Valor: The Complete Duology

By: Keira Andrews

Narrated by: Iggy Toma

Length: 18 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

Valor on the Move: Growing up gay in the White House hasn't been easy for Rafael Castillo. But once his family's out of the spotlight, he can be honest with his conservative parents about his sexuality and his dream of being a chef.

It's definitely not part of Rafa's plan to get a new Secret Service agent who's a walking wet dream, but he's made it this long keeping his desires to himself.

Shane's never had room for romance in his life, and he'd certainly never cross that line with a protectee. Keeping Rafa safe at any cost is Shane's mission. But as Rafa gets under his skin, will they both put their hearts on the line?

Test of Valor: With his father no longer president, Rafa Castillo can finally be with ex-Secret Service agent Shane Kendrick. Eager to get away from the questions and judgement, Rafa and Shane are building a new life together in Australia.

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. 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.

Contains mature themes.

©2015, 2018 Keira Andrews (P)2021 Tantor

Was Not Disappointed

Good read. I enjoyed it but I was a bit in some parts of the plot. However, the confusion was not enough discourage me from listening both books!

Different feels to the HEA

Not my usual storyline to go with, but glad I did.

Narrator was good-- could listen with ease.
Story 1 was great; story 2 took a minute for me to adjust to a real life/spice of life-esqe vibe. Overall not a bad read.

Great story

A valiant attempt at an Australian accent but the story was great. I’d love to read about Darnell and Henry

Great story, loved both!!

Loved the way the characters developed, and the plot kept me interested. Performance was great except for the “Australian” accent - it sounded more like a kiwi (New Zealander), with a mix of English accent, and a tiny little bit of Australian. Other than that, great clear narration.

Great Read

The smut is smutty and I really enjoyed these characters. Great combination for a fun romance "read"

Love wins

Such a great heartfelt story 💙💙
A must listen 👍🏻
This book is love and spicy desire,

Loved it!

Pretty much exactly what I expected and I thoroughly enjoyed the ride. The first book is all about the fall, and the second is finding their way forward. Keira Andrews is just a master.

Fantastic deal on great books

I was super excited to see these in a box set not only as a fantastic deal but because I just adore all things Keira Andrews. I listened to Valor on the Move and Test of Valor last Summer and thoroughly enjoyed the emotionally gripping mix of romance, mystery/suspense, & thriller components. On their own these are fully developed stories – together they are 18 hours of awesomeness.

Valor on the Move:
Rafa, code name Valor, is the President’s youngest son and deeply in the closet (mostly due to his parent’s political affiliations). Shane is one of his Secret Service agents. I liked that Andrews took the time, and oooh-boy was this a slow burn, for Shane and Rafa to spend a lot of time getting to know each other.

There are a few sex scenes, but nothing that drowns out the relationship or harrowing circumstances the MCs are thrust into.

Test of Valor:
I loved this one even more than the first – maybe because the first was an HFN and this was Shane & Rafa’s HEA. There’s a lot of relationship building, a little bit of personal drama, a little bit of family drama, and smidge of suspense. Fairly low angst, but thoroughly enjoyable.

Definitely one I’ll listen to many times.

Narration:
Iggy Toma does a fantastic job of narrating. He definitely gives Shane a mature sound and Rafa a younger one – while Rafa doesn’t sound like a child. Toma does a great job of giving everyone a distinct voice/sound – which says a lot given how many characters there are and how many of them are men. This is full of so many emotions and Toma brings them to life in a way I never could reading them myself. He’s terrific.

A Forbidden Romance

It’s Rafa’s last summer in the white house; His last one before he graduates college and last one before his father‘s, the president’s, term is up. His best friend (i.e. fake girlfriend) is out of the country and without other close friends in his life, loneliness sets in. With his mother out of town for the week, he can finally “cook up a storm”, as the secret service describes it, each evening in the private kitchen.

When Shane starts his new role as Rafa’s secret service agent, Rafa persuades him to try his nightly recipes. Easy and deep conversations begin. While Rafa is clearly smitten, Shane slowly starts to develop a taste for more than just Rafa’s food creations. Can their love withstand a forbidden relationship?

I loved how Rafa helped Shane emerge through his grief and Shane helped Rafa gain self confidence. I was rooting for them. The ending of the second book was perfect. Great narration. Can’t go wrong with two for the price of one.

*Update*
Book 1 is in contention for my favorite book ever written. I love the dynamic between the two characters and the growth of each individual and I keep coming back to it.

Enjoyed this story and narration

I love when a story shows the journey to and through love! I liked the MCs and pretty much all of the supporting folks! Throw in the action and spice- this story was a right fit if you like MM romance