Smoke and Sin
4 Stars

Series note: This is book #4 in The Perfect Gentlemen series. Each book continues the ongoing story arc, and therefore, must be read in order.

***Warning: Minor Spoilers Ahead***

In this installment, the Perfect Gentlemen and the women in their lives travel to London where Roman Calder and Augusta Spencer join forces to investigate the mysterious death of Constance Hayes and its connection to the deaths of others close to the President. As they work together, Roman and Gus must come to terms with their volatile past and decide whether or not to take a chance on their future.

Roman and Gus's romance is the best in the series thus far. Both have grown and matured over the years and have come to realize that they are better together than apart. Gus's strength and self-confidence make her a particularly engaging heroine and it is fun watching her bring the cool, calm and collected Roman to his knees.

Despite the ups and downs of the various romantic relationships in the books, the twists and turns in the ongoing mystery keep the pages turning. Following the clues and developing theories regarding who did what, when, and where is particularly entertaining and I eagerly await the answers to the open questions in the final book focusing on the President and his press secretary. It should be one hell of a showdown! ( )

The pain of love in the time of hook up culture. Most of this book is soooo sad - full of longing, miscommunication, bad communication, etc.

Roman, a mega alpha male, and Augustine, who tries to penetrate below his armour and yet has a mountain of armour herself. It has a political setting, but not in the same clever way as Love, Hate & Clickbait. But then again it is NOT a romantic comedy. It's more a romance thriller, but not really successful. Doesn't have a very interesting thriller plot.

Narration by Greg Boudreaux. His voice is great match for Roman and the material as a whole. ( )

Roman and Gus have endured so much in their tumultuous time together. An on and off relationship that has lasted most of their adult lives has made it difficult for either of them to move on with someone else. Roman can't stand the thought of having a relationship like that of his parents, so even though he is drawn to Gus, he determines that it is best to let her go, but he is forever jealous of all of the men she has had in her bed since. Gus has endured tragedy and loss. The one man she truly wants is the one she just can't have, but when the circumstances surrounding the group that has been secretly trying to infiltrate the President's life continue to expand, The Perfect Gentlemen must use every resource they have to figure out who and what is involved, and Gus is nothing if not a tremendous resource.

Smoke and Sin shines as the mystery surrounding the President gets more clues into the nature of the conspiracy. The characters of Roman and Gus have been developed throughout this series, but the circumstances and reasons behind their relationship are revealed in this book, upping the anti for both characters. Roman's character is the one that changes the most in this story, making him seem more human and deserving of Gus's love. The mystery of this story continues to evolve, leading to the conclusion of this series in the next book. Overall, Smoke and Sin is the best entry into The Perfect Gentlemen so far, leaving this reader anxious for the conclusion. 4 1/2 stars ( )