More than a decade ago, Roman Calder had a scorching affair with the sister of one of his best friends. Augustine Spencer drove him so crazy he thought of nothing but her. The only thing they did more often than heat the sheets was fight. Unprepared for the intensity of their relationship, Roman broke things off and concentrated on things that made sense to him: his career and putting his best … friend, Zack Hayes, in the White House.
Gus Spencer is known to Washington insiders as the president’s secret weapon. Gorgeous and brilliant, Gus runs the press pool with the determination of a shark. No one dares to cross her, not when she’s known for having a spine of steel…but long ago one man melted her down. Despite the fact that she’ll never forgive Roman for breaking her heart, now that they work together she can’t get him off her mind.
When a dangerous investigation leads both Roman and Gus to London, the heat between them becomes unbearable. As they begin to unravel an international conspiracy, they find themselves falling all over again. But when a killer threatens their world, can they fight to stay together or will the sins of their past keep them forever apart?
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Roman Calder and Gus Spencer has a scorching affair more than a decade ago and no matter how much they try to deny searing intensity of their attraction to each other the heat becomes unbearable while unraveling an international conspiracy in this riveting romance full of gut wrenching emotions.
Sizzling chemistry leaps from the pages as these strong, bold characters struggle through past mistakes, unspoken desires and secrets to reach for their future. The emotional turmoil flows from every page with gut wrenching intensity and readers can’t help but become captivated by their relationship that also has quite a few ‘on the warpath’ clashes and some sharp dialogue.
The story is fast paced and full of intrigue and excitement as each twist and turn keeps readers glued to the pages in anticipation of what will happen next. The suspense builds into an intense, nail biting crescendo throughout the plot which includes the previous three books as it a major conspiracy that is complex, fascinating and enthralling. “Smoke and Sin” suspenseful plot includes all the suspense and intrigue of the previous books but also keeps readers well entertained with Roman and Gus’s volcanic relationship. The entire story is full of unexpected twists that ensure that readers can’t possibly guess the outcome and the climatic ending leaves readers with a jaw dropping surprise that has them wanting more.
“Long ago she’d decided that action was better than reaction.”
I must say, this series is blowing my mind. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a copy of the story that focused on Roman and Gus. I knew it was gonna be good, but no way did I expect it to be that good. Smoke and Sin kept me up all night, even when I did go to bed my mind kept playing out all the possibilities. The plot thickens, some secrets stay hidden and others are revealed. Some of the players are identified, and others remain hidden in the dark. Emotions run high and passion even higher.
I’ve had so much fun trying to guess what is gonna happen next in this mind-bending story. I’m exhausted from straining so hard to mentally will the characters to fall in line with my plans. And then something exciting happens and I have to admit the authors have much better ideas and I need to stay on this side of the story. Good advice, but I never follow it, I keep meddling and throwing out unsolicited advice to the characters which they always ignore. But I love them anyway.
Each of the Perfect Gentlemen are different but special in their own way. As each book is released and I get to spend more quality time with them, I fall even harder. “The perfect gentlemen loved to keep their secrets.” But not even they are able to keep Gus off of their trail. I know this was supposed to be Roman’s book because he is the PG, but Gus stole the show as far as I’m concerned. She’s badass and bull-headed. I love her to bits, she’s my hero. Actually, all of the women so far have been pretty amazing, full of sweetness and sass. Able to stand up to their alpha-cavemen. I have to agree with the PG assessment that, “We have a type, guys. They’re all troublemakers.” This is so true and it’s so fun to see what trouble the girls get into. They are so funny. And they have their men so whooped. It’s beautiful. I can’t wait to see who comes next. I know she’s gonna be perfect and fit right in with the other females as they plot and plan.
As I learned previously, Roman and Gus had an explosive relationship during their college years. The had, “incendiary chemistry” and “If they weren’t fighting, they were fucking.” Roman walked away from their passion to pursue his plan to help his best friend, Zack, make it to the White House. Over a decade later, Gus shows up at the White House, and the sparks are still there. Only now they are older and wiser, and they play harder and fight to win. The only difference is the prize they are fighting for. Will they give in, or give up, this time? Will either be left standing when the fire consumes them? When the secrets start coming out, will they work together or against each other? Can they let go of the past and make peace with their pain?
Damn! It was so good that after all their sinning, I’m ready for a smoke. And I don’t smoke. As the authors take us closer and closer to the big finale I’m about to burst with excitement and curiosity. It just keeps getting better and better. I’m so ready for whatever comes next. The line forms here…
Roman is the President’s right hand man, his chief of staff, and one of the Perfect Gentlemen. Gus is the sister of one of the Perfect Gentlemen and ten years ago, her and Roman has an affair. When they got together, there were explosive. Roman always wanted a woman who was sweet and never argued with him and that definitely wasn’t Gus. Gus can tame the press like no other but as they are all in London, secrets are revealed and old hurts keep coming to the surface. Someone is blackmailing the President and a killer is on the loose too. Can Roman get his head out of his butt before he loses Gus?
