Puzzle

White House Men #6

by Nora Phoenix

A CIA analyst meets his match in a nerdy forensic accountant... Branson loves his job as an analyst for the CIA. Working on the investigation into the assassination of the president is fascinating, and even more so when Ryder, a geeky forensic accountant without a filter, joins the team. But Ryder doesn’t seem to like Branson. At all. And when he explains to Branson why, Branson is forced to face an uncomfortable truth in the mirror Ryder holds up. Somewhere along the way, he lost sight of who he really is. As they make crucial breakthroughs in the investigation, Branson is determined to change and earn Ryder’s approval. It seems to work when his tentative friendship with Ryder gets benefits added to it. Really good benefits thanks to a bossy bottom who knows what he wants and Branson having just the right tool for the job. Sparks fly high between them, and much more is at stake than Branson ever thought possible. Can he become a man worthy of Ryder’s love? Can he show Ryder, who’s got his own wounds and baggage, that he has truly changed? Puzzle is the sixth book in the White House Men series, a continuing MM romantic suspense series set in the White House that needs to be read in order. It ends with a HEA.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Mystery, LGBT, Audiobook, Contemporary, Politics

396 pages, Paperback

First published August 4, 2021

About the author

Would you like the long or the short version of my bio?

The short? You got it.

I write steamy gay romance books and I love it. I also love reading books. Books are everything.

How was that?

A little more detail? Gotcha.

I started writing my first stories when I was a teen…on a freaking typewriter. I still have these, and they’re adorably romantic. And bad, haha. Fear of failing kept me from following my dream to become a romance author, so you can imagine how proud and ecstatic I am that I finally overcame my fears and self doubt and did it. I adore my genre because I love writing and reading about flawed, strong men who are just a tad broken..but find their happy ever after anyway.

My favorite books to read are pretty much all MM/gay romances as long as it has a happy end. Kink is a plus… Aside from that, I also read a lot of nonfiction and not just books on writing. Popular psychology is a favorite topic of mine and so are self help and sociology.

Hobbies? Ain’t nobody got time for that. Just kidding. I love traveling, spending time near the ocean, and hiking. But I love books more.

Come hang out with me in my Facebook Group Nora’s Nook where I share previews, sneak peeks, freebies, fun stuff, and much more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/noras...

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You can also stalk me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NoraFromBHR
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On Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/nora-...

Reviews

[Cadiva · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the White House Men book I didn't know I wanted!

When I found out this sixth book was going to be about two men we didn't really know much about, I was surprised.

But then, as soon as I started reading it, I fell for Branson and Ryder big time. That this book also neatly wraps up all the plot elements which have been driving the narrative since book one was also a bonus.

It was super sweet, a truly organic fall into an unlikely friendship and then into a relationship which you know is going to go the distance.

The terrorist takedown also totally worked for me, I loved the angle Nora used to trap the bad guys and find the connections between them all.

Now there's just Del's story to look forward to. Overall this has been a great series in the main and a nod to my favourite TV show of all time The West Wing.

[AussieMum · Rating 3 out of 5]

Can’t lie. 6 books in and I’ve got fatigue with this series. I love Branson and Ryder but it’s so hard to get invested when we continually get other characters POV in order to wrap up the assassination plot. No doubt the plot is detailed and extremely clever but I’m skimming it just for the romance at this point. And I’m not going into the last book because I’m done.

[Mirian · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 because I like Branson and Ryder but hated everything else

I really wish this book had fully committed to wrapping up the political plotline. I get that it’s a romance series first, but after six books of building the same subplot, I expected—no, needed—a stronger, more satisfying conclusion on that front.

All the investigations, deaths, and conspiracy threads just… fizzle out? It genuinely feels like a wasted setup. And I hate that this particular couple had to bear the brunt of it, especially since they’re one of only two pairings out of the seven that I actually liked.

But honestly, what a letdown. After all that buildup, there’s nothing? No payoff? It left me feeling frustrated and unsatisfied.

[Julia (bookish.jka) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve loved this series so much! Branson and Ryder were so cute (love me a geeky nerd like Ryder 🥰) and the story line just went crazy in this one!

