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Stud Games #1
Un atout dans sa manche
Christian Chatsworth-Brandeis a un problème. Un énorme problème. Le sénateur américain pour lequel il travaille s’est enfui avec sa dernière maîtresse en date à la veille d’un évènement important pour collecter des fonds, le genre d’évènement où ça passe ou ça casse, et c’est à lui de couvrir les traces de son patron irresponsable.
Stone Jackson, le nouveau garde du corps du sénateur, ressemble assez à ce dernier afin que de légers ajustements suffisent à le faire passer pour le Sénateur Lacey. Christian et Stone mettent au point un stratagème pour tromper tout le monde en remplaçant le sénateur par Stone, mais la folie qui règne à Miami et la chaleur incandescente qui surgit entre eux leur mettent des bâtons dans les roues. Une course s’engage alors pour trouver le sénateur et mettre fin à l’arnaque du siècle avant que l’attraction entre eux devienne totalement hors de contrôle.
Stone Jackson, le nouveau garde du corps du sénateur, ressemble assez à ce dernier afin que de légers ajustements suffisent à le faire passer pour le Sénateur Lacey. Christian et Stone mettent au point un stratagème pour tromper tout le monde en remplaçant le sénateur par Stone, mais la folie qui règne à Miami et la chaleur incandescente qui surgit entre eux leur mettent des bâtons dans les roues. Une course s’engage alors pour trouver le sénateur et mettre fin à l’arnaque du siècle avant que l’attraction entre eux devienne totalement hors de contrôle.
189 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2016
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162 people want to read
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July 15, 2020
Dirty politics, unfortunately, is not exactly news these days. But give me the promise of extra-dirty politics, a conflicted PR manager trying to keep a US senator out of the tabloids, a hot bodyguard trying to keep that same senator alive, and a seemingly impossible mission to keep the fundraisers going while said senator vanishes into thin air – with his latest mistress - now that sounds like an unusual and very promising setup. And ‘Ace in the Hole’ delivers in spades. Christian and Stone are intriguing men just by themselves, but put them together and you get fireworks on more than one level. The mystery of what happened to the senator, who is trying to kill him, and how the heck Christian and Stone are going to cover for his disappearance had me glued to the pages. Not to forget some truly fun secondary characters and a few twists and turns in the plot, and the result is a novel I enjoyed reading.
Christian is a complex character. He is a senator’s aide and a decent, honorable man. But even though his views are not always in line with what his employer believes, he has a need to be perfect at his job. He has something to prove, after all, so he refuses to fail. I think his dedication is wasted on a scumbag like his boss, but Christian is stubborn and it takes him a little longer to be able to admit that there may be a flaw in his plan.
Stone is tough, uncompromising, and excellent at his job of guarding clients’ lives now that he works for Wildcards, Inc. He used to be employed by some unmentionable, top-secret government unit that isn’t supposed to exist and cannot be discussed, and his experience with them has taught him how to figure out angles of attack and how to think like a sniper. When the senator, whose bodyguard hired Wildcards Inc., refuses to follow Stone’s advice, he quits, not wanting to fail at his job. But then the senator vanishes, Stone gets hired by the senator’s wife, who is a great character in her own right, and he is right back in the thick of some very exciting action.
If you like mysterious stalkers who send death threats and require a former military man to protect their potential victim, if two career-focused men who get somewhat distracted by their attraction sound interesting, and if you’re looking for an exciting, action-packed read that is as suspenseful as it is hot, then you will probably like this novel as much as I do.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.
Christian is a complex character. He is a senator’s aide and a decent, honorable man. But even though his views are not always in line with what his employer believes, he has a need to be perfect at his job. He has something to prove, after all, so he refuses to fail. I think his dedication is wasted on a scumbag like his boss, but Christian is stubborn and it takes him a little longer to be able to admit that there may be a flaw in his plan.
Stone is tough, uncompromising, and excellent at his job of guarding clients’ lives now that he works for Wildcards, Inc. He used to be employed by some unmentionable, top-secret government unit that isn’t supposed to exist and cannot be discussed, and his experience with them has taught him how to figure out angles of attack and how to think like a sniper. When the senator, whose bodyguard hired Wildcards Inc., refuses to follow Stone’s advice, he quits, not wanting to fail at his job. But then the senator vanishes, Stone gets hired by the senator’s wife, who is a great character in her own right, and he is right back in the thick of some very exciting action.
If you like mysterious stalkers who send death threats and require a former military man to protect their potential victim, if two career-focused men who get somewhat distracted by their attraction sound interesting, and if you’re looking for an exciting, action-packed read that is as suspenseful as it is hot, then you will probably like this novel as much as I do.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.
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July 6, 2016I can’t lose with the books coming out from the Dreamspun Desires series. I have said it with each story read and reviewed, these are my happy place and they give me exactly what I need every time.
I will keep this brief because I tend to ramble when I love books.
Told from the dual POV of our MC’s we get a fun and sexy tale of two strong and stubborn men who have finally met their match in every way possible.
I adored the meet cute with Stone and Christian. I loved that they were a perfect mental and physical match for one another and how they got cock blocked too. It lent to the build-up of the UST that is throughout the book and made me want… WANT for their next meeting. Thank goodness I did not have to wait long.
This book was fun. Hands down fun and super sexy. I love it when an author can make me feel the intimate moments without all the porny details associated with sex but just feel through the emotions and new to me author Ava Drake did just that. Don’t get me wrong, the sex is sexy in this but the way the author handled the different times added so much intimacy to the romance.
Christian is stuck in a job with a boss he hates but he’s there to pay his dues. When Stone gets hired to protect the hated boss, the two decide they are off limits physically until Stone’s company dumps the senator because he won’t behave. What happens next gives the men an opportunity to be close to one another and stay together but at what cost?
The things that happen to Stone as Jack Lacey were incredibly fun to read. The way that Stone decides Christian needs to lose a bit of control was hot as all hell and the picture the paparazzi get made me melt. Goodness, there was so much in this that I can’t quite find the words to describe it all but sweet, sexy and swoony are a few that come to mind.
