Book Reviews

Book Blurb

Devastatingly handsome pilot Frank Sheldon is doing his best to avoid his inheritance of money, charm, and good looks by rebuilding his life on his own terms after being discharged from the Air Force just before the repeal of DADT. When he unexpectedly meets the eccentric geek Benjamin Kaplan, sparks don’t quite fly, despite Benjamin’s obvious interest. Frank is not one to back down from a challenge, but what does any of that have to do with his sister’s campaign for governor, or the muckraking political website attacking her opponent, who just happens to be Frank’s unlamented, very closeted, ex-boyfriend? It’s hard to fall in love when all you are getting is mixed signals. 

 

First edition published by Dreamspinner Press, July 2011.

Second edition published by Dreamspinner Press, February 2019.

Book Review

Gorgeous pilot meets eccentric geek in this highly entertaining romance that is also a political thriller involving old money, personal enemies, and more intrigue on several levels than you can shake a stick at. I was tempted to label the plot “beauty versus intelligence” at first, but soon found out that there is much more to this tale. Not just are the main characters more complicated than they seem at first glance, but some of the supporting characters play an important role as well. There is occasional humor as Frank and Benjamin get to know each other, and the time they take before they “fall” into bed is well spent. All in all, these ingredients make for a fun read.

Frank is the third child of socialite parents, owner of a trust fund, and no patience for idiots. He is a former Air Force pilot who was discharged because his lover outed him (eight years earlier, before the end of DADT) and is now trying to rebuild his life – minus the family money and meddling. Frank has zero respect for his sister’s political ambitions to run for governor, and that keeps getting him into hot water with the rest of the family. But when his traitorous ex runs against Frank’s sister, the rest of the family’s insistence that Frank needs to “do his bit” becomes irresistible, and Frank is recruited for a fight he does not want but can no longer resist.

Benjamin “no, you can’t call me ‘Ben’ or ‘Benji’” understands computers, but people, not so much. He has plans for his future that include working on an AI project, but meanwhile he earns money by running a highly secret investigative news service that exposes bad politicians and uses algorithms he developed to make money off the stock market. He also plays chauffeur for his somewhat irresponsible younger sister. It gets him out of the house, and is probably the only reason why he meets Frank before all the political intrigue takes off and Benjamin not just gets mixed signals but also becomes more involved in “reality” than he ever thought possible.

While the meeting at his sister’s salon leaves an impression (on both men), it takes a while for them to run into each other again. Frank is preoccupied with his sister’s political campaign and his rage at the slimeball closeted ex who opposes her. Benjamin’s secret identity as the news guy who exposes corruption keeps him busy. Assumptions are made, misunderstandings ensue, and confrontations are unavoidable. Taking into account the undeniable attraction both men feel, this makes for an exciting read.

If you like romances with lots of obstacles and an intriguing political angle, if you want to watch two men with very different personalities and agendas battle it out, and if you’re looking for a fun read with as much suspense as interpersonal confusion before the happy ending, then you will probably like this novel.

 

 

 

 

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Additional Information

Format	ebook
Length	Novel, 252 pages
Heat Level
Publication Date	28-January-2020
Price	$3.99 ebook
Buy Link	https://www.amazon.com/Mixed-Signals-Cooper-West-ebook/dp/B0849W4NKW