Can’t wait for Del’s story in the 7th and final book of the series Heal, out soon 💋.

[ML · Rating 4 out of 5]

NGL, Ryder is a bit of a d*ck but he’s Branson’s.
AND Branson liked it, so to each their own. Their relationship was a bit frustrating to me. Mainly because I thought Ryder was a bit cut off emotionally. Sure his previous boyfriend did a number on him BUT Branson was the opposite of Paul, Ryder’s ex. AND Ryder was allegedly intelligent enough to know this. They do have smoking HOT chemistry that made for some epic sexy scenes! THEN a bit of a miracle happens….Ryder starts to grow on me! Damn. Ryder really wins me over when he’s really there for Branson AND then he gives Paul some comeuppance which was VERY satisfying.


We get the mystery solved where we have been wondering who did what and when and to who for 5 previous books. It gets tied up here, mainly.

There are some other character check ins from books 1-5. I love Seth and Coulson. Seth actually does some fancy shooting that is well, very Hollywood. All the couples are still going strong which I loved.
We learn more about what Del’s plans are for the future. Same for the other characters.

Many loose ends are tied up.
Many more to be tied in book 7.
I can hardly wait! Del’s book will be epic.

[Liya · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite after book 2. Loved both MCs and how their different personalities meshed together. Plus, slowly built trust and connection along with hot sex before 50% mark. The investigation part was wrapped up well and as usual it was good to revisit MCs from previous books.

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

January 2024
Geek alarm and personal growth .. loved it again


First review
after a slightly disappointing 5th book, we are back no track with this one! the storyline continues and we finally see results
I love that we see all the characters and get to be a bit in their heads again. but the focus is clear on Branson and Ryder ... and I love how that turned out.
Ryder is super-geeky and I loved it. especially his take on their relationship is fun to read

a great book (which needs to be read in order) and I can't wait to read Heal

[Love Is All Around · Rating 4 out of 5]

RECENSIONE A CURA DI LADY MARMELADE
In questo sesto volume della saga di fantapolitica della Phoenix abbandoniamo per un attimo la Casa Bianca e facciamo un tutto tra gli uffici degli analisti informatici della CIA.
Avevamo intravisto nei volumi precedenti uno dei due protagonisti di questo libro, Branson, che sta ancora cercando di guarire dalla sbandata che aveva preso per Seth, il bell’agente dei servizi segreti con cui era uscito un paio di volte.
Ora che Seth e Coulson si sono messi insieme le speranze di conquistarlo sono finite.
Branson ad un primo acchito sembra una persona superficiale, che vuole risultare simpatico a tutti i costi, in realtà è un uomo molto solo che cerca disperatamente qualcuno con cui passare la vita, che ci sia solo per lui.
Affibia nomignoli a caso e ultimamente lo sta facendo un po’ troppo con il suo attuale collega, Ryder, un contabile forense che gli è stato affiancato per cercare di capire chi si nasconda dietro il Pride Bombing e gli omicidi che hanno scosso la Casa Bianca.
Ryden non sopporta che Branson lo chiami Ry: lo desta proprio!
A sua scusante sembra che Branson lo faccia apposta, ma in realtà lui lo fa perché cerca di entrare in contatto con lui oltre il livello di semplici conoscenti.
È affascinato dalla sua mente analitica, ma non riesce a fargli capire che quelli che gli fa sono complimenti autentici.
Continua sul nostro blog!

[Cynthia Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryder has had some bad luck in the love department. Branson blends and shapes himself to every occasion. Can opposites made a great pair. The story in a slow burn and it is brilliant on showing us past couples and the challenges they are facing with trying to get to the bottle of these attacks on American soil. All of the information is amazing and sometimes mind boggling. We still have a few unanswered questions and dilemmas to unravel.

I do recommend you read in order.

I did receive an Arc for an honest review.

