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Code Name: Liberty
In the summer of 1980, the news is full of the upcoming election and the hostage crisis in Iran but Patrick Henry Burke is not paying any attention. He’s met a Persian prince and his head is full of romance.
All of that changes though when a sexy CIA agent approaches him and asks that he spy on the prince and his father. They’re attempting to prevent the hostages from being released to guarantee Carter won’t win the presidency in hopes that the Reagan administration will be grateful enough to assist the prince’s father in becoming the new Shah of Iran.
As Patrick gathers information about an impending illegal weapons deal, he struggles to understand who might be lying to him and who might be telling the truth.
All of that changes though when a sexy CIA agent approaches him and asks that he spy on the prince and his father. They’re attempting to prevent the hostages from being released to guarantee Carter won’t win the presidency in hopes that the Reagan administration will be grateful enough to assist the prince’s father in becoming the new Shah of Iran.
As Patrick gathers information about an impending illegal weapons deal, he struggles to understand who might be lying to him and who might be telling the truth.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2019
53 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
About the author
Marshall Thornton
56 books629 followersThree-time Lambda Award-winning author, Marshall Thornton is best known for the Boystown and Pinx Video mystery series. Other novels include the erotic comedy The Perils of Praline, or the Amorous Adventures of a Southern Gentleman in Hollywood, Desert Run and Full Release. Marshall has an MFA in screenwriting from UCLA, where he received the Carl David Memorial Fellowship and was recognized in the Samuel Goldwyn Writing awards.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
September 6, 2019
I have to admit, I didn't know EXACTLY what to expect from this novel. Yes, I read the blurb, I knew there would be history (the hostage crisis in Iran), politics(Reagan vs. Carter), of course a gay mystery (this time a SPY mystery) and...
...a love story... (or love stories?)
O-KEY. Meanwhile we know that not romance author Marshall Thornton COULD write not only a great mystery but (hobby-shly) also romance novels that effortlessly win awards.
Code Name: Liberty is a MUST read for all Marshall Thornton fans, this book fulfills totally their expectations. You have a spy thriller, real historical events, the insight into the the political situation at that time, a fictional well-plotted story-line and - VERY IMPORTANT!-a typical MT's humor.
The beginning - thrilling.
The ending - with WOW-effect.
Without giving too much away...
...maybe a bit too over-political in some parts in the middle of the story for my taste. But please, don't misinterpret the cover: don't choose this book BECAUSE of it, but do it because of the AUTHOR or the BLURB.
I really appreciate the research the author did, I googled while reading- what is always a plus factor for me.
I admire the skill to be able to write with humor about the very serious themes.
***ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for a honest review.***
...a love story... (or love stories?)
O-KEY. Meanwhile we know that not romance author Marshall Thornton COULD write not only a great mystery but (hobby-shly) also romance novels that effortlessly win awards.
Code Name: Liberty is a MUST read for all Marshall Thornton fans, this book fulfills totally their expectations. You have a spy thriller, real historical events, the insight into the the political situation at that time, a fictional well-plotted story-line and - VERY IMPORTANT!-a typical MT's humor.
The beginning - thrilling.
The ending - with WOW-effect.
Without giving too much away...
...maybe a bit too over-political in some parts in the middle of the story for my taste. But please, don't misinterpret the cover: don't choose this book BECAUSE of it, but do it because of the AUTHOR or the BLURB. I really appreciate the research the author did, I googled while reading- what is always a plus factor for me. I admire the skill to be able to write with humor about the very serious themes.***ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for a honest review.***
January 3, 2021
3,5⭐️
It was a sexy funny thriller until it wasn't.
The first 70% - 5⭐️ read for me.
It was a sexy funny thriller until it wasn't.
The first 70% - 5⭐️ read for me.
March 16, 2020
“A hair divides what is false and true.”– Omar Khayyam
Code Name: Liberty is a poignant, well research , relevant and interesting story. I enjoyed reading it.
In 1979 and 1980 , I was 10 /11 years old. And even though, I wasn't born in the United States; world events and US politics, were of interest and discussed at school, at home, and yes, I read the newspaper. Have been a bookworm all of my life.
It was also, significant to us as a family, 'cause during that time, my parents were thinking about moving to the U.S. , as the international company my dad worked , wanted to transfers him here.
Anyways, I remember , listening to my parents talk about the seizing of the American Embassy in Tehran and the hostages situation. At school about the Shah of Iran and Ayatollah Khomeini. Conversations about stress and the toll on one's health. How fast the stress aged President Jimmy Carter within months. I remember watching on TV , the hostages coming down from the airplane that brought them home and hugging their families.
It wasn't until years later, I learnt and understood, what lead to it and all it's ramifications, still felt to this day.
"They do not see that a freedom that allows them to steal from others is not a freedom at all. They do not see that freedom carries with it the responsibility to see that all are free; because when you steal another’s freedom you must remember that the wheel will turn and your freedom will be taken next. "
Will Re-read: Probably
Recommend: Yes
#BooksILike #Kindle #CodeNameLiberty #MarshallThorntonBooks #GRR #ReadOn2020 #Amazon
Code Name: Liberty is a poignant, well research , relevant and interesting story. I enjoyed reading it.