Most excellent story. I wanted to smack Roman several times. I understood Gus’s actions and she takes crap from no one. I could not stop reading this. Sexy, suspense, and secrets. Be prepared to read until late into the night.
Smoke and Sin is book 4 in The Perfect Gentlemen series and it zeros in on Roman and Augustine.
Augustine is Dax’s sister and Dax is Roman’s best friend, After an intense affair over 10 years ago, the two went their separate ways, Roman wanting something a little less intense and wanting to focus more on his life, but after being reunited after so long, the sparks, the fireworks, the intensity and the lust and passion come rushing back to them in full force, It’s as if it never truly left.
After avoiding one another at any cost, Gus finds herself in the line of fire when she starts to uncover some hidden truths, but those truths are what put her in harm’s way. But Roman is willing to do whatever it takes to keep her safe.
But will he finally open his eyes and see that everything he’s ever needed, wanted and craved his right there in front of him? Or will he let go and lose the last chance he has of being with the woman of his dreams?
Book 4 most certainly kept me on toes, it pulled my attention right from the beginning, this entire series has, and I cannot wait for Book 5 to release.
These two authors are a force to be reckoned with, they continue to blow me away with each and every chapter and continue to deliver what I knew was going phenomenal stories for each and every one of the main characters to this series.
It’s 5 stars from me!
The moment I finished Big Easy Temptation (#3) I jumped right into this book. All I can say is as I closed the very last page in this book I’m now waiting on the edge of my seat-completely biting my nails to find out the mystery in the final book, At the Pleasure of the President, which is releasing soon!!
GAH!!!
These ladies know how to write a fantastic series arc and steamy love story which has only built to its pinnacle. I’m so looking forward to the fifth and final book.
With that being said, each book has only built upon the other, the tension and mystery surrounding the story has only grown. Also between the third and fourth story I feel the connection is unique in that we learned more about Gus considering she is Dax’s sister than preceding heroines and I love her relationship with all the Perfect Gentleman which has brought a different flavor to this storyline.
Roman and Gus have a relationship that began years ago, but Gus is also unique in that she is Dax’s sister and has known most of the men her entire life. She also has the added pleasure of being intimate with more than just Roman. I love her openness about being a vibrant young woman who isn’t afraid of her sexuality.
Roman on the other hand is a man who is afraid of growing up to be like his parents, a man who fights with his woman than makes up with sex. For his future he wants a stable woman by his side and he does not see that in Augustine, she is a hellcat who stirs his blood.
Unfortunately, as years pass and circumstances bring them back together they don’t exactly get a say in working together, but the chemistry has never died between the two of them. They have have matured, but can they have a mature relationship beyond the bedroom?
This book was sooo good! Keeps you guessing on so many fronts and sets up the final book(to be released soon) really well. Can’t wait!
This is a well written romantic suspense story that you can’t put down. This is a really enjoyable book with a great story line and amazing characters.
The BEST of The Perfect Gentlemen! Roman and Gus are a perfect mix of angst, lust and sin!!
“…with any of the Perfect Gentlemen was always an intricate game of chess.”
The dynamic duo are at it again with the fourth book of The Perfect Gentlemen series, Smoke and Sin. Shayla Black and Lexi Blake are quite the team with their impeccable writing skills, giving us a book that we race to 1-click on Amazon! These two are the Queens for romantic suspense novels delivering 5 Stars of passion, red hot lust with a side of mystery and suspense!
Sin with the two most hardheaded, stubborn characters of the series; Roman Calder and Augustine (Gus) Spencer. Not only are they just stubborn, they are fiercely independent, one-minded and stuck in their own ways. “Hell, he and Gus were oil and water.” 13 years ago changed both Roman and Gus’s lives and not for the better. Making them both bitter and moody. Once a hot and heavy fling, Roman decided to side with the Perfect Gentlemen to get Zach to the white house, which meant leaving Gus to the wind.
“But no man could love her more. No one would ever love Augustine Spencer as completely as he did. Too bad he was broken and couldn’t give her his whole heart, the way she deserved.
Maybe it was better if she hated him.”
Now, 13 years later, both are working in the same vicinity, within the White House for Zach. You could cut the tension with a knife when they are present in the same room, but they mind their manners only speaking to one another when needed. The danger is still ever present behind the mystery of The Perfect Gentlemen and the lurkers in the shadows. Can Roman keep Gus safe without divulging the secrets? And can Gus keep up with the men of the group or will she cause drama of her own? What about Gus’s secrets that she has hidden away for so long, what happens when hers come to shine?
