Alpha part 1 by Abby Weeks

Alpha part 1 by Abby Weeks

 

 

 

 

*This book was given freely for a fair and honest review by Fido Publishing . 

 

**This review was done for NetGallery.com

 

So I am going to do this review just alittle different then I normally do ONLY because as noticed by the title, this is not the whole book.

 

When I read the cover information I was really intrigued, unfortunately I think the author forgot that we weren’t going to read the book in its entirety. By the end of the book you are no closer from Lucy’s standpoint in finding out who Holden West really is.

 

Also this Part 1 revolves mainly around Lucy and her struggles. We do meet Holden right away but are only given glimpses into the man himself and the part he will play, as well as some clues into the complex person Holden is. We do learn about some of his past and that there is something about Lucy that for the first time since his wife died he feels something.

 

We also encounter another character who seems like he will play a big role within the book but the distraction and disruption between Lucy and Holden only skims the surface. He seems to be a big secondary character but he isn’t mentioned in the intro.

 

I am kinda at odds right now about this book. It has the potential to be great but unfortunately I am left feeling very unfulfilled because this is only the start of the story.

 

I can’t recommend a thumbs up or thumbs down on this because, well I am missing, I think the meat of the story. If I can lend a suggestion to the author and reader; wait to read, or pull the book back until the whole story is complete.

 

What Is in print has the makings of a great story and I would love to read the remainder of the story and see how everything plays out.

 

“Starstruck” by L.A. Witt

Starstruck by L.A. Witt

*This book was given freely by Riptide Publishing for a fair and honest review.

*This review was done for NetGallery.com

This book is based in a picturesque logging town named Bluewater Bay, Washington. Dare I say it only a short drive away from the very famous town of Forks. Yes! I went there, and so did the author making little quips regarding the Twilight franchise. Why you might ask?

Well Hollywood just can’t seem to leave these small towns alone. Bluewater Bay has become the mecca for fans of a book series, that is written by the best selling author Hunter England. Just like Twilight books series, hollywood has turned into a hit television show called “Wolf’s Landing“; starring the gorgeous, out and proud Carter Sammuels.

Bluewater Bay also holds something else. The once famous actor, Levi Prichard. He was known for his role as a major action start in a multi-movie franchise. After years in the spotlight and the rumor mill that is hollywood; at the height of his career, Levi walks away from it all.

Being fed up with the whole hollywood scene, Levi retires to the sleepy town with dreams of living a normal life after becoming the one thing every actor fears: typecasted. Being thought as only being able to play muscle-bound, one dimensional characters, never getting the chance to show people his true acting abilities. Levi feels no more passion in the career he once loved.

He also wants a relief from the stress of always watching every move he makes so that his closet door can stay FIRMLY closed. Levi made a decision years ago and now at almost 40, he has no intention of opening that door. He also needed time to recover from a near fatal car accident nearly two years prior.

Only fate doesn’t seem to get the memo that Levi is done, and brings Hollywood and everything that goes with it to his sleepy little town. Levi does everything he can to not be associated with hollywood anymore. Including distancing himself from the few true friends he has.

He spends his days at home with his two manecoon cats, Link and Zelda, and at night he directs the community theatre. Never letting his name be on the marquis. He has no desire to take away from his actors who work hard in each production. He has become quite a recluse.

So when Hunter Easton’s “Wolf’s Landing” comes to town, his only prayer is he can survive and stay out of the limelight. Unfortunately for Levi, his best friend Anna, who just so happens to be the producer on the show and is the only one who knows the real Levi, know just the way to pull Levi out of retirement. Plus it doesn’t hurt that the author and the leading character are also dead set on Levi playing the formidable “Max Furhman”.

Max is the character Levi has longed to play his entire career. A character he can make come to life instead of just being the muscle. So Anna and Levi’s ex-agent Finn offer him the role and the chance of a lifetime.

Finn makes it clear the studio fears with both Easton and Sammuels being such huge roles within the show (the writer and leading man) that the show is becoming the “gay” show, and the studio wants “manly-man” Prichard to change the scenery and dispel that label. This is a huge selling point to Levi, he can maybe for once have it all. He can still keep his secret and play the role of a lifetime. But is it worth the risk, the stress? Can he really turn down his dream role, his second chance at the career he once cherished?