Ace in the Hole was another ace romance for his series about two men who find out the jobs they take are the ones that will lead them to their future in many ways. The fact that this is listed as a Dreamspun book AND Wild Cards #1 makes me hope that we see more of these two down the road.
I will keep this brief because I tend to ramble when I love books.
Told from the dual POV of our MC’s we get a fun and sexy tale of two strong and stubborn men who have finally met their match in every way possible.
I adored the meet cute with Stone and Christian. I loved that they were a perfect mental and physical match for one another and how they got cock blocked too. It lent to the build-up of the UST that is throughout the book and made me want… WANT for their next meeting. Thank goodness I did not have to wait long.
This book was fun. Hands down fun and super sexy. I love it when an author can make me feel the intimate moments without all the porny details associated with sex but just feel through the emotions and new to me author Ava Drake did just that. Don’t get me wrong, the sex is sexy in this but the way the author handled the different times added so much intimacy to the romance.
Christian is stuck in a job with a boss he hates but he’s there to pay his dues. When Stone gets hired to protect the hated boss, the two decide they are off limits physically until Stone’s company dumps the senator because he won’t behave. What happens next gives the men an opportunity to be close to one another and stay together but at what cost?
The things that happen to Stone as Jack Lacey were incredibly fun to read. The way that Stone decides Christian needs to lose a bit of control was hot as all hell and the picture the paparazzi get made me melt. Goodness, there was so much in this that I can’t quite find the words to describe it all but sweet, sexy and swoony are a few that come to mind.
Ace in the Hole was another ace romance for his series about two men who find out the jobs they take are the ones that will lead them to their future in many ways. The fact that this is listed as a Dreamspun book AND Wild Cards #1 makes me hope that we see more of these two down the road.
July 5, 2016
3.5 Stars.
December 9, 2017
Der Schein kann trügen, das beweist Ava Drake in dem ersten Band der Wild Cards.
Zur Handlung. Christian Chatsworth-Brandeis ist die rechte Hand von Senator Jack Lacey und für dessen öffentliche Auftritte zuständig. Kein einfacher Job, besonders dann nicht, wenn sein Chef lieber mit einer Pornodarstellerin durchbrennt, anstatt bei einer Spendengala anwesend zu sein.
Stone Jackson arbeitet für die Sicherheitsfirma Wild Cards und erhält den Auftrag für den Senator als Bodyguard tätig zu sein. Doch obwohl der mehrere Morddrohungen erhält, scheint Jack völlig sorglos zu sein und macht Stone seinen Job unnötig schwer. Wie soll er inmitten von Menschenmassen den Senator schützen, wenn dieser ihn nicht einmal in der Nähe haben will? Am liebsten würde er den Job kündigen, wenn da nur nicht Christian wäre, der genau der Typ Mann ganz nach seinem Geschmack ist.
Das Pairing Christian und Stone hat mir auf Anhieb gefallen. Knisternde Erotik und zwei Alpha-Männchen, die gerne alles unter Kontrolle haben und denen es anfangs schwer fällt, Gefühle zuzulassen. Der Plot an sich ist spannend geschrieben und gewährt Einblicke in die korrupte Welt der Politik.
Die Story erhält von mir 5 Sterne und eine Leseempfehlung.
Mein Dank geht an den Cursed Verlag für das erhaltene Rezensionsexemplar.
Zur Handlung. Christian Chatsworth-Brandeis ist die rechte Hand von Senator Jack Lacey und für dessen öffentliche Auftritte zuständig. Kein einfacher Job, besonders dann nicht, wenn sein Chef lieber mit einer Pornodarstellerin durchbrennt, anstatt bei einer Spendengala anwesend zu sein.
Stone Jackson arbeitet für die Sicherheitsfirma Wild Cards und erhält den Auftrag für den Senator als Bodyguard tätig zu sein. Doch obwohl der mehrere Morddrohungen erhält, scheint Jack völlig sorglos zu sein und macht Stone seinen Job unnötig schwer. Wie soll er inmitten von Menschenmassen den Senator schützen, wenn dieser ihn nicht einmal in der Nähe haben will? Am liebsten würde er den Job kündigen, wenn da nur nicht Christian wäre, der genau der Typ Mann ganz nach seinem Geschmack ist.
Das Pairing Christian und Stone hat mir auf Anhieb gefallen. Knisternde Erotik und zwei Alpha-Männchen, die gerne alles unter Kontrolle haben und denen es anfangs schwer fällt, Gefühle zuzulassen. Der Plot an sich ist spannend geschrieben und gewährt Einblicke in die korrupte Welt der Politik.
Die Story erhält von mir 5 Sterne und eine Leseempfehlung.
Mein Dank geht an den Cursed Verlag für das erhaltene Rezensionsexemplar.
June 28, 2017
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars
WAAAAAY more action that I was expecting. I liked it, and the smexy was good. I see that there are two or three more in the series. I'll likely get them soon. :-)
WAAAAAY more action that I was expecting. I liked it, and the smexy was good. I see that there are two or three more in the series. I'll likely get them soon. :-)
July 1, 2016
What a ride!! What a fabulous ride Ava Drake took me on in this book, first in a new series, but also part of the Dreamspun Desires titles.
I thoroughly enjoyed myself reading this book, even if most of the plot was deliciously OTT, and the characters, other than the MCs, just a wee bit cardboard. Look, I go into the stories in the Dreamspun Desires titles the same way I would approach a Harlequin novel - with expectations of a grandiose romance set against a backdrop of the rich and famous, and taking off my realism glasses completely.
That's how they're meant to be enjoyed, you know.
What the author delivered here though was outstanding - smoking hot romance, tons and tons of sizzling chemistry between Christian and Stone, an interesting plot set against politics and bodyguards, a cheating scoundrel US Senator who runs off with his latest mistress, and did I mention the fabulous romance? Stone and Christian don't just melt the sheets in the bedroom, no, they also make a fantastic team.
