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Nicci

Nicci - TWLIB Reviews

I might have a current fascination for M/M Romance, but I do read across genres, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, History, Contemporary, Murder Mysteries, Thrillers, and those other romance novels. 

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Double Full
Kindle Alexander
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The Children of Gavrilek (Volume 1)
Julie Kirton Chandler
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Condor and the Crown - John Simpson Rating 2.6Review originally posted at http://twlibreviews.comCondor and the Crown is the fifth book in the Condor Series by John Simpson. When I read the Condor series, I enjoyed reading the books because of the original idea of having a gay man as the President of the United States.The books were not without problems. There were issues of writing quality and characterizations, particularly with Shane as the Secret Service Agent.David Windsor was one kick-ass, manly president. Decisive and wasn’t afraid to use his power for the better of the country. He kept the image of America as one tough nation, who wouldn’t bow down for anyone. The books were definitely of the good feel. Annoyance at some of the issues was set aside for this reason.In the fifth book, Condor and the Crown, adopted son Jack becomes the focal point as he travels with his dads to England. David Windsor serves as the ambassador to England. Shane is again in a security position to protect the embassy and family. King William has an increase part in the story King of England and David’s distance cousin.Less than week after settling down into their new home, Libyan nationals kidnap Jack from school, killing his security team. They hold Jack for ransom, making political demands the US government would be hard pressed to meet.David consults with the American President, his former VP. They setup a plan to rescue Jack, as well as making sure he and Shane are part of the rescue mission.The entire kidnap storyline resolves far too easy. Absence was the exposition I expected to experience as the situation rises to a tense level. Details glossed over and the results resolving unrealistically. One part in the story bothered me as it contains bombings that killed innocence children. I know in war and conflict these things happen in reality. In fictional story, unless the death of children deepens the story, draws sympathy, have a major character impact, or be just a natural flow of the storyline, I feel the deaths were unnecessary and exploitative.I guess Shane knows the man he married. I would have enjoyed reading Shane having more equal standing with his husband who’s no longer president. David is demanding both in public and private life. Shane acts as the sidekick instead of a husband deeply involved in a family life. He follows orders really good without asking too many questions or voicing his opinions.Perhaps this is where I’m disappointed because I had hoped to see these two grow in terms of characterizations. Who are these men in a domestic relationship? Who are they as individuals, outside their public image? Does Shane always agree with David? Their life cannot be just about serving the country and fixing the problems arising out of the public life. Behind closed doors, is Shane really satisfied with catering to a demanding husband?The son, Jack, is the one bright spot in the story. He’s a scrapper and tough. Has a foul mouth that could compete with any adult. One of the kidnappers asked David “Was he raised in the gutter.” Funny. As a child, the author showed Jack’s vulnerability. Jack’s character is the only one I feel the author attempted to flush out as a rounded character. David and Shane pretty much remained flat.