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Valor #2
Test of Valor
Listening Length: 8 hours and 14 minutes.
They're free of the White House, but can their forbidden romance survive in the real world?
With his father no longer president, 22-year-old Rafa Castillo can finally be with ex-Secret Service agent Shane Kendrick. Shane's given up his career for Rafa, a move his fellow agents question the sanity and morality of. Eager to get away from the questions and judgment, Rafa and Shane are building a new life together in Australia. Though Shane struggles with nightmares and his overprotective instincts while Rafa fights his own insecurity, they love each other more than ever.
Now they just have to get through a visit from the former president and first lady.
Rafa's parents certainly don't approve of his romance with 40-year-old Shane, and they're determined to make him see reason. They don't see how their son could possibly be happy settling down with an older man, and they question Shane's motives. Shane and Rafa just want a normal life together - but when they must suddenly battle for survival, they fight to prove their fierce love can withstand any threat.
They're free of the White House, but can their forbidden romance survive in the real world?
With his father no longer president, 22-year-old Rafa Castillo can finally be with ex-Secret Service agent Shane Kendrick. Shane's given up his career for Rafa, a move his fellow agents question the sanity and morality of. Eager to get away from the questions and judgment, Rafa and Shane are building a new life together in Australia. Though Shane struggles with nightmares and his overprotective instincts while Rafa fights his own insecurity, they love each other more than ever.
Now they just have to get through a visit from the former president and first lady.
Rafa's parents certainly don't approve of his romance with 40-year-old Shane, and they're determined to make him see reason. They don't see how their son could possibly be happy settling down with an older man, and they question Shane's motives. Shane and Rafa just want a normal life together - but when they must suddenly battle for survival, they fight to prove their fierce love can withstand any threat.
9 pages, Audible Audio
First published April 26, 2018
211 people are currently reading
558 people want to read
About the author
Keira Andrews
65 books2,934 followersKeira aims for the perfect mix of character, plot, and heat in her M/M romances. She writes everything from swashbuckling pirates to heartwarming holiday escapism. Her fave tropes are enemies to lovers, age gaps, forced proximity, and passionate virgins. Although she loves delicious angst along the way, Keira guarantees happy endings!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 288 reviews
April 18, 2018
~4.5~
I had no idea Keira was planning a followup to the amazing Valor on the Move, which landed on my Best M/M Romance of 2015 list and ended on a very happy note. I fully expected Rafa and Shane to be driving off into the sunset.
And they do. After a bit of a struggle . . .
The first thing I want to know when an author writes a followup to a non-cliffie book is: Does it fuck with the characters' HEA? Because if it does, I'm out of there.
And the answer to that question is NO.
Yes, the two men have to deal with some conflict, but they come out on the other side all the better for it.
Shane, a former Secret Service agent, is a tough guy who doesn't want to appear weak. Protecting people was his job for years, so he's loath to tell Rafa about the nightmares (flashbacks to Rafa's kidnapping) that still plague him.
Rafa gets frustrated with what he perceives (accurately, I think) are lies of omission and loses his cool, accusing Shane of not trusting him. Rafa is big on being treated like a man, not a boy. He gets enough of that from his parents. Even though he loves how safe he feels with Shane, he wants to be an equal partner.
Despite the stubborn lack of communication on Shane's part, the men's relationship is solid. They treat each other with tenderness and respect, and their sex life is on FIRE. There's plenty of steam in this story: Shane loves to take control, and Rafa wants to be Shane's cum slut. It's all insanely sexy and naughty, and I'm one jealous bitch.
Conflict also arrives in the form of Rafa's parents (former president and first lady), especially his mom, who is not a fan of Shane and hopes the relationship is a phase. Fat chance of that, but she's pretty ruthless in manipulating Rafa.
For the most part, this is a relationship-driven story, although there is some excitement and adventure. I have to say I wasn't expecting that particular plot point, but I liked it; it added some intensity to an otherwise quiet story.
At the end, Rafa and Shane are stronger than ever and get an ever better, sparklier HEA. I'm all over that!
If you loved the first book, you'll like this one for sure. However, Test of Valor cannot be read as a standalone.
I had no idea Keira was planning a followup to the amazing Valor on the Move, which landed on my Best M/M Romance of 2015 list and ended on a very happy note. I fully expected Rafa and Shane to be driving off into the sunset.
And they do. After a bit of a struggle . . .
The first thing I want to know when an author writes a followup to a non-cliffie book is: Does it fuck with the characters' HEA? Because if it does, I'm out of there.
And the answer to that question is NO.
Yes, the two men have to deal with some conflict, but they come out on the other side all the better for it.
Shane, a former Secret Service agent, is a tough guy who doesn't want to appear weak. Protecting people was his job for years, so he's loath to tell Rafa about the nightmares (flashbacks to Rafa's kidnapping) that still plague him.
Rafa gets frustrated with what he perceives (accurately, I think) are lies of omission and loses his cool, accusing Shane of not trusting him. Rafa is big on being treated like a man, not a boy. He gets enough of that from his parents. Even though he loves how safe he feels with Shane, he wants to be an equal partner.
Despite the stubborn lack of communication on Shane's part, the men's relationship is solid. They treat each other with tenderness and respect, and their sex life is on FIRE. There's plenty of steam in this story: Shane loves to take control, and Rafa wants to be Shane's cum slut. It's all insanely sexy and naughty, and I'm one jealous bitch.
Conflict also arrives in the form of Rafa's parents (former president and first lady), especially his mom, who is not a fan of Shane and hopes the relationship is a phase. Fat chance of that, but she's pretty ruthless in manipulating Rafa.
For the most part, this is a relationship-driven story, although there is some excitement and adventure. I have to say I wasn't expecting that particular plot point, but I liked it; it added some intensity to an otherwise quiet story.
At the end, Rafa and Shane are stronger than ever and get an ever better, sparklier HEA. I'm all over that!
If you loved the first book, you'll like this one for sure. However, Test of Valor cannot be read as a standalone.
April 29, 2018
When I saw this book in my updates, my mental happy dance had me all kinds of dizzy with excitement. I couldn't believe my eyes! A follow up story to a book that ended with a pretty strong happy for now ending?? It was totally unexpected, but very much appreciated!
I loved catching up with Rafa and Shane. It wasn't always smooth sailing, especially when it came to dealing with Rafa's parents. They also had their own personal insecurities to work through. I liked that it wasn't drawn out, and even with those insecurities, they felt like a solid couple.
Now that Keira Andrews sprung this unexpected continuation of Rafa and Shane's story, would it be greedy of me to expect a continuation of Nico and Jake's story from Reading the signs? I'm keeping my fingers and toes crossed!
I loved catching up with Rafa and Shane. It wasn't always smooth sailing, especially when it came to dealing with Rafa's parents. They also had their own personal insecurities to work through. I liked that it wasn't drawn out, and even with those insecurities, they felt like a solid couple.