In 1979 and 1980 , I was 10 /11 years old. And even though, I wasn't born in the United States; world events and US politics, were of interest and discussed at school, at home, and yes, I read the newspaper. Have been a bookworm all of my life.
It was also, significant to us as a family, 'cause during that time, my parents were thinking about moving to the U.S. , as the international company my dad worked , wanted to transfers him here.
Anyways, I remember , listening to my parents talk about the seizing of the American Embassy in Tehran and the hostages situation. At school about the Shah of Iran and Ayatollah Khomeini. Conversations about stress and the toll on one's health. How fast the stress aged President Jimmy Carter within months. I remember watching on TV , the hostages coming down from the airplane that brought them home and hugging their families.
It wasn't until years later, I learnt and understood, what lead to it and all it's ramifications, still felt to this day.
"They do not see that a freedom that allows them to steal from others is not a freedom at all. They do not see that freedom carries with it the responsibility to see that all are free; because when you steal another’s freedom you must remember that the wheel will turn and your freedom will be taken next. "
Will Re-read: Probably
Recommend: Yes
#BooksILike #Kindle #CodeNameLiberty #MarshallThorntonBooks #GRR #ReadOn2020 #Amazon
August 30, 2019
Typically if I read a blurb for a book and it mentioned U.S. elections, politics, royalty in modern(ish) times, I'd want nothing to do with it. I don't like my own country's politics, let alone American politics. But, Marshall Thornton. So, obviously I read it. And I quite enjoyed it.
I really enjoyed Patrick as a character, but Marshall's Thornton's characters always do have a high level of realness that endears you to them even if their actions aren't always admirable.
And of course, just like with Boystown & Pinx, I found myself looking up events and people on Wiki while reading. I always come out knowing more about American events and politics after reading Marshall Thornton's books. I will admit that my eyes did glaze over a bit when reading the documentation chapters, or whatever you want to call it... but that could also be due to trying to read about political events at a time when I should have been sleeping.
My only regret is that I started reading this after midnight, thinking I'd only read a few chapters before having to take a break from a book that would probably be tedious in its talk of politics, because I ended up staying up until almost 5am to read the whole thing through in one sitting.
I really enjoyed Patrick as a character, but Marshall's Thornton's characters always do have a high level of realness that endears you to them even if their actions aren't always admirable.
And of course, just like with Boystown & Pinx, I found myself looking up events and people on Wiki while reading. I always come out knowing more about American events and politics after reading Marshall Thornton's books. I will admit that my eyes did glaze over a bit when reading the documentation chapters, or whatever you want to call it... but that could also be due to trying to read about political events at a time when I should have been sleeping.
My only regret is that I started reading this after midnight, thinking I'd only read a few chapters before having to take a break from a book that would probably be tedious in its talk of politics, because I ended up staying up until almost 5am to read the whole thing through in one sitting.
September 24, 2019
I ended up liking this despite myself as I struggled to find empathy for either of the MCs for 70% of the book. Rather than being drawn into their struggles to find themselves and a steady footing for their relationship, I felt like an impartial observer. The espionage thrills and threat of harm did move the plot along at a brisk pace however. I was horrified at the demise of a strong secondary character - seemed a little pointless but it did serve to "raise the stakes" for the final run towards the ending. The wrap up of the plot was a little too fast and dense for me and I had to do a couple of 'what the ...' re-reads to work things out (still a little unsatisfied with it I must say). 3.5 stars rounded upwards.
December 28, 2019
I am rounding up to 3.75 stars on this one, don't misinterpret I did enjoy this book, however the it was a complicated story. I was very young during this hostage crisis, this story had me refresh my fact on the time. After receiving a heated lecture from my 17 year old son (once again) that I should be more informed of our own politics and diplomacy, "you read all the time, pick up a book thats not fiction"...moving on.
Marshall Thornton's books always captivate my attention, as did this one. This was at the end of Carter's presidency in DC, the book was very well researched, the time period felt authentic, as well as the political tension. He has such a unique cutting sharp edge in his writing that can get a point across, sometimes wicked others with a dry wit, that I find so enjoyable. Patrick is the MC, a young man in who in my opinion can be a bit selfish, yet this is the 1980's, what was it like to be out in DC at that time?
Patrick was a young man who made decisions initially with his emotions, many of those can hurt him and others. He meets a Iranian Prince in exile, who I had the most sympathy for in this story. For me this was a tricky story to pull off, which only shows what a fantastic author he is, there were a few things at the end that threw me off, yet overall enjoyed this one and had me thinking throughout.
