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Barbara Elsborg
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Whatever it Takes Kindle Edition

by Barbara Elsborg (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 out of 5 stars 195 ratings
War in Syria has devastated Zain’s country, destroyed his family and broken his heart. When there is nothing left to stay for, he journeys to England, determined to follow in his father’s footsteps and train as a doctor in London. He might be a refugee with no money, no friends and no qualifications but he still has his dreams and he’ll do whatever it takes to ensure his future turns out to be the one he wants.

Roman is a world away from the naïve Russian boy who lost everything, one devastating day. Now he’s a fixer for a wealthy Russian, keeping the guy’s business dealings away from the attention of the British authorities. Roman is balanced on a moral tightrope which grows more unsteady by the day. The last thing he needs is to become emotionally involved with a young Syrian, especially when he can’t afford to trust anyone.

A chance discovery in Roman’s car by Zain sets off a violent chain reaction and Zain is thrown into a world that threatens not just his dreams but his life. Roman has difficult decisions to make. He’s determined to do whatever it takes to keep Zain safe. But lingering shadows from their pasts as well as prominent figures from Roman’s present need to be eliminated if they’re to have a chance together.
As lies and danger escalate, are they doomed before they’ve even begun?
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  1. Print length
    446 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    December 2, 2019
  4. File size
    1.1 MB
  5. Page Flip
    Enabled
  6. Word Wise
    Enabled
  7. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08248DR5Y
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ (December 2, 2019)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 2, 2019
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.1 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 446 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 1712925245
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 195 ratings

About the author

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Barbara Elsborg

Barbara Elsborg

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Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Barbara Elsborg lives in Kent in the South of England. She always wanted to be a spy, but having confessed to everyone without them even resorting to torture, she decided it was not for her. Volcanology scorched her feet. A morbid fear of sharks put paid to marine biology. So instead, she spent several years successfully selling cyanide.

After dragging up two rotten, ungrateful children and frustrating her sexy, devoted, wonderful husband (who can now stop twisting her arm) she finally has time to conduct an affair with an electrifying plugged-in male, her laptop.

Her earlier books feature quirky heroines and bad boys, now she concentrates on the bad boys, and hopes her books are as much fun to read as they are to write. If you'd like to know more about Barbara or be put on her mailing list, details can be found here www.barbaraelsborg.com She is also on Facebook and Twitter under her author name.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
195 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book's plot engaging, with one describing it as a gripping geopolitical thriller. The writing receives positive feedback for being well-crafted, with one customer noting it's not a light and fluffy read.

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5 customers mention "Plot"5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the plot of the book, with one describing it as a gripping geopolitical thriller.

"...And it was well written in clear, lucid prose that just swept me through its complex plot to the outstanding conclusion...." Read more

"...It was funny, scary, sad, and happy. Loved the surprise at the end. I’m on a quest to read all of Ms Elsborg’s books…I’ve made it through 10 so far!..." Read more

"...Then flash forward to the boys as grown-ups. The story is intricately woven with so many twists and turns the interest never waned...." Read more

"What a fantastic story! It's heartbreaking, heartwarming, educational, emotional and extremely well written...." Read more

4 customers mention "Readability"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well written, with one noting it's not a light and fluffy read.

"...And it was well written in clear, lucid prose that just swept me through its complex plot to the outstanding conclusion...." Read more

"...Gritty and powerful, this is not a light and fluffy read. The trials Zain and Roman faced started in their childhood...." Read more

"...It's heartbreaking, heartwarming, educational, emotional and extremely well written...." Read more

"This was a great read. The character backgrounds were wonderfully complex and blended into an excellent story...." Read more

Great Story
4 out of 5 stars
Great Story
This is a great story I really enjoyed the way the author portrays Zain and Roman.especially with both of them suffering from different circumstances and still finding each other.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Ken Rudolph
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating, sexy read
    Reviewed in the United States on December 26, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    This was my second Elsborg book, and even better than the first. I never wanted it to end. It flawlessly combined a hot MM romance with a gripping geopolitical thriller...two of my favorite genres in one book! And it was well written in clear, lucid prose that just swept me through its complex plot to the outstanding conclusion. I can't praise this book highly enough, so I'll just say I'm looking forward to more of Ms. Elsborg's MM books.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Gloria J.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book!
    Reviewed in the United States on September 9, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I can’t say enough good things about this book and it’s writer! Roman and Zain are such wonderful characters and their back stories are so sad. This book kept me up half the night! It was funny, scary, sad, and happy. Loved the surprise at the end. I’m on a quest to read all of Ms Elsborg’s books…I’ve made it through 10 so far! Looking forward to the next one. This one may be my favorite.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Book UNfunk
    4.0 out of 5 stars There is darkness but there is also blinding light.
    Reviewed in the United States on December 22, 2019
    If there’s one thing I’ve come to expect with any…experience from Elsborg, it’s her ability to put me under her spell. And I do mean experience because she does more than pen stories. My pace slows and I spend days working my way through her words as if the pages are laced with quicksand. My heart often gallops as if I’m running a race and I clench my teeth between gasps of forgetting to breathe. I want to finish within the first day but find myself unhurried. Afterward, I mull over particular parts and return to the pages to relive striking scenes. Then it takes me weeks to digest everything. Whatever it Takes is a dramatic and angst-riddled tale that gripped my heart from the very beginning and has yet to let go.