Now that Keira Andrews sprung this unexpected continuation of Rafa and Shane's story, would it be greedy of me to expect a continuation of Nico and Jake's story from Reading the signs? I'm keeping my fingers and toes crossed!
May 24, 2020
3.5 Stars
While this sequel should’ve brought me all the joy, it unfortunately didn’t.
Rafa and Shane are living happily ever after 6 months later or are they? By all means, they both love each other deeply, they support each other to the ends of the earth but it’s the little things that often get in the way. It’s the insecurity, the need to protect the other, the things left unsaid that start disintegrating their relationship. Toss in Rafa’s infuriating and disapproving parents, who though with seemingly good intentions can’t let go of the fact that their son is an adult and can make his own damned decisions, only added to my frustrations.
Sooooo this had a lot of inner struggle for both Rafa and Shane. The love was strong but the lack of full disclosure between these two brought a lot of hurt and to me, unnecessary drama. However, I can’t fault Andrews because these were legitimate, understandable concerns and issues for all those involved.
Of course, Rafa and Shane get their shit together, conveniently aided by a life threatening event and these two rally, gathering strength and conquering their fears, sending the message that those who are not in agreement with their relationship can go fuck themselves. Yay!
The struggle is real, and I get it. I just wanted more of a fairy tale follow up.
While this sequel should’ve brought me all the joy, it unfortunately didn’t.
Rafa and Shane are living happily ever after 6 months later or are they? By all means, they both love each other deeply, they support each other to the ends of the earth but it’s the little things that often get in the way. It’s the insecurity, the need to protect the other, the things left unsaid that start disintegrating their relationship. Toss in Rafa’s infuriating and disapproving parents, who though with seemingly good intentions can’t let go of the fact that their son is an adult and can make his own damned decisions, only added to my frustrations.
Sooooo this had a lot of inner struggle for both Rafa and Shane. The love was strong but the lack of full disclosure between these two brought a lot of hurt and to me, unnecessary drama. However, I can’t fault Andrews because these were legitimate, understandable concerns and issues for all those involved.
Of course, Rafa and Shane get their shit together, conveniently aided by a life threatening event and these two rally, gathering strength and conquering their fears, sending the message that those who are not in agreement with their relationship can go fuck themselves. Yay!
The struggle is real, and I get it. I just wanted more of a fairy tale follow up.
January 27, 2021
2021 ebook
It was nice to see them again and there was still too much sex.
2020 audio review
YEp, this was great! Love this series and would love another installment. Highly recommend this series and the audio. 5 stars for narration. Story 4.5 still too much sex.
2018 ebook review
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Wow, when I finished reading Valor on the Move in 2016, I wrote in my review that I wanted to see more of these guys, maybe 10-15 years later. I never expected there to be another installment to this "series" since it wasn't a series at the time. So when Test of Valor came out, first I think my jaw hit the floor in shock, because OMG wishes do come true! And then I was all, gimme, gimme! I have to see these guys again. There was never any doubt I was going to read this book.
Test of Valor isn't years in the future, more like 5 or so months after Valor on the Move, but it was still so yummy. These guys are so perfect together, and despite Shane's treating Rafa as a delicate flower, someone Shane has to protect physically and emotionally, I thought they had progressed well. It didn't feel as if I had waited years to see them again. I remember almost everything from book 1, which is such a shock because it has been a while, but I guess there are just some stories that stay with you (even if at the time you don't think it will).
Through the whole story I was waiting for that dramatic moment, kidnapping, danger, guns ablazing. But what really ends up happening is just as good. Yes, there are dramatics towards the end, and no, I am not going to say what because I don't want to spoil it for you. Part of my enjoyment was me just waiting for something to happen, and when it did I was all, YES! :D
It was really heartwarming to see Rafa's family come together at the end, which was a big sticking point thru the whole book. Rafa's mother was having the hardest time accepting Rafa and Shane's relationship. But at the end, while there is still some awkwardness, things have definitely improved.
I do certainly recommend Test of Valor and warn you this cannot be read as a standalone. You need to read Valor on the Move first because Test of Valor picks up roughly 5 months later.
4 stars Now the question is, will there be another book in this series, possibly with different characters? Shane's cop friend and previous "friends with benefits" friend, could possibly be given his own book. There is the potential for a man in his life. I think I would enjoy reading about that. :)
It was nice to see them again and there was still too much sex.
2020 audio review
YEp, this was great! Love this series and would love another installment. Highly recommend this series and the audio. 5 stars for narration. Story 4.5 still too much sex.
2018 ebook review
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Wow, when I finished reading Valor on the Move in 2016, I wrote in my review that I wanted to see more of these guys, maybe 10-15 years later. I never expected there to be another installment to this "series" since it wasn't a series at the time. So when Test of Valor came out, first I think my jaw hit the floor in shock, because OMG wishes do come true! And then I was all, gimme, gimme! I have to see these guys again. There was never any doubt I was going to read this book.
Test of Valor isn't years in the future, more like 5 or so months after Valor on the Move, but it was still so yummy. These guys are so perfect together, and despite Shane's treating Rafa as a delicate flower, someone Shane has to protect physically and emotionally, I thought they had progressed well. It didn't feel as if I had waited years to see them again. I remember almost everything from book 1, which is such a shock because it has been a while, but I guess there are just some stories that stay with you (even if at the time you don't think it will).
Through the whole story I was waiting for that dramatic moment, kidnapping, danger, guns ablazing. But what really ends up happening is just as good. Yes, there are dramatics towards the end, and no, I am not going to say what because I don't want to spoil it for you. Part of my enjoyment was me just waiting for something to happen, and when it did I was all, YES! :D
It was really heartwarming to see Rafa's family come together at the end, which was a big sticking point thru the whole book. Rafa's mother was having the hardest time accepting Rafa and Shane's relationship. But at the end, while there is still some awkwardness, things have definitely improved.
I do certainly recommend Test of Valor and warn you this cannot be read as a standalone. You need to read Valor on the Move first because Test of Valor picks up roughly 5 months later.
