24-Karat Conspiracy is Book 4 in the Precious Gems Series, but I’ve been planning this book since I wrote Italian Ice in 2011. This installment in the series is truly Reed’s story. You’ll learn things about him I’ve had to keep under my hat for ages, and I’m thrilled and relieved to be able to share them with you now.
They had the weekend to settle into Fort Sam Houston before Reed had to report for duty Monday morning, as “Rex Atwater.” Since he couldn’t start snooping right away, this investigation could take a lot longer than Trent had realized. Tom White was pretty smart sending Trent along so Reed could take his time and not risk blowing his cover just to take shortcuts.
“Whoever is running this ring is in it for the long haul,” Reed had said before they left LA. “They’ve been sitting on the gold items for years before starting to move them again. They’re not in a huge hurry, and I’ll have to bide my time and observe without tipping anyone off.”
On Monday, Trent kissed Reed and waved as he left their little house to report to work.
It took less than a week for Trent to see that Army life—at least life as a supply unit grunt—didn’t suit Reed at all. He came home in the evenings frustrated, but they couldn’t risk talking openly about it. Instead they went for walks around the neighborhood when they needed to talk.
“I had forgotten how damn stupid most of the Army is.”
“Stupid how?”
“Don’t get me started. Sometimes it seems we’re supposed to move things around just for the sake of moving them and for no real purpose.”
“It’s not your real job. Don’t let it get to you so much.”
“I can’t help it.”
“If the job’s that easy, then you should have plenty of time to use looking at things that are out of place.”
“It’s harder than it sounds, because nothing makes a lick of sense. I can’t tell what’s wrong and what’s just fucked up the Army way.”
“You’ve only been there three days. Give it some time.”
“I may kill someone before the end of the week.”
“I guess it’s not a good time to mention that at some point I’ll have to host some of the spouses for coffee.”
“As long as I’m not home when it happens, I don’t care.”
“They’re very curious about you.” Trent grinned at Reed’s discomfort at the thought of being the center of attention of a bunch of Army wives.
“Well make something up so they aren’t curious.”
“I’ll tell them you’re gay.”
“That should do it.”
######
Former Ranger turned FBI agent Reed Acton faces his biggest challenge yet: a Christmas visit from partner Trent Copeland’s parents. He’s less equipped to handle hugs and holidays than the Taliban or international art thieves. When he’s assigned to track down a set of gold Babylonian artifacts looted from the Iraqi National Museum after the fall of Baghdad, things start to look up.
This time, Trent’s part of the mission, which takes them to exotic Istanbul. The crowded streets and labyrinthine markets fascinate Trent, but soon murder is on their trail. The investigation continues as Reed goes undercover at a US Army base, with Trent masquerading as his spouse. Surprisingly, fastidious and ever-fashionable Trent fits into base life right away and soon takes one of the suspects’ wives under his wing when domestic abuse rears its head.
Their faux marriage leads Reed to appreciate Trent in ways he never expected, strengthening their bond—until Reed has to confront the worst demons from his past: his relationship with his estranged family.
Please check out the rest of the Precious Gems Series at Amazon, Dreamspinner, All Romance, or your favorite bookseller. (24-Karat Conspiracy may not be available at all distributors until release day, 12 June).
About EM Lynley
EM Lynley writes gay romance with a touch of mystery and suspense. She loves books where the hero gets the guy and the loving is 11 on a scale of 10. A Rainbow Award winner and EPIC finalist, EM has worked in high finance, high tech, and in the wine industry, though she’d rather be writing hot, romantic man-on-man action. She spent 10 years as an economist and financial analyst, including a year as a White House Staff Economist, but only because all the intern positions were filled. Tired of boring herself and others with dry business reports and articles, her creative muse is back and naughtier than ever. She has lived and worked in London, Tokyo and Washington, D.C., but the San Francisco Bay Area is home for now.
She is the author of Sex, Lies & Wedding Bells, the Precious Gems series from Dreamspinner Press, and the Rewriting History series starring a sexy jewel thief, among others.
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I liked the excerpt. At this time with all the strife in this world this gives me something to read that does not make me feel said when I read it.
Hi Felicia, I’m glad you enjoyed that. This story has a good mix of fun and reality. Trent and Reed will cheer you up!
I have not had a chance to read any of the Precious Gems series yet still trying to catch up on your other books.
I have all your Precious Gem Series books but unfortunately I haven’t had time to read them. But I must because the excerpt was so good I’m putting them on the top of my reading pile.
Shirley Ann, that’s so sweet! This series will definitely take you out of your every day and into something fun and sexy!
It looks like you have another hit on your hands!
Hi Jim, how sweet of you to say that. *fingers crossed*
You know, I loved writing this book so much, and I only hope you enjoy it even half as much I did!
havent read any books in this series yet
Waiting anxiously for midnight!
I can’t wait to read more about Trent and Reed!!! I love these guys.
I just need a real nice HEA for these guys. With the FOREVER part! 🙂
I love your books and can’t wait to read this one! And I never read excerpts (b/c I always think I read the book already when I finally get to reading the book) but I did for this one. It was so good.
I love all of your books and I can’t choose one favorite. Sorry. LOL. Hugs