Carter Sammuels grew up watching Levi Prichard play the beloved action star “Chad Eastwick“, as well as Levi’s obscure first works in the indie industry. Basically Levi is the person who made Carter want to act, but most importantly he made him realize he was gay. He respects Levi as the actor he knows he can be, not who hollywood made him into.

Being in the town now for a few seasons Carter has never run into his idol. But the rumor mill is running rampant on the set of “Wolf’s Landing” that the studio is securing Levi to play “Max Forman”.

Carter couldn’t believe it, but after coming out of the make-up trailer, he ends up face to face with his idol. For him it was like the earth tilted on it’s axis. Levi was even more in person.

After doing a bit of digging, Carter finds out Levi directs at the local community playhouse. He gathers his nerves and decides to go pay Levi a visit, and try to pick his brain. One professional to another, or so he tells himself. He feels Levi is completely straight but the rumors of Levi’s ex trying to out him, even though Levi vehemently denies they were a couple. The rumor has never really gone away, and somewhere deep within Carter he can’t help but hope the rumor is true. Only once he got to the theatre, he gets so much more.

After his meeting with Finn and Anna, Levi continues on as normal, refusing to let himself look at the script. He is at war with himself about what he truly wants. His heart believes this is his moment, but his brain doesn’t know if he can deal with all that comes with coming back.

That night as he wraps up rehearsals at the playhouse he gets a surprise when he sees Carter Sammuels waiting for him. Carter is dangerous for him. He is immediately attracted to the younger actor. Knowing if he signs on to play “Max” he will eventually be co-starring with him. There is something about Carter that strikes deep within Levi and he fears his carefully constructed walls will be torn down. This all happens with just one look, can he survive working with him?

As Carter approaches  Levi he wonders what he could want and actually starts out kinda rude.  Carter takes him by surprise though and shows Levi there’s more then meets the eye.

Carter realizes Levi’s walls are up but he desperately wants to speak to the man who molded him into the actor he is today. So he goes for gold and asks Levi for coffee to speak about techniques. Levi is surprised. Seriously how much technique goes into an action role. Carter stuns him by revealing his love for the roles Levi played within the Indie genre.

Intrigued, Levi agrees. Surprisingly, despite the age difference the two men find they have much in common and begin to build a friendship from there love of obscure foreign and indie films.

Levi finally gives into his heart and agrees to play “Max“. Only Levi makes sure built into his contract he has and “out” if he feels he wants to leave the cast. Unfortunately a picture of Carter and Levi surfaces leaving a diner and the rumor mill kicks back up.

Furious at the attention the picture is getting, Finn with the studio behind him let’s Levi know the “out” in his contract works both ways. Levi is to remain the “straight manly-man” people adore. To Levi that’s  fine, he has no intention of opening his closet door.

As the weeks pass Levi and Carter spend every spare time they have together. When they’re away from each other they’re texting one another. Without either realizing it not only have they formed a deep bond of friendship but a bond of something more.

One night as Levi closes up his rehearsal at the theatre, Carter stops by. Levi pulls Carter up on stage to discuss some changes to the set and without realizing their position they are chest to chest. Both men feel the pull but Carter still doesn’t know for sure about Levi, but as fate would have it she steps in and pulls them together for a kiss that knocks both men off their axis.

Both men kinda freak and instead of continuing with their normal evening plans they call it a night and go home seperately. Both men are scared they at this point have such a deep friendship. Both are truly themselves when they are together.

As Levi, finally signs the contract and joins the cast of “Wolf’s Landing“. Both men struggle with what happened. They come together at Levi’s house to talk and have there normal movie night.

Levi finally decides it’s time to be truthful with Carter and admit he is “Bi” and the rumored ex was really his boyfriend of six months. Levi also tells Carter about his family,a and the truth behind his infamous car crash.

Carter is alittle taken back. Not in Levi’s sexuality, but the fact he could deny someone and hurt a person who meant a great deal to him. Carter also realizes even though after all this time he has fallen hard and in love with Levi, He couldn’t be back in the closet.

The two continue to spend there time together doing what they love, and Levi introducing Carter to the wonderful world of relaxing on the water fishing. Even after a relaxing day life moves forward.

Life moves forward, the two men becoming closer but knowing it can’t be more. It’s good to have a break because it’s time for Levi’s parents to visit and then Carter leaves for a convention to promote the show.

