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Men in Love and at War #5
Royal Service
Wherever Berkeley goes, or whatever he does, drama follows. Having recovered from the ordeal of being the victim of an internet scam, his life returns to normal working at a five-star hotel selling VIP vacation club memberships to wealthy clients, and being with the love of his life, Captain Rick. That is until he finds Rick cheating on him with a woman. Feeling sad and lonely, Berkeley is enticed by the prospects of high earnings and a jet setter lifestyle when he’s approached by one of his clients to be a high-class escort.
Whilst he revels in being treated like a prince, he has to accommodate some strange and unusual sexual requests, and before long he’s caught up in a web of espionage between a transport conglomerate and a client who is developing a futuristic technology that will change the future of transport forever. Only Berkeley knows how he’s going to weave his way out of his new-found problem.
Whilst he revels in being treated like a prince, he has to accommodate some strange and unusual sexual requests, and before long he’s caught up in a web of espionage between a transport conglomerate and a client who is developing a futuristic technology that will change the future of transport forever. Only Berkeley knows how he’s going to weave his way out of his new-found problem.
- GenresFuturisticErotica
178 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 3, 2017
12 people want to read
About the author
L.J. Collins
20 books11 followersBorn and raised in London, Lee worked as a successful senior management consultant before moving to Tenerife to pursue a more fulfilling life and to focus on his writing.
For Lee, the writing process is all about when the mind and the fingers connect. He plans stories in his head, but when the fingers take over, something else comes out...but invariably, he is happy that he let his fingers do the talking.
He works with an amazing team at eXtasy/Divine books who inspire and encourage his writing. He calls Jay Austin, the Chief Editor in Charge, Laura McNellis, his editor and Carmen Waters, his artist, THE DREAM TEAM. No further explanation required...
For Lee, the writing process is all about when the mind and the fingers connect. He plans stories in his head, but when the fingers take over, something else comes out...but invariably, he is happy that he let his fingers do the talking.
He works with an amazing team at eXtasy/Divine books who inspire and encourage his writing. He calls Jay Austin, the Chief Editor in Charge, Laura McNellis, his editor and Carmen Waters, his artist, THE DREAM TEAM. No further explanation required...
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
March 16, 2019
this made me smile and laugh.. it made me curious and interested.. it kept me clicking as fast as i could to see what was going to happen next. i really enjoyed it and it is well written and interesting. very good series
May 8, 2017
4.5 Stars.. A great story of trouble finding Berkeley again. This book is best the read in order as you'll need Berkeley's history with Captain James. I was sad to see Captain James go but his life goes on.
Berkeley's life is good, he got his old job back and his boyfriend, James was doing great, but 6 months in to their relationship Berkeley suspects James of having an affair..which he confirms breaking his heart. He meets Peter a client and Peter asks him to come work for him earning lots more money for the Royal Service a high escort service for the rich.
He meets Sebastian and Frederick two gorgeous men but life is about to get complicated and dangerous. I wont write spoilers but in the ending it wont go the way you think. I love Berkeley, his truth and straight forward talking will adore you into your heart, the other characters you will love too and will tottally be grabbing the next book.
Berkeley's life is good, he got his old job back and his boyfriend, James was doing great, but 6 months in to their relationship Berkeley suspects James of having an affair..which he confirms breaking his heart. He meets Peter a client and Peter asks him to come work for him earning lots more money for the Royal Service a high escort service for the rich.
He meets Sebastian and Frederick two gorgeous men but life is about to get complicated and dangerous. I wont write spoilers but in the ending it wont go the way you think. I love Berkeley, his truth and straight forward talking will adore you into your heart, the other characters you will love too and will tottally be grabbing the next book.
October 26, 2017
Royal Service outshines the other four books in the series, and they were brilliant reading.
Royal service has it all! The intrigue & espionage keeps you turning the pages to find out what will happen next.
This book had the right amount of sexual content for me. If I only wanted to read about sex I'd buy a top shelf magazine!
