At the Pleasure of the President (The Perfect Gentlemen #5)

This book was a long time coming. I had such high hopes. Alas, my slog continues.

The first 3rd of the book was pretty much a rehash of the previous releases in this series. While each of those was kinda standalone, there was a continuing mystery. For those of us who had been there since the beginning, thiere was very little new information. The section was drawn out and boring. What was new provided enough information to figure out who the bad guys were and made the rest of the story just as tedious as the first part. I finally skipped ahead to the last chapter and – surprise! It all turned out just as I had thought it would. The epilogue was enjoyable. At least there was some flash of personality demonstrated by the characters.

All in all, not a book I can recommend.

FINAL DECISION: Entirely satisfying conclusion of this series with plenty of appearances by everyone important in the series. Wraps up everything nicely including all the romances you expect and need.

THE STORY: This book picks up immediately after the conclusion of SMOKE AND SIN. The dangers are surrounding the Perfect Gentlemen and their women as the conspiracy around the President Zach Hayes becomes more open. Zach is also torn as the woman he has wanted for years, his Press Secretary Elizabeth Matthews. Liz has been operating as Zach’s de facto First Lady after the murder of his wife on the eve of the election. Just when it seemed like Zach and Liz might give in to the passion between them, Zach has taken steps to protect Liz from those who threaten him. And now it seems like Liz might be involved in the conspiracy against Zach and the United States. Yet Zach can’t stop wanting Liz.

OPINION: This review is difficult to write. Not because this is not a wonderful book — it is — but because almost everything about it could be a spoiler. The fifth and final book in the Perfect Gentlemen series finally exposes everything that has been going on. Therefore, almost everything about it gives away plot lines.The best thing about this book is that it answers all the questions. After it was done, I felt that I finally understood the entirely of the events of the series. The only negative of the book is that the construction of it means that you have to have read the prior books in the series to enjoy this one. AT THE PLEASURE OF THE PRESIDENT is packed full and it could be overwhelming for someone who isn’t familiar with the characters, events and plots of what has been happening in the series. The positive is that it richly rewards those who have read the series with a satisfying conclusion.There is a lot in this book and yes — what you want and expect will be included (even if I don’t want to give anything away here).Zach and Liz have been circling around one another throughout the series. Zach was born and bred to be president and thus has by circumstances lived a more restrained life than his “brothers in arms”. What I really enjoyed in this book is that Zach begins to break through his lifetime of restraint and really reach out for what he wants in this book. Liz breaks through all his discipline and he can’t be the intellectual and objective person that has been working to fulfill his ambitions. She kinda breaks him in important ways. I loved that Liz, who has been on the side for much of the series, refuses to be sidelined any longer. She insists on being in the forefront along with the other women of the series.The plot of this book is big and crazy and so much fun. I especially loved that we get to see all the Perfect Gentlemen and their ladies together. This series really has energy when the characters interact. The relationships — both romantic and essentially a family built of friendship are essential here and really make this series worth reading.This felt like this book was written for the fans because just about everyone and everything I could have wanted was included. I loved this book and really didn’t want it or the series to end, but now I am satisfied that everything ended on a high note.

WORTH MENTIONING: Epilogue my friends!

CONNECTED BOOKS: AT THE PLEASURE OF THE PRESIDENT is the fifth and final book in the Perfect Gentlemen series. This series must be read in order and it is necessary to read the prior books in the series to enjoy this book.

STAR RATING: I give this book 5 stars.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book from the author. I was not required to write a review or to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.

Out of all of the Perfect Gentlemen Zack has always been the one who has tried to live his life above reproach with his endgame being the White House. That has been his sole driving force and there has always been one woman by his side willing to assist his rise to power but now she may be his downfall as well.

Lizs feelings for Zack have always been deeper than business associate or friend as she has loved him for as long as she can remember. It is because of that love that she would never do anything to hurt him even if that means living on the fringes of his life.

When he starts to distance himself from her she is confused, but once she finds out the truth there is nothing that will stop her from standing by her man. With not only his career but the country in jeopardy it will take every member of the Perfect Gentlemen Club to find out what is going on and hopefully it will not be too late.

This story takes you on a suspenseful action packed journey that has you wondering what twist is around the corner and what it will mean. The conclusion to this epic series doesnt disappoint.

I was anticipating this conclusion because I knew it promised a lot of reveals and twists. I had to see what would happen with that ending in the last book. For Zack Hayes, President of the United States, it’s taken 5 books for him to finally have his turn at love. He’s been a very patient man throughout The Perfect Gentleman series. Normally, I’m not a fan of reading about presidents as the lead hero in a romance because then he gets too ensconced with his new and exciting romantic relationship to the point where it seems to overtake all of the hours of his days and I’m turned off as to why is he so busy between the sheets when he should be running the country. Zack actually works a lot. I have grown to like him and hoped he would find happiness amidst all the responsibilities of running a country and the secrets that he must keep as well as uncover. I didn’t really get to know Elizabeth very well until the last book, but I liked what I found out about her, especially if Gus (Augustine Spencer) vouches for her. So there’s a lot happening in this book. It’s definitely not meant to be read as a standalone. All of The Perfect Gentleman and their ladies are present and the truth comes out about the stage that was set in the very first book. I didn’t see certain things coming while I suspected other things. I did enjoy getting answers to my questions and seeing all of the guys and girls band together and take charge as if they could run the country themselves between their collective talents and intelligence. It was a good finale overall with an epilogue that suited the characters.

Not a dull moment in this series. Anybody who has read the other four books in this series wouldn’t be reading this review because it’s a forgone conclusion you will be buying it. If you haven’t read any of the books you need to start at the beginning with Scandal never sleeps and clear a few days for reading.

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