The thrilling conclusion of the twisting, page-turning Perfect Gentlemen series¿Decades ago, ambitious Zack Hayes set his sights on the White House. He’s worked his whole life to become the leader of the free world-attending the right schools, marrying the perfect bride-all to aid his campaign. He didn’t realize someone behind the scenes has been pulling the strings to manipulate Zack and the … country he loves into a dangerous position-one he will risk his life to wrench free from. The one thing he can’t risk is Elizabeth Matthews. From the moment she met Zack Hayes, Elizabeth felt the connection. Serving as his campaign manager and then his press secretary, she accepted that her love for him would remain unrequited. Still, she’d thought they were friends, so when he pushed her aside, she felt the stab in her heart. And when she realizes he’s done it to protect her, nothing will stop Elizabeth from standing by his side-not even the men who would use her as a weapon against him. As shocking secrets are revealed, Zack and Elizabeth find succor and passion in each other’s arms. When the ultimate villain shows his face, Zack may have to choose between his country and the woman he loves¿.
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At The Pleasure Of The President is the 5th and final book to The Perfect Gentlemen series and what a damn good ending it was. When I got word that book five was to be released, I immediately pre-ordered this bad boy. I knew for sure these two incredible authors would not disappoint and did they? NOPE!
Book five was a long time coming and the wait was torture but it was so worth it. Shayla and Lexi delivered such a compelling story and finished this series off perfectly. The cherry on top of the cake. I spent 95% of the book on the edge of my seat, flipping page by page wanting answers, wanting to know each and every detail that I had and was obsessing over since book four and I finally got those answers!
Book five focuses on Zack and Liz and their intense, all-consuming story.
President Zack is alpha, has always been the smarter and level headed of his group of friends, he always managed to keep himself in control, even when his friends did not. He was busy mapping his future carefully and he always had his eyes on the ultimate prize. Anyone who knows me, knows I am a sucker for a powerful controlling alpha and Zack was just that, and more! My perfect fantasy.
Liz worked with Zack as his press secretary, she worked hard at her job, and knew the moment she met Zack that he was something special, like no other male she had met before. She admired him from afar, and over the years they grew closer and closer. They became friends that relied on each other, that came to each other in time of need, but that all came crashing down around Liz and Zack started to push her away and her world came to a standstill. The bond they shared becoming non-existent, and Zack turned away from her. So everything she thought was between the two of them came apart around her.
I’m trying to think of how I can review this storyline without giving anything away, and honestly? I don’t think I can. All I can say is everything I thought I had pieced together in the previous books, everything I thought I knew… I had gotten wrong, I was almost certain of some things, only to find out that I wasn’t even close to the answers I had in my own head. So much happened in this book, so much came to light, so many questions were answered. Things became clearer in this installment, yet they didn’t… It was almost confusing but in the best way possible. I had high hopes coming into this book and the authors did not disappoint. It is bittersweet really. This was an end to an incredible series of books, amazing characters, and a plot that continued to throw me through twists and turns and consumed me completely right from the very start.
Although this book can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend it’s read from book one to get a better feel of the characters, and their back story, and to get some understanding on this plot.
5 amazing stars!
It’s “Answers Time” for the Perfect Gentlemen. At the Pleasure of the President by Shayla Black and Lexi Blake is the fifth and final book in their Perfect Gentlemen series. There’s lots of action going on in this story. The guys are all back together working to solve the Russian problem plaguing their own President Zack Hayes. This final book sees all the Perfect Gentlemen find the “love of their life” partners and entails some super sexy scenes. I loved seeing all the main characters from the series working together and helping each other. I really enjoyed when the ladies would get together and make plans. The dialogue is great fun. Loose ends are all tied up and all questions sufficiently answered in this finale. Excellent ending to a super series!
AT THE PLEASURE OF THE PRESIDENT is the fifth and final instalment in Shayla Black and Lexi Blake’s contemporary, adult THE PERFECT GENTLEMEN romantic, political suspense series focusing on six friends –Gabe, Connor, Dax, Zach, Roman and Maddox. This is US President Zack Hayes, and Press Secretary Elizabeth Matthews’ storyline. AT THE PLEASURE OF THE PRESIDENT should not be read as a stand alone as it focuses on the culmination of several story lines, numerous intersecting plot points, and the investigation into the death of Maddox Crawford, and attempted take down of the US President.
SOME BACKGROUND: Following the mysterious airplane crash and subsequent death of their friend Maddox Crawford, the remaining friends Gabe Bond, Dax Spencer, Connor Sparks, Roman Calder and US president Zach Hayes find themselves searching for the truth that somehow involves the Russian mob and the deaths of a number of people connected to their group known as The Perfect Gentlemen. THE PERFECT GENTLEMEN series are their stories.