4 stars Now the question is, will there be another book in this series, possibly with different characters? Shane's cop friend and previous "friends with benefits" friend, could possibly be given his own book. There is the potential for a man in his life. I think I would enjoy reading about that. :)
July 26, 2018
So we finally got the extended HEA version of Shane and Rafa. 🤗 This book delighted me and frustrated me at the same time. 😁 I can’t help but thinking this book was such a missed opportunity for Keira Andrews because when I read the first book “Valor on the move”, I remembered desperately wanting for a sequel of these two. But it has been “3 years” since the first book in the series and it was undeniably an enormous time gap between these two books. 🙂 If you are a new reader of this series, I seriously envy you for being able to devour both books in one sitting because I had to wait years to get this one. 😌 As a result, I couldn’t connect to Rafa and Shane again in the very beginning. I was pretty much really frustrated until the 60% mark in the book for Rafa’s ridiculous insecurities, his mother’s A-game bitchiness and secret service agents’ childish cold shoulder to Shane. 🤬 It is always so difficult to see your favorite characters’ supposed HEA get muddled and messed up again but Keira Andrews more than made up for it with the last 40% of the story. 👏 It was beautiful to see Shane and Rafa once again found their Ying and Yang balance again and how the presidential family finally warming up to Shane, basically how everything worked out in the end. 💙 And this book was scorching hot that my kindle seems to be burning up my fingers. 😂🔥 Keira Andrews writes one of the hottest, smokiest, most erotic gay love scenes and she was very generous with smut in this one. 😏 I guess, it more than made up for the very long-awaited UST from the first book. I definitely think this book would have been a 5 stars rating for me if I could just read two books straight rather than waiting years between them. Well, I couldn’t be happier for the epilogue and how Rafa took the initiative for putting the ring on. It was sweet, romantic, heart-warming and super erotic. So what’s not to like? 😉
4.25 Rafa loves being Shane’s baby stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
4.25 Rafa loves being Shane’s baby stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
March 28, 2020
*** A fabulous end for our two book story of a true and lasting May/December love, despite the obstacles. Kiera Andrews characters are big, bold and brash. In the first book, Valor On The Move, we saw "Valor," 21, the president's son kidnapped and rescued by Shane, 39, Secret Service Agent. After that episode the men quit fighting their anticipation.
***We pick up here in Australia, outside of Sydney, where Rafa/Valor, 22, and Shane, 40, live, love, are safe, and very happy. We see their hot sexiness and blissful daily life together, but also their inner struggles from the past. Rafa's un-accepting parents are coming to visit; they hate Shane and want Rafa to come home. Arguments come with their visit, and that causes Rafa's self doubt and low self esteem come back. Shane has been ordered back to D.C. for questioning in the kidnapping plot, but his trip is a set up.
Once back, the remaining visit is tense and conflict-filled.
When trouble arises on a sight-seeing trip, it's Shane, with Rafa's help that saves everyone, almost.
After the rescue and all are recovering, Rafa's Mom finally says something nice.
This is a lovely older/younger romance with deep feelings, hot lovin' and an engaging story.
We are happy for the men, and the future is looking hopeful.
Highly recommend this two book set. ENJOY !
====
***We pick up here in Australia, outside of Sydney, where Rafa/Valor, 22, and Shane, 40, live, love, are safe, and very happy. We see their hot sexiness and blissful daily life together, but also their inner struggles from the past. Rafa's un-accepting parents are coming to visit; they hate Shane and want Rafa to come home. Arguments come with their visit, and that causes Rafa's self doubt and low self esteem come back. Shane has been ordered back to D.C. for questioning in the kidnapping plot, but his trip is a set up.
Once back, the remaining visit is tense and conflict-filled.
When trouble arises on a sight-seeing trip, it's Shane, with Rafa's help that saves everyone, almost.
After the rescue and all are recovering, Rafa's Mom finally says something nice.
This is a lovely older/younger romance with deep feelings, hot lovin' and an engaging story.
We are happy for the men, and the future is looking hopeful.
Highly recommend this two book set. ENJOY !
====
April 25, 2018
Test of Valor by Keira Andrews is a quick follow up to Valor on the Move. It takes place about a half year after the first, and now Shane and Rafa are living together in Australia. Rafa is pursuing his dreams of becoming a chef and Shane is opening his own security business. While the first book is more action-packed, I'd say this one was more relationship driven though there was a heart-thumping moment about 3/4 of the story.
Some highlights:
-Dual POVs
-The angst that wasn't over the top (well not all of it). There was drama with Rafa's parents, some miscommunications, and some PTSD.
-Steam!
-A bit of action
-And a sweet HEA.
What- or I should say who- grated my nerves was Rafa's mom. Even after she got her head out of her ass, I didn't warm up to her.
All in all, a nice sequel for an awesome couple. 4 Stars.
April 23, 2018
Top class follow up to one of my favourite Keira Andrews couples - Rafa and Shane.
In fact, I didn't know I needed a book two until Keira said she was writing it and then I was desperate to find out how life was treating America's scandalous ex-Secret Service agent and his former White House protectee and much younger lover.
The answer was pretty well actually, in spite of the nightmares which keep Shane up at night, and the doubts Rafa has about being good enough, and oh boy are things still hot as Hell between them.
This one's way more kinky than book one, Rafa is turning into a bit of an unashamed cum slut and Shane's more than happy to oblige in the bedroom, the lounge, the bathroom, and over the dining room table after a fight with Rafa's mother.
There's a wee bit of tension caused by family issues and a big event which, while dramatic, works within the plot narrative and the ending and epilogue are ridiculously perfect.
I still have questions, especially about Matthew, so I hope Keira hasn't finished with the former First Family just yet :)
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
In fact, I didn't know I needed a book two until Keira said she was writing it and then I was desperate to find out how life was treating America's scandalous ex-Secret Service agent and his former White House protectee and much younger lover.
The answer was pretty well actually, in spite of the nightmares which keep Shane up at night, and the doubts Rafa has about being good enough, and oh boy are things still hot as Hell between them.
This one's way more kinky than book one, Rafa is turning into a bit of an unashamed cum slut and Shane's more than happy to oblige in the bedroom, the lounge, the bathroom, and over the dining room table after a fight with Rafa's mother.
There's a wee bit of tension caused by family issues and a big event which, while dramatic, works within the plot narrative and the ending and epilogue are ridiculously perfect.
I still have questions, especially about Matthew, so I hope Keira hasn't finished with the former First Family just yet :)
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
April 29, 2018
A follow-up about Shane and Rafa, my beloved couple from Valor on the Move ?
Of course, I couldn’t resist and dived in without any fear of Keira Andrews messing up with the HEA.
And I was soooo right not to be afraid. What I got was an “extended” epilogue with the assurance of Rafa and Shane fitting well together : making sure that they are equal partners, working through their understandable worries and affirming their relationship to those surrounding them.
And cherry on the cake : it’s hot, really hot, now that they can give free reins to their loving relationship.
A very satisfying and sexy addition for anyone who enjoyed Shane and Rafa !!!
Of course, I couldn’t resist and dived in without any fear of Keira Andrews messing up with the HEA.
And I was soooo right not to be afraid. What I got was an “extended” epilogue with the assurance of Rafa and Shane fitting well together : making sure that they are equal partners, working through their understandable worries and affirming their relationship to those surrounding them.
And cherry on the cake : it’s hot, really hot, now that they can give free reins to their loving relationship.
A very satisfying and sexy addition for anyone who enjoyed Shane and Rafa !!!
April 28, 2018
I loved 'Valor on the Move', and I was delighted to find out there would be more of Rafa and Shane!
