global, and all the rigmarole that accompanies it. I like a good opponent debate, polls, forecasts, stats, strategies and so on and so forth. Mix that in here with an enigmatic, sexy campaign manager and charismatic, caring political aspirant and, for me, this book was gold.
Where There's Smoke is about the Californian Governor's race between a young, up and coming Democratic candidate, from an acting family, with a political uncle, and the current GOP elect.
Jesse Cameron is, basically, a B-grade actor with a law degree from a wealthy, high profile family. He is married to Simone, who is a 2 x Oscar winning actress. We meet them as they are having photos and then an interview, at the behest of his uncle, Roger, for the start of Jesse's political run. Roger wants to spin them as the perfect, happily married couple - they're good looking, wealthy and are living the 'American Dream' – all terrific political material on the surface, but not so true underneath. I really liked Jesse, but he was probably never going to be the political animal that his uncle and others wanted him to be, himself included, because he has a conscience, his family is dysfunctional, but mostly because he's gay.
Anthony Hunter is brought in, by Roger, as the campaign manager for Jesse. Anthony is a seasoned professional and has successfully spearheaded previous campaigns for Roger. Anthony is cynical/pessimistic - politics will do that to you - smokes like a chimney,and is quick at spin-doctoring. Underneath his pessimistic viewpoint beats the heart of an ethical man. I liked Anthony a lot. Whether in reality he could afford to be as ethical, well, I don't know, but it's fiction and it suits him. Anthony just also happens to be gay. He makes it a policy to not sleep with the employer (politicians) but in Jesse's case he feels strong desire, whilst trying not to. I'll put it on record that Anthony is one sexy top and his stolen encounters with Jesse are incredibly hot.
Jesse and Anthony do fall hard for each other, but there is a problem. Jesse is well and truly in the closet, he has to be, he's married and political parties don't like (openly) gay men (or married gay men). Anthony, while not as high profile as Jesse, is very careful, he's employed by the politicians, and is only a couple of steps further to the front of the closet Jesse is in. So, it makes for an interesting story - angsty, sexually tumultuous, edgy and complicated.
The secondary characters are all interesting and well developed. Ranya, Jesse’s PA, is as good a character as you will get in any book; let alone M/M where women are usually caricatures of actual woman. She's a strong, funny, loyal, well intentioned individual, who cares for Jesse and is open and honest with all her words, feelings and assistance.
Simone, Jesse's wife, is quite interesting, a rollercoaster of emotions. It would be easy to jump up and down and say she was slighted. Yet she wasn't, she knows Jesse is gay and encourages him to take up with Anthony, but still I felt for her. Jesse tried hard to make up for his inabililty to be her husband, his worry about her health, his guilt at being gay. Yes, he allowed his ucle to manipulate his marriage for the campaign, but Jesse had no premeditation, he was politically naieve. They both knew where their marriage stood and she constantly reaffirmed her willingness to proceed with the campaign. To me Simone was like a metaphor for Jesse's campaign in general – something/someone he cared about, wanted to do right by, but he couldn’t be himself, and that never ends well. Not because he wasn't well intentioned, but because of reality. Being charismatic, handsome and well intentioned will only get you so far. Not many openly gay politicians around, most come out later on, if at all. The fault lies with the system and people's closed minded attitudes to homosexuality. Also, even though there was a desire to be progressive, she struggled to get 100% behind it. Saying everything is "OK", or you really do support someone/something is not the same as it actually being "OK" in reality - this is true of Simone/the party/voters.
Jesse's uncle, Roger, was the consummate politician, no moral compass, use anything and anyone to get elected. In other words the end always justifies the means. I didn’t like him but his character was spot-on. Roger was a political animal and he wasn’t apologetic about it.
This book is so well written - the language, the flow, the storyline - which makes it a joy to read. It's an absolute page turner and all the characters are very much real and three-dimensional. Every chapter was deliberately assigned to one MC, to progress the story from their persepctive, and their voices are uniquely character specific - Jesse and Anthony could not be confused, even if you somehow couldn't read whose chapter it was. I love good characterization, I always want it and make no excuses for that fact. I got it in spades here. The last book I read of L A Witt's, The Closer You Get, I also enjoyed, but I lamented the lack of the 2nd MC’s POV. Here I got just what I wanted and it was fabulous.
I highly recommend Where There's Smoke. I'm definitely buying more of L A Witt's books based on the two I've read.
Review also posted here
Where There's Smoke is about the Californian Governor's race between a young, up and coming Democratic candidate, from an acting family, with a political uncle, and the current GOP elect.
