Not the best read ever but definitely deserves the 5 stars.
And it's getting so much better compared to the first book.
So excuse me while I go continuing with the series :)

Love that it fills in the gap between Ethan moving to Iowa and then eventually moving back in.

Ethan's mentor like role with regards to Agent Becker helped characterize both.

Jack and Ethan's troubles and constant longing was well written and really makes Ethan's return as First Gentleman a satisfying event.

I liked this little interlude, and I knew it took place before they are properly reunited but eurgh, I hate couples that are apart constantly in romance novels!

That being said, I love this series so so much

4.25 stars

(3,5)

Interlude: First Noel is 1.5 in the Executive Office series. Technically it isn’t a must read. It takes place during the time when Ethan is in exile in Iowa, but concludes before the final events of Book 1. Interlude focuses on relationship building between Jack and Ethan. The story of Jack and Russian President Puchkov’s alliance against the Caliphate is further developed; and Ethan has a moderately interesting case he is working in the financial crimes world of the Midwest while he dodges reporters speculating on the status of his relationship with the POTUS.

Interlude was closer to a solid 2-star read for me, but I’m bumping it up to 3 because it’s also sort of becoming a low stress, comfort read. There’s a reasonably interesting storyline, it’s well written and it’s not like I don’t like Jack and Ethan together. I do. They’re cute. The problem I have is they are one of the most un-sexy-est couples I have ever read. It doesn’t help that I still can’t shake the image of Mr. Rogers (won’t you be my neighbor) that I have in my head for Jack. And Ethan is way too emotional for me to envision him in the Secret Service.

My problem with Jack and Ethan is they are soooo sappy together. It’s too much. They’re a mutual admiration society and it feels like they both pour it on extra thick. Once they decide on a term of endearment; they both decide to use the same term and *everything* is “love”. Love, love, love, love. They get to spend their first Christmas together, and again…. it’s just TOO sweet. Ethan’s Secret Service buds are like giggling school girls. I get that Jack and Ethan are negotiating a long-distance relationship in a fairly new relationship with a lot of external stressors, but they get to spend almost every weekend together and they act like they’re apart 5 years instead of 5 days.

Interlude ends before Book 1 ends. Jack has not yet suggested Ethan ditch the Secret Service in favor of filling the First Gentleman job and Ethan has not yet been approached by Chief of Staff Irwin with the offer of joining the CIA.