Having read the series and knowing the main character's background, coming from tough beginnings in the East End, I can identify with Berkeley having to fight for what he wants, and having fought his way up in a dog eat dog world. I look forward to this author's next release.
Royal service has it all! The intrigue & espionage keeps you turning the pages to find out what will happen next.
This book had the right amount of sexual content for me. If I only wanted to read about sex I'd buy a top shelf magazine!
Having read the series and knowing the main character's background, coming from tough beginnings in the East End, I can identify with Berkeley having to fight for what he wants, and having fought his way up in a dog eat dog world. I look forward to this author's next release.
February 19, 2017
Full review at: https://optimummblog.wordpress.com/20...
This book, is book 5 of the Men in Love and at War series. It may be beneficial to read the other books in the series first to get to know the characters and setting a little better because we’re not given much information at the outset of the story as to who they are or where they’ve come from. I went into this story blind not knowing it was a continuation of a series and although I got through it without any real issues, I feel it would have enhanced my reading experience by knowing what happened to the characters before we got to this point in their lives.
Set in a town called El Sauzal on the island of Tenerife, we meet the main character of the story, Berkeley. After breaking up with his boyfriend Rick, Berkeley, through his job selling memberships to a private vacation club, meets Peter Moore. Peter owns Royal Service which is a high-class escort agency and with some hands-on persuasion, he convinces Berkeley to come work for him. Berkeley’s first client is Sebastian who’s a multimillionaire living in the south of France. Sebastian doesn’t do relationships and whenever he needs some company he enlists the services of Peter’s agency. When Sebastian and Berkeley meet, they find that they actually get on really well and enjoy their time together. Sebastian later requests that Berkeley accompanies him on a trip to South America. During this trip Berkeley discovers that Sebastian has developed a new technology for travel which is similar to teleportation. Sebastian sees this as the future of travel, where someone can be anywhere in the world within seconds. A few weeks later, Berkeley’s asked to go to London to meet a new client who has asked for him. Here, he meets Frederick and straight away there’s a connection between them that is completely different to what he had with Sebastian. With Frederick, he feels more comfortable and relaxed and like he could actually fit in Frederick’s life and be happy. Frederick tells Berkeley that he’s the spokesperson for a group of people in the travel industry and that they know about Sebastian’s technology and want to stop it going further than the stage that it’s at as millions of jobs are at risk. He has been told by his bosses to convince Berkeley to steal the data from Sebastian and pass it on to them so as the research can be discredited.
As a character, Berkeley comes across as quite arrogant and materialistic, he only really thinks of himself and the money. Even though he enjoys being with Sebastian and Frederick and they are paying for his services, he always wants to do things on his terms. The story did flow well, but it was written almost like two halves, the first part where Berkeley becomes an escort and takes us through his experience of meeting new clients and dealing with their often strange requests and then the second part where he becomes an industrial spy and business guru. This had me slightly conflicted about the story because I didn’t know where it was trying to go. There were some twists which added excitement, but there were also some parts that were so cheesy I wanted to cringe. Although everything in this story is wrapped up and finalized, it’s left open for more books in the series to follow, the ending felt right for the story, and I’m happy with how the author completed this little adventure in Berkeley’s life.
In the end, I can’t say I loved the book, but I also didn’t hate it. Maybe if I had read the previous books in the series, I would have been able to connect to this story more, but I was left feeling indifferent. Will I read the other books in the series? The answer is maybe, I wouldn’t rule it out and it certainly hasn’t put me off reading other work by this author because it actually was a good story concept.
***The ARC was provided by eXtasy Books. My review is an honest opinion of the book***
This book, is book 5 of the Men in Love and at War series. It may be beneficial to read the other books in the series first to get to know the characters and setting a little better because we’re not given much information at the outset of the story as to who they are or where they’ve come from. I went into this story blind not knowing it was a continuation of a series and although I got through it without any real issues, I feel it would have enhanced my reading experience by knowing what happened to the characters before we got to this point in their lives.