Jesse Cameron is, basically, a B-grade actor with a law degree from a wealthy, high profile family. He is married to Simone, who is a 2 x Oscar winning actress. We meet them as they are having photos and then an interview, at the behest of his uncle, Roger, for the start of Jesse's political run. Roger wants to spin them as the perfect, happily married couple - they're good looking, wealthy and are living the 'American Dream' – all terrific political material on the surface, but not so true underneath. I really liked Jesse, but he was probably never going to be the political animal that his uncle and others wanted him to be, himself included, because he has a conscience, his family is dysfunctional, but mostly because he's gay.
Anthony Hunter is brought in, by Roger, as the campaign manager for Jesse. Anthony is a seasoned professional and has successfully spearheaded previous campaigns for Roger. Anthony is cynical/pessimistic - politics will do that to you - smokes like a chimney,and is quick at spin-doctoring. Underneath his pessimistic viewpoint beats the heart of an ethical man. I liked Anthony a lot. Whether in reality he could afford to be as ethical, well, I don't know, but it's fiction and it suits him. Anthony just also happens to be gay. He makes it a policy to not sleep with the employer (politicians) but in Jesse's case he feels strong desire, whilst trying not to. I'll put it on record that Anthony is one sexy top and his stolen encounters with Jesse are incredibly hot.
Jesse and Anthony do fall hard for each other, but there is a problem. Jesse is well and truly in the closet, he has to be, he's married and political parties don't like (openly) gay men (or married gay men). Anthony, while not as high profile as Jesse, is very careful, he's employed by the politicians, and is only a couple of steps further to the front of the closet Jesse is in. So, it makes for an interesting story - angsty, sexually tumultuous, edgy and complicated.
The secondary characters are all interesting and well developed. Ranya, Jesse’s PA, is as good a character as you will get in any book; let alone M/M where women are usually caricatures of actual woman. She's a strong, funny, loyal, well intentioned individual, who cares for Jesse and is open and honest with all her words, feelings and assistance.
Simone, Jesse's wife, is quite interesting, a rollercoaster of emotions. It would be easy to jump up and down and say she was slighted. Yet she wasn't, she knows Jesse is gay and encourages him to take up with Anthony, but still I felt for her. Jesse tried hard to make up for his inabililty to be her husband, his worry about her health, his guilt at being gay. Yes, he allowed his ucle to manipulate his marriage for the campaign, but Jesse had no premeditation, he was politically naieve. They both knew where their marriage stood and she constantly reaffirmed her willingness to proceed with the campaign. To me Simone was like a metaphor for Jesse's campaign in general – something/someone he cared about, wanted to do right by, but he couldn’t be himself, and that never ends well. Not because he wasn't well intentioned, but because of reality. Being charismatic, handsome and well intentioned will only get you so far. Not many openly gay politicians around, most come out later on, if at all. The fault lies with the system and people's closed minded attitudes to homosexuality. Also, even though there was a desire to be progressive, she struggled to get 100% behind it. Saying everything is "OK", or you really do support someone/something is not the same as it actually being "OK" in reality - this is true of Simone/the party/voters.
Jesse's uncle, Roger, was the consummate politician, no moral compass, use anything and anyone to get elected. In other words the end always justifies the means. I didn’t like him but his character was spot-on. Roger was a political animal and he wasn’t apologetic about it.
This book is so well written - the language, the flow, the storyline - which makes it a joy to read. It's an absolute page turner and all the characters are very much real and three-dimensional. Every chapter was deliberately assigned to one MC, to progress the story from their persepctive, and their voices are uniquely character specific - Jesse and Anthony could not be confused, even if you somehow couldn't read whose chapter it was. I love good characterization, I always want it and make no excuses for that fact. I got it in spades here. The last book I read of L A Witt's, The Closer You Get, I also enjoyed, but I lamented the lack of the 2nd MC’s POV. Here I got just what I wanted and it was fabulous.
I highly recommend Where There's Smoke. I'm definitely buying more of L A Witt's books based on the two I've read.
Review also posted here
January 7, 2021
Amo la Witt, ma non sempre le sue storie mi conquistano pienamente.. questa volta c’è riuscita 💛
March 4, 2012
Reviewed on Hearts On Fire... http://heartsonfirereviews.com/
L.A. Witt has given readers an enjoyable look into politics with this book. Jesse Cameron and Simone Lancaster seem to be the happily married Hollywood movie stars that America loves but looks are deceiving. Jesse and Simone are on the brink of divorce after Jesse tells the fragile Simone that he's gay. The two are still good friends who love each other but just not in the bedroom. The Cameron family has always been a political family so with the urging of Jesse's Senator Uncle Roger, Jesse decides to run for governor of California. Roger hires Anthony Hunter, a veteran politico, to manage Jesse's campaign. Anthony doesn't get all of the true facts about Jesse from the beginning though and life gets complicated when the political machine starts rolling.
