Jaxon Powers has what most only dream of. Fame. Fortune. Gold records and Grammy awards. Lavish hotel suites and an endless parade of eager bedmates. He’s adored all over the world—even in the remote, repressive country of Vasnytsia, where the tyrannical dictator is a big fan. The State Department hopes a performance might improve US relations with a dangerous enemy. But it means Jaxon’s going in alone… with one exception.
Secret agent Reid Stanfill has a covert agenda with global ramifications. Duty means everything to him, even when it involves protecting a jaded rock star. Jaxon and Reid’s mutual attraction is dangerous under Vasnytsia’s harsh laws—and matters get even worse when they’re trapped inside the borders. Romance will have to wait… assuming they make it out alive.
Oh how I adored this book. It was the perfect antidote for a blah sort of day because it made me smile, it made me sit on my hands in anticipation as the danger increased and relish in the romance between a spy and a rock star.
There is always something to story that is built on deception not matter how intense. It give an edge to what could be something rather simply and ramps up the angst. Add in a spy, a foreign country run by a severe tyrant who wants a pop punk prince to play a few concerts; you’ve got yourself in for one hell of a ride full of suspense.
Our talented ginger musician Jaxon Powers tells us the story of his life well… before and after. We meet Jaxon after a party in his lavish hotel room that he laments more the cleanup needed more than the debauchery he would have partaken in. Jaxon is in a transitional stage of his life entering his late 30’s as well as rethinking his career. While he loves what his music has brought him, he’s becoming less entangled by the delusions of fame and searching for more depth. He wants more than the sex from fans looking to fuck the rock star and more of the intimacy of a true relationship. When his manager tells him of a special gig he wants Jaxon to perform, Jaxon gets thrown into the spotlight of stage he never thought he’d play on.
This prime minister dude, he’s not letting anyone into his country except you and one assistant. His people will provide your support on their end. But don’t worry, kiddo. It’s only for a few days. You’ll be in and out, everything smooth as butter.
Jaxon is asked to perform for the Prime Minister of Vasnytsia which is basically as bad as Russia but smaller. The people there are under a strict rule that borderlines the Hitler-era with how music is banned and reminded me slightly of the movie Swing Kids with the Black Cat and the young folk who find ways to listen to outlawed music. From the first meeting with Reid Stanfill, aka the one assistant and spy, amongst a group trying to convince Jaxon do perform in Vasnytsia, you feel the attraction. From the first words out of Reid’s mouth you feel the chemistry and from the first unexpected kiss between them, you know these two are going to be explosive.
There are many dangers to Jaxon being there, his sexuality being illegal, and his manager and the intelligence community believe sending in support disguised as Jaxon’s assistant is what will work. Just two men, one a minstrel and one a knight going into enemy territory to give hope to those in the darkness of communism.
Wow. Really, Sara? Really. Trust me. While the plot may seem a bit out there, if you like stories of the underdog overcoming the impossible, of being saved and saving your hero right back, you will fall hard for this story like I did.
I loved Jaxon and not just because he’s a ginger musician. I loved how he has fought for his celebrity status but doesn’t use it as manipulation. He knows where he stands, he knows the fans that want a piece of him really want a piece of the star and don’t see the guy who grew up in a small town singing in barns. He gets it and he knows that he wants someone to see the real him. Jaxon is attracted to Reid from the start but while Reid gives moments of intimacy he pulls back with the adage of this can’t happen and I am just here to complete the mission. Read just one scene between them, one bit of Reid knowing who Jaxon is outside the dossier he studied and you know Reid is hooked on Jaxon as fast as Jaxon is hooked in Reid. Reid just needs that one moment where he could lose what he didn’t know he could keep for him to own up to how he feels.
You’re not just scratching my itches, Reid. And I think I annoy you too much for you to adore me. But God, that under-the-skin thing? You’re deeper than that. I think you’ve worked yourself all the way into my heart.
Goodness. Reid. Can I just take a moment to admire you in a suit and run my hand over your close cropped hair? You, sir, are amazing. You go into this mission knowing what can go wrong but not knowing that you and your heart will come out of this for the better. You guard because it’s your job but you protect because you care. Even in the intense moments where you should lose your cool, you keep it together to make sure Jaxon comes out okay yet you sacrifice yourself over and over again to do what’s right. You are all about the job but Jaxon gets so far under your skin, you’d rather deal with the intrusion than extract it and be left empty. You are amazing and Jaxon deserves every damn bit of you and you deserve him. No matter where you live.
Yeah.
Um…Rambling Red is on a roll.
The whole of this story is wonderful. It’s romantic with the stolen moments and admissions between Reid and Jaxon. It’s intriguing with the espionage and political uprising that the men take part in, even if it wasn’t part of the plan. It’s full of music, lyrics, understanding, romance and the idea of freedom being attainable.
It’s just so freaking good.
That’s it.
It’s so freaking good.
An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Don't Kim Fielding's visit on The Spy's Love Song blog tour HERE!
No comments:
Post a Comment