Christian is a wee bit high strung, in parts because of his family history and in parts because of his job as senior aide to the above-mentioned cheater. He seems always just one disaster away from losing his mind, but he was kind and awesome with Stone. Super-organized, as one would expect from a political aide, he has a hard time giving up control - except in the bedroom, when Stone bends him this way and that. *fans self*
Stone is the newly hired bodyguard for the above-mentioned cheater. He immediately dislikes his new employer and tries to hide his strong interest in the Senator's aide. Though not for long. Their attraction is mutual, and it's not long before they get it on. He might be a bit rough on the outside, but he tries to do the right thing always, and he has no problem with Christian telling him what to do, outside of the bedroom. He's very supportive of Christian throughout the book, and tries to do what he can to make his life easier.
Thrown together when the Senator runs off with the mistress right before he's supposed to appear at a bunch of fundraisers, Christian plots to use Stone as a double for the Senator - they look alike, even if Stone is younger.
This book is fast-paced, highly engaging, and I had a hard time putting it down until the ending. The mystery of who's threatening the Senator was well done, and I like the intrigue that was woven throughout.
A fantastic addition to this series.
** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher. A positive review was not promised in return. **
I thoroughly enjoyed myself reading this book, even if most of the plot was deliciously OTT, and the characters, other than the MCs, just a wee bit cardboard. Look, I go into the stories in the Dreamspun Desires titles the same way I would approach a Harlequin novel - with expectations of a grandiose romance set against a backdrop of the rich and famous, and taking off my realism glasses completely.
That's how they're meant to be enjoyed, you know.
What the author delivered here though was outstanding - smoking hot romance, tons and tons of sizzling chemistry between Christian and Stone, an interesting plot set against politics and bodyguards, a cheating scoundrel US Senator who runs off with his latest mistress, and did I mention the fabulous romance? Stone and Christian don't just melt the sheets in the bedroom, no, they also make a fantastic team.
Christian is a wee bit high strung, in parts because of his family history and in parts because of his job as senior aide to the above-mentioned cheater. He seems always just one disaster away from losing his mind, but he was kind and awesome with Stone. Super-organized, as one would expect from a political aide, he has a hard time giving up control - except in the bedroom, when Stone bends him this way and that. *fans self*
Stone is the newly hired bodyguard for the above-mentioned cheater. He immediately dislikes his new employer and tries to hide his strong interest in the Senator's aide. Though not for long. Their attraction is mutual, and it's not long before they get it on. He might be a bit rough on the outside, but he tries to do the right thing always, and he has no problem with Christian telling him what to do, outside of the bedroom. He's very supportive of Christian throughout the book, and tries to do what he can to make his life easier.
Thrown together when the Senator runs off with the mistress right before he's supposed to appear at a bunch of fundraisers, Christian plots to use Stone as a double for the Senator - they look alike, even if Stone is younger.
This book is fast-paced, highly engaging, and I had a hard time putting it down until the ending. The mystery of who's threatening the Senator was well done, and I like the intrigue that was woven throughout.
A fantastic addition to this series.
** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher. A positive review was not promised in return. **
July 8, 2016
Totally Improbable Romp
Everything about this one screams "Oh, please!"
Stone Jackson is his name, bodyguard is his game. Sure, he's from Georgia and don't ask why it's not Stonewall. Christian Chatworth-Brandeis, aide to the Senator whom Stone has to protect, presents Stone with a dilemma: They are instantly attracted to each other, can't keep their hands off each other, can't cross the client-consultant divide, so they do. And has anyone realized that the Chatsworth-Brandeis surname is a hilarious twist on uptight Waspish New England gentry crossed with one of the most famous Jewish names in New Enfgland history--and it's never mentioned how oxymoronic that is?
To say nothing, mind you, of the asinine Jack Lacey, Senator from Texas, who sets this whole thing in motion by disappearing, and--well, read the plot in the blurb. Totally unbelievable. And every single minute and chapter works. This is a precious romp, full of holes and completely endearing in its secondary characters.
Jeez, I hope there's a sequel somewhere.
Everything about this one screams "Oh, please!"
Stone Jackson is his name, bodyguard is his game. Sure, he's from Georgia and don't ask why it's not Stonewall. Christian Chatworth-Brandeis, aide to the Senator whom Stone has to protect, presents Stone with a dilemma: They are instantly attracted to each other, can't keep their hands off each other, can't cross the client-consultant divide, so they do. And has anyone realized that the Chatsworth-Brandeis surname is a hilarious twist on uptight Waspish New England gentry crossed with one of the most famous Jewish names in New Enfgland history--and it's never mentioned how oxymoronic that is?
To say nothing, mind you, of the asinine Jack Lacey, Senator from Texas, who sets this whole thing in motion by disappearing, and--well, read the plot in the blurb. Totally unbelievable. And every single minute and chapter works. This is a precious romp, full of holes and completely endearing in its secondary characters.
Jeez, I hope there's a sequel somewhere.
October 15, 2016
When Christian Chatsworth-Brandeis signed on to be a senator’s aide, he never knew he would wind up in this position. The senator has taken off with his mistress and there is a major event coming up that he cannot miss. Stone Jackson, the new bodyguard, looks enough like the senator to pass for him with some grooming. One of the major problem is the growing heat between them that may derail their plans.
This is story that is fun to read. You never knew what would happen next as Christian tries to keep his senator’s work on track. Add in some reporters and the senator’s wife and you have a recipe for disaster. What happens? You will need to pick up this book to find. Hijinks never looked so good. Dreamspinner has a created an amazing line. The books, like this one, are fun and very satisfying.
This is story that is fun to read. You never knew what would happen next as Christian tries to keep his senator’s work on track. Add in some reporters and the senator’s wife and you have a recipe for disaster. What happens? You will need to pick up this book to find. Hijinks never looked so good. Dreamspinner has a created an amazing line. The books, like this one, are fun and very satisfying.