[Bette · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Exceptionally Wonderful Story, Series & Audible Listen🎧

Puzzle
White House Men Series, Book 6
By: Nora Phoenix
Narrated by: John Solo

Consider me wowed, I have been loving this “White House Men” series, those White House men are all amazing, and it has been a joy to follow them, each book featured a different lead couple but some characters reappeared throughout the series and there is an ongoing storyline that runs continually throughout the series. That storyline started in the first book “Press” with a bombing at the Gay Pride Parade in NYC, an investigation of other events that happened after that bombing linked it all together, the case, an ongoing investigation is coming to a head as the two lead characters in this book, Branson & Ryder, help put the pieces together. Ryder, a forensic accountant for the CIA, a geeky numbers guy, did what he does best: he followed the money. Branson, an analyst for the CIA, helped him gather information that eventually helps solve the case. Branson and Ryder quickly became two of my favorite characters, Ryder was adorable, he gets so absorbed in his work that he has no clue what is going on around him, Branson got a kick out of that, he also liked how set in his way Ryder was and how he says what he thinks. He even mentioned something to Branson that opened his eyes about himself. One of the best things in this series is the characters and their storylines, I think I fell in love with every couple because Nora Phoenix makes it so easy to do so, her character development is phenomenal as is the world building. This book is captivating from start to end, it is a brilliantly plotted story and there is never a dull moment, it was great to watch them finally put the pieces of the puzzle together, I am looking forward to Del’s story next, I have a feeling it is going to be epic. Nora Phoenix, thank you for another amazing novel set in this wonderfully exceptional series, I am loving every minute of it.

🎧📚🎧 And for the fabulous narration, Nora Phoenix could not have cast a better narrator for this book and series. John Solo is a talented narrator and a versatile voice artist. He nails it with the character voices, giving each a voice that fits that character’s persona, sounding believable in every role he plays and just as I picture the character to sound. He sets the perfect tone for the story, masters the back-and-forth dialogue effortlessly and naturally, never forcing it at all. You could hear how much heart he puts into his work as he captures the characters’ emotions and projects them into his performance. John Solo an entertaining storyteller and the quality of his work is always top-notch and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for another exceptional listen.

[Barb ~rede-2-read~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorites of the series. Maybe even the most favorite. It's hard to say. But Branson and Ryder were perfect together and their romance did not feature as prominently as did the solution to the assassinations and murders and the Pride bombing--the mystery that has been underlying the entire series. In this story, the mystery is resolved, and that's due to the cooperation of all the agencies involved and to the meticulous forensic accounting of CIA Agent Ryder and of CIA Team Leader Branson.

You met Branson in Seth's story and Ryder is a new character but, oh my, this math wizard, geek, nerd really reached out to me. Plus, get this: he's a bossy bottom and who better to boss around than Branson: Mr. Eight Inches who likes nothing better than to pound hard. Erm, I seem to be getting carried away here. Suffice it to say, there's nothing about this story I didn't like and I very much appreciated the slow build in this relationship.

In tribute to most of the books in this series, I can share that I read them as KU but then purchased most of them. They are so good. Better than Godiva chocolates, and that's saying something.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are in the home stretch with this intriguing series! Book 6 is Branson and Ryder's story, which is a very slow burn and very steamy romance between the analyst and the nerdy forensic accountant. But we also get some very significant time spent in this book on the overarching suspense plot as things are all starting to fall into place with the investigation.
I really liked Branson, he was a very sweet, caring, and loving person. He was so attuned to what others around him were thinking and feeling. Ryder was a trip--very analytical, very detailed and plan oriented, and very direct with his communication.  I really enjoyed their conversations alot! They slowly started to spend time together at work and then circumstances brought them together between the sheets, which was smoking hot! They danced around their real feelings for a long time before things finally came together for their HEA and I wanted to shake Ryder a few times to open his eyes!
So much unraveled with the suspense plot and I was on the edge of my seat a few times! It was great to see so much of it getting explained here as the series is getting ready to wrap up. I cannot even put into words how excited I am for book 7 and Del's story!

[Stephanie Carvalho · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just like on the previous books from the series, the title fits the characters 100%! We have the political background, the new developments on who's behind all those tragedies and some POV chapters with the couplea from the other books. We get hints from Del's book aa well 0///

As for Ryder and Branson's story: there's chemistry, steamy scenes and some issues that made my heart ache a little. In the end, they find their way to happiness, and it's a cute and adorable one.