Marshall Thornton's books always captivate my attention, as did this one. This was at the end of Carter's presidency in DC, the book was very well researched, the time period felt authentic, as well as the political tension. He has such a unique cutting sharp edge in his writing that can get a point across, sometimes wicked others with a dry wit, that I find so enjoyable. Patrick is the MC, a young man in who in my opinion can be a bit selfish, yet this is the 1980's, what was it like to be out in DC at that time?
Patrick was a young man who made decisions initially with his emotions, many of those can hurt him and others. He meets a Iranian Prince in exile, who I had the most sympathy for in this story. For me this was a tricky story to pull off, which only shows what a fantastic author he is, there were a few things at the end that threw me off, yet overall enjoyed this one and had me thinking throughout.
March 21, 2020
Another great Marshall Thornton novel. This time, we find an unsuspecting waiter in Carter era Washington DC falling into a plot to manipulate the release of the Iranian hostages. Waiter turned amateur spy Patrick falls for a Persian prince and a CIA agent. Lots of fun mixed with danger in this light-hearted, well-written mystery.
December 21, 2019
Code Name: Liberty
By Marshall Thornton
Kenmore Books, 2019
Four stars
“And now it is clear that our greatest enemy has always been ourselves.”
“The greatest risk in any conflict is becoming the enemy you hate.”
Patrick Henry Burke is the definition of “feckless.” He is a cute, nineteen-year-old twink, not stupid but no brain trust, either, He currently works at a high-end but typically low-paying service job in Washington DC’s most elegant restaurant. He is not well-informed about anything political or cultural, other than the location of all the gay bars near his not-yet-fashionable DuPont Circle neighborhood (which I had never known was referred to as the Fruit Loop).
It is Burke’s feckless lack of guile that makes him the perfect protagonist for Marshall Thornton’s latest novel of ‘romantic suspense.’ Patrick doesn’t see the world in black and white, because he doesn’t think about it enough to form an opinion. He thinks only of the moment.
And then Patrick kisses a prince. A Persian prince, to be exact, and from that kiss unrolls a story that starts out sweetly droll and turns increasingly dark and uncomfortable. This is a very different kind of coming of age story, set against the backdrop of the Iran Hostage Crisis of 1979-80, when Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan are vying for the White House. It is a time – as Patrick vaguely muses at one point in the narrative – when being gay is actually still illegal in most of the United States; it is a time when most Americans have not yet woken up to the reality of our own historical misdeeds, our own compromised global policies, our own internal social corruption. Patrick trusts what he has been taught to trust.
I didn’t like Patrick much, because I wasn’t supposed to. I was twenty-five when this story takes place, having just begun my first job in my chosen field, five years into a relationship with the man who is still by my side. I wouldn’t have given a nitwit like Patrick more than a passing glance, no matter how cute he was. Which is exactly what Thornton Marshall wants.
We dismiss Patrick, giggling and rolling our eyes at his thoughtless innocence. Marshall vividly recreates the strange world of Washington DC, and the way Patrick engages it, oblivious to most of what’s going on around him. Then with equal skill, Marshall shows us exactly how Patrick begins to grow up. He shows us Patrick’s conflicting emotions, and his increasing inability to ignore the disconnect between what he sees going on around him and what he has been told by so-called ‘good guys.’ As a more thoughtful, wiser Patrick Burke emerges, shadows begin to loom around him. Suddenly, what seemed like a bit of a cloak-and-dagger lark turns sinister, and Patrick begins to question everything.
This is, of course, when I began to love his character.
Marshall wrote this book purposely to offer it as a cautionary tale in the context of our own political turmoil – poised as we are on a future that could well be appalling, in a world that seems determined to tear itself apart as we ignore the vast historical lessons of the previous century.
Marshall also wrote this book, he tells us, to be a fun romance. The problem is that the darkness ultimately kind of taints all the fun. The surprise ending manages to avoid complete catastrophe, but somehow I was never quite able to feel that I had actually avoided the apocalypse. In spite of the swelling violins at the finale, I ended up emotionally in a place similar to where we are now in 2019, my mind reeling over the geo-political implications of Patrick’s adventure.
Don’t get me wrong: I liked this book a lot. I just think Marshall Thornton’s story had what I think of as unintended consequences.
By Marshall Thornton
Kenmore Books, 2019
Four stars
“And now it is clear that our greatest enemy has always been ourselves.”
“The greatest risk in any conflict is becoming the enemy you hate.”
Patrick Henry Burke is the definition of “feckless.” He is a cute, nineteen-year-old twink, not stupid but no brain trust, either, He currently works at a high-end but typically low-paying service job in Washington DC’s most elegant restaurant. He is not well-informed about anything political or cultural, other than the location of all the gay bars near his not-yet-fashionable DuPont Circle neighborhood (which I had never known was referred to as the Fruit Loop).
It is Burke’s feckless lack of guile that makes him the perfect protagonist for Marshall Thornton’s latest novel of ‘romantic suspense.’ Patrick doesn’t see the world in black and white, because he doesn’t think about it enough to form an opinion. He thinks only of the moment.