Test of Valor picks up where the first book ended. Rafa and Shane are now in Australia, 'living their dream' and building a new life. Rafa's going to start cookery school and Shane is in the middle of setting up a security business.
But the shadows of the past are not quite forgotten.
Shane protective streak is difficult to keep in check at times and he suffers from nightmares, the horrors of Rafa's kidnapping clearly still present in his mind.
Rafa's still insecure because of his age, and his parents, particularly his mother, do not support his choice of partner at all.
Both men need to shake and shed some of their deeply ingrained (wrong) beliefs who they think they need to be for the other (Shane - the protector, Rafa - to be a 'man'). And they wobble a little bit, but not much.
I felt that their worries are realistic. Of course Shane is worried about his age. Of course Rafa wants to be an equal partner. I could totally understand where both men are coming from and I loved that they worked their way through this together without any excessive drama.
A lovely end to a story I've always liked.
(Only niggle: Shane's nightmares were forgotten by the end. I'd expected these to be more central to the story and would have liked to know how he dealt with them.)
Test of Valor picks up where the first book ended. Rafa and Shane are now in Australia, 'living their dream' and building a new life. Rafa's going to start cookery school and Shane is in the middle of setting up a security business.
But the shadows of the past are not quite forgotten.
Shane protective streak is difficult to keep in check at times and he suffers from nightmares, the horrors of Rafa's kidnapping clearly still present in his mind.
Rafa's still insecure because of his age, and his parents, particularly his mother, do not support his choice of partner at all.
Both men need to shake and shed some of their deeply ingrained (wrong) beliefs who they think they need to be for the other (Shane - the protector, Rafa - to be a 'man'). And they wobble a little bit, but not much.
I felt that their worries are realistic. Of course Shane is worried about his age. Of course Rafa wants to be an equal partner. I could totally understand where both men are coming from and I loved that they worked their way through this together without any excessive drama.
A lovely end to a story I've always liked.
(Only niggle: Shane's nightmares were forgotten by the end. I'd expected these to be more central to the story and would have liked to know how he dealt with them.)
Read
April 27, 2018The sequel to VALOR ON THE MOVE is now available! It was a joy to explore Rafa and Shane's new life together as they settle into routines and work through challenges. Don't worry, their relationship is still rock-solid, but I feel like there are typically a few issues that crop up once the excitement dims a little and real life begins. A major challenge they face is from Rafa's parents, who aren't too thrilled their baby boy has run off with his Secret Service agent. Their visit should be lots of fun for our poor couple! :D
I hope you enjoy reading the conclusion of Rafa and Shane's story! Buy at Amazon or borrow in KU for first three months:
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2r2jkAm
Amazon global: http://rxe.me/KF3HXL
I hope you enjoy reading the conclusion of Rafa and Shane's story! Buy at Amazon or borrow in KU for first three months:
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2r2jkAm
Amazon global: http://rxe.me/KF3HXL
April 19, 2018
Test of Valor is the sequel to Valor on the Move. Unlike, book 1, there is no suspense here. The whole story focuses on Shane and Rafa's fledgling relationship.
The story starts approximately 6 months after the ending of Valor on the Move . Shane and Rafa have moved to Australia, where they have a little house near the beach, and Rafa is set to attend culinary school at Cordon Bleu in Sydney, while Shane is launching his personal security business. They spend their free time, surfing, camping on the beach, making love, and taking some much needed R&R after the events and traumas of book one.
I loved revisiting Shane and Rafa. I loved them both in Valor on the Move and the story starts out showing them happy and in love. I never doubted - throughout the story - that these men were in love and committed to one another. They spend time together, are devoted to one another, they want to be together and that was always clear. They also get a lovely HEA here. Shane and Rafa each have people in their court, even though there are plenty of people that disapprove of their relationship.
But...
I missed the suspense. I missed the emotional charge. Not much really happens here and we spend more than half the book listening to inner thoughts and insecurities. I did not fancy so much of that. One of my pet peeves is when MC's don't talk about things that really bother them. The attitudes of "I don't want to bother him with that" or "I'm weak because I'm having trouble" make me want to smack the MC's with their own book. I admit to those urges here. I'm also not a fan of overbearing parents treating their 22 year old son like he can barely be trusted to tie his own shoes.
Shane and Rafa, understandably, have leftover stress from their ordeal and their previous lives. Shane is having nightmares about what might have happened if he had not found Rafa in time. Rafa is having to deal with an overbearing family and insecurities that Shane doesn't see him as an equal. And for more than half the book, they don't talk to each other about these things, until the stress gets so high that they get blown out of proportion.
I didn't much care for Rafa's parents in book one or for a good portion of this book. His mother, especially, was overbearing in her disapproval of Rafa's relationship with Shane. Never mind that Rafa is a grown man and was at the start of the relationship, also. The parents do come to see reason, but it took a catastrophic event for them to truly accept Shane.
Things do end on a positive note, though...
Where Test of Valor finally took a turn for the better, for me, was when tragedy struck and they finally see what they as individuals and as a couple are capable of. And then finally, they talk. From that moment on, I enjoyed the story again.
Truthfully, while I overall liked the story, I didn't love it. I did like it, though, so if you enjoyed Valor on the Move, you'll probably enjoy this book, as well.
-------------------
ARC of Test of Valor was generously provided by the author, in exchange for an honest review.
The story starts approximately 6 months after the ending of Valor on the Move . Shane and Rafa have moved to Australia, where they have a little house near the beach, and Rafa is set to attend culinary school at Cordon Bleu in Sydney, while Shane is launching his personal security business. They spend their free time, surfing, camping on the beach, making love, and taking some much needed R&R after the events and traumas of book one.
I loved revisiting Shane and Rafa. I loved them both in Valor on the Move and the story starts out showing them happy and in love. I never doubted - throughout the story - that these men were in love and committed to one another. They spend time together, are devoted to one another, they want to be together and that was always clear. They also get a lovely HEA here. Shane and Rafa each have people in their court, even though there are plenty of people that disapprove of their relationship.
But...
I missed the suspense. I missed the emotional charge. Not much really happens here and we spend more than half the book listening to inner thoughts and insecurities. I did not fancy so much of that. One of my pet peeves is when MC's don't talk about things that really bother them. The attitudes of "I don't want to bother him with that" or "I'm weak because I'm having trouble" make me want to smack the MC's with their own book. I admit to those urges here. I'm also not a fan of overbearing parents treating their 22 year old son like he can barely be trusted to tie his own shoes.
Shane and Rafa, understandably, have leftover stress from their ordeal and their previous lives. Shane is having nightmares about what might have happened if he had not found Rafa in time. Rafa is having to deal with an overbearing family and insecurities that Shane doesn't see him as an equal. And for more than half the book, they don't talk to each other about these things, until the stress gets so high that they get blown out of proportion.