Throughout Levi’s parents visit Carter remains the supportive friend, his lifeline to get though his parental visit, but vowing to himself it’s time to move on. The parental visit goes better then Levi expects it to but he still keeps a part of himself hidden. He wonders will he ever truly be free. As soon as he drops his parents off his first thought is Carter.

Carter though he knows he loves Levi but accepts he will always be in the closest and they can only remain friends. Carter deserves better then to be someone’s secret. Fate decides to smile down on Carter in the form of a gorgeous actor named Marcus.

Marcus is not afraid to show Carter affection in public, he’s just what Carter needs. Honestly his mind doesn’t stray to Levi for a moment and he is happy. Even though they have yet to be intimate, Carter thinks he could have finally found a boyfriend.

As the convention closes and all go home Carter and Marcus continue on making plans for Marcus to meet him at the set and spend the weekend together. Carter is happy, he feels he is getting over Levi and has a hot new boyfriend to boot. Now Levi and him can truly be the best friends they are meant to be.

Unbeknownst to Carter, Anna sent out pics of everyone at the convention including several ones of Marcus ad Carter up close and personal. That is what Levi finds when he opens up an email from Anna as he sit patiently waiting for Carters call.

Showing up on set, both men were nervous. Let’s just say tapping for the day didn’t go as smoothly as it should. Carter was anxious to get the day over and have Marcus here and forget about Levi and the hurt he sees Levi trying to hide .

As Carter starts his weekend with Marcus, he should have been happy, but he just can’t stop thinking about Levi and what pain Levi was covering up. Carter knows this is for the best, Levi will never come out. With that thought, Carter dives head first to be intimate with Marcus, only he finds he can’t. He loves Levi. Needless to say Marcus isn’t very understanding and storms out. Leaving Carter to contemplate what he has done.

Levi on the other hand had mixed emotions. He was happy Carter found someone who could give him what he couldn’t, but that didn’t mean it didn’t hurt. Knowing Carter was moving on, Levi knew it wouldn’t be hard to stay within the studios threats of being “straight”.

Up to this point his role as “Max Furhman” hadn’t been confirmed,  so if Carter was moving on Levi needed to do the same. So when Anna asks for the green light to leak Levi Prichard is back as “Max Fuhman” Levi says yes. Anna reminds Levi once it is out there he probably couldn’t use his “out” clause and he better not test the studio with any more rumors. Levi knows it wont be a problem and assures his friend he understands his choice and will toe the studios line.

As the two men meet back at the set tensions run high, thankfully the scenes I call for anger so both men can work out some frustration. As a break is called Carter asks Levi if they can talk. Bottom line he misses his friend. Once alone though fires ignite and Carter kisses Levi like it’s his last day on earth.

Carter gets out Marcus didn’t work out, Levi and Carter both admit they want each other so as soon as tapping is done for the day they give into temptation and rush to Levi’s boat. The passion between the two is cosmic. The night is everything Carter could have ever dreamed it would be. But can it last or was letting their passion get the best of them ruin what they had.

Only in the morning light do the repercussions of the line they crossed truly show. Carter is so in love with Levi, but Levi makes it clear he wont leave his closet. He’s just getting a second chance at his career and his family drama just wont allow him to be what Carter needs. Harsh words were spoken on both sides and ultimatums given, leaving both men with only one answer.

Angry and hurt Carter leaves Levi feeling the weight of the world crashing down on him. On one hand he doesn’t blame Carter, he wouldn’t want to be someone’s secret, but on the other he feels Carter should understand.

Carter on the otherhand is trying to stay angry but his hurt over takes him. He feels stupid. He knew how this would end from the start but if he honest with himself he would do it all over again.

(I am going to interject my opinion here without saying what really happened.  Levi is an idiot and he got off easy. If I was Carter I would have raged, slapped and been probably petty)

Thank god others feel my feelings because once the men return to set Anna realizes right off the top what happened and pulls Levi into her office. She tears him one and sends him on his way to finish filming for the day. Thankfully the guys could use there emotions and make the scene great.

As the day wrapped Carter left needing space. Levi makes it home all the while Annas words rolling through his mind. He needed to hash this out but he wasn’t sure who would understand.  Only one man would and he had a long overdue apology needed.