And then Patrick kisses a prince. A Persian prince, to be exact, and from that kiss unrolls a story that starts out sweetly droll and turns increasingly dark and uncomfortable. This is a very different kind of coming of age story, set against the backdrop of the Iran Hostage Crisis of 1979-80, when Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan are vying for the White House. It is a time – as Patrick vaguely muses at one point in the narrative – when being gay is actually still illegal in most of the United States; it is a time when most Americans have not yet woken up to the reality of our own historical misdeeds, our own compromised global policies, our own internal social corruption. Patrick trusts what he has been taught to trust.
I didn’t like Patrick much, because I wasn’t supposed to. I was twenty-five when this story takes place, having just begun my first job in my chosen field, five years into a relationship with the man who is still by my side. I wouldn’t have given a nitwit like Patrick more than a passing glance, no matter how cute he was. Which is exactly what Thornton Marshall wants.
We dismiss Patrick, giggling and rolling our eyes at his thoughtless innocence. Marshall vividly recreates the strange world of Washington DC, and the way Patrick engages it, oblivious to most of what’s going on around him. Then with equal skill, Marshall shows us exactly how Patrick begins to grow up. He shows us Patrick’s conflicting emotions, and his increasing inability to ignore the disconnect between what he sees going on around him and what he has been told by so-called ‘good guys.’ As a more thoughtful, wiser Patrick Burke emerges, shadows begin to loom around him. Suddenly, what seemed like a bit of a cloak-and-dagger lark turns sinister, and Patrick begins to question everything.
This is, of course, when I began to love his character.
Marshall wrote this book purposely to offer it as a cautionary tale in the context of our own political turmoil – poised as we are on a future that could well be appalling, in a world that seems determined to tear itself apart as we ignore the vast historical lessons of the previous century.
Marshall also wrote this book, he tells us, to be a fun romance. The problem is that the darkness ultimately kind of taints all the fun. The surprise ending manages to avoid complete catastrophe, but somehow I was never quite able to feel that I had actually avoided the apocalypse. In spite of the swelling violins at the finale, I ended up emotionally in a place similar to where we are now in 2019, my mind reeling over the geo-political implications of Patrick’s adventure.
Don’t get me wrong: I liked this book a lot. I just think Marshall Thornton’s story had what I think of as unintended consequences.
September 15, 2019
Three and a half stars!
This review and lots of other cool stuff can be found at Love Bytes Reviews
Patrick is a young gay guy who has made some mistakes. His mistakes have led him to a shared garden level apartment with his fellow server Wendi and a not great job at a fancy French hotel restaurant. He doesn’t get the good shifts, doesn’t make much money, doesn’t have a phone, but he is living his own life. He meets David at a dance club once night and he’s smitten. David is good looking and is a prince to boot! As Patrick gets more involved with David, he realizes that David will never stay with him – he’s a prince and he’ll have to do his duty and Patrick will get hurt in the end.
Meanwhile, he’s approached by a agent who wants Patrick to spy on David and his father, the exiled former ruling family’s heir. The agent convinces Patrick that he must do his patriotic duty and spy on his boyfriend and father because the fate of the country depends on it. He plays on Patrick’s sympathies as he tells him this will get the hostages released from Iran where they’ve now been held captive for almost a year. Patrick is torn, but darn it, he is a descendant of Patrick Henry and he has to do the right thing for his country.
But the longer this spying goes on, the stranger things become. Patrick isn’t sure who is lying and who is telling the truth. He’s way over his head and he isn’t sure of anything or anyone or what it is he’s really trying to accomplish. And maybe there is real danger and it might be coming for him. He finds unlikely allies and surprising help from where he least expects it.
So in full disclosure, I should say that I studied history in college – but I actually lived this history when I was in college. I graduated from High School in 1980, so this was reality. I honestly thought I wouldn’t live this long because I was sure those idiot politicians were gong to screw it up and we would all go out with the bomb. I can honestly see how Patrick would be sucked into this plan. I wasn’t too sympathetic to Patrick at the beginning of the story because he really didn’t seem to be paying attention to what was going on with him – but reconsidering as the story moved forward, I think his motivations were more about him leading his life as a young gay man with the first real freedom of his life. He meets a guy and he’s really interested – he’s never had a boyfriend before – and he’s kind of over his head pretty quickly. David is caught between what he wants and what is expected of him but he does seem to really love Patrick. The last third of this book was my favorite part. Honestly, the first half rather dragged a bit for me which affected my rating. Even though the set up is necessary to the plot and certainly to the twist and turns at the end, I would have enjoyed a little more action in the first half. As usual, Marshall Thornton spins a good mystery and there are some shocking and heartbreaking moments as well. Recommended particularly for history, cloak and dagger mystery and conspiracy theory fans.