I didn't much care for Rafa's parents in book one or for a good portion of this book. His mother, especially, was overbearing in her disapproval of Rafa's relationship with Shane. Never mind that Rafa is a grown man and was at the start of the relationship, also. The parents do come to see reason, but it took a catastrophic event for them to truly accept Shane.
Things do end on a positive note, though...
Where Test of Valor finally took a turn for the better, for me, was when tragedy struck and they finally see what they as individuals and as a couple are capable of. And then finally, they talk. From that moment on, I enjoyed the story again.
Truthfully, while I overall liked the story, I didn't love it. I did like it, though, so if you enjoyed Valor on the Move, you'll probably enjoy this book, as well.
-------------------
ARC of Test of Valor was generously provided by the author, in exchange for an honest review.
May 2, 2018
This was a great follow up to the first book. I hadn't read that one in years so I forgot a few things, but I mostly remember it as I read this. I wasn't expecting a follow up to Rafa and Shane's story so this was a pleasant surprise.
It was great seeing these two settling in to being together and being happy. Rafa's parents still aren't okay with them being together, so that's where the main drama in this one comes from - and them both having to learn to communicate properly - but things happen that allow his parents to eventually come around and these two learn how to communicate properly like a healthy couples should ;)
We got some super hot sex scenes throughout, which was fun ;) and just these two being adorable together and in love. This was basically just getting them to a firm HEA, where they work out the kinks and deal with outside threats, as it were, trying to tear them apart. But they never once waver from their love of each other, and they never give up.
A fun, entertaining follow up to the first book, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Definitely recommend! :D
It was great seeing these two settling in to being together and being happy. Rafa's parents still aren't okay with them being together, so that's where the main drama in this one comes from - and them both having to learn to communicate properly - but things happen that allow his parents to eventually come around and these two learn how to communicate properly like a healthy couples should ;)
We got some super hot sex scenes throughout, which was fun ;) and just these two being adorable together and in love. This was basically just getting them to a firm HEA, where they work out the kinks and deal with outside threats, as it were, trying to tear them apart. But they never once waver from their love of each other, and they never give up.
A fun, entertaining follow up to the first book, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Definitely recommend! :D
April 26, 2018
Reviewed for Sinfully.
4.5 stars
I absolutely loved Valor on the Move (I re-read it before going into this book and it was just as good the second time around) and was very excited to be getting more of Shane and Rafa. This one picks up a few months after the end of the first book when Shane and Rafa were just about to start their lives together and I wouldn’t suggest reading this as a stand-alone. The men have settled into life in Australia. Shane is getting his business off the ground and Rafa is waiting to start classes at the Cordon Bleu. Things are going well and they are happier than ever, but there are some lingering issues from what happened in the first book.
Shane is suffering from nightmares about Rafa's kidnapping and the fire at his parents' house and the need to protect Rafa from everything all the time. He doesn't want to burden Rafa with his nightmares and hopes they'll go away. Rafa still has his own insecurities, wondering why Shane wants him when he could have someone who is older, more experienced and more fit which Shane also occasionally worries similarly about Rafa. As if the growing pains of any new relationship aren’t enough to deal with, Rafa's parents are coming to visit for a few weeks and they have made their feelings about him and Shane pretty clear. Rafa's mother is especially obnoxious, seemingly still worrying more about appearances than Rafa's actual happiness and not willing to just sit back and accept things. I really wanted to smack that woman more than a few times in this story.
The biggest internal issue facing Rafa and Shane's new relationship is that they're failing on communication. Considering these two talked about everything when Rafa was Shane's protectee, it's a new dynamic for the two and not a very good one. Aside from that, everything else is great. These two are hot together and things are even dirtier than they were before. It's not just sex though. Shane and Rafa support each other no matter what; but that's not to say everything is perfect. Their relationship is tested in a number of ways, but they come out stronger for it in the end.
This story sucked me in just as much as the first one and I’d recommend it to anyone who loved Valor on the Move (if you haven’t read that yet go one-click now). There wasn’t as much tension and angst as in the first, but there is still plenty that moves the story along. Going in blind, I was certain something was going to happen to shake the men up, but I didn’t expect what actually did occur. In this installment we get a good dose of family drama, some moments of peril and most importantly more of the love story between Rafa and Shane. They definitely get their happy ever after here and I loved it. Keira Andrews, if you're reading this, I know this is the end of Shane and Rafa’s story, but how about some more Darnell?
See all my reviews for Sinfully here.
4.5 stars
I absolutely loved Valor on the Move (I re-read it before going into this book and it was just as good the second time around) and was very excited to be getting more of Shane and Rafa. This one picks up a few months after the end of the first book when Shane and Rafa were just about to start their lives together and I wouldn’t suggest reading this as a stand-alone. The men have settled into life in Australia. Shane is getting his business off the ground and Rafa is waiting to start classes at the Cordon Bleu. Things are going well and they are happier than ever, but there are some lingering issues from what happened in the first book.
Shane is suffering from nightmares about Rafa's kidnapping and the fire at his parents' house and the need to protect Rafa from everything all the time. He doesn't want to burden Rafa with his nightmares and hopes they'll go away. Rafa still has his own insecurities, wondering why Shane wants him when he could have someone who is older, more experienced and more fit which Shane also occasionally worries similarly about Rafa. As if the growing pains of any new relationship aren’t enough to deal with, Rafa's parents are coming to visit for a few weeks and they have made their feelings about him and Shane pretty clear. Rafa's mother is especially obnoxious, seemingly still worrying more about appearances than Rafa's actual happiness and not willing to just sit back and accept things. I really wanted to smack that woman more than a few times in this story.
The biggest internal issue facing Rafa and Shane's new relationship is that they're failing on communication. Considering these two talked about everything when Rafa was Shane's protectee, it's a new dynamic for the two and not a very good one. Aside from that, everything else is great. These two are hot together and things are even dirtier than they were before. It's not just sex though. Shane and Rafa support each other no matter what; but that's not to say everything is perfect. Their relationship is tested in a number of ways, but they come out stronger for it in the end.
This story sucked me in just as much as the first one and I’d recommend it to anyone who loved Valor on the Move (if you haven’t read that yet go one-click now). There wasn’t as much tension and angst as in the first, but there is still plenty that moves the story along. Going in blind, I was certain something was going to happen to shake the men up, but I didn’t expect what actually did occur. In this installment we get a good dose of family drama, some moments of peril and most importantly more of the love story between Rafa and Shane. They definitely get their happy ever after here and I loved it. Keira Andrews, if you're reading this, I know this is the end of Shane and Rafa’s story, but how about some more Darnell?
See all my reviews for Sinfully here.
March 28, 2020
3.5 Stars
It was lovely to revisit Shane and Rafa again, this time living in Australia, building their lives anew, happy and together.
Although more in love than ever before, it's safe to say that Shane and Rafa’s May-December romance still has a few kinks to iron out.