Before he lost his nerve Levi called Dylan and prayed he would give him the chance to speak. It was just what the doctor ordered.  Not only were fences mended but Dylan brought forth a perspective that reached through and broke down all Levis barriers.

Without a second thought Levi did something he should have done twenty years ago he called hi parents and spoke the truth for once. Now two down one to go…..

I am going to stop there because well I want you to experience Levi and his emotions for yourself.  I am so glad I gave this L.A. Witt book a chance. It had every emotion. It made me laugh, smile, want to bitchslap a character, plus all the warm fuzzys that go along with a HEA.

I think there is actually a lesson within the story aswell. To always be yourself and to not let others dictate your life for you. If you do you are risking the chance of loosing happiness.

I am giving this book 4*

Link to buy

http://riptidepublishing.com/titles/starstruck

Bliss by Lisa Henry

** I want to take this second and let you know this review is on ONLY 50% of the book. Due to the subject matter I could not finish it in its entirety.  The only reason I am posting this is I feel there are not sufficient warnings on the book, and could be a trigger for many people.  So without further ado. ..

Bliss by Lisa Henry

Bliss by Lisa Henry

*This book was given freely by Riptide Publishing for a fair and honest review.

This Review was done for NetGallery.Com

This book is the story of two separate men’s journey into the paradise known as Beulah and how the two unlikely men come together in a world unlike they have never known.

In the midst of a almost savage country, where basic survival depends on corruption, poverty, violence, and some of the most deplorable conditions known to man, there is a fabled place known as Beulah.

Beulah is the paradise where there is no crime, no prisons, no aggression, no drugs; only lush greenery, a blue, smogless sky and just never ending happiness. Can a place like this really exist? Is it all a fairytale to keep hope alive in outlying cities?

Honestly it doesn’t matter. The list’s of people vying for a chance to enter it’s gates is astounding and very few ever make it inside the walls. The vetting process to become an immigrant in Beulah, few ever make the grade. The temptation of the dreamlike city though is enough.

One man (Rory); accepted into the community as the personal assistant of an esteemed judge in the city. The judge deems him a perfect candidate for citizenship because even in Tophet, Rory rose above. He worked hard, followed orders and was honestly alittle naive about alot of things. A perfect specimen for Beulah to mold into one of it’s fine upstanding citizens.

The other man (Tate); an illegal immigrant, whose desperate to escape the debt collectors, the basic savagery of the outside world; who will resort to stealing and aggression if it means making ends meet. Tophet’s lifestyle and circumstances will for sure will put him into an early grave.

They both make it into the fabled City of Beulah in very different ways. Unfortunately Tate’s introduction into paradise was abruptly stunted when he committed something that is unheard of… a crime: assault.

As a punishment for his crime he reluctantly agrees to enroll in Beulah’s Rehabilitation for Retribution Program. Shockingly, his rehabilitation means he’s forced into seven years of servitude as his sentence for retribution to the man he assaulted. It’s either that or take a chance at a trial, where he is almost certain only a 99.9% chance at life. It really is a no brainer.

Beluah holds many dark secrets.One is how the criminals or “Rezzy’s” are rehabilitated. They are all employed with a behaviour modifying micro-chipped which renders them unable to say no, while being greatful and needy for whatever task they are asked to do.

There may be no actual prisons visable to the citizens of Beulah, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t. The prison is being trapped inside of your own head for your time of servitude.

Both men, anxious about what the next seven years of their lives together will be like. Neither knowing what to expect. No matter what it couldn’t be worse then the town of Tophet, where they both came from, right?

As Rory is getting acclimated to his new house and all of the amenities and beauty that come with it. He is led around personally by Mr.Lowells (his boss) intern Aaron, a personable young man who seems eager to please and learn while being overly happy and gracious for his opportunity as being picked for his internship.

Rory finds himself uneasy with the fact he will be involved with the man in his mind, who violently assaulted him for no reason. He doesn’t understand why he was picked out to be the one assaulted.

He tries to see the reason behind behind the program and he appreciates the system Beulah has in place; because obviously if what he’s seen so far is for real, then the justice system must be getting something right. He just needs to reconcile within himself if he will always remain an “outsider” or will he embrace his new life and become a true citizen of Beulah.

Tate on the other hand isn’t having the same happy transition. As soon as he signs his name on the dotted line and his lawyer leaves he begins to doubt his choice.