I am a sucker for second chance romances and with Smoke and Sin, I was on the edge of my seat, getting no sleep, wanting/not wanting to finish this book. Intense like no other and multiple times I was giddy with joy at the end with all the revelations! Out of all The Perfect Gentlemen books, this was my FAVORITE! The best banter award between characters goes to Roman and Gus; it was riveting, superior and I enjoyed it immensely!
“I’d like a sharp knife– serrated would be nice–and a tarp, please. There’s no reason to ruin a perfectly good Aubusson rug. It’s innocent. The rug, that is. My victim isn’t. He deserves to feel a lot of pain.”
Roman rushed over and nudged her from the doorway. “Don’t mind her. She’s upset because The Bachelor isn’t airing here in the UK and I spoiled the ending for her.”
This is an EPIC MUST READ!
WOW! What else can I say. The drama is ramping up in the series. We are getting closer to who, what and why. Then at the end? BAM!!! I totally knew it!
Love the whole series!
Terrific steamy read from reliable authors.
Barely 3 stars on the “romance”, 4.5 stars on the suspense/mystery. Audiobook.
First. Greg Boudreaux is, as always, fantastic. I’m not sure why Kaleo Griffith didn’t narrate this one as he was excellent in the first three books, but Boudreaux is not a mistake to fill those shoes.
This has been my least favorite couple. There was a LOT of back and forth from both Roman & Gus. It was painful and not in a good way. I get why Gus never told him about the baby. He dumped her, told her she wasn’t the kind of women that men married and that he never wanted kids with her or anyone else. There was no reason at all for her to divulge a miscarriage. It’s a lot of “no feelings” sex and Gus gets her hopes up and Roman acts like an ass and then she steps back and then he draws her in again. I get that feelings are complicated, but for being repeatedly told how strong a woman Gus is ~ we are repeatedly *shown* that she’s a doormat for Roman.
Roman & Gus don’t get together until the *very* end of the book and this leaves me feeling like they weren’t all that solid. The whole Beth thing was completely unresolved. 2 sentences are supposed to reassure us that Roman no longer harbors ill will toward Mad’s unique relationship with Gus or that Roman now views Gus as a competent adult. It’s just not enough to leave me with warm fuzzies about this couple.
But. BUT. THE STORY. This part has me totally hooked. I love the action/suspense. The mini-arc that each book has contributing to the overall mystery has kept me captivated. The last chapter has sort of an info dump on Liz that I wish “played out”. Would have improved the story even more.
Lexi Blake and Shayla Black not only hit a home run with this latest installment of The Perfect Gentlemen they hit a grand slam. The writing is smart and so finely detailed that you feel you are right there in the scene with the characters. The dialogue is crisp, snappy and provocative. The characters are strong, intelligent and complex. The plot is dramatic, intense and suspenseful edge of your seat moments.
The contentious nature of Roman and Gus’ interactions are absolutely stunning in their volatility and sensuality Together they are incendiary. Having spent over a decade of avoiding each other because of past events that have caused almost irrevocable emotional harm they are finally forced to really be together because of Roman’s intense need to protect Gus from danger. Gus has unknowingly stepped into the perilous mystery that is plaguing Zack and the rest of The Perfect Gentlemen. She has uncovered things not known to the others and Roman insists they join forces in their investigations. Meanwhile they explore a renewed relationship that is rocky at best but re-examining their feelings is a good if not painful thing when a secret from the past is finally revealed.
Lots of answers to questions from previous books this time including how Zack’s nickname of “scooter” came about. The end of the mystery surrounding Sergei is closer but there are seeds of doubt planted characters and events that leave the reader begging for more. Bravo, Shayla and Lexi! You’ve done it again!!!
As always Shayla Black and Lexi Blake don’t disappoint. This book keeps you on the edge, page after page. As with the previous books it keeps you guessing. You may think you have it figured out only for another twist. Be prepared for a hot, suspenseful page turner.
5 Star review of Smoke & Sin (The Perfect Gentlemen #4) by Shayla Black and Lexi Blake
This is Roman Calder and Gus (Augustine) Spencer’s story and oh what a story it is. I was riveted from the first page to the last.
Although this can be read as a stand-alone, I personally 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 in the background of the books. Smoke and Sin and is just as action packed as the previous 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 have you on the edge of your seat. I just kept saying to myself, one more chapter and then I’ll stop.
The chemistry between Roman and Gus is obvious and even though there are issues from the past, it is certainly clear that their feelings towards each other have not been resolved. Far from it!
Danger lurks around every corner as Roman and his fellow members of the Perfect Gentlemen Club continue their investigations. All around them the people they love are being put in danger and as we found out in previous books, some have died.
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. A great addition to the series and I cannot wait to read the conclusion to this amazing series.
Another great read