Firstly, Shane needs to get better with the whole communication thing, constantly trying to keep Rafa safe, even from the heavy emotional stuff, downplaying the nightmares that still haunt Shane about the time Rafa was in danger (from book one, Valor on the Move).
On top of Shane’s communication problems, the pair face off against Rafa’s unapproving parents (mostly his know-it-all mother), who come for a visit that goes from one emotional stand-off to another.
There is some light action and drama thrown in towards the end too, but mostly this was just a deeper look into the relationship dynamics between Shane and Rafa, and secondarily, with Rafa’s family.
I like Shane and Rafa a great deal, I do, but so many aspects of their story left me unsatisfied. Most notably, I was exhausted by Shane and his “real men don’t talk about their feelings” mentally. It became too repetitive. At his age, with his experiences, he should have known better. Add to that, Rafa’s mother drove me bat shit crazy. Her negative attitude was simply too much, and because she was heavily present throughout the story, she completely overwhelmed what little on-page romance I did enjoy.
I enjoyed this story about on par with the first book, liking that we got to see Shane and Rafa as a functioning couple beyond the HEA we got from book one. I especially enjoyed the Aussie setting – although the overuse of Aussie slang was a bit much, considering we (Australian’s) don’t all go around greeting every person we meet with g’day or calling them mate. Just sayin’.
Overall, this was a welcomed sequel, but perhaps still missing that certain spark that would make Shane and Rafa a favourite pair among Keira’s book couples.
It was lovely to revisit Shane and Rafa again, this time living in Australia, building their lives anew, happy and together.
Although more in love than ever before, it's safe to say that Shane and Rafa’s May-December romance still has a few kinks to iron out.
Firstly, Shane needs to get better with the whole communication thing, constantly trying to keep Rafa safe, even from the heavy emotional stuff, downplaying the nightmares that still haunt Shane about the time Rafa was in danger (from book one, Valor on the Move).
On top of Shane’s communication problems, the pair face off against Rafa’s unapproving parents (mostly his know-it-all mother), who come for a visit that goes from one emotional stand-off to another.
There is some light action and drama thrown in towards the end too, but mostly this was just a deeper look into the relationship dynamics between Shane and Rafa, and secondarily, with Rafa’s family.
I like Shane and Rafa a great deal, I do, but so many aspects of their story left me unsatisfied. Most notably, I was exhausted by Shane and his “real men don’t talk about their feelings” mentally. It became too repetitive. At his age, with his experiences, he should have known better. Add to that, Rafa’s mother drove me bat shit crazy. Her negative attitude was simply too much, and because she was heavily present throughout the story, she completely overwhelmed what little on-page romance I did enjoy.
I enjoyed this story about on par with the first book, liking that we got to see Shane and Rafa as a functioning couple beyond the HEA we got from book one. I especially enjoyed the Aussie setting – although the overuse of Aussie slang was a bit much, considering we (Australian’s) don’t all go around greeting every person we meet with g’day or calling them mate. Just sayin’.
Overall, this was a welcomed sequel, but perhaps still missing that certain spark that would make Shane and Rafa a favourite pair among Keira’s book couples.
May 3, 2018
Aquí se fue la frescura del primero, la pareja intenta asentarse y aunque siguen siendo igual de monos y con mucha química sexual, la trama es floja y los momentos rolling eyes son excesivos. No me arrepiento de haberlo leído, tengo cariño a la pareja, pero...
April 13, 2018
Bias alert: I edited this book.
Excellent follow up to Valor on the Move. Dare I say that I liked it even better than the first? Loved seeing the issues of a May/December explored a bit, including family acceptance and the power dynamic within the couple themselves. Relatively low angst, but full of interesting, touching moments. Absolutely loved this conclusion to Rafa and Shane's story. Keira, as always, brings it.
Excellent follow up to Valor on the Move. Dare I say that I liked it even better than the first? Loved seeing the issues of a May/December explored a bit, including family acceptance and the power dynamic within the couple themselves. Relatively low angst, but full of interesting, touching moments. Absolutely loved this conclusion to Rafa and Shane's story. Keira, as always, brings it.
May 24, 2018
I had the pleasure of reading both books in this series back to back. It was a double whammie of KA goodness. I quickly fell for both Rafa and Shane in the first book and couldn’t wait to continue on with their journey. They are happily together, starting their life as one on the other side of the world. Australia is good for them. Rafa has some much needed space from his parents, the media, and everything stress related in D.C. He is living his fantasy with the man of his dreams and beginning his culinary study making new friends. Life is good. He feels Shane is slightly holding back from letting Rafa into all aspects of his life but he’s determined to give him time to adjust to their new life. After all, Shane gave up his career and main drive of his life to be with Rafa. What else could they have to endure together before peace finds them? Well, according to Andrews, their fight isn’t over yet.
What's to like: I was thrilled their story wasn’t over and couldn’t wait to discover what obstacles their future held. Their age difference brings challenges to the table. Rafa is sensitive about his “young” status but he’s not the only one. Shane not only struggles with his deep need to keep Rafa sheltered from nightmares from their past but from proving his worth to Rafa’s family. He is well aware Rafa’s parents are not his biggest fans but he didn’t quite realize the strength of their disdain. The hardest part is…he understands why they might jump to the false conclusions that Shane isn’t the best partner for Rafa. They are good for each other, they help each other, and most importantly, they truly love each other. The question is: is love always enough??
What's to love: The romance and genuine love Shane and Rafa have for each other is the strongest part of this sequel. I always enjoy stories set in Australia. The beach sets a gorgeous backdrop. I loved the fact that they are surfing together. I loved how carefree they are with their affection. It was wonderful watching Rafa come out of his shell. His parents are less than supportive of his relationship with Shane but he is steadfast with his efforts to try to bring them together. But when it comes down to it, Rafa is done trying to please everyone else. He is chasing his own happiness now and that includes an older man who stole his heart. There is a bit of miscommunication or more precisely lack of communication, but when they finally lay it all on the table they connect in a whole new level. All guards are dropped and the trust blossoms beautifully. I loved watching them become an unbreakable ‘us’. And they are unbelievably sexy together!
Beware of: The action is present but slightly subdued compared to book one. Rafa’s mom behaves horribly. And the trust and communication between these two begins weak but quickly strengthens.
This book is for: If you enjoyed Valor and his bodyguard in the first book, I suggest you pick this one up. Surfing, succulent food and sex? Yes please!
Book UNfunk
What's to like: I was thrilled their story wasn’t over and couldn’t wait to discover what obstacles their future held. Their age difference brings challenges to the table. Rafa is sensitive about his “young” status but he’s not the only one. Shane not only struggles with his deep need to keep Rafa sheltered from nightmares from their past but from proving his worth to Rafa’s family. He is well aware Rafa’s parents are not his biggest fans but he didn’t quite realize the strength of their disdain. The hardest part is…he understands why they might jump to the false conclusions that Shane isn’t the best partner for Rafa. They are good for each other, they help each other, and most importantly, they truly love each other. The question is: is love always enough??