Men not in regular police uniforms, come to take him into the program reveal the news of his implant. They begin making it clear he will be nothing more then a “slave” for the next seven years. Meaning WHATEVER his “Master” wants he will happily do. There is no saying “NO“. It is a physical impossibility.

At this point there’s nothing he can do but he wont go willingly. He was not meant to be anyone’s slave. He was told he would be getting a “sponsor” and living like he had a “family“. What the men described is not how is lawyer laid it out.

He fights the procedure till the end and having to be sedated. When he wakes up after being implanted feeling no different, he can almost see the light. His adolescent bout of seizures must have rendered the implant worthless, but he’ll play along just to be left alone.

Fate is once again, not on his side when the doctor informs him he’ll be activating the chip now. With no way to stop what’s comming, Tate begins to feel himself succumbing to the chip. His true personality and self had been lock away inside his head. Still there, but to far out of reach to grasp onto. He had become exactly what they said “a slave“.

As the doctor starts to preform tests, these are meant to see how the chip is working. Only personally it seems like the doctors and staff get-off on just how degrading and do whatever they please to the “rezzy” Tate’s inner voice screams at him this is all wrong; this is humiliating and degrading, but the personality the chip created just wants to please. With every correct step the warmth inside him grows, while any misstep or fighting of the chip causes him immense pain and makes him feel ill.

He begins to feel so confused, the voice inside his head makes some sense but as every minute passes, it’s meaning is fading fast as well as the causing him of physical pain lessens.

Once all the test are complete, the doctor calmly explains “He must never tell anyone what went on inside the building and what the chip is really for. People of the city must believe the chips are only used to prevent escape and to stop violence”. Fighting against his old self’s inner screams behind the locked door in his consciousness, the warmth of pleasing the doctor overrides his normal nature and he wont disobey and make the doctor upset at him. He now only wants to please the doctor.

He knows now deep inside his quick fix to get out of debt he thought he had was never worth what is happening. He never should have come to Beulah.

I wonder what other dark secrets the paradise City of Beulah holds.

As Tate and Rory meet for the first time Rory is perplexed by the man in front of him. His mind splits into Tate is stunning but he is also this meek, groveling, teary eyed, pleading for forgiveness man infront of him really the one who knocked Rory out?

Not knowing fully about the chip and it’s true nature, Rory doesn’t understand what Tate needs and gets angry with his constant apologies. There both from the same town outside, so Rory finds it hard to believe Tate in such a short time could transform into the man beore him now.

Throughout dinner your heart aches for Tate. He is so confused.  His inner self is screaming at him to tell Rory the truth, what they did to him. At the same time he keeps remembering events from home and someone named Emmy, his locked up inner self tells him, but he can’t place what and who they are.

He truly is lost. He feels the need to please Rory and make him happy but deep inside his head he know something is very wrong. Unfortunately his inner musings are physically making him ill, but he physically can’t say what’s wrong. Even when directly asked by Rory.

All this makes Rory more uncomfortable and angry because not knowing what the chip actually does, he believes Tate to be putting up an act and playing him.

Rory’s anger actually tortures Tate because he can’t seem to please him, and he can’t tell him the truth, he’s stuck.

Fed up with the whole dinner exchange Rory erupts telling Tate he’s lost his appetite and to clean up the mess, to make him lunch for tomorrow because he was going to bed.

Having orders relieves some of Tates pain but not much because he’s not making his master happy. He wishes whatever is in his head that is fighting inside would just stop.

Tate needs to find a way to sort out what is going on inside and Rory needs to start paying closer attention to the world and people around him and realize things are not as perfect as they seem. He just needs to think logically instead of letting the lure Beulah provides suck him in before it is to late.

After a rocky start things seem to start to go smoother. Having a conversation with Mr. lowell puts Rorys mind at ease and tries to placate Rory by agreeing Tate must be playing him. The only way to stop that and make the program work is to become “The Master of his home”.

Rory begins to be open to the program; trying to get to know Tate on a personal level, trying to build a friendship, and even letting Tate “service” him. Only it means something different to the two boys.

The doctors have had to be called in on Tate two times because Tate wasn’t acclimating well to the program or so it seemed but really it is Rory not doing his job of becoming Tate’s “Master“.

Rory wants to be friends, make love, get to know one another but the chip inside Tate tells him this is wrong. Tate doesn’t deserve that. He needs someone to show him his place and make him do things that will please his master.