    What's to like: We meet both Roman and Zain during their childhood and as much as it gutted me, I found this history critical. Zain and his family are simply trying to survive the war in Syria. Sadly, there is nothing simple about this. It’s real, in your face…and it broke my heart. I became his biggest cheerleader and longed for him to achieve his goal of practicing medicine. Dreams and hope kept him alive. I held onto this thread of faith, willing him to keep going. Roman did not fare much better during his younger years. When tragedy struck his life I cried with him. For him. He took another path to endure but did what he needed to do. I felt there was more to his story than he was sharing with us and was willing to be patient and wait. I was rewarded….although my fingernails may beg to differ! It’s emotional, exciting and exhausting!

    What's to love: So much. I loved Zain and I loved Roman just as much by the final pages. There is darkness but there is also blinding light. I loved how deeply fleshed both Zain and Roman were. I felt confident that I knew them, even when they questioned things themselves. Zain is a refugee in London desperately trying to stay true to his path. Roman takes care of things for his boss. Leaving Russia wasn’t part of his plan until his plans scattered one tragic birthday. Fate brings them together and knocks both off their equilibrium. They live polar lives but can’t deny the magnetism that buzzes between them. Whew! Talk about crazy chemistry. They are smoking hot but they are also surprisingly tender. I loved Zain’s witty humor. I loved Roman’s protected secrets and special rocks. I loved how they found pure joy in the simplest things. I loved how they loved one another. And I absolutely adored the epilogue.

    Beware of: War…it’s gritty and gruesome. Adrenaline rush…they flee and they fight. But the essence of their thrilling tale is that even damaged hearts have a perfect match!

    This book is for: Not the faint of heart. But! If you like action-packed thrillers with your romance, this riveting ride will take you as far as needed…for they will do whatever it takes.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Amy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wow
    Reviewed in the United States on December 6, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    This book absolutely surpassed my expectations. I have devoured everything I’ve read from this author, and this s was no different. Gritty and powerful, this is not a light and fluffy read. The trials Zain and Roman faced started in their childhood. My emotions were all over the place from about ten pages in. This book is a definite recommend, you won’t be sorry.
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  • Valerie
    5.0 out of 5 stars Intriguing
    Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    This book starts out telling the reader about two young boys from different parts of the world who have lost everything. Then flash forward to the boys as grown-ups. The story is intricately woven with so many twists and turns the interest never waned. I absolutely loved This book.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Ann Alaskan
    5.0 out of 5 stars 5 is not enough stars!
    Reviewed in the United States on December 3, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    What a fantastic story! It's heartbreaking, heartwarming, educational, emotional and extremely well written. Do yourself a favor and curl up on a quiet day & take a wonderful journey with two fascinating Characters!!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Dawn Nicole Costiera
    4.0 out of 5 stars 4.5 Stars!!!!
    Reviewed in the United States on December 6, 2019
    Barbara Elsborg took me on a mission! This was so much more then a romance. Multilayered with non stop action and angst. I loved the intricate plot of underground crime, murder and romance. Think a modern day gay James Bond. Whatever it Takes is a completely different read then what I am used to and I loved it.
    It deals with modern day issues...
    A Syrian refugee and a Russian immigrant. An unlikely pair that form an unbreakable bond. I found each of their stories fascinating. As an American, I will admit to putting myself in a bubble. This book took me out of my comfort zone and opened my eyes to the horrors around the world. It's a story about human perseverance, determination.... and ultimately the power of love! Two men determined to be together no matter what, against all odds.

    Zain and Roman were so unexpected, admirable and resolute! We first met them as children in different countries under very different circumstances.
    Zain is in Syria. Living in a war zone. Devastation surrounding him daily until he ultimately looses it all.... Roman was in Russia. Living a decent life until his world exploded. Two young boys with the will to survive. As they got older they only had goals in mind. No time for anything else. Being gay was taboo for both of them. Coming out could have severe consequences. Before the met they were merely surviving. Living in solitude. Their chance meeting changed it all. Their lives would forever be derailed. A love so strong it defied everything!