This review and lots of other cool stuff can be found at Love Bytes Reviews
Patrick is a young gay guy who has made some mistakes. His mistakes have led him to a shared garden level apartment with his fellow server Wendi and a not great job at a fancy French hotel restaurant. He doesn’t get the good shifts, doesn’t make much money, doesn’t have a phone, but he is living his own life. He meets David at a dance club once night and he’s smitten. David is good looking and is a prince to boot! As Patrick gets more involved with David, he realizes that David will never stay with him – he’s a prince and he’ll have to do his duty and Patrick will get hurt in the end.
Meanwhile, he’s approached by a agent who wants Patrick to spy on David and his father, the exiled former ruling family’s heir. The agent convinces Patrick that he must do his patriotic duty and spy on his boyfriend and father because the fate of the country depends on it. He plays on Patrick’s sympathies as he tells him this will get the hostages released from Iran where they’ve now been held captive for almost a year. Patrick is torn, but darn it, he is a descendant of Patrick Henry and he has to do the right thing for his country.
But the longer this spying goes on, the stranger things become. Patrick isn’t sure who is lying and who is telling the truth. He’s way over his head and he isn’t sure of anything or anyone or what it is he’s really trying to accomplish. And maybe there is real danger and it might be coming for him. He finds unlikely allies and surprising help from where he least expects it.
So in full disclosure, I should say that I studied history in college – but I actually lived this history when I was in college. I graduated from High School in 1980, so this was reality. I honestly thought I wouldn’t live this long because I was sure those idiot politicians were gong to screw it up and we would all go out with the bomb. I can honestly see how Patrick would be sucked into this plan. I wasn’t too sympathetic to Patrick at the beginning of the story because he really didn’t seem to be paying attention to what was going on with him – but reconsidering as the story moved forward, I think his motivations were more about him leading his life as a young gay man with the first real freedom of his life. He meets a guy and he’s really interested – he’s never had a boyfriend before – and he’s kind of over his head pretty quickly. David is caught between what he wants and what is expected of him but he does seem to really love Patrick. The last third of this book was my favorite part. Honestly, the first half rather dragged a bit for me which affected my rating. Even though the set up is necessary to the plot and certainly to the twist and turns at the end, I would have enjoyed a little more action in the first half. As usual, Marshall Thornton spins a good mystery and there are some shocking and heartbreaking moments as well. Recommended particularly for history, cloak and dagger mystery and conspiracy theory fans.
January 25, 2021
3.5 out of 5 stars - Fun But Naive Spy? Thriller
I like Marshall Thornton, his mysteries, and now saw this thriller and the premise. It was indeed fun to read, as the author had hoped, and a light read.
In the nature of spy thriller, I was hoping for a little more, at least in believability, and how this came about made me suspicious from the start, as it should have the MC. But it didn't - he was a pretty clueless twenty-something, in DC, who doesn't follow the news or have any sense of what's really going on.
I liked the 1980 setting (had my own experiences with the Iranian culture in the 70s), and seeing some of the DC locales that were still around a couple decades later when I got to know them. And believe it or not, Thornton's day-to-day details (such as how the MC laid the plates down as he served) actually made it real. It was nice visiting those worlds, both high and low society of the time.
But his roommate pretty well summed it up - you should suspect anyone approaching you to be a spy. But then again, unfortunately, the young MC was pretty typical in how many new adults think and operate even now. Just look at what they've done during the COVID pandemic. Need I say more.
I like Marshall Thornton, his mysteries, and now saw this thriller and the premise. It was indeed fun to read, as the author had hoped, and a light read.
In the nature of spy thriller, I was hoping for a little more, at least in believability, and how this came about made me suspicious from the start, as it should have the MC. But it didn't - he was a pretty clueless twenty-something, in DC, who doesn't follow the news or have any sense of what's really going on.
I liked the 1980 setting (had my own experiences with the Iranian culture in the 70s), and seeing some of the DC locales that were still around a couple decades later when I got to know them. And believe it or not, Thornton's day-to-day details (such as how the MC laid the plates down as he served) actually made it real. It was nice visiting those worlds, both high and low society of the time.
But his roommate pretty well summed it up - you should suspect anyone approaching you to be a spy. But then again, unfortunately, the young MC was pretty typical in how many new adults think and operate even now. Just look at what they've done during the COVID pandemic. Need I say more.
December 24, 2019
I started college in 1980, so boohiss to the wankers who labeled this book as "historical" in their Goodreads categories.
I read a review by a GR member I respect who claimed the hero and narrator Patrick matures greatly through the course of the novel. I just didn't see it. He seemed like the same aimless, charmingly self-centered guy at the end as he was in the first chapter. And I never really felt the connection between Patrick and his blandly handsome Persian Prince David. Frankly, several of the secondary characters, including Patrick's roommate Wendy and David's father Nasim were more interesting .
I'm giving the book 3 stars instead of 2 for its nostalgic (NOT historic) value but it didn't really work for me.
I read a review by a GR member I respect who claimed the hero and narrator Patrick matures greatly through the course of the novel. I just didn't see it. He seemed like the same aimless, charmingly self-centered guy at the end as he was in the first chapter. And I never really felt the connection between Patrick and his blandly handsome Persian Prince David. Frankly, several of the secondary characters, including Patrick's roommate Wendy and David's father Nasim were more interesting .