Set in a town called El Sauzal on the island of Tenerife, we meet the main character of the story, Berkeley. After breaking up with his boyfriend Rick, Berkeley, through his job selling memberships to a private vacation club, meets Peter Moore. Peter owns Royal Service which is a high-class escort agency and with some hands-on persuasion, he convinces Berkeley to come work for him. Berkeley’s first client is Sebastian who’s a multimillionaire living in the south of France. Sebastian doesn’t do relationships and whenever he needs some company he enlists the services of Peter’s agency. When Sebastian and Berkeley meet, they find that they actually get on really well and enjoy their time together. Sebastian later requests that Berkeley accompanies him on a trip to South America. During this trip Berkeley discovers that Sebastian has developed a new technology for travel which is similar to teleportation. Sebastian sees this as the future of travel, where someone can be anywhere in the world within seconds. A few weeks later, Berkeley’s asked to go to London to meet a new client who has asked for him. Here, he meets Frederick and straight away there’s a connection between them that is completely different to what he had with Sebastian. With Frederick, he feels more comfortable and relaxed and like he could actually fit in Frederick’s life and be happy. Frederick tells Berkeley that he’s the spokesperson for a group of people in the travel industry and that they know about Sebastian’s technology and want to stop it going further than the stage that it’s at as millions of jobs are at risk. He has been told by his bosses to convince Berkeley to steal the data from Sebastian and pass it on to them so as the research can be discredited.
As a character, Berkeley comes across as quite arrogant and materialistic, he only really thinks of himself and the money. Even though he enjoys being with Sebastian and Frederick and they are paying for his services, he always wants to do things on his terms. The story did flow well, but it was written almost like two halves, the first part where Berkeley becomes an escort and takes us through his experience of meeting new clients and dealing with their often strange requests and then the second part where he becomes an industrial spy and business guru. This had me slightly conflicted about the story because I didn’t know where it was trying to go. There were some twists which added excitement, but there were also some parts that were so cheesy I wanted to cringe. Although everything in this story is wrapped up and finalized, it’s left open for more books in the series to follow, the ending felt right for the story, and I’m happy with how the author completed this little adventure in Berkeley’s life.
In the end, I can’t say I loved the book, but I also didn’t hate it. Maybe if I had read the previous books in the series, I would have been able to connect to this story more, but I was left feeling indifferent. Will I read the other books in the series? The answer is maybe, I wouldn’t rule it out and it certainly hasn’t put me off reading other work by this author because it actually was a good story concept.
***The ARC was provided by eXtasy Books. My review is an honest opinion of the book***
March 27, 2017
Royal Service is my first reading experience with this author and if this is a fair representation of his writing style and ability to spin a story... I'm signing myself up for future adventures! The author does a great job of navigating the elemental requirements of a good read.... character development/detail, continuity/flow of plot, the ability to capture and then hold my interest... it's all there... woven together within a smart, polished writing style..... such a pleasure to read!!!
This story opens introducing the main character, Berkeley... sassy and mildly flirtatious... who possesses natural people skills, an innate sense of personal style, a quick mind, an inner strength, knowledge of self worth... all tied up as a perfect package with a no nonsense approach to life..... I loved him! Concurrently, we are given his present circumstances in both his personal and professional life... all of which lays down a firm foundation for the read. Berkeley, who works as a consultant selling VIP club memberships, meets his new client, Peter, and after a successful presentation and the resulting sale, agrees to accept an invitation for a celebratory evening out. Over dinner, Peter presents Berkeley with an unexpected but tantalizing opportunity to work as a high class companion for wealthy, traveling businessmen. Returning with Peter to the limo following dinner, and after engaging in a bit of stimulating persuasion... *Not to be confused with stimulating conversation* ...Berkeley accepts the offered opportunity and embarks upon a new chapter in life. Add in the drama that naturally shadows Berkeley's life... a few twists and turns in the plot keeping you on the edge of your seat... and the story picks up... with heat!!!
The author keeps you fully engaged throughout the read, by expertly weaving it all together to create a fast paced, entertaining adventure..... friendship, romance, espionage, intrigue and suspense all mingle in a cohesive fashion.... as you travel with the sassy Berkeley... looking on as he samples food... fine wine... and men (!!!) from all over the globe in true Royal Service style!