October 7, 2016
Loved this. It was a crazy, trope-filled romance just as the Dreamspun Desire range promised.
Update
Listened to audio. Enjoyed it just as much in this format. Narrator did a good job.
Update
Listened to audio. Enjoyed it just as much in this format. Narrator did a good job.
July 30, 2017
Ace in the Hole
A man's man with a gay slant…
Ex-military, turned high-class security guard, Stone Jackson has had his fair share of prima-dona clients, but Senator Jack Lacey of the state of Texas takes the cakes. Lacey is definitely number one for lack of co-operation. Stone soon discovers that Christian Chatsworth-Brandeis, Lacey's number one aid, shares a similarly low opinion of the Senator. Stone and Christian soon find themselves attracted, but romance is definitely off limits while both work for the Senator. Can this romance go anywhere, and even more, can Stone carry out his job to protect the Senator?
Get ready for an action packed adventure, full of intrigue and uncertainties. The novel opens with a high powered chapter describing Stone and Christian's first encounter, and continues on, thrusting the reader into circumstance after circumstance as the highly entertaining plot continues. The book is part mystery, part romance, part thriller, and part action adventure. As you can see, there is something in it for many people of varying tastes. Ava Drake is a talented, award-winning novelist, and she does not let her readers down with this instalment. The writing is smooth and tight, and the characterisation is interesting. Sometimes Drake writes from Stone's point of view, and sometimes from Christian's. We see into the lives and minds of both men.
Stone is definitely an alpha male, and his high risk life has led him to put a hold on his emotions. He is outwardly gruff, but inwardly looking for love. He is certainly a hero. He is probably the man many men would want to be. But his relationship with Christian will take him into new regions of self-development that he thought were solely for others. Stone is a gay man without anything like the effeminate characteristics which many imagine accompanies this orientation. Christian is a committed sportsmen as well as a successful political attaché. Many men would like to see themselves in his role. The reader likes both Stone and Christian, and hopes for the best for them. Both men must learn to keep their masculinity, while giving of themselves to another.
This is not really a theme based novel, but nonetheless Drake asks what is success, and what does it take to get it? What are we willing to sacrifice to make it in the world? What do we have to give up to be a winner, if anything? These are particularly important questions for men, whatever their sexual orientation. So often feelings and relationships are sacrificed for success. Even heterosexual married men give these things up, believing they are doing the best thing for their family, only to find that everyone suffers.
I certainly enjoyed reading this novel. It was good to read a fun adventure that also said something about people, relationships, and life. I am happy to award this novel five stars.
March 1, 2017
Interesting and action packed, but occasionally stretching my suspension of disbelief.
Christian is the staff aide for a senator (one that is a real jerk). He hates his boss but he does his job well; after all, it's a means to an end to climb to a job he wants. He is gay but doesn't much have time to focus on relationships.
Stone is a bodyguard for Wild Cards Inc. He has just been assigned to protect Senator Lacey. When he arrives early he meets a man that he would love a night with- but it is interrupted by work. When he finds out that man is the Senator's aide he knows anything else is off limits. But when the Senator refuses protection a night is back on the books- until the Senator disappears.
I found that the body actor thing at times just seemed a bit much. It was weird, because at times it seemed perfectly plausible. After all, people will use an actor at an event if they are truly worried for their safety and trying to draw out a threat. Yet the ways they presented Stone becoming the Senator just felt unbelievable at times.
The other point that irked me was Christian and Stone's refusal to be with each other. They kept insisting they couldn't do anything because they worked together. Then they would get together. Then say it had to stop again. It was such a cycle and it occasionally got annoying. While a work relationship may not always be recommendable, when it is clearly happening you need to stop denying it just because of work.
When things finally started progressing I rather enjoyed the story. The action was interesting and the relationship was hot. It was a good read after that point and I really liked the possibilities as well as the ending.
Christian is the staff aide for a senator (one that is a real jerk). He hates his boss but he does his job well; after all, it's a means to an end to climb to a job he wants. He is gay but doesn't much have time to focus on relationships.
Stone is a bodyguard for Wild Cards Inc. He has just been assigned to protect Senator Lacey. When he arrives early he meets a man that he would love a night with- but it is interrupted by work. When he finds out that man is the Senator's aide he knows anything else is off limits. But when the Senator refuses protection a night is back on the books- until the Senator disappears.
I found that the body actor thing at times just seemed a bit much. It was weird, because at times it seemed perfectly plausible. After all, people will use an actor at an event if they are truly worried for their safety and trying to draw out a threat. Yet the ways they presented Stone becoming the Senator just felt unbelievable at times.
The other point that irked me was Christian and Stone's refusal to be with each other. They kept insisting they couldn't do anything because they worked together. Then they would get together. Then say it had to stop again. It was such a cycle and it occasionally got annoying. While a work relationship may not always be recommendable, when it is clearly happening you need to stop denying it just because of work.
When things finally started progressing I rather enjoyed the story. The action was interesting and the relationship was hot. It was a good read after that point and I really liked the possibilities as well as the ending.
August 12, 2017
Stone Jackson, Senator Lacey's bodyguard, must impersonate the senator when the senator takes off with his latest mistress. Christian is the senator's top aide and it was his idea to use to Stone pull off the ruse.
The reason Stone was hired is the threat on the senator's life. Or is it a real threat? Loved the fact that the reader was kept in the dark just as Stone and Christian were.
One of the best stories I've read this year. Would recommend this to anyone who likes action and suspense with their love stories. I love that both men are strong and both want to look out for, and protect the other.
The reason Stone was hired is the threat on the senator's life. Or is it a real threat? Loved the fact that the reader was kept in the dark just as Stone and Christian were.
One of the best stories I've read this year. Would recommend this to anyone who likes action and suspense with their love stories. I love that both men are strong and both want to look out for, and protect the other.
April 22, 2019
Oh, I love this story! How it is that I haven't read anything by this author earlier?