Tate get’s a showing of what a true “Master” is when Rory holds a dinner party for Mr. Lowell and some coworkers. Everyone is impressed with Tates work but become uncomfortable when Mr. Lowell get handsy with his intern Aaron.

Later that night Rory in his mind takes his relationship with Tate to the next level and tries to make love to him, only that’s not what Tate needs. He needs to be used, hurt. All the confusion in his brain with Rory being concerned and caring because he hurt him causes Tate to pass out.

Rory only knowing one person, calls Mr. Lowell for help. When he get’s there, Mr. Lowell takes over and has Tate put Rory to bed and they wait for the doctors to arrive.

It’s then determined it’s not Tate but Rory who is not giving Tate what he needs, and maybe Tate would do better placed somewhere eles. Mr. Lowell dissagrees and believes in time Rory will acclimate to Beulah’s ways and be the perfect. “Master”

So in order to sooth Tate’s troubled mind both Mr. Lowell and the good doctor “show” Tate what a true “Master” would do, teach him how to prepare gimself and make him repeatedly do these steps until he can show no pain in his demeanor only happiness and tell Tate he must teach Rory how to be a better “Master”  through seduction and what he’s been taught tonight.

As morning appears, Tate starts his journey to show Rory. Rory is receptive not understanding how different they are both interpreting the situation. Rory also enters work to find out Aaron has been accused of stealing Lowell’s credit card and now will be put into the program as Lowell’s “rezzy“.

Rory has a hard time reconciling Aarons actions and begins to feel maybe somethings not right. Mr. Lowell assures Rory, Aaron will be taken care of and he can even visit him to make sure.

***So I am going to stop there for a minute because so far I am deeply disturbed by this book and where I feel its going. This is going way beyond kink, or bdsm (which I have no problem with) These people are basically creating a society of people if you don’t toe-the-line you basically become a sex slave for someone.

My heart aches for Tate and now for Aaron. Noone deserves this kind of treatment and the type of man Lowell is Aaron is in for much worse then Tate. It’s saddening because these “rezzys” due to the chip feel they need to submit to this degradation and humiliation to feel happy.

The City of Beulah is like a town full of Stepford Wives on steroids, and noone does anything about it but think its ok. I honestly am having a hard time getting through this book and really don’t want to finish it. Plus i’d like to take a scalpel and cut Lowell’s dick and balls off and shove them down his throat. He is obviously one of the main people incharge of this sick program.

****Unfortunately at this time at 50% conpleted, I do not think I can continue to read this book. I am a very open minded person, I respect an author and the time and creativity they use to right their work, but this subject matter is pushing my boundaries. I personally have  known victims of rape so to read it in the context where the characters have no wrong feelings I just can’t.

This review is in no ways a knock on the author. I would love to read other works by Lisa just on different subject matter.

“Let it Ride” by L.C. Chase

*This book was given freely by Riptide Publishing for a fair and honest review.

This review was done for Netgallery. Com

 

This is the second book in the “Pick up Men” series and is the story of Eric the paramedic and Bridge, one of the pick up men in the rodeo circuit. Don’t worry though all your favorite characters from the first book are back but have become the secondary characters.

 

The book starts off at the beginning of yet another year at the rodeo, the only difference is Bridge has not been able to forget the handsome paramedic he met last year. It confuses him because even though he has gay friends, he experimented in college and has never had any issues showing affection to others, even pointing out “Hot” guys to his friends. He’s never considered himself gay. So why can’t he seem to get Eric out of his head.

 

He hopes seeing him again at a training camp for greenhorns will dispel any lingering traces of the attraction he’s built up in his mind. Unfortunately though, one look at Eric and he realizes he is not only attracted to Eric but finds himself wanting to be more then friends with the hesitant paramedic.

 

Eric shows up at the training camp both happy and nervous at the same time. His whole life he has been tossed aside and made to feel he’s not worth anything. From his parents forcing him into foster care to lovers who flat out have told him he’s not worth it. He is constantly waiting for the perverbial “other shoe to drop“.

 

Becoming close friends with the close knit group is something he treasures but wholeheartedly believes eventually they’ll tire of him and toss him aside like everyone eles has in his past.