Told from several third person perspectives including Zack and Elizabeth, AT THE PLEASURE OF THE PRESIDENT follows the search for the truth. When news of a potential assassination plot against President Hayes surfaces on the Dark Web, the Perfect Gentlemen, Zack’s best friends from childhood and school, circle the wagons to uncover the truth. From betrayal to vengeance, conspiracy to espionage, misinformation and issues of trust, everyone is suspect, and no one is safe as the investigation reveals someone close to the US President may be involved.
Zack Hayes is a widower who has fallen in love with Elizabeth Matthews but the energy in the White House is dangerous and dark. Issues of trust turn friends against friends, brother versus brother, lovers into strangers. Doubt and uncertainty breed bitter bedfellows; malevolence and distrust push the friendships to the point of spiralling out of control. Secrets are revealed; heart break is certain; international conspiracies take flight and win.
AT THE PLEASURE OF THE PRESIDENT is a story focusing on the powerful elite; on the political machinations of two countries quietly (or not so quietly) at war with one another, a war that has been playing out for too many years. The premise is intriguing, captivating, and thought provoking; the romance is passionate and emotional; the characters are engaging, dramatic and edgy. THE PERFECT GENTLEMEN series is a must read for fans of drama, intrigue, romance and love.
5 Star review of At The Pleasure of the President (The Perfect Gentlemen #5) by Shayla Black and Lexi Blake
Although this can be read as a stand-alone, I would recommend you read the first four books. It will give you a better understanding and background to what is happening as there is a continuing story line throughout the books.
This is a hard review to write as I do not want to give away any spoilers. I love an alpha male, add in a feisty heroine and I am there. The action is fast paced, I was on the edge of my seat and I read this book in almost one read. I just didn’t want to put it down; I had to know what happened! The suspense, drama, plot twists and turns had me totally enthralled and I found myself reading well in to the early hours of the morning.
This is President Zack Hayes and Elizabeth (Liz) Matthews story and it was captivating to say the least. All of the Perfect Gentleman and their women come together to support Zack as they fight an enemy that is not only trying to destroy Zack but the very foundation of their country.
The chemistry between Zack and Liz is electrifying and intense. Danger lurks around every corner as Zack and his fellow members of the Perfect Gentlemen Club continue their investigations till it reaches it’s explosive conclusion. Will Zack be able to make a choice between the woman he loves and the country that is his heart and soul?
The continuity between the authors was seamless. I have no idea who wrote which part and honestly, it doesn’t matter; it was brilliant from start to finish. Superbly written, an outstanding read. Superbly written, an outstanding read.
A fitting conclusion to one of my favourite romantic suspense series EVER.
Zack Hayes is the President of the United States, a position he and his family planned for him seemingly since birth. But now he’s in turmoil as revelations about the conspiracy involving the Russian cartel and his past begin to reach a climax that threaten his presidency. Elizabeth (Liz) Matthews, his press secretary and the woman he’s secretly loved for years, stands steadfastly by his side but may not be who she appears to be.
First, this is a series that must be read in order as there is a continuing story arc that builds with each book, revealing a little bit more about the mystery each time. This is the final one in the series and provides the answers I’ve waited for since the beginning. Zack and Liz’s romance finally gets the attention both have deserved and yearned for and it became the worst kept secret within the White House. In the meantime, the other Perfect Gentlemen and the women in their lives all collaborate to encircle and protect Zack while they work to solve the conspiracy, flesh out the inside traitors and bring down the cartel.
The narrator brought these characters to life and I was especially pleased with the voice given to Liz. It’s not often that a male narrator handles female characters that well. Boudreaux was exceptional with all of them. I loved the story and where it led. Most of my theories were proven true and there were some new revelations I hadn’t foreseen. It was filled with humor, mystery, romance, suspense and intrigue, yielding an outcome I found satisfying. The epilogue was priceless and this is how you end a series, one that I thoroughly enjoyed.
this was a great series it had everything, suspense, romance and hot couples.
Loved that we got a two-‘fer in this book! As one couple starts out, and makes horrible mistakes, well, he does, along the way, another that was ripped apart has to figure out how/if they can work things out. For every high one couple has, the other has a low. This had me in tears one moment, and laughing the next. A huge, and I mean huge, mystery is unraveled string by string, until the entire thing collapses in the floor as a mess in the last chapter. Even then, the myriad of pieces need to pulled out one by one to sort everything out
At the heart of it all, the real story, are the friends you make, and their loyalty. The partners you choose, and their love. The fragility of human life, and the tenuous bonds that tie us together. The love you can’t control, and those you can’t live without. That, where once you had nothing, you now have a full, vibrant, life, surrounded by people you love, and who love you back just as much!