It was funny, and sexy and full of suspense. The characters are simply great: interesting, smart, three-dimensional and engaging, you are wishing them a happy ending almost from their very hot beginning :P
And the plot works beautifully; it's smart, without unnecessary twists and turns, and will keep you glued to the pages (or your phone, in my case :P) until the end.
I'm going to go to find more books by this author ASAP :D
PS: Oh, I forgot to say it, but John Solo's narration is fantastic.
It was funny, and sexy and full of suspense. The characters are simply great: interesting, smart, three-dimensional and engaging, you are wishing them a happy ending almost from their very hot beginning :P
And the plot works beautifully; it's smart, without unnecessary twists and turns, and will keep you glued to the pages (or your phone, in my case :P) until the end.
I'm going to go to find more books by this author ASAP :D
PS: Oh, I forgot to say it, but John Solo's narration is fantastic.
November 23, 2019
I have mixed feelings about this new to me author. The storyline was interesting. The banter and heat between Christian and Stone was at times funny, sweet, hot, confused, angry and steamy! What I struggled with was the way Christian was outed just to make a bigoted congressman look good to his supporters. I felt the ending was way too rushed and not tied up neatly. The epilogue was ok and at least they got their hea.
September 30, 2019
Two equally strong main characters. Both accustomed to being in control. The situation they find themselves in is comical. Being carried along with the characters as they figure out how to keep their jobs, fall for each other, and learn how to give up control to the other was definitely interesting. I really enjoyed this book. Good job.
July 31, 2022
I forgot to review.
I liked this one.
Stone looking so much like the senator was hard to picture.
But it was an easy going read. Pretty cute.
Not something I think I'd re-read, but fun in the moment.
I liked this one.
Stone looking so much like the senator was hard to picture.
But it was an easy going read. Pretty cute.
Not something I think I'd re-read, but fun in the moment.
March 27, 2017
Cute and sweet as expected from this series. The action is pretty good and the story flows. One of the better books in this Dreamspun series IMHO.
February 7, 2018
Enjoyable and entertaining.
July 30, 2019
3.5 Stars
August 3, 2019
A cool little story about a shady political dude who takes off and leaves his staff to clean up his mess. Love, comedy, and action ensue.
July 14, 2020
This book is unique. I say that because even though there is a somewhat serious aspect about the book, there is also a huge amount of humor as well. I loved it! The combination of the two made this book so enjoyable all the way to the very last line in the read.
Christian is an aide to a senator from Texas named Jack Lacey. Jack is not the easiest person to work with, that is for sure. He his married but often has wandering hands, eyes, and more. Christian is constantly putting out fires where the senator’s affairs are concerned. But not only that, his views on most subjects around politics are vastly different from Christian’s personal opinions. So it makes the job very difficult to say the least. Christian just has to keep his eye on his prize. He needs the recommendation from the senator to get the job he truly wants, which is with the US Justice Department.
When a viable threat against the senator’s life comes in, Christian and Tucker (head of security) decide to bring in extra help. That is where “Wild Cards Inc.” comes in. Though the senator does not want the extra security, any more than the security he already has, he is given no choice in the matter.
Stone is brought in to help keep the senator alive. Little do Christian or Stone realize that this would not be their first meeting. They actually met the night before and had an almost one-night stand until they were rudely interrupted by work calling. So when Stone walks into the senator’s suite in Miami and sees the man who captivated him so much the previous night, he is thrown for a loop.
Both men decide that nothing can ever come of the night before because the job comes first for both of them. It quickly becomes apparent just how little the senator values having security to protect him. So much so that Stone makes the call to Wild Cards to pull out of the job. The company will not put their reputation on the line for a man who refuses to allow security to do their jobs.
Just when Stone is ready to leave and has let Christian know of the company’s decision to pull out of the job, both men decide to take advantage of the little time they have left together. Then the unthinkable happens... the senator turns out to be missing.
Stone decides even though he technically does not have to stay and help that he will. Finding the senator is of upmost importance. But when it becomes clear that they will not be able find him before a very important appearance, Christian comes up with a hairbrained idea. If they are lucky and can pull it off, it just may save the senator and his upcoming reelection.
What will happen when Christian and Stone continue to grow closer and their feelings for each other become more then just attraction? Will they be able to find the senator in time before he blows all his chances to be reelected? And what about the threat to the senator? All this and so much more will be answered and it may just blow your mind in the end!
This was a very good read. I enjoyed every moment of this book. I definitely recommend it to others.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Christian is an aide to a senator from Texas named Jack Lacey. Jack is not the easiest person to work with, that is for sure. He his married but often has wandering hands, eyes, and more. Christian is constantly putting out fires where the senator’s affairs are concerned. But not only that, his views on most subjects around politics are vastly different from Christian’s personal opinions. So it makes the job very difficult to say the least. Christian just has to keep his eye on his prize. He needs the recommendation from the senator to get the job he truly wants, which is with the US Justice Department.
When a viable threat against the senator’s life comes in, Christian and Tucker (head of security) decide to bring in extra help. That is where “Wild Cards Inc.” comes in. Though the senator does not want the extra security, any more than the security he already has, he is given no choice in the matter.
Stone is brought in to help keep the senator alive. Little do Christian or Stone realize that this would not be their first meeting. They actually met the night before and had an almost one-night stand until they were rudely interrupted by work calling. So when Stone walks into the senator’s suite in Miami and sees the man who captivated him so much the previous night, he is thrown for a loop.
Both men decide that nothing can ever come of the night before because the job comes first for both of them. It quickly becomes apparent just how little the senator values having security to protect him. So much so that Stone makes the call to Wild Cards to pull out of the job. The company will not put their reputation on the line for a man who refuses to allow security to do their jobs.
Just when Stone is ready to leave and has let Christian know of the company’s decision to pull out of the job, both men decide to take advantage of the little time they have left together. Then the unthinkable happens... the senator turns out to be missing.
Stone decides even though he technically does not have to stay and help that he will. Finding the senator is of upmost importance. But when it becomes clear that they will not be able find him before a very important appearance, Christian comes up with a hairbrained idea. If they are lucky and can pull it off, it just may save the senator and his upcoming reelection.