I'm giving the book 3 stars instead of 2 for its nostalgic (NOT historic) value but it didn't really work for me.
March 13, 2020
A random kiss to a man who turned out to be a prince… but this is not fairy tale, and the danger is very real...
Patrick Henry Burke does not much care about politics. When he kisses a handsome stranger in a disco, he does not know much about Iran, the hostages crisis, or the upcoming elections. But the handsome stranger is the heir of a dynasty with claims to the title of Shah of Persia. Although Patrick likes David a lot, being a prince entails some duties Patrick does not agree with. In turn, being a good citizen of America also entails some duties Patrick did not know about, duties like spying on his prince boyfriend and his father. But the more time he spends with David, the harder it is to betray somebody he is learning to love. And, maybe, David is not the only one being betrayed here….
What a great story. Set in the background of the 1980’s hostage crisis of Iran and the Presidential election in the US, the plot is a charming mixture of romance and political intrigue. I really like both main characters, Patrick is a dreamer, too young and lost in his own world to care about anything but his own pleasure. David has lived all his life with a very clear idea of what is expected of him. Both characters are interesting and complement each other, but what I loved most is the intrigue behind the scenes, all the shady characters with their own objectives in mind, who care very little about who they have to use/destroy to be able to achieve them
Highly recommended
I received and ARC in exchange for an honest review
Patrick Henry Burke does not much care about politics. When he kisses a handsome stranger in a disco, he does not know much about Iran, the hostages crisis, or the upcoming elections. But the handsome stranger is the heir of a dynasty with claims to the title of Shah of Persia. Although Patrick likes David a lot, being a prince entails some duties Patrick does not agree with. In turn, being a good citizen of America also entails some duties Patrick did not know about, duties like spying on his prince boyfriend and his father. But the more time he spends with David, the harder it is to betray somebody he is learning to love. And, maybe, David is not the only one being betrayed here….
What a great story. Set in the background of the 1980’s hostage crisis of Iran and the Presidential election in the US, the plot is a charming mixture of romance and political intrigue. I really like both main characters, Patrick is a dreamer, too young and lost in his own world to care about anything but his own pleasure. David has lived all his life with a very clear idea of what is expected of him. Both characters are interesting and complement each other, but what I loved most is the intrigue behind the scenes, all the shady characters with their own objectives in mind, who care very little about who they have to use/destroy to be able to achieve them
Highly recommended
I received and ARC in exchange for an honest review
March 17, 2020
This was a compelling story with so much history embedded that you felt like you were actually living it.
International intrigue. Spies. Threats. Love. Attraction. Friendship. Espionage. Patriotism. Fear. Hate. Duplicity.
Just when you think you know what the 'plot' is you discover new clues and find yourself looking over your shoulder.
The ending was amazing and believable...though you didn't want it to be. So much of the book was a foreshadowing of our current state of affairs.
'A country should stand for the freedom of its people, their happiness, their safety. And, yet, I’ve also learned that freedom is dangerous since at its most extreme it allows people to plot its destruction. And there are those who do want to destroy it, who are constantly working to bring that about. They do not see that a freedom that allows them to steal from others is not a freedom at all. They do not see that freedom carries with it the responsibility to see that all are free; because when you steal another’s freedom you must remember that the wheel will turn and your freedom will be taken next.'
I highly recommend this book. You'll definitely find something interesting and thought provoking.
International intrigue. Spies. Threats. Love. Attraction. Friendship. Espionage. Patriotism. Fear. Hate. Duplicity.
Just when you think you know what the 'plot' is you discover new clues and find yourself looking over your shoulder.
The ending was amazing and believable...though you didn't want it to be. So much of the book was a foreshadowing of our current state of affairs.
'A country should stand for the freedom of its people, their happiness, their safety. And, yet, I’ve also learned that freedom is dangerous since at its most extreme it allows people to plot its destruction. And there are those who do want to destroy it, who are constantly working to bring that about. They do not see that a freedom that allows them to steal from others is not a freedom at all. They do not see that freedom carries with it the responsibility to see that all are free; because when you steal another’s freedom you must remember that the wheel will turn and your freedom will be taken next.'
I highly recommend this book. You'll definitely find something interesting and thought provoking.
February 3, 2021
3.75/4* for an unusual but engaging read.
Well, I’m always a bit cagey about ‘historicals’ set in my life time - is it really history!! In this case the underlying theme is based on history, and one interpretation of it. I do recall all this going on but as a British teenager, US political machinations and hostages in Iran we not high on my importance agenda. Probably a bit like Patrick before his involvement.
Patrick is a naive character - blithely working his way through the gay DC scene, then meets David, his Persian prince.
He very naively agrees to be a spy, probably thinking 007 more than anything. He quickly gets to learn more about world events, and soon grows a conscience.
There is a lot of information and I did have to go google bits to remind myself, though it wasn’t too onerous.