My only issue here was Ryder's behavior. Like he says, he has a lack of filter, and sometimes he says something before he thinks about it. Although this could be cute, most of the times, it wasn't. In some scenes, he was just plain rude - to Branson, mostly - not sincere. Sometimes I wanted to punch him, so he could be a little less annoying 😑😑. But towards the end, he changes and we get a better version of him.

Aside that, nothing to complain. Now we wait for the last book. I'll definitely miss these guys...

[Smut Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am constantly amazed by Nora's ability to grab the reader's full attention and leave us swooning and gasping, all while engaging both our brains and our hearts.
Book 6 (must be read in order) is mindblowing in its complexity for the ongoing plotline, but at no time did I feel lost or confused. Nora's setting of the pace is perfection and sharing the book between romantic and suspenseful elements is so well balanced.
Ryder and Bran are wonderful characters, both so sweet and smart yet balance each other's differences beautifully.
Not sure how she keeps writing these brilliant masterpieces, but as long as she does, I'll keep buying and reading them - over and over!!

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I definitely didn't expect Ryder and Branson, but I'm glad we got them. I really enjoyed their story and the perspective they gave to the global plot. While Ryder's arc gets a definite conclussion in the end, I feel like there was a bit more to go for Branson to get his too. We still have a book to go, so we're likely getting it then.

[Badh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great series

This is such a great series. I love the tension of the larger storyline with the more intimate tension between the main characters. It's also nice that we get glimpses of other couples throughout the book, so we get to sed how they are doing.

[Valentina Campi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carino, finalmente la parte investigativa ha una sua risoluzione, ma la serie ha perso un po' di mordente man mano che proseguiva

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving this series ❤️

Another fab book 👏

[Yvonne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Forensic accountants for the win. This is the one I wanted to read but it didn’t make sense without having read the 5 previous books first. Second attempt at reading was good.

[Amur Thera · Rating 4 out of 5]

The good
+ Branson not being what I thought he'd be at all. I thought he'd be a stereotypical arrogant jock CIA agent. Instead, he was a total sweetheart
+ Branson being a total sap
+ Ryder becoming a total sap
+ The updates on the other characters in the meeting where everybody talked about their future
+ Ryder figuring everything out by himself, instead of being forced into realizations by honest friends or siblings or whatever usually brings on such events
+ Ryder facing Paul and being his brutally honest self
+ The continuous case finally picking up pace. It was really dragging and boring because there were so many books, but now it's finally getting somewhere

The neutral
o I have mixed feelings about Ryder calling Branson out in the beginning of the story. I understand it's part of his character, but it deeply hurt Branson and I think Branson could've taken a little longer to forgive him. Also, Branson really didn't mean to be mean to Ryder so slamming him down so hard was really ruthless. It did bring an interesting and original story though
o This couple didn't grow on me like the others did... I didn't like them as much, maybe because they weren't in the White House like all the others (but no less essential!)

The bad
- Ryder really played with Branson's feelings. Yes, he was oblivious to his own feelings, but that makes it even worse! He knew Branson wanted a real relationship. Stepping into a friends-with-benefits agreement this easily and expecting casualness like this was a real dick move. If he wanted casual he should've found someone else who wanted casual. The worst was when he emphasised he was only sexually attracted to Branson, nothing more. Poor Branson! I really felt for him
- I didn't really like Ryder. I think Branson could've done with someone who wanted him at least as much. Ryder did improve in the end, but I still think Branson deserved better
- Forgetting the condom. That's just really bad and irresponsible
- I don't want the last book to be about Del! Calix needed years to grieve Matthew (and rightly so), so why the hell should Del move on so fast? He totally loved Sarah, please let the poor man grieve in peace instead of forcing him into a relationship... It's just too fast


I think this book is a bit better than the last, not least because here Branson and Ryder were the actual main characters instead of side characters in their own book as Warrick and Kenn were. However, it's still not as good as the other books in the series. I'm also really at war with myself about whether I'll read the last book or not. I really don't want a relationship for Del, but I do want a good ending to the case the men have built over the last books. I'll probably read it, but I would've preferred another MC.

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-read, their story is still one of my favorites of the series.

Absolutely love this addition to the series. Ryder and Branson's story was sweet and enjoyable. I've wanted Branson's story since we met him when he hooked up with Seth. We also get lots of questions answered about the terrorist plot, who all is involved, and why they did it. Can't wait for #7 and to see Del's second chance at love.

[Manuela Raimo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Con questo sesto volume, possiamo dire che le fila della trama orizzontale ha preso una bella accelerata, certo non abbiamo ancora il quadro completo ma ci siamo vicini, inoltre la coppia di questo volume è riuscita ancora una volta a sorprendermi, dopo il daddy-boy che non è proprio il mio genere preferito, questi due a cottura lenta mi hanno davvero convinto. Come sempre se siete indietro o non conoscete la serie, cosa aspettate? Merita di essere letta ma in ordine: Stampa, Amici, Scatto, Servizio e Attenzioni, poi tornate!
In questo romanzo andiamo un po’ più nel dettaglio del lavoro di analista, con Branson che è un tipo meticoloso, appassionato ma un po’ camaleontico, quello che si adatta per piacere agli altri ma che non mostra mai la sua vera essenza.
Nel gruppo è arrivato Ryder, un contabile forense che come sappiamo è molto utile in questa parte delle indagini, a furia di girare in tondo abbiamo capito quale pista seguire e signori i soldi sono sempre un motivo più che valido per fare cose orribili, oramai è chiaro…
Se Branson è l’amicone di tutti ma che conosci poco, Ryder è l’uomo che non ha filtri, che dice chiaro e tondo quello che pensa a chiunque e poco importa se nel processo ferisce qualcuno, non lo fa con cattiveria e che è proprio così lui, spontaneo. Un uomo ferito dal passato e da un ex traditore che merita la felicità ma non crede in una relazione e neanche la cerca.
Cit. Ah, lo spelling, la vecchia strategia usata dagli adulti per nascondere le cose ai loro figli… valida solo fino a quando non imparavano a leggere e a scrivere abbastanza bene da formare rapidamente le parole. «Vero. Comunque, qual è l’angolazione migliore per quella foto?» «Continuo a dimenticare che sei fuori dal giro da anni.» «Anche tu, vorrei sottolineare.» «Da due, nel mio caso. Quasi sei, nel tuo. Se proprio vogliamo essere precisi.» «Semantica.» «Senti, tra pochi minuti andrà a fare un pisolino; se puoi aspettare che si addormenti, ti aiuto io. Fine cit.
Non saprei dire chi mi è piaciuto di più, perché sono due caratteri e due personaggi molto diversi. La schiettezza di Ryder è un vantaggio e uno svantaggio, buona parte delle persone tende ad offendersi e dire tutto quello che pensi non sempre fa prendere simpatia, ho amato la sua amicizia con Dorian.
Branson è un uomo da scoprire perché come si capisce bene nel romanzo, quello che appare e quello che è sono molto diversi. Come la sorella anche Branson è stato influenzato dal continuo viaggiare a seguito del padre ambasciatore americano, il non avere mai un posto fisso, cambiare continuamente persone e luoghi, ha portato ad un grosso spirito di adattamento senza mai svelare la loro vera essenza.
Ho trovato la coppia molto ben caratterizzata e il loro slow burn come relazione mi ha davvero intrigata, ovviamente la parte da leone è l’indagine, il tornare a sbirciare nelle altre dinamiche di coppia dei romanzi precedenti (Henley e Levar siete ancora al top per me), senza tralasciare quella che sarà l’ultima coppia con il prossimo romanzo.
Punto forte di questa serie e dell’autrice è il creare sempre dinamiche diverse, così da accontentare un po’ tutti i generi di lettori possibili, oltre all’intreccio narrativo sulla trama orizzontale che per me continua ad essere geniale e ben architettato. A quando una serie TV basata su questi romanzi? Magari!
Al solito grazie a Nora e a Mary Vitrano che ne cura la traduzione e mi concede sempre la copia arc in anteprima, visto il capitolo bonus, bramo il settimo più del Natale, grazie anche per la velocità con cui escono i romanzi tradotti, cosa non scontata!
Cinque stelle

[J.L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Due to the nature of the series, I had two concerns heading into this novel. First, how would Phoenix continue the investigative nature of the ongoing secondary conflict when, at this point in the saga, that work would occur outside of the White House? Second, would I be as interested in a romantic arc featuring characters who are not as connected to the White House as those previously in the series? Luckily, Phoenix has worked plenty of excellent setup into this addictive series so that it’s easy to roll with the answer to both of those questions. We’ve known Branson as a recurrent secondary character since book 2 (Friends), and Phoenix has already established a pattern of not being afraid to dip into previously featured points of view to continue the story. In fact, Phoenix is adept at choosing the perfect point of view to amplify the conflict at the scene level, even when the primary romantic pairing characters are the ideal points of view for the elements of the conflict being highlighted at the story level.

Therefore, this book features integral point-of-view scenes from Milan, Kenn, Calix, Levar, and (most importantly because they are my absolute favorites) Seth and Coulson. However, none of this diminishes the adorable romance that occurs between Branson and Ryder at the same time as they’re picking apart the threads of one of the biggest conspiracies ever to face the country. Often, CIA agent book heroes are the quintessential spy characters. However, their work wouldn’t be possible without the analysts and other experts who work behind the scenes (and behind a desk) at Langley. Branson and Ryder are incredibly talented at what they do, but why should they be friends when all they have in common is where they work and being gay? A hilarious coincidence reveals their explosive sexual chemistry, but both men are professionals who still have to work together. Their slow journey from coworkers to friends to friends-with-benefits is accompanied by excellent character development on both sides. Ryder helps Branson come to terms with facets of his personality that were more warped by his upbringing than he realized; in turn, Branson helps Ryder break down the walls he constructed after previous relationship pain. This story was perhaps the most “vanilla” or “standard” of any of the pairings in this series, but that does nothing to diminish the heat of the encounters or the satisfaction of the romantic arc.

Regarding this series’ overarching political thriller element, much of that conflict is solved and addressed in this story, though not necessarily resolved. However, one major character is left who absolutely deserves his own happily ever after for surviving this mess. I look forward to how Phoenix wraps up all the loose ends and sends each of the amazing characters from this series on their way while also giving us one more epic romance.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant, its an MM version of The West Wing & Jack Bauer combination fighting for justice !!!!!!!!

Combination review of all books in series, readers really really, MUST read in order to enjoy the continuation of the overall storyline.

Wow !!! How to describe the series, its been a while since I read a series as beautifully written as this one, its got everything I needed to to keep me captivated and entertained.
Strong word building that continued to grow throughout each novel, the overall premise behind the scenes is such that your own imagination seeks for the injustice to be addressed.

The sex scenes are so beautifully presented within the context that they each provide what the characters need. And i can't tell you how hot those sex scenes were, we are talking some seriously hot, as in scorching hot scenes !!!!!
Once in a while a series comes along that really touches you that makes you sit back and think. This series did that for me, however, in retrospect it also makes me incredibly sad that same sex relationships are still frowned upon in this day and age.

We all, hope to find our other half our soul mate, and want not necessarily an epic love but a love so deep and profiund that no other can be substituted for, that type love, is exactly the same irrespective of the gender or dynamics of the relationship.

The main characters overall were incredibly well-drawn and interesting, they were complex and more varied than one book could possibly fully reveal. I suspected that almost all of them had more layers to be pealed away in the series' subsequent books, which is a nice change of pace from many series that have a tendency to reveal all their secrets in the first book and then the writers struggle to come up with more layers the further the series goes.

I look forward to exploring the the 7th book in the series, and really hope the author can add a spin off series that includes these characters as i absolutely adored and had respect for them in all their needs, hopes, weaknesses, flaws, lusts and loves.  I liked the writing style of the author and would love to read more of this type of storyline.

The words flowed, the story gripping, the prose was mesmerising, I can highly recommend this as one of the best mm romantic suspence series of the year,

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, let's be honest here, I'm in it to win it for this series. I'm invested. This series cannot be stopped (please don't stop now). If you're new to this series, don't start here. Start with book one. This is not a standalone and you will hate everything about it. Here we are on the heals of CARE, and this book is almost the opposite of CARE. While I loved Kenn and Warrick (I mean I do love a good Daddy book), this is a slow burn with a focus on the long game. I will say, I really enjoyed how Ryder and Branson first...get together...and there are some things about their relationship that kind of reminded me of Coulson and Seth, which I'm not sad about (surprise, you ARE in a relationship). I think Ryder may be one of my favorite characters in the series overall. He is obviously on the spectrum (which is called out in the book) and how that manifests in his relationships with others -- and how it triggers self-reflection in Branson where we see subsequently see some personal growth.

The overarching plot moves the most in this story and there were a couple twists and turns that I was not expecting, which honestly bodes well for my investment in book seven (like that random unexpected cliff hanger seemingly unrelated to the main plot!!!). Like the other books in this series, there are chapters from the POV of some of our previous main characters (did I mention, not a stand alone?) which at first seemed a little jarring (much earlier in the series), but now I can appreciate for how it adds depth and breadth to the story that wouldn't have been able to be accomplished in other ways. I'm giving extra bonus points here for the intricacy of the story and Nora's ability to keep me invested in a series with political overtones (the heart of the stories is the romance). It's very well crafted and I haven't read anything quite like this before. I'm so glad I got an ARC for this series because this is one that I likely would have put it off (I would have gotten to it eventually because...it's Nora) thinking it was a lot more of a political thriller type and I would have missed out on the building of the relationships between these amazing men.

[Larissa_S · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4.25 stars* Nora Phoenix’s White House Men series must be read in sequence so it’s important to note that Puzzle is NOT a standalone. It is the sixth installment in the series and focuses on Branson, whom you may remember as Seth’s hookup from the beginning of Book 2, Friends, and Ryder, who is a newer character, just introduced in the last book. Interestingly, Seth and Coulson from Friends have really become the pivotal couple in this series, not Levar and Henley from Book 1. We see Seth and Coulson with pretty significant page time in every series entry (except Book 1), and their role in Puzzle is particularly large because this book resolves the terrorist/assassination plot that has run through all of the books. The upcoming book 7 focuses on the President, Del, and his recovery from the stress of it all and the crippling grief and loneliness from the murder of his wife, the First Lady. Personally, I adore Seth and Coulson so it’s no hardship at all to see them so much in later books.

Kudos to Ms. Phoenix for her continued very detailed story which obviously included a ton of background research on her part. The writing in Puzzle, as per usual, is excellent. Like the other books, we get multiple narrators, which is pretty much a necessity to keep the plot moving and I enjoyed the various perspectives. As for Ryder and Branson, I liked both characters a lot and I saw how they worked well as a couple, although that wasn’t obvious from the outset. The relationship didn’t develop as organically as I would have liked. That being said, the sexy times as hot AF, and the romance between them, and our prior couples whom we see as well, really does work. However, I do feel like Branson and Ryder’s romance took a back seat to the action/intrigue elements of the story.

The ending is inexplicably abrupt although not really a cliffy. But putting that aside, overall, this is another solid book in the series, perhaps not as riveting from a romance point of view, but definitely satisfying in the resolution of the terrorist plotline.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, I have really, thoroughly enjoyed this series. Other than paranormal, mysteries/murder mysteries are my favorites. I love trying to figure out the puzzle. ha. Appropriately named. I have loved the same in this series. The build up of finding who did all these heinous acts, the people involved, how deep some betrayals go. It's been a wild ride.

My only issue with this book in general is that it felt almost anticlimactic at the end. All this build up over the span of six books and poof. It was over. And we definitely know who that final book is going to be about. lol. Should be interesting considering the first real interactions we see of them in the first part of the book.

What I did love about the story though, and the series for the most part, is that, yes, there was the sexual factor in it but it wasn't the main focus. And that I love. I love a great plot and would rather see it than anything, because without the plot, you have no book. And the way the plot was spaced out over each book was such a way to keep you on your toes and wanting that next book so you could see what happens next. Not that I'm a fan of cliffhangers, mind you, but I definitely wanted to see where this was going to go and how deep it was going to go. Because the fingers in the pies of these wrong doings were long and deep. But, that's what greed and the need for power do to you.

It's been a very good series, despite the quick ending in this one. But now that things are pretty well tied up, I'm curious to see how the final story is going to go. I'm not going to spoil it and say who, in case there are some who haven't caught up, but I have a feeling Calix and a few others are going to get quite a few more laughs out of this one.

[Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Puzzle is the sixth book in Nora Phoenix's White House Men series. This political thriller/romance series needs to be read in order.

Branson and Ryder's story is sweet, but something held me back from fully connecting to them. Unfortunately, I don't really know what it is.

Neither man is what you'd expect which makes things interesting.
I enjoy Ryder's quirks and the way they're all illustrated. He's on the spectrum and is honest and blunt. Some people could definitely be annoyed by some of his personality traits, but it's all well written and authentic.

Their romance is a slow burn one, with the romance being in the background as the main focus is on solving the case. But the sex is definitely hot.

I enjoy getting a chance to see the pervious characters that we've all come to love. With a continuing mystery, things are again picking up and we're getting closer to having all the answers.

This one was harder for me to get through, as some chapters were from the pov of previous characters. As I listen to my books, this disrupts the flow. It's probably easier if I was reading it traditionally.

Puzzle is a nice addition to the ongoing mystery. This Nora Phoenix book definitely contributes to helping to solve the case, but the romance fell a little flat for me.

[Cristina Fly Mosca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buongiorno Peccatrici,
ed eccoci arrivati al penultimo volume della Serie "Amore alla Casa Bianca "ROMPICAPO". Care amiche del blog, stiamo per scoprire il perché di tutto ciò che ha portato questa serie ad essere così speciale.
Scopriremo anche chi ha mosso i fili, creato eventi che hanno cambiato le vite dei nostri protagonisti, partendo dal Presidente degli Stati Uniti: Delano Shafer.
Al momento, dove le indagini sono quasi arrivate al punto di cambiare le carte in tavola per i colpevoli, chi deve lavorare per confermare le prove da presentare al gran Giurì sono Ryder, contabile forense e Branson, l'analista della CIA.
Ryder è un nerd con iperfocus, privo di filtri e con il cuore spezzato.
Branson è il classico tipo amicone di tutti, con la battuta pronta, accogliente e figo.
I due lavorano fianco a fianco, scambiandosi informazioni ed elaborando dati, ma la differenza tra loro è soprattutto nell'approccio. Ryder mal sopporta l'esuberanza di Branson e lo infastidisce soprattutto il diminutivo che abitualmente usa per chiamarlo. Non comprende come non possa rispettare i limiti che lui gli pone; il rispetto e il consenso per Ryder sono principi sui quali non riesce a soprassedere. Branson, invece, abituato a modellarsi agli altri, non bada molto ai formalismi.....
recensione completa continua su PeccatriciLibrose.blog
buon viaggio ❤️ La vostra Fly

[Tara Ramey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wrapped up almost everything but…

The ending was too quick.

Written in third person but we get to see in both their heads as well the heads of several previous MCs. NOT A STANDALONE - you must read all 5 previous books in order to understand this one.

By the end of this book, a lot of the underlying suspenseful elements are resolved and there is direction for all MCs. I understand that the last book should give all characters closure but it almost feels unnecessary unless the plot takes another twist.

The romance in this book was almost secondary to figuring out the truth behind the Pride bombing and murders. And I actually enjoyed that it was written that way. The previous books didn’t incorporate both elements very well - they focused on one aspect and then stopped and focused entirely on another aspect. This book weaved them both very well - the relationship developed out of figuring out the puzzle. There were still a few grammar/editing issues but the book itself was well written.

My biggest issue was how abrupt the end was. (And I wish that the confrontation at the end was a little more spectacular.)