What's to love: The romance and genuine love Shane and Rafa have for each other is the strongest part of this sequel. I always enjoy stories set in Australia. The beach sets a gorgeous backdrop. I loved the fact that they are surfing together. I loved how carefree they are with their affection. It was wonderful watching Rafa come out of his shell. His parents are less than supportive of his relationship with Shane but he is steadfast with his efforts to try to bring them together. But when it comes down to it, Rafa is done trying to please everyone else. He is chasing his own happiness now and that includes an older man who stole his heart. There is a bit of miscommunication or more precisely lack of communication, but when they finally lay it all on the table they connect in a whole new level. All guards are dropped and the trust blossoms beautifully. I loved watching them become an unbreakable ‘us’. And they are unbelievably sexy together!
Beware of: The action is present but slightly subdued compared to book one. Rafa’s mom behaves horribly. And the trust and communication between these two begins weak but quickly strengthens.
This book is for: If you enjoyed Valor and his bodyguard in the first book, I suggest you pick this one up. Surfing, succulent food and sex? Yes please!
Book UNfunk
April 21, 2018
I'm usually wary of an author writing an unexpected sequel to a romance that I enjoyed because I worry they'll mess with the status quo and ruin the happy ending. At the end of Valor on the Move (spoilers ahead!) Rafa had tracked down Shane on a layover in L.A. as he was heading to Australia and declared his feelings. He'd confessed the relationship to his parents (to their no-so-subtle disapproval), and gotten a lovely HEA ending.
Test of Valor picks up six months later and Shane and Rafa are living happily in Australia. Shane's about to start at Sydney's Cordon Bleu campus, Shane is starting a security consulting firm, and they're gearing up for a visit from the former President and First Lady. Who are still not happy their twenty-two year old son is shacking up with a forty year old.
Told in a third-person, dual POV the reader gets to experience the growing pains of Rafa and Shane's relationship and their thoughts and reasoning behind some of the hurdles they face.
Yes, there is some excitement towards the end of the book, but for the most part it's the relationship between Rafa and Shane that drives the story and though Keira Andrews puts her characters through the ringer, with some miscommunication and the obligatory Family Drama, Rafa and Shane weather it all together.
The miscommunication grated a bit (but it always does for me, that's a personal pet peeve), and there were times when both Rafa and Shane were being really immature that had me rolling my eyes. But they work through it eventually, and the reader gets an even happier ending than in Valor on the Move.
Medium angst, some miscommunication, lots of sexy times, some third quarter excitement, and a very happy ending.
NOTE: I would recommend reading Valor on the Move first rather than trying Test of Valor as a standalone.
3.75 Stars rounded up.
Advanced Review Galley copy of Test of Valor (Valor #2) provided by theauthor in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
Test of Valor picks up six months later and Shane and Rafa are living happily in Australia. Shane's about to start at Sydney's Cordon Bleu campus, Shane is starting a security consulting firm, and they're gearing up for a visit from the former President and First Lady. Who are still not happy their twenty-two year old son is shacking up with a forty year old.
Told in a third-person, dual POV the reader gets to experience the growing pains of Rafa and Shane's relationship and their thoughts and reasoning behind some of the hurdles they face.
Yes, there is some excitement towards the end of the book, but for the most part it's the relationship between Rafa and Shane that drives the story and though Keira Andrews puts her characters through the ringer, with some miscommunication and the obligatory Family Drama, Rafa and Shane weather it all together.
The miscommunication grated a bit (but it always does for me, that's a personal pet peeve), and there were times when both Rafa and Shane were being really immature that had me rolling my eyes. But they work through it eventually, and the reader gets an even happier ending than in Valor on the Move.
Medium angst, some miscommunication, lots of sexy times, some third quarter excitement, and a very happy ending.
NOTE: I would recommend reading Valor on the Move first rather than trying Test of Valor as a standalone.
3.75 Stars rounded up.
Advanced Review Galley copy of Test of Valor (Valor #2) provided by theauthor in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
November 14, 2018
3.5 stars
I can't believe I'm saying this but there was too much sex. It overshadowed the plot and I found myself annoyed every time a sex scene started. The plot was good and I love how the author addresses their struggles with their age gap. It felt very realistic.
Overall I enjoyed it and I was glad to see these two again.
I can't believe I'm saying this but there was too much sex. It overshadowed the plot and I found myself annoyed every time a sex scene started. The plot was good and I love how the author addresses their struggles with their age gap. It felt very realistic.
Overall I enjoyed it and I was glad to see these two again.
February 1, 2023
3-3.5 stars
I enjoyed the last 30% the most, but my god Rafa’s mom was horrid! The things she said to both Rafa and Shane were just unacceptable. I don’t think I would be as forgiving as Rafa or Shane!
Also Rafa and Shane needed to communicate, if they just sat down and talked about what was going on the amount of drama that occurred would be halved! Haha Shane you should have known better for being a 40 year old haha…
Overall it was a good continuation to the first book. I do wish we had more of Rafa at the cooking school… and it was good to see Shane and Rafa in Australia haha
And Iggy Toma did a good job with the narration.. but one thing I have noticed is he needs to work on his accents, they aren’t the best 😂
I enjoyed the last 30% the most, but my god Rafa’s mom was horrid! The things she said to both Rafa and Shane were just unacceptable. I don’t think I would be as forgiving as Rafa or Shane!
Also Rafa and Shane needed to communicate, if they just sat down and talked about what was going on the amount of drama that occurred would be halved! Haha Shane you should have known better for being a 40 year old haha…
Overall it was a good continuation to the first book. I do wish we had more of Rafa at the cooking school… and it was good to see Shane and Rafa in Australia haha
And Iggy Toma did a good job with the narration.. but one thing I have noticed is he needs to work on his accents, they aren’t the best 😂
March 31, 2021
I loved it almost as much as the first book. I loved Shane and Rafa. I was a little disappointed that Rafa continued to be so insecure, but you need a little drama between the main characters.
This time I decided instead of reading the book that I would listen to it. I was so glad I did. Iggy Toma was absolutely perfect for this book. In fact I had to go back and check to see if I had read or listened to the first book. He was so good that I thought everyone sounded just how I heard them in my head.
This time I decided instead of reading the book that I would listen to it. I was so glad I did. Iggy Toma was absolutely perfect for this book. In fact I had to go back and check to see if I had read or listened to the first book. He was so good that I thought everyone sounded just how I heard them in my head.
May 7, 2018
4.5 Stars!
I really enjoyed the conclusion of this unexpected duology, Valor.
Getting to explore Rafa and Shane’s new life together in Australia, and having a front row seat to the visit from Rafa’s (disapproving) family...so so good! Add in an adventure gone wrong, some major sexy times, and a great epilogue and this book was a total winner for me!
Highly recommended. Cannot be read as a stand-alone.