The fickleness of youth is portrayed, though his dealing with Walker was a bit left field. And the ultimate issue with Wendi really put Patrick’s maturing into hyperdrive.
The ending of the move away from DC was another unexpected twist.
As a reader one is left hoping David and Patrick continue to work, in their new home, with their mutual secrets.
I did have to look up why the last chapter was relevant.
Well, I’m always a bit cagey about ‘historicals’ set in my life time - is it really history!! In this case the underlying theme is based on history, and one interpretation of it. I do recall all this going on but as a British teenager, US political machinations and hostages in Iran we not high on my importance agenda. Probably a bit like Patrick before his involvement.
Patrick is a naive character - blithely working his way through the gay DC scene, then meets David, his Persian prince.
He very naively agrees to be a spy, probably thinking 007 more than anything. He quickly gets to learn more about world events, and soon grows a conscience.
There is a lot of information and I did have to go google bits to remind myself, though it wasn’t too onerous.
The fickleness of youth is portrayed, though his dealing with Walker was a bit left field. And the ultimate issue with Wendi really put Patrick’s maturing into hyperdrive.
The ending of the move away from DC was another unexpected twist.
As a reader one is left hoping David and Patrick continue to work, in their new home, with their mutual secrets.
I did have to look up why the last chapter was relevant.
October 15, 2024
It's 1980 in Washington D.C.. Patrick is a waiter when he meets David at nightclub and they start seeing each other. But David is a prince of Persia and unable to return to Iran due to the revolution taking place and as a prince he has commitments, one of those is marriage to a woman and to father children. This is something Patrick can't see in his future and this leads to the breakup of the relationship. Then everything changes when he is approached, by the CIA, to spy on David's father.
Patrick is torn between between serving his country and ending a relationship he doesn't see as having a future.
Surprisingly this is an enjoyable read from an author I had never heard of. It's easy to read but engaging. Set in a time when a lot was happening in the world, the Iran hostage crisis and the approaching American presidential election. The characters are likeable, if a bit naive. The ending, unfortunately, is a let down. It didn't really make sense and felt rushed and pulled out of the air to just finish the book.
Patrick is torn between between serving his country and ending a relationship he doesn't see as having a future.
Surprisingly this is an enjoyable read from an author I had never heard of. It's easy to read but engaging. Set in a time when a lot was happening in the world, the Iran hostage crisis and the approaching American presidential election. The characters are likeable, if a bit naive. The ending, unfortunately, is a let down. It didn't really make sense and felt rushed and pulled out of the air to just finish the book.
March 26, 2020
Good political thriller/romance
A good read, from which I learned a lot about American history. It was obviously well researched, and that research was put to good use. Marshall Thorton is a first class writer, and this is another first class read.
I really enjoyed the story, it certainly captured my imagination. It was a little slow to start, but it didn't put me off wanting to find what happened. There are some twists and turns, and Patrick has to grow up quickly to endure the mystery he's drawn into.
The story's not just a decent political thiller, the romance between Patrick and David is also an integral part of the story. I really enjoyed how their relationship developed and grew.
A very good read. If you enjoy a good political thriller, with an edge of romance, this is for you.
A good read, from which I learned a lot about American history. It was obviously well researched, and that research was put to good use. Marshall Thorton is a first class writer, and this is another first class read.
I really enjoyed the story, it certainly captured my imagination. It was a little slow to start, but it didn't put me off wanting to find what happened. There are some twists and turns, and Patrick has to grow up quickly to endure the mystery he's drawn into.
The story's not just a decent political thiller, the romance between Patrick and David is also an integral part of the story. I really enjoyed how their relationship developed and grew.
A very good read. If you enjoy a good political thriller, with an edge of romance, this is for you.
July 26, 2020
It was exciting, fun and educational. I’m not really interested in modern politics or history and know nothing about American politics. I learnt something here and it didn’t bore me at all, written as part of the story, it was a real page turner for me.
Thornton writes characters well, flawed and well rounded. This book kept me guessing until the end, I didn’t see where it was going.
Only flaw was that I didn’t believe any normal person would do the thing Patrick did near the end, or the thing he thought about doing. Trying not to give it away here!
Thornton writes characters well, flawed and well rounded. This book kept me guessing until the end, I didn’t see where it was going.
Only flaw was that I didn’t believe any normal person would do the thing Patrick did near the end, or the thing he thought about doing. Trying not to give it away here!
January 1, 2022
Another fun sexy thriller by Marshall Thornton. The combination of real history with fictional characters is engaging and is a fun read. Sexy gay characters fill this mystery with romance and passion.
Accurately portrays the events of the 1980 Iranian hostage crisis on American politics and the view of gay life in Washington at the same time.
Well written as usual and could not put it down especially in the last few chapters when things really come together and anything could have happened.
Well done Mr. Thornton!
Accurately portrays the events of the 1980 Iranian hostage crisis on American politics and the view of gay life in Washington at the same time.
Well written as usual and could not put it down especially in the last few chapters when things really come together and anything could have happened.
Well done Mr. Thornton!
March 14, 2020
A spy thriller at its best
If you’re looking for a book that will keep you guessing until the end, then this is the read for you. What makes it even better are the pieces of history interspersed throughout. In my opinion, this book is vivid and real. Although I wanted to shake some sense into Patrick, I also understood how he felt and why he did what he did. He made me feel for him. A fascinating and suspenseful, political love story full of twists and turns.
If you’re looking for a book that will keep you guessing until the end, then this is the read for you. What makes it even better are the pieces of history interspersed throughout. In my opinion, this book is vivid and real. Although I wanted to shake some sense into Patrick, I also understood how he felt and why he did what he did. He made me feel for him. A fascinating and suspenseful, political love story full of twists and turns.
March 20, 2020
This was a fascinating and suspenseful, political love story full of twists and turns. The characters are well developed and the plot is thrilling.
Patrick was naive and ill-informed he just needed to figure some things out sooner in the plot. David had a little abrasive attitude but its understandable with the life he grew up in is so vastly different than Patrick’s.
This was a wonderful story! I definitely recommend this book!!!
Patrick was naive and ill-informed he just needed to figure some things out sooner in the plot. David had a little abrasive attitude but its understandable with the life he grew up in is so vastly different than Patrick’s.
This was a wonderful story! I definitely recommend this book!!!
March 27, 2022
Code Name: Liberty pulls you into its web and never lets you go until the final page is turned. Always staying a few steps ahead of the reader, Marshall Thornton keeps us guessing (and mostly wrongly) with this richly researched and tightly plotted story. Turn good and bad on its head in this political thriller that is also a love story, but even then, a love story between exactly whom?
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
March 21, 2020
This was such a fantastic, grab-you-by-the-feels, amazing, action packed, fast paced, emotionally charged, smoldering, exciting, nail biting, keep-you-on-the-edge-of-your-seat, more twists and turns than a roller coaster, smoldering, and totally awesome story. It had me hooked from beginning to end, and I would definitely recommend getting it ASAP.
March 4, 2020
Thank you for the ARC read, I voluntarily give this book an honest review. Patrick's life was about to be as far from boring as possible once a chance meeting with a guy that claims to be a Prince one night at a new club. Never dreaming that one kiss would lead anywhere. When the CIA asks you do..Can you really turn them down? Spy on Prince David and his family, spying Patrick learns is harder then what he had ever fantasized it would be like in books. Who is lying? Is it really all about the Reagan-Carter presidency? Just how far is Patrick willing to go for the truth? Once I started this book it had a hold of me, but then I do like the history suspense type books which this one was a great realist work.
August 6, 2024
Thrilling
Having been alive and watching the news regularly between 1979 and 1981 this is a particularly interesting book even if it is fictional. I've no doubt that things like this occur.
It's great to have a different take on things even if fictional
Having been alive and watching the news regularly between 1979 and 1981 this is a particularly interesting book even if it is fictional. I've no doubt that things like this occur.
It's great to have a different take on things even if fictional
June 13, 2020
I loved this book. The writing is so spare, so elegant. The humour understated and clever. No sentimentality. Not a romance in the traditional sense of the word, but the ending is romantic enough.
Read
August 1, 2020DNF 60%. No rating for me - I think this author just doesn't work for me. I found myself a bit bored and didn't like either of the main characters.
August 14, 2020
Very 1980 -- but not my favorite book that I've read by this author.
December 10, 2024
the ending seemed rushed and not well thought out. It seemed a bit implausible given all that had preceded it. Overall this is not one of the author's better efforts.
April 17, 2024
I appreciated the setting and the thriller aspect of the story. The plot twist (no spoilers) was unexpected and I liked it.
February 8, 2020
Hmm
I don't know how I feel about this book XD it was engaged from the beginning be till the end (hence 4 starts). I like the main character' narrative and it was fun to deal with someone young. Even though author said he meant to produce a fun sexy thriller, I don't think I'd describe the book like that XD in fact it's say it was not fun and not really "sexy" XD I'm not sure I liked the love line and even thriller line.
But this book made me look some stuff and up and learn new information so that's fun XD
I think I'm quit biased thought in my review since I like this author and I sort of don't expect a regular MM fiction from him, if that makes sense. I'd recommend checking out his Boystown and Pinx series before reading this book.
I don't know how I feel about this book XD it was engaged from the beginning be till the end (hence 4 starts). I like the main character' narrative and it was fun to deal with someone young. Even though author said he meant to produce a fun sexy thriller, I don't think I'd describe the book like that XD in fact it's say it was not fun and not really "sexy" XD I'm not sure I liked the love line and even thriller line.
But this book made me look some stuff and up and learn new information so that's fun XD
I think I'm quit biased thought in my review since I like this author and I sort of don't expect a regular MM fiction from him, if that makes sense. I'd recommend checking out his Boystown and Pinx series before reading this book.
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