 

Along with Bridge, Eric finds himself more then attracted to the other man but is afraid since Bridge isn’t “gay” he might just be an experiment. He feels if he goes down that road and acts on the mutual attraction, one day Bridge will deicde he’s straight again. If that happens he’ll not only lose Bridge, but also the only group of men he has considered friends for more years then he can count. The walls he’s built up for self preservation will be hard to crack.

 

As the training camp winds down, Bridge has had enough of the passing heated glances, sexual innuendos and decides just to go for it. He’s determined so he corners Eric and kisses him. To Bridge that solidifies something in him that Eric is the one for him. But Eric is reluctant to persue a relationship because with his insecurities he has to much to lose and he isn’t sure he could come back from loosing it all.

 

Bridge takes Erics challenge and agrees to a no strings, friends with benefits arrangement to appease Eric but in Bridge’s heart he knows Eric is the one he’s meant to be with.

 

After the camp Bridge convinces Eric to come back home with him until the circuit starts in two weeks, planning on showing Eric just how serious he really is. Eric reluctantly agrees but puts road blocks up at every attempt Bridge make to move them past no strings, friends with benefits.

 

Each man is fighting within themselves. Bridge not knowing what he needs to do to prove how much Eric means to him and Eric is fighting the voice in his head that tells him Bridge could be “his one” and continues to let his insecurities rule his relationship or rather lack there of with Bridge.

 

As the two weeks before the circuit starts and Eric is staying at th ranch, Bridge is starting to fall even harder for Eric. He even convinces Eric to move into the “casual dating” label.

 

You almost feel bad for Bridge though. He seems to be doing everything right and being with Eric feels right, but he just can’t break down the walls, as Eric bluntly makes it known when Bridge takes him out to eat, that even though the restaurant is full of couples this is definitely not a date.

 

What can Bridge do but to agree and make up a stupid reason for them being there but you can obviously see his attitude shifts.

 

As the two weeks come to an end you almost want to slap Eric for his inner whinning and pity parties. For literally 83% of the book Eric lets his past control his life and this time it’s no different.  But instead of feeling sorry for him, I pity him and how he lives his life. To never be willing to take that chance because things in the past didn’t work out is sad.

 

Bridge is doing everything he can to show Eric he’s serious. Even having Eric with him at his birthday dinner with his family. It never seems enough.  Bridge even goes so far as to ask Eric to live with him on the circuit, but to Eric it’s just to much.

 

At the beginning everyone was concerned about Bridge hurting Eric but what Eric does after the first rodeo takes the cake. Eric a coward and leaves Bridge heartbroken.

 

Lost and unsure of what to do Eric with the help of an old man decides it’s time to take his destiny into his own hands. He only hopes its not to late.

 

 

To me this book had everything I would expect from L.C. Chase. Hot cowboys, steamy tasteful scenes and a HEA. I would definitely recommend reading this book if you want something that will run the gammets of your emotions.

 

I would give it 4* I’m excited to see where the writer takes the boys in the next book

 

Link to buy

http://riptidepublishing.com/titles/let-it-ride

Kindle Alexander “Always”

Title – Always

Author – Kindle Alexander

Pages – 287

Synopsis

This story takes you throughout the years of this couples life. Starting back in the seventies moving on til present day. It’s a story about personal growth, courage, strength and most of all love.

Avery and Kane come from two complete different ends of the spectrum. I guess it’s true opposites attract.

Born to a prestigious political family, Avery Adams plays as hard as he works. The gorgeous, charismatic attorney is used to getting what he wants, even the frequent one-night stands that earn him his well-deserved playboy reputation. When some of the most prominent men in politics suggest he run for senate, Avery decides the time has come to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps. With a strategy in place and the campaign wheels rolling, Avery is ready to jump on the legislative fast track, full steam ahead. But no amount of planning prepares him for the handsome, uptight restaurateur who might derail his political future. 

Easy isn’t even in the top thousand words to describe Kane Dalton’s life after his father, a devout Southern Baptist minister, kicks him out of the family home for questioning his sexual orientation. Despite all the rotten tomatoes life throws his way, Kane makes something of himself. Between owning a thriving upscale Italian restaurant in the heart of downtown Minneapolis and managing his long-term boyfriend, his plate is full. He struggles to get past the teachings of his childhood to fully accept his sexuality and rid himself of the doubts brought on by his religious upbringing. The last thing he needs is the yummy, sophisticated, blond-haired distraction sitting at table thirty-four.