I really enjoyed the conclusion of this unexpected duology, Valor.
Getting to explore Rafa and Shane’s new life together in Australia, and having a front row seat to the visit from Rafa’s (disapproving) family...so so good! Add in an adventure gone wrong, some major sexy times, and a great epilogue and this book was a total winner for me!
Highly recommended. Cannot be read as a stand-alone.
September 21, 2023
Audiobook review
Story: 3 stars
Narration: 4 stars
This was so dramatic! Way over the top. I love Keira Andrews but this book was so cheesy. I wasn’t crazy about it when I first read it and I hoped to like it better in audio. Iggy Toma did a good job but the dialogue was cringy at times. Plus how many dramatic situations can happen to two people? Plus a near death experience was needed for Rafa’s parents to respect Shane? Ugh…
Story: 3 stars
Narration: 4 stars
This was so dramatic! Way over the top. I love Keira Andrews but this book was so cheesy. I wasn’t crazy about it when I first read it and I hoped to like it better in audio. Iggy Toma did a good job but the dialogue was cringy at times. Plus how many dramatic situations can happen to two people? Plus a near death experience was needed for Rafa’s parents to respect Shane? Ugh…
April 30, 2018
I’m glad that planning to read this book prompted me to read the first one as I enjoyed the re-read more than the first read of it. And it turns out that I enjoyed it much more than this book. I would have been fine with only one book. As this book is about the MCs overcoming a lot of the impediments to their HEA it makes sense their learning to communicate honestly is an important step but there were a couple Big Misunderstandings and they are one of my least favorite plot devices. For a lot of readers this will not matter. The life or death situation that gives Shane and Rafa an opportunity to be heroic and thus causes all the people who acted like asshats to him to realize that he’s a great guy and if he’s a hero then any objections they had to him having a partner half his age can’t matter because he’s a hero. Uh .... whatever.
I was going to go with three stars but writing this review and revisiting the eye rolls that accompanied my reading experience led me to think why not go with my inclination of two stars.
I was going to go with three stars but writing this review and revisiting the eye rolls that accompanied my reading experience led me to think why not go with my inclination of two stars.
May 1, 2018
Favorite Couple Returns
Yyaayy I love this!! Rafa and Shane are back, and I love how we get to see past the HEA of the previous book to what life is like for a former Secret Service agent and a former protectee. The danger aspect was unexpected and different than the previous book and that made it even better! Love the dynamic between Rafa and Shane so much. They work.
Yyaayy I love this!! Rafa and Shane are back, and I love how we get to see past the HEA of the previous book to what life is like for a former Secret Service agent and a former protectee. The danger aspect was unexpected and different than the previous book and that made it even better! Love the dynamic between Rafa and Shane so much. They work.
August 20, 2022
~ 3.5 stars ~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Whoa!! I didn't know there was a second book coming! I loved the first one so I'm eager for this book!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Whoa!! I didn't know there was a second book coming! I loved the first one so I'm eager for this book!
September 27, 2024
The way I got so freaking invested in these two.
Also 🔥🔥🔥
Also 🔥🔥🔥
April 28, 2018
I am always very hesitant to read sequels to books I absolutely loved.
For example, I never read the follow-up stories to "The Lightning-Struck Heart" or "Carry the Ocean", the endings were so perfect, you just know, that everything that comes afterwards will be disappointing.
I should have stuck to that rule here as well. Valor on the Move was such a great book and beautiful story, what could top that?
But curiosity won and I got this book the day it came out.
Unfortunately for me, it was not nearly as good as the first one.
As expected, everyday life interfered with the HEA we got at the end of book one, and our couple soon was knee deep in mistrust, miscommunication and unnecessary drama.
There were times, I really hated this story and how the 2 main characters behaved.
The end was a little better, although I found the extreme drama and the big incident too much and not very believable.
All in all, this was not a bad book, had I not read the first one, it would probably have been okay and maybe even a 4 star read, but with my expectations quite high I can only say this was disappointing and only for a sweet ending I will upgrade this to average 3 stars.
I wish I would have stuck to my rules and not spoiled my perfect experience from the previous story.
For example, I never read the follow-up stories to "The Lightning-Struck Heart" or "Carry the Ocean", the endings were so perfect, you just know, that everything that comes afterwards will be disappointing.
I should have stuck to that rule here as well. Valor on the Move was such a great book and beautiful story, what could top that?
But curiosity won and I got this book the day it came out.
Unfortunately for me, it was not nearly as good as the first one.
As expected, everyday life interfered with the HEA we got at the end of book one, and our couple soon was knee deep in mistrust, miscommunication and unnecessary drama.
There were times, I really hated this story and how the 2 main characters behaved.
The end was a little better, although I found the extreme drama and the big incident too much and not very believable.
All in all, this was not a bad book, had I not read the first one, it would probably have been okay and maybe even a 4 star read, but with my expectations quite high I can only say this was disappointing and only for a sweet ending I will upgrade this to average 3 stars.
I wish I would have stuck to my rules and not spoiled my perfect experience from the previous story.
November 7, 2022
A fun, sexy, drama-filled ride 💗
Swoon /5 🥰🥰🥰🥰
Angst /5 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺
Steam /5 ♨️♨️♨️♨️♨️
Plot /5 🧐🧐🧐🧐
LOLs /5 🤭🤭🤭
I smashed this duology in a couple of days, and boy did I have fun with it. Shane & Rafe were sweet & devoted & pretty s3xy-dirty! The steamy scenes were REALLY SPICY, but their absolute devotion despite a significant age-gap, meddling parents and lots of obstacles was the biggest appeal to this. Another hugely dramatic scenario that they experienced stretched believability a little, but hey, it’s called fiction for a reason! Nice to see resolution with the parents-from-hell at the end.
A little missed opportunity though was that one of the characters experiences significant PTSD, (and yes, a content warning is necessary because symptoms are on-page) and we don’t see a resolution or any effort to effectively manage them. It would have been a great teaching moment for readers.
A fun ride, with a cute couple 💗
Swoon /5 🥰🥰🥰🥰
Angst /5 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺
Steam /5 ♨️♨️♨️♨️♨️
Plot /5 🧐🧐🧐🧐
LOLs /5 🤭🤭🤭
I smashed this duology in a couple of days, and boy did I have fun with it. Shane & Rafe were sweet & devoted & pretty s3xy-dirty! The steamy scenes were REALLY SPICY, but their absolute devotion despite a significant age-gap, meddling parents and lots of obstacles was the biggest appeal to this. Another hugely dramatic scenario that they experienced stretched believability a little, but hey, it’s called fiction for a reason! Nice to see resolution with the parents-from-hell at the end.
A little missed opportunity though was that one of the characters experiences significant PTSD, (and yes, a content warning is necessary because symptoms are on-page) and we don’t see a resolution or any effort to effectively manage them. It would have been a great teaching moment for readers.
A fun ride, with a cute couple 💗
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