April 2, 2017
I have read every book LJ Collins has written and every time the last one is the best! So, there’s no surprise here. I read Royal Service (book #5 in the series), and guess what? It’s the best book yet. LJ Collins does magic with his characters. They weave themselves into your heart, and they get under your skin. I love Berkeley. He is honest, respectful, strong and courageous even when he’s not happy with some of the decisions he has to make. Royal Service has it all and the intrigue and espionage keeps you turning pages and sitting on the edge of your seat to find out what happens next. This book contained the right amount of sexual content for me. If I only wanted to read about sex I’d buy a top shelf magazine. Having read the series and knowing the main characters background, coming from tough beginnings in the East End of London, I can identify with him having to fight for what he wants, having fought his way up in a dog eat dog world. I cannot wait to see what Berkeley is up to next!
May 2, 2017
~ 3.5 Stars ~
Royal Service is the first book I’ve read by LJ Collins. The sexy story follows Berkeley as he moves into a lucrative and somewhat compromising profession. But he has his looks, his smarts, and his charm to back him up. After all, he caught his lover cheating on him, so what did he have to lose?
The prospect of fast money, enough to retire on after about a year, was enough of a draw to get Berkeley interested, but what he hadn’t counted on was feeling real connections to the men he serviced. And he certainly didn’t expect to get caught in the middle of a multi-million dollar conflict. All of this set the scene for the fast-paced and steamy book.
The part I liked best were the sex scenes. Collins generously gives his “top” men plus-sized endowments which Berkeley takes full pleasure and advantage of. The book had a sort of Harlequin feel to it with names like Berkeley, Sebastian, and Frederick. Declarations of pleasure and desire were spoken, at times, as if the men lived in an earlier era. Although, the actual plot is firmly rooted in the most current, futuristic actually, technology.
The relationships our main character forms with two men in particular were fun to watch. Both Sebastian and Frederick turn out to be people who are far more than patrons of Berkeley’s “royal service”. Other characters have a slightly creep feel to them, but that added to the story as well.
My only real criticism is that there were parts of the story where the author chose to tell us what happened over a period of time. Sometimes this was done to move us forward in time. It also happened close to the end. I’ve always been a firm believer in show, don’t tell, and the author did do a bit of telling here.
But, as a book I read over a vacation break, I enjoyed the time I spent with these characters and feel that the journey was worth it.
Reviewed by Taz for The Novel Approach
Royal Service is the first book I’ve read by LJ Collins. The sexy story follows Berkeley as he moves into a lucrative and somewhat compromising profession. But he has his looks, his smarts, and his charm to back him up. After all, he caught his lover cheating on him, so what did he have to lose?
The prospect of fast money, enough to retire on after about a year, was enough of a draw to get Berkeley interested, but what he hadn’t counted on was feeling real connections to the men he serviced. And he certainly didn’t expect to get caught in the middle of a multi-million dollar conflict. All of this set the scene for the fast-paced and steamy book.
The part I liked best were the sex scenes. Collins generously gives his “top” men plus-sized endowments which Berkeley takes full pleasure and advantage of. The book had a sort of Harlequin feel to it with names like Berkeley, Sebastian, and Frederick. Declarations of pleasure and desire were spoken, at times, as if the men lived in an earlier era. Although, the actual plot is firmly rooted in the most current, futuristic actually, technology.
The relationships our main character forms with two men in particular were fun to watch. Both Sebastian and Frederick turn out to be people who are far more than patrons of Berkeley’s “royal service”. Other characters have a slightly creep feel to them, but that added to the story as well.
My only real criticism is that there were parts of the story where the author chose to tell us what happened over a period of time. Sometimes this was done to move us forward in time. It also happened close to the end. I’ve always been a firm believer in show, don’t tell, and the author did do a bit of telling here.
But, as a book I read over a vacation break, I enjoyed the time I spent with these characters and feel that the journey was worth it.
Reviewed by Taz for The Novel Approach
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews