Two closeted career diplomats meet at a formal affair but with the first handshake sparks fly. Their sceret relationship starts out as pure lust but evolves into a love that can shatter their careers and force then into the open, ( )

This was one of those books that surprised me. I wasn't sure what to expect, especially after having seen some reviews. Having said that, I truly enjoyed all aspects of this story. The MC's are both interesting, well-fleshed out characters. The other parties, while not perfect, weren't made to be the stereotypical bitchy or horrendous females. The political story lines seemed well researched and well-written. I also enjoyed that while there was a HEA, it wasn't immediate, which made it more believable and honest as far as I'm concerned. I'm glad I was finally given the push to read this story which has been sitting on my tbr pile for waaaaayyyyyyyy too long! ( )

I absolutely hate cheating in when it comes to developing relationships in books. These guys were pretty selfish and immature to not step up and tell the women in their lives the truth. The women weren't much better maturity wise. It was great that the couple got their happy ending but I certainly didn't like the path they took to get there. Over all this was a good book and the characters were well developed. Which is why I gave it 3*'s instead of 2. ( )

This book was OK, I liked the MC's well enough but I just didn't feel invested in them or their story until towards the end of the book. The constant hammering of the older man/younger man was also a bit distracting. ( )

I was uncertain at first about ordering this title when I realized that one of the main characters was going to cheat on his spouse. In other reviews, I’ve made it plain I don’t care for adultery. However, I finally ordered it because I liked the idea of a politically flavored story, between more mature characters, and hoped the romance would prevail.

The romance is credibly built between the two men. The author makes is plain that Jack’s marriage is mostly friendship even before Lucas enters the picture. The author painted Jack like a man living on a diet of health shakes suddenly presented with a juicy steak. He didn’t realize how empty his life was until desire and love slapped him in the face. Both men are likeable, and the diplomatic service made a great backdrop for the story. The author seems to have done her research as the political atmosphere of NATO, Belgium and US relations was on mark. And the lives of ambassadors’ wives is spot on as well. I’ve read books where high-profile figures are afraid to come out of the closet because of their careers (pro athletes, movie stars) but this was the first I’ve read to address political power other than the presidency.

The sex is plentiful, but has an extra dimension of tenderness since Jack has zero experience with men. The sneaking around actually lends some excitement, and humor to the relationship. Secondary characters could be given more depth, but overall the development of plot, characters and story is strong enough to make this an enjoyable read. Jack’s secretary at the embassy is especially fun with her wit and motherly nature.

I had a couple problems with the book, though. I also didn’t care for the negative portrait of the two women, Lucy and Maria. It felt contrived - to get readers to have sympathy for the two cheating men. The fact that Jack’s been denying his own desires through 15 years of marriage doesn’t excuse what he does to his wife – her love of their lifestyle doesn’t make her the villain. I think the story would’ve been better served by Maria having the attitude she has at the end of the book, right from the start. Though Lucy becomes unbelievably callous at the end , I saw the necessity to allow the plot with Lucas and Jack when they are finally reunited. The best part of the book is when they become a real couple and wrestle with more mundane issues than making certain someone covers for their absence.

Another problem I had with the book was the passage of time. The first 2/3 of the book takes place in relatively short time (within a year or so), and then readers jump ahead years through the last several chapters. I actually enjoy seeing characters in the future after the HEA, and an epilogue is a great chance to do so. Here though, a couple times I didn’t even realize time had passed until one of the characters was said to be years older than when introduced. Despite these small issues, I enjoyed the story and think the writer has potential. I’d like to see more from her, preferably without the adultery. ( )