Gah! Parts of this book were a SOLID 5 stars. However, because this book was wrapping things up AND focusing on two couples (Mad & Sara + Zack & Liz) it got bogged down. I barely ever say this, but it either needed to be longer or there needed to be a “Book 4.5” novella where they handled a few things in order to have a “cleaner” Book 5.
Because the authors totally tanked this book with Zack’s (and Roman’s) treatment of Liz and not giving enough time for proper groveling and forgiveness. Because beautiful, strong, smart, steely Liz freakin’ says, “Oh OK, you’re forgiven” after learning that Zack has thought the worst of her for WEEKS and continues to sleep with her. Including, but not limited to thinking she’s committed treason and helped an assassin make an attempt on Zack’s life. AND when the whole situation comes to a head he says some really nasty things to her. This is AFTER she already forgave him for a massive break of trust at the beginning of the book (that started in Book 4). She yells at Roman for all of 3 minutes and immediately agrees to marry Zack. Nope. No. Uh-uh.
Another strike is that the ending is faced paced and kind of a mind bending info dump that also could have used more finesse. It’s like they got tired of writing the story and just threw down a bunch of Russian operatives, plots, and explained that the KGB wouldn’t go after anyone anymore because they discredited one guy. What? The KGB literally spent DECADES and 100’s people and they’re just walking away because #reasons.
The epilogue was adorable, but not enough to forgive the abandonment of Liz’s nature from the entire series.
Love it. Greatest book in the series.
I think it’s safe to say that I have been waiting for this read my. Whole. Fucking. Life. Or at least it feels that way to me. Good luck to my determination to savor this one. It’s always this kind of read that I tend to devour in one sitting…but let’s see.
Also, I can’t believe this is the last book from one of my uber most favorite series. All this time I have been thinking that Mad is actually still alive. Huhuhuhu I want to be in denial forever…and at the same time I want to read the end already. Ughhh
However, um, how do I say this…the excitement I’ve had for the ending of this series went through the roof level. And I guess overall, the series ended as great as I have expected.
I just didn’t expect the hero to be such a huge letdown. Tbfh, he’s my least fav main character after this read. Oh, actually, make that Roman my very least favorite. I don’t really care if it’s just his job or what.
I mean, common sense dude. Unless the accused (aka ELIZABETH) is someone they didn’t really know much. Or if they did know of her, they don’t trust her much.
But for fuck’s sake, the woman is the one who stood next to the hero since the beginning, whether it be during his best or worst times. I fucking know all coincidences and most circumstances point to-or at least kind of implicate to-Elizabeth. But no one, between Zach and Roman, had the decency to give Elizabeth the benefit of doubt. Idk, the two men seemed so amateur-ish for treating the heroine that way. Just so utterly disappointing.
I wasn’t sure if Elizabeth forgave the hero too easily or the authors just glossed over the issue. Long story short, that bit fell flat.
On the other hand, I kind of wished about Mad and Sara so bad. Let’s just say I was a happy, still dreaming reader hehehe. Also, not that I tolerate why he chose to do that to Sara but I understand his reason and can at least stand behind that. He may be now my fav hero in the series
All in all, I still can’t believe this is it. The ending huhuhu. I was so obsessed with this series, the brotherhood between our heroes, the amazing heroines beside them…I guess this is beautiful goodbye.
I have love this series it is one of the best I have read in a long time. I can’t wait for her to write another great series. You will not be sorry you got this series.
Ok, so HOLY COW is really not what I want to say right now but I don’t want to be banned for language. This book kept me on the edge of my seat and it did not disappoint. Far from it in fact. The twist and turns and the who behind everything, just wow. Not everything is as it appears. I loved how all of the loose ends were tied up in a nice bow by the ending of this book. I cannot type more without spoilers so…….
This is the book that we have all been waiting for. This is the final book in the Perfect Gentlemen series and boy was it worth the wait. Without revealing any secrets, all of our questions were answered. There are many bumps in the road as the story progresses. Lies, betrayals, double agents, spies, attempted assassinations and romance, all come into play as the Gentlemen try to solve the mystery that was planned long before they were born. I really enjoyed this book. Shayla Black and Lexi Blake once again wrote an outstanding story. Bravo ladies.
“ , . ?”
Everything comes full circle with the sexy, emotional, and heart-pounding finale of one of my favorite romantic suspense series! series by the dynamic duo, Shayla Black and Lexi Blake, comes to an intense and eye-opening conclusion in . I’ve been waiting for Zack and Liz’s happily ever after since the series started, but once it was in my hands, I wanted nothing more than to take my time, savor their story, because I knew it was going to be an EPIC one…a well deserved, well fought happily ever after. Just when I thought this writing powerhouse couldn’t surprise me anymore, they threw in a few twists and turns that had my head reeling, my stomach in knots, and my heart on the verge of jumping out of my chest! Secrets, lies, and deception. Passion, suspense, and romance. If you thought the journey to the truth was going to be pretty…think again.