What will happen when Christian and Stone continue to grow closer and their feelings for each other become more then just attraction? Will they be able to find the senator in time before he blows all his chances to be reelected? And what about the threat to the senator? All this and so much more will be answered and it may just blow your mind in the end!
This was a very good read. I enjoyed every moment of this book. I definitely recommend it to others.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
June 18, 2020
I really enjoyed this romantic drama. There are two strong men who grow to appreciate each other, after their initial spark of attraction, whilst working to cover up the disappearance of the senator, Stone's client and Christian's boss.
There is a lot of subterfuge throughout this story. Mainly with the main plot point of Stone taking the senator's place for public appearances as they work to find him and bring the man back but also in the political aspect as you read the possibilities of what goes on behind closed doors. They are also trying to keep a lid on the threats that the senator has been receiving, not wanting to draw attention to it.
Stone is definitely out of his element and it's fun to see him take on this role, so completely different from standing in the shadows as he has to step out on stage and act as another person. Christian has taken on so much pressure and stress with his job basically putting out the fires and covering up for his boss, even to the man's wife. His ambition to do good work is what keeps him where he is at the moment as well as proving to himself to his family who are not the most supportive people.
There are sparks that fly between Stone and Christian from their first meeting in the hotel bar and it just continues through, even when they realise they'll be working together and try to behave. The con that they try to pull off, if anything, brings them closer as they fine tune Stone's acting whilst trying to locate the senator. They work in close quarters and get to know each other a lot better than they would have otherwise. Feelings seem to grow without either man knowing until it's too late for them and the only thing they want is each other. There are a lot of hot moments that they share but I loved that some of their most intense ones didn't even have to go all the way, the emotions spoke enough for themselves.
It all culminates in several big dramatic moments followed by a big reveal. It's a lot to keep the reader entertained and I loved the outcome overall for the MC's and the Senator. So easy to tell how much everyone around him disliked him, especially his wife and other staff, none of whom he treated with respect.
I liked the story, the relationship that developed between Stone and Christian, and the big con they try and pull off. It was fun to read, not all of it believable but I think that helped with the entertainment factor. Having two such large characters, physically and mentally, worked well as they may not be men that you would necessarily match up together and seemed to be on different paths but clicked from the first instance and it all flowed for them from then on.
There is a lot of subterfuge throughout this story. Mainly with the main plot point of Stone taking the senator's place for public appearances as they work to find him and bring the man back but also in the political aspect as you read the possibilities of what goes on behind closed doors. They are also trying to keep a lid on the threats that the senator has been receiving, not wanting to draw attention to it.
Stone is definitely out of his element and it's fun to see him take on this role, so completely different from standing in the shadows as he has to step out on stage and act as another person. Christian has taken on so much pressure and stress with his job basically putting out the fires and covering up for his boss, even to the man's wife. His ambition to do good work is what keeps him where he is at the moment as well as proving to himself to his family who are not the most supportive people.
There are sparks that fly between Stone and Christian from their first meeting in the hotel bar and it just continues through, even when they realise they'll be working together and try to behave. The con that they try to pull off, if anything, brings them closer as they fine tune Stone's acting whilst trying to locate the senator. They work in close quarters and get to know each other a lot better than they would have otherwise. Feelings seem to grow without either man knowing until it's too late for them and the only thing they want is each other. There are a lot of hot moments that they share but I loved that some of their most intense ones didn't even have to go all the way, the emotions spoke enough for themselves.
It all culminates in several big dramatic moments followed by a big reveal. It's a lot to keep the reader entertained and I loved the outcome overall for the MC's and the Senator. So easy to tell how much everyone around him disliked him, especially his wife and other staff, none of whom he treated with respect.
I liked the story, the relationship that developed between Stone and Christian, and the big con they try and pull off. It was fun to read, not all of it believable but I think that helped with the entertainment factor. Having two such large characters, physically and mentally, worked well as they may not be men that you would necessarily match up together and seemed to be on different paths but clicked from the first instance and it all flowed for them from then on.
November 18, 2016
Christian Chatsworth-Brandeis is aide to a real idiot of a senator, Jack Lacey. Christian’s really a good and honest guy, his views are different from the senators, but he has a goal—to be perfect at what he does because he wants something better for himself. And he has a special talent for knowing how to juggle all the balls, keeping the senator on the straight and narrow. Or, not so much! When the senator takes off with someone who is not his wife, and is nowhere to be found, Christian has to scramble to come up with a plan. He drags none other than Stone Jackson, the designated bodyguard for the senator, into this plan. With a little makeover, Stone looks almost like the senator. Can they pull this off and fool the constituents, Mrs. Jill Lacey, and the paparazzi until they can get the senator back?
Stone is ex-military and works for Wild Cards, Inc., a top secret security firm. Stone is every bit a rough around the edges, take no prisoners kind of bodyguard. He, like Christian, also has the need to be perfect at what he does. But he and Christian both have a weakness—each other!
Some may think the attraction for them is too fast, but who cares? They are just hot and cute together. They are made for each other, make a great team, and have a lot of balls to juggle to keep the charade going.
Ava Drake created a crazy, funny and adorable story, but also made it a good mystery with a serious and dangerous side. Because of the senator’s stupidity and prejudices, he hurt and put other’s lives in danger. I’m curious about two other characters that pop up occasionally, Martin Wylde and Peregrine Cardiffee, founders of Wild Card Inc. I hope there will be a story about them at some point.
Now, I’ve listened to a few audios by John Solo and was somewhat disappointed at times, but I think he did a really good job on Ace In the Hole, with the different voices that each fit the characters. He did a really good job with Stone Jackson, and gave him that bit of a sexy growl and Georgia drawl. Christian’s voice had a prim and proper tone that so fit his character. He brought out the humor, emotions, and a serious side to his narration too. Between the e-book, audiobook, or both, I’d pick both.