When you least expect it, fate drops in and give you a most precious gift. Your soulmate. If you choose to accept fates gift the world opens to many opportunities you never could have imagined.

Their life wasn’t always easy, yes they pioneered somethings, experienced tragedy and heartbreak, but through it all they remained by each others side, both giving and taking creating what most only dream about experiencing in a lifetime.

What you do for the person you love and cherish most in the world when you might not have a “conventional ” family. What are you willing to sacrifice for the one you love to be happy? Everything!

My Review

What to say…. I LOVED IT!!!!! This is definitely one of my go to books, when I need to read a story about love and what the true definition of that is. I’ve always been a Kindle Alexander fan but “Always” will be hard to top. This story is filled with so much love you can’t help but wish you were Kane and had an Avery at your side.

I definitely suggest you take a chance and fall in love with this book. In my personal opinion it ranks in at 5*

Link to Buy

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00IX21D4Ecache=ddb209d3bf58c360824572cb74a6b65c&pi=SY200_QL40&qid=1408336558&sr=8-1#ref=mp_s_a_1_1

Review of A.M. Sneads “Lost in Love”

Title –“Lost in Love”

Author – A.M. Snead

Pages – 414

This is the story of Nate and Kyle (MC). They have been best friends since childhood when Kyle saved Nate from some bullies.

Nate is gay and has always been in love with Kyle but knowing Kyle is straight he suffers along just being happy to be in his life. Nates home life is horrible, so he basically grows up as part of Kyle’s family. Little does Nate know Kyle is harboring some serious secrets.

The story starts as the boys go on one of there many adventures, both with different agendas on their plates. Nevertheless alittle Jack Daniels, rustic run down cabin, snow and a fireplace and Nate gets what he’s always dreamed of. A night of love with the love of his life, only in the morning Nate finds something, and things go terribly wrong.

After harsh words are spoken, harsh actions taken, Nate walks away feeling like he’s lost his best friend, his only love, and he blames Kyle; little does he know how close to the truth that actually is.

When Nate returns home, he finds a letter and the object, that ultimately destroyed what should have been the happiest weekend of both the boys life. Nate’s anger wont let him read the letter, but he is confused why Kyle left the object behind.

After a full out pity party, Nate finally sucks it up and reads what he feels are Kyle’s last words to him. After reading the letter, his world falls apart. Those were probably Kyle’s last words.

Without a thought, Nate hops a plane to California, hoping he’s not to late. When he gets there reality strikes. He’s to late. Guilt eats at him. Why couldn’t he have just admitted to Kyle the answer Kyle begged for.

Now it may be to late. Kyle and Nate had made a pact to always “Go to Hell and back”for the other, and Nate plans to just that. Throughout this time, Nate and Janice (Kyle’s mom)are delt blow after blow, but Nate wont give up.

Kyle is the love of his life. What would you do to save the one person who you breath for?

Without realizing it Janice and Kyle’s Doctor begin to get close. The doctor became friends with Kyle throughout his treatment. In the end, only a father’s sacrifice can make a family whole again and just maybe give him the opportunity to heal and find love once more.

The story takes you through an emotional ride of what miscommunication and what you would honestly do for your true soulmate.

My Review

I have read this book atleast five times. When I want to cry but feel warmth of true love this is definitely my go to book.

I don’t want to give out spoilers but this book will make you cry both tears of pain and heartache as well as happiness. Their journey to where there destiny lies is not easy, but all the trials and tribulations are worth it in the end.

I know Aubrey is working on a sequel that i’m sure will blow our socks off if I had to choose 3 books to be stranded on a deserted island with this would definitely be one of them.

It is definitely classed as a 5*+ book!!

Link to buy

http://www.amazon.com/Lost-Love-trilogy-A-MSneadebook/dp/B00LDF9Q2Y/ref=cm_rdp_product

Getting started

So this is my first attempt at blogging and I figured, what a better way to do it then use what I love; BOOKS.  This blog will primarily be about books I have read and the reviews of those books I have been asked to give my honest and fair opinions on. I  will also throw in some of my favorite authors, for others to take a look at; both published and up and coming authors I think deserve a chance.

As an author myself i’ll also keep you up to date on my current projects and be giving out teasers.

I hope you all will enjoy my blog. Please share it with your friends