    Whatever It Takes is my first book by Barbara Elsborg. I loved her detailed and in depth writing. She didn't just tell a story, she made me live it with her vivid and expressive writing. Some parts were a bit wordy, but I throughly enjoyed this convoluted storyline. It totally had me on the edge of my seat and gave me the feels. Zain and Roman are truly special. Their love story is like nothing I have read before!
    One person found this helpful
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  • C
    5.0 out of 5 stars Might be my favorite by this author thus far
    Reviewed in the United States on November 30, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    This was a great read. The character backgrounds were wonderfully complex and blended into an excellent story. Really enjoyed this one and wish there was a sequel!
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Freckles
    5.0 out of 5 stars Heartbreakingly good!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 10, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Gosh, these two had such a rough time it broke my heart. Roman lost both his parents by the time he was 14 and although he was provided for by Arkady he suffered so much through Dima, Arkaday’s son.

    Zain, lost his entire family during the war in Siria and had the most horrific journey to a temporary freedom in London where he hated to follow his fathers’s footsteps and be a doctor. He was so driven, kept to himself and does what he needs to survive. (I kept thinking of all of the refugees and horrific sights and experiences they must go through on a daily basis just to get a better life).

    By chance one day Zain innocently finds something he shouldn’t while working at the car wash and what follows is a game of hide and seek whilst Roman tries to keep him safe. There are lot soft twists and turns, it’s very quick paced, the attraction between Roman and Zain is so strong and I was constantly rooting for them.

    It was well written, loved the banter between Roman and Zain had my laughing the whole time.

    The only thing I would have like to know was maybe more about Quasim. Gosh did he give me the creeps!
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  • shinynfifi
    5.0 out of 5 stars Just so good
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 15, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Russian mafia meets Syrian refugee. You think how is it going to work?l then Barbara starts weaving her special blend of words and before you know its magic. A couple of things that were a little out of norm about zain taking to drink like a pro inspite of his religious affiliation and I am not sure why Quasim was so Obsessed. But the best thing is the chemistry between the 2 and the laugh out loud quips. Read on. You will not be disappointed.
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  • Edga
    4.0 out of 5 stars Well written action/romance
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 3, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    This is a well written story which is filled with drama, suspense, twists, revenge, greed, and action. It's also full of angst, as one would expect of this lady.

    Both Roman and Zain had to grow up very young. Be warned that their past stories make for a painful read, especially Zain's. His story especially reflects what is currently happening in the world today.

    My heart bled for these two. They're from totally different backgrounds, but have both suffered and so have a lot in common. When they meet they just mesh. I liked the way in which they were drawn into one another's worlds, and how, despite what was going on around them, they helped one another develop as people.

    A good read. Despite the action, the romance remains the main focus.
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  • BevS
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it...
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 8, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    4.5 stars from me, and a much better read than A Faerie Story IMHO.

    I adored Zain, and yes, a more dreadfully difficult background could not be imagined. A refugee from Syria, drawn to London to study to be a doctor like his father, he'd had to suffer unimaginable horrors just to get to his final destination. Zain actually reminded me of Pasha [whom I also adored] from Edge of Forever with his jokey outlook on life...much better than tears, which I suspect is what he wanted to cry most of the time.

    Roman...well, I took a lot longer to warm to him, although the violent death of his father was distressing to anyone with a heart. I realise I'm probably a little biased in my attitude towards Russian people with money, as it would appear that most of them have probably made their millions from money laundering [a certain Mr Abramovich, take a bow...] and racketeering. To discover that a great deal of that wealth is from some sort of criminal activity is a huge shock...NOT. How else do people from a formerly Communist country where the State supposedly has all the wealth get to be billionaires unless they're crooked??

    Anyhoo, my little rant is over...the story did keep me on the edge on my seat as I waited for creepy Quashim and crazy Dima to discover where Roman and Zain were hiding out, and having seen plenty of spy dramas in my time, I was still completely p****d off at the way 'Helen' never did anything without wanting something in return, even though I know that's the way things work. Thank goodness I got my HEA 🎉🎉🎉.
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  • Wador de Gegenschlag
    4.0 out of 5 stars A spy story with a twist
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 29, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    A brilliant idea 💡 I loved the plot it made me cry and laugh it was more than just a story about two guys falling in love about struggling to live and have value a love for all people
    Report

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