Reviewed by Maryann for The Novel Approach Reviews
Stone is ex-military and works for Wild Cards, Inc., a top secret security firm. Stone is every bit a rough around the edges, take no prisoners kind of bodyguard. He, like Christian, also has the need to be perfect at what he does. But he and Christian both have a weakness—each other!
Some may think the attraction for them is too fast, but who cares? They are just hot and cute together. They are made for each other, make a great team, and have a lot of balls to juggle to keep the charade going.
Ava Drake created a crazy, funny and adorable story, but also made it a good mystery with a serious and dangerous side. Because of the senator’s stupidity and prejudices, he hurt and put other’s lives in danger. I’m curious about two other characters that pop up occasionally, Martin Wylde and Peregrine Cardiffee, founders of Wild Card Inc. I hope there will be a story about them at some point.
Now, I’ve listened to a few audios by John Solo and was somewhat disappointed at times, but I think he did a really good job on Ace In the Hole, with the different voices that each fit the characters. He did a really good job with Stone Jackson, and gave him that bit of a sexy growl and Georgia drawl. Christian’s voice had a prim and proper tone that so fit his character. He brought out the humor, emotions, and a serious side to his narration too. Between the e-book, audiobook, or both, I’d pick both.
Reviewed by Maryann for The Novel Approach Reviews
July 5, 2016
***Missing Senators and Illicit Affairs, Oh My!***
This book is seriously over the top - and it was so much fun! Stone is a rough-around-the-edges, take-no-crap, top notch bodyguard, and he’s been assigned to one of the biggest security nightmares in his career. The senator he’s been sent to wants nothing to do with security and, in fact, is staying at the worst possible hotel for security completely on purpose! Death threats? Bah, who cares?! When the senator goes missing of his own free will, well, what’s a bodyguard to do?
Christian loathes his boss, but he loves his job as aide to a senator. Desperately needing a break one evening, he heads to the bar of the hotel. When he sees a gorgeous guy hanging out, he has no qualms about hooking up with the handsome stranger - until said stranger turns out to be the newest member of Christian’s boss’ security team. Awkward!
I giggled my way through this book. I felt so badly for Stone. Despite the fact that he agreed to masquerade, he was so obviously out of his element that it was nearly farcical. Ms. Drake did an excellent job portraying the moral dilemmas Stone faced repeatedly. The plot is rather predictable, but I’ve come to realize that is the norm with a Dreamspun Desires book, so okay. The characters are fleshed out well, there is sizzling chemistry between the two main characters from the start, and the frustration they face in trying to not be together for the sake of the job is written nicely. The whodunit wasn’t glaringly obvious, though it wasn’t particularly difficult, either. This is a fun read, and I’m rating it at 3.5 stars, rounding up for sites that don’t take halves. Give it a try - I’m looking forward to the next in the series!
This book is seriously over the top - and it was so much fun! Stone is a rough-around-the-edges, take-no-crap, top notch bodyguard, and he’s been assigned to one of the biggest security nightmares in his career. The senator he’s been sent to wants nothing to do with security and, in fact, is staying at the worst possible hotel for security completely on purpose! Death threats? Bah, who cares?! When the senator goes missing of his own free will, well, what’s a bodyguard to do?
Christian loathes his boss, but he loves his job as aide to a senator. Desperately needing a break one evening, he heads to the bar of the hotel. When he sees a gorgeous guy hanging out, he has no qualms about hooking up with the handsome stranger - until said stranger turns out to be the newest member of Christian’s boss’ security team. Awkward!
I giggled my way through this book. I felt so badly for Stone. Despite the fact that he agreed to masquerade, he was so obviously out of his element that it was nearly farcical. Ms. Drake did an excellent job portraying the moral dilemmas Stone faced repeatedly. The plot is rather predictable, but I’ve come to realize that is the norm with a Dreamspun Desires book, so okay. The characters are fleshed out well, there is sizzling chemistry between the two main characters from the start, and the frustration they face in trying to not be together for the sake of the job is written nicely. The whodunit wasn’t glaringly obvious, though it wasn’t particularly difficult, either. This is a fun read, and I’m rating it at 3.5 stars, rounding up for sites that don’t take halves. Give it a try - I’m looking forward to the next in the series!
July 28, 2016
Another in my favorite Dreamspun Desires stories, this author was new to me, and I enjoyed this cute romance, even though politics are not usually my thing.
Senator Jack Lacey is the kind of guy I love to hate. Actually, he reminds me of certain well-known politicians who’ve been around a while. This guy is brash, shoves most of the daily work load on his senior aide, and is a well-known womanizer. In short, give him a quick briefing on the topic he needs to speak about, and then leave him alone with his woman du jour.
The senior aide happens to be Christian Chatsworth-Brandeis, a smart, suave, sophisticated, personable young man. One who also happens to be a triathlete, stunning to look at, and a pleasure to be with. He can’t help it if he becomes speechless when Stone Jackson shows up to augment the security detail when the senator has received viable death threats. Though they try to avoid it, the two end up having the most memorable night of their lives.
When Jack disappears with a porn star and sails to Barbados, all of Christian’s plans to use his job as a ladder to a position in the Justice Department look like they’re going up in smoke—until he realizes that Stone looks enough like Jack to pull off an impersonation. And Stone remarkably agrees, mostly because he knows whoever the assassin is will simply target Jack another time, or worse, go after his wife or Christian instead.
This was an interesting, somewhat farcical romp through the political scene with lots of hot, Alpha sex thrown in. And of course, even though it takes them awhile, the heroes do eventually get their HEA.
3.5 stars rounded up.
Senator Jack Lacey is the kind of guy I love to hate. Actually, he reminds me of certain well-known politicians who’ve been around a while. This guy is brash, shoves most of the daily work load on his senior aide, and is a well-known womanizer. In short, give him a quick briefing on the topic he needs to speak about, and then leave him alone with his woman du jour.