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This is the 5th book in the Perfect Gentlemen series. Admittedly, I have not read the first four. I picked it up because I enjoy political romances and they are hard to find. The book does not work well as a stand alone. There are a ton of characters and it is frustrating when you don’t know their backstory. There is also an intricate plot involving espionage, a pipeline, and the Russians. I found myself skimming through most of the book because I didn’t understand what was going on.
The hero, Zack, is the President of the United States and Elizabeth is his long-time press secretary. They’ve been harboring feelings for each other for years. About the time they finally act on their feelings, Zach starts harboring suspicions that Liz is a Russian spy intent on bringing his administration down. The main characters were great and I enjoyed their interactions. The one thing that kind of ruined the HEA for me was how quickly Elizabeth forgave Zach. He believes the worst in Elizabeth and treats her poorly. Then she just forgives him like its nothing. I would have liked to see her make him work for it a little.
What a nail biting conclusion to this series!! There was so much going on in this story, that you have to pay close attention to the details. It left me on the edge of my seat the whole time!!
I was so infuriated at how Mad left things with Sara and also Zach with Liz! They did it all to protect the women they love, but can the women forgive them.
So many twists and turns!
Maddox Crawford is back from the dead!! Well, okay, if you read Smoke and Sin, you already know about that little mic drop, but you need to buckle up and prepare for everything that it means by having Mad back from the dead. This is HUGE and not only integral to the storyline, but Mad is also one of the most emotionally touching characters I can remember reading, possibly ever.
If you are just catching wind of all things Perfect Gentlemanly, go back, start from the beginning and prepare for a fantastic, suspenseful, full of conspiracy theories ride. You have to read this series in order. Sorry, but also not sorry, because this series is AMAZING!!
At the Pleasure of the President is not just the end of a long journey for the Perfect Gentlemen, but it is the interwoven storylines of Zack Hayes/Liz Matthews and Mad Crawford/Sara Bond. Always close by are other Perfect Gentlemen and their significant others so you are constantly getting splashes of how they are doing. This finale is a mixture of BAM!! OMG!! and WOW!!
We have finally reached the pinnacle where the Russians are ready to make their move. They have been playing a very long game dating back for decades, maneuvering people into place to get whom they want into the White House. What happens now….well, read and find out. I won’t give up any spoilers to this conspiracy theory. (It’s so good).
However, in the game of love…where lies, deceit, and murder are already in play, whom do you trust? Your heart? Your friends? Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Can love be restored when trust is broken?
I was in tears, and more tears, and then more tears over and over again. For a suspenseful novel, this book ripped me apart. Everytime Mad was on the page I was surrounded by tissues. Shayla and Lexi wrote a billionaire playboy that you will empathize with.
What??
I know I don’t have billions of dollars lying around, so that isn’t my point, Mad is self-deprecating, has all the best intentions, loves fiercely and a lot of times shows that love in the worst possible way, but he’s so loyal. I just wanted to cuddle him. Oh, all the tissues. I love his fictional self so much.
Now, the women of Perfect Gentleman; The badas*, strong, probably could have saved the day sooner if their men had given them the information from day one-women. Not only do they complete the men they have found perfectly, but the eloquence, ferocious strength is so admirable, I wish they were a part of my posse. Shayla and Lexi write these brilliant women who don’t shrink from danger, but also know where their strengths lay. We could learn a lot from the blueprints that these women give us to follow. Thank you Shayla and Lexi.
So, again, with no spoilers, because seriously, this book has so much and you need to experience it all, but it’s good. REALLY GOOD!!
Zack Hayes has been groomed for the Presidency since he was born. Elizabeth, Liz, is his press secretary and a very independent, strong woman. When the President is blackmailed, the guys come together to figure out who it is. It also brings Liz and Zack closer together. But when Zack must choose between his country and friends or the woman he has ever loved, will he make the biggest mistake of his life?
This is the last of the Perfect Gentlemen series . No cliffhangers but plenty of action and suspense. I know this is short but I did not want to give anything away. This is the most suspenseful story I’ve read this year. I could not put it down. There are some funny scenes and sexy scenes. Be prepared to be up until late at night reading this book.
* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for the author *
This book is everything the reader has been waiting for and so much more. All of the questions will be answered and all of the Perfect Gentlemen get what they so rightly deserve. With so much emotion and so much angst the story locks you in from the first few pages and you will not be able to put it down. I held my breath for chapters and screamed at my Kindle for others. Shayla Black and Lexi Blake have created characters and a storyline that deserve more than 5 stars. You will never expect some of twists and turns but in the end you will be in awe. I am so sorry to see this series end but it will be one that I will re-read numerous times.