This was a well written story with some interesting plot twists. The reader can tell that Ms Witt did her research well which made the story flow well. I particularly enjoyed the shifting POVs from Anthony's to Jesse's and back with each chapter. I got to know the two main characters much better with this style of writing. The semi-tragic character of Simone with her anorexia/bulimia and mental emotional processing problems was well written and I came to like her. Jesse's personal assistant, Ranya, added a comic, light note to the story with her witty comments and sharp insights. The subject of domestic abuse which was part of Jesse's campaign was woven into the story beautifully and well thought out. It was nice to see a woman being the abuser for a change with Jesse's brother. I have to admit that I was ready to stick pins in my eyes if I read one more "are you okay?" which got very over used in my opinion. The HEA ending held a surprise or two and I'd love to read more about Anthony and Jesse in a second book. Thank you Ms Witt for a good story with excellent characters.
L.A. Witt has given readers an enjoyable look into politics with this book. Jesse Cameron and Simone Lancaster seem to be the happily married Hollywood movie stars that America loves but looks are deceiving. Jesse and Simone are on the brink of divorce after Jesse tells the fragile Simone that he's gay. The two are still good friends who love each other but just not in the bedroom. The Cameron family has always been a political family so with the urging of Jesse's Senator Uncle Roger, Jesse decides to run for governor of California. Roger hires Anthony Hunter, a veteran politico, to manage Jesse's campaign. Anthony doesn't get all of the true facts about Jesse from the beginning though and life gets complicated when the political machine starts rolling.
This was a well written story with some interesting plot twists. The reader can tell that Ms Witt did her research well which made the story flow well. I particularly enjoyed the shifting POVs from Anthony's to Jesse's and back with each chapter. I got to know the two main characters much better with this style of writing. The semi-tragic character of Simone with her anorexia/bulimia and mental emotional processing problems was well written and I came to like her. Jesse's personal assistant, Ranya, added a comic, light note to the story with her witty comments and sharp insights. The subject of domestic abuse which was part of Jesse's campaign was woven into the story beautifully and well thought out. It was nice to see a woman being the abuser for a change with Jesse's brother. I have to admit that I was ready to stick pins in my eyes if I read one more "are you okay?" which got very over used in my opinion. The HEA ending held a surprise or two and I'd love to read more about Anthony and Jesse in a second book. Thank you Ms Witt for a good story with excellent characters.
May 7, 2015
I'm a little on the fence about saying that I thoroughly enjoyed this book because it's not entirely true, though that may reflect more on me than the actual content. Anthony and Jesse had fantastic chemistry, and the banter - oh lord the banter, especially when Jesse's assistant, Ranya, was involved - was amazing.
But because of the setting (constant, prying eyes and all that), I honestly felt like I was bracing myself for shit to hit the fan for a large portion of the book. Jesse is running for the governor's office, he's in a pretend marriage for the sake of the campaign, he's gay, and he's hot for his campaign manager. Throw in a wife that has emotional health issues and public scrutiny over their every action, you can understand why trouble seemed just beyond the horizon.
While shit never hit the fan to the extent I expected, the ending felt a little short. I would have loved to see more of what happened as the dust settled.
But because of the setting (constant, prying eyes and all that), I honestly felt like I was bracing myself for shit to hit the fan for a large portion of the book. Jesse is running for the governor's office, he's in a pretend marriage for the sake of the campaign, he's gay, and he's hot for his campaign manager. Throw in a wife that has emotional health issues and public scrutiny over their every action, you can understand why trouble seemed just beyond the horizon.
While shit never hit the fan to the extent I expected, the ending felt a little short. I would have loved to see more of what happened as the dust settled.
February 9, 2015
**4.5 smoking hot chimstry**
I really loved this book, It was an amazing almost perfect M/M read.
Jess and Anthony's chimstry was off the chart. I could feel the sexual tension between the lines. I've always been addicted to hot slow burning sexul build up through a book, and this book didn't disappoint.
I couldn't decide which one of them to love more, both of them were charismatic and unique in his own way...
I also liked that there wasn't much drama which is a HUGE plus for me.
My heart ached for the wife, Simon, she truly loved him and that hurt her a lot.
All in all, I loved this book and the amazing smooth writing style and it won't be my last book for this author.
I really loved this book, It was an amazing almost perfect M/M read.
Jess and Anthony's chimstry was off the chart. I could feel the sexual tension between the lines. I've always been addicted to hot slow burning sexul build up through a book, and this book didn't disappoint.
I couldn't decide which one of them to love more, both of them were charismatic and unique in his own way...
I also liked that there wasn't much drama which is a HUGE plus for me.
My heart ached for the wife, Simon, she truly loved him and that hurt her a lot.
All in all, I loved this book and the amazing smooth writing style and it won't be my last book for this author.
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