The senior aide happens to be Christian Chatsworth-Brandeis, a smart, suave, sophisticated, personable young man. One who also happens to be a triathlete, stunning to look at, and a pleasure to be with. He can’t help it if he becomes speechless when Stone Jackson shows up to augment the security detail when the senator has received viable death threats. Though they try to avoid it, the two end up having the most memorable night of their lives.
When Jack disappears with a porn star and sails to Barbados, all of Christian’s plans to use his job as a ladder to a position in the Justice Department look like they’re going up in smoke—until he realizes that Stone looks enough like Jack to pull off an impersonation. And Stone remarkably agrees, mostly because he knows whoever the assassin is will simply target Jack another time, or worse, go after his wife or Christian instead.
This was an interesting, somewhat farcical romp through the political scene with lots of hot, Alpha sex thrown in. And of course, even though it takes them awhile, the heroes do eventually get their HEA.
3.5 stars rounded up.
July 17, 2016
The blurb sets up the main story – and the main story is the center piece of the book. Though the relationship building between Stone and Christian is certainly part of this, the intrigue and politics are center stage.
**
When Christian and Stone first meet it’s very, very hot. Christian hasn’t been “topped” in forever due to his name and career, so when toppy Stone comes in and manhandles him, it was very sexy. But the story quickly changes after that point.
Instead of the frenemies and angry sex and the beginning of a relationship I was expecting I got way more political intrigue than I wanted.
That alone wouldn’t have bothered me if it weren’t for the HFN ending that was so tepid. I just didn’t feel the strong romance with these guys that I longed for. There was lots of chemistry but not many feels. I’m not sure if the following books in Ava Drake’s series are meant to be about these guys or new characters, but I hope it’s about these guys and we get more. I’d definitely read more about them if I was guaranteed more feels.
So… if action/adventure/politics are your thing – this was easy to read and fun, but if a sweet romance is what you’re looking for – keep looking.
3 of 5 stars
**
When Christian and Stone first meet it’s very, very hot. Christian hasn’t been “topped” in forever due to his name and career, so when toppy Stone comes in and manhandles him, it was very sexy. But the story quickly changes after that point.
Instead of the frenemies and angry sex and the beginning of a relationship I was expecting I got way more political intrigue than I wanted.
That alone wouldn’t have bothered me if it weren’t for the HFN ending that was so tepid. I just didn’t feel the strong romance with these guys that I longed for. There was lots of chemistry but not many feels. I’m not sure if the following books in Ava Drake’s series are meant to be about these guys or new characters, but I hope it’s about these guys and we get more. I’d definitely read more about them if I was guaranteed more feels.
So… if action/adventure/politics are your thing – this was easy to read and fun, but if a sweet romance is what you’re looking for – keep looking.
3 of 5 stars
August 18, 2016
Ace in the Hole by Ava Drake had a lot going on. It was political mystery and an alpha romance rolled into one. The senator’s bodyguard, Stone Jackson, falls for the senator’s aide, Christian Chatworth-Brandeis. They give lip service to fighting their attraction once they realize how closely they must work, but they wind up in bed too many times for the reader to buy either of them making a true effort.
While I love Stone and Christian as alpha males, the ridiculousness of plot of Ace in the Hole killed the book’s allure for me. The events were too outrageous for any amount of believability. For example, with media cameras infiltrating every second of politicians’ lives, how would a decent public relations team agree to switching a runaway senator with his aide? There’s simply no way that no one would catch on. The whole book was riddled with similar instances, which made it very difficult to suspend my disbelief for any of it. This is just my opinion and I have no doubt many readers will have a different experience. If you like an alpha romance that doesn’t make you think too hard, Ace in the Hole may be for you.
Reviewed by Liz Cat for Crystal’s Many Reviewers
*Copy provided for review*
While I love Stone and Christian as alpha males, the ridiculousness of plot of Ace in the Hole killed the book’s allure for me. The events were too outrageous for any amount of believability. For example, with media cameras infiltrating every second of politicians’ lives, how would a decent public relations team agree to switching a runaway senator with his aide? There’s simply no way that no one would catch on. The whole book was riddled with similar instances, which made it very difficult to suspend my disbelief for any of it. This is just my opinion and I have no doubt many readers will have a different experience. If you like an alpha romance that doesn’t make you think too hard, Ace in the Hole may be for you.
Reviewed by Liz Cat for Crystal’s Many Reviewers
*Copy provided for review*
September 6, 2016
REVIEW OF AUDIOBOOK; SEPT 5, 2015
Narrator: John Solo
Good plot but the writing was, for the most part, full of cliched phrases and clunky - lots of "...and then...and then..." Reminded me of poor essay writing from high schoolers. While sexual attraction is easy to buy into, a casual hookup developing into a romance and an HEA is much harder and I found the insta-love too implausible. I would have liked it more if the romance was a little slower in developing but it was rushed through. There were character inconsistencies - like the senator being such a bigot, mouthing some really politically-incorrect things yet Stone mentions how it's a pity he was so charismatic. Stone is also supposed to be inexperienced when it comes to bottoming - he sure didn't act like it.
Overall, a bit of a disappoint because while I enjoy political themes in my romance, the execution of this one was weak. I couldn't help but compare it to another MM political romance I read earlier this year - Enemies of the State - by Tal Bauer, an example of how I like my MM romance.
Narrator: John Solo
Good plot but the writing was, for the most part, full of cliched phrases and clunky - lots of "...and then...and then..." Reminded me of poor essay writing from high schoolers. While sexual attraction is easy to buy into, a casual hookup developing into a romance and an HEA is much harder and I found the insta-love too implausible. I would have liked it more if the romance was a little slower in developing but it was rushed through. There were character inconsistencies - like the senator being such a bigot, mouthing some really politically-incorrect things yet Stone mentions how it's a pity he was so charismatic. Stone is also supposed to be inexperienced when it comes to bottoming - he sure didn't act like it.
Overall, a bit of a disappoint because while I enjoy political themes in my romance, the execution of this one was weak. I couldn't help but compare it to another MM political romance I read earlier this year - Enemies of the State - by Tal Bauer, an example of how I like my MM romance.
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