Unraveling by Rick R. Reed

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Blurb

Randy Kay has the perfect life with his beautiful wife and adorable son. But Randy’s living a lie, untrue to himself and everyone who knows him. He’s gay.

Marriage and fatherhood, which he thought could change him, have failed. He doubts if anyone can love him for who he really is—especially himself.

With his wife’s blessing, he sets out to explore the gay world he’s hidden from all his life.

John Walsh, a paramedic with the Chicago Fire Department, is comfortable in his own skin as a gay man, yet he can never find someone who shares his desire to create a real relationship, a true family.

When Randy and John first spy each other in Chicago’s Boystown, all kinds of alarms go off—some of joy, others of deep-seated fear.

Randy and John must surmount multiple hurdles on the journey to a lasting, meaningful love. Will they succeed or will their chance at love go up in flames, destroyed by missed connections and a lack of self-acceptance?

Review 

My Rating - 4 Stars!

Rick Reed's Unraveling is a powerful story of coming out a little later in life.

Randy's been living a life of hiding his truth, resulting in shame and guilt. He's weighed down by self-loathing. Luckily his wife Violet is extremely extraordinary and supportive.

The romance is good, but I preferred the development of Randy and his relationship with his wife and child. It's an outstanding story highlighting the struggles of coming out.

Yes, most of it could be mistaken for happening now, but there are a few things that excel in placing this story firmly in the past. The writing is descriptive and serious with a good pace. It's told in present tense, not my favorite, leading to some awkward moments for me. Despite that, the reader is fully drawn into the feelings and emotions involved, completely feeling their angst and pain.

There are some amazingly profound quotes. I love this one by Violet as she tells Randy "I want you to be yourself...And whoever that self is Randy, it's still you. And I'll always love you." 

And this one makes me want to cry. Such truth. "...when you hide as I have, I question - do the people who say they love me really love me? Or do they love an ideal?"

Unraveling is a thought-provoking story highlighting that knowledge and acceptance are two different things. The title is perfect for this emotional tale that is super serious and reflective. It's a wonderful story and I am happy that I had a chance to read it. 

Edge Of Living by HL Day

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Blurb

Sometimes, death can feel like the only escape.

It's been a year since Alex stopped living. He exists. He breathes. He pretends to be like everyone else. But, he doesn't live. Burdened by memories, he dreams of the day when he can finally be free. Until that time comes, he keeps everybody at bay. It's been easy so far. But he never factored in, meeting a man like Austin.

Hard-working mechanic Austin has always gone for men as muscular as himself. So, it's a mystery why he's so bewitched by the slim, quiet man with the soulful brown eyes who works in the library. The magnetic attraction is one thing, but the protective instincts are harder to fathom. Austin's sure though, that if he can only earn Alex's trust then the two of them could be perfect together.

A tentative relationship begins. But Alex's secrets run deep. Far deeper than Austin could ever envisage. Time is ticking. Events are coming to a head, and love is never a magic cure. Oblivious to the extent of Alex's pain, can Austin discover the truth? Or is he destined to be left alone, only able to piece together the fragments of his boyfriend's history, once its already too late?

Trigger warning: Please be aware that this story deals with suicidal ideation. If this is a subject you find uncomfortable, then this book is not recommended.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Edge Of Living is one of those rare books that comes along and sweeps you off your feet. This HL Day novel is absolutely fantastic.

To say that Alex is a broken man is an understatement. He is a mere shell of the man he used to be, as he's hiding, terrified of everyone and everything, and has completely locked himself away from others. 

When Austin sees the sad and mysterious Alex working at the library, he is instantly attracted and intrigued by this quiet man. 

Soon Alex finds himself feeling safe is Austin's presence. It is beautiful the way that Austin helps to calm him and takes away his nightmares. 

Their love is powerful, as Austin tells Alex "My soul likes your soul." How swoon-worthy!

The author skillfully uses flashbacks to slowly reveal Alex's tragic past. As well, the tale is emotionally driven, expertly written, giving us not only just a glimpse, but a clear and steady view into Alex and Austin's thoughts. I was brought along for the ride, able to fully feel every single feeling along with them.

Overall, The Edge Of Living is a captivating romance between two men who are traveling life on two completely different paths. One man is looking for his future, the other is stuck permanently in his past. Their relationship at times seems so damn one sided, but it really isn't. These two men need each other. 

I cannot rave enough about Edge Of Living. HL Day has done a phenomenal job with this gut-wrenching story. It is a must read!

Face The Music by K.M. Neuhold

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BLURB

When I left the love of my life asleep in my bed ten years ago without a backward glance, I never thought I’d get another chance.

I thought there was only one thing I needed to make me happy. I was so sure becoming a rock star would heal the dark corners inside me. But every time I walk onto the stage, with a roaring crowd screaming my name, all I can think about is the boy I left behind. All I want to do is rewind and make a different choice. I’ve sang a hundred songs about love and loss, and Jace has been at the center of it all.

The last place I ever expected to run into him again is the cabin in the woods where we first fell in love. I’d do anything for a second chance, but will he ever trust me again?

***Face the Music is the first book in the Replay series. Each book in the series will focus on a different band member getting a second chance at love. Each book can be read as a stand-alone. This book contains descriptions of self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and sexy times.

REVIEW

Wow!  I can't explain how much I love this book.  Face The Music is just a fantastic romance, and I am anxiously waiting for the next in this new Replay series by K.M. Neuhold!

Lincoln grows up dreaming of becoming a rock star.  And he works hard to achieve this dream.  He just doesn't realize how much he will regret this choice. It never offers him the happiest he was hoping to find. Instead, he finds himself barely living and wishing that he wasn't.  

Jace is the man Lincoln leaves behind. Their love is strong and is supposed to last forever. Instead, Lincoln leaves him without a word and he has not seen him in 10 years. In that time, Jace marries a woman for whom he never felt any real passion. Not in the way that he does for Lincoln.

When the two innocently run into each other again, Lincoln knows that this is his second chance. He isn't going to let Jace go, ever again. As much as Jace knows that he still loves Lincoln, he can't trust him right away. Lincoln will have to work hard to earn his trust again.

This story is filled with so much - regret, self-harm, sacrifices, taking chances and intense romance.

Lincoln and Jace complete each other. Both need the other in order to truly live. The road for them to be together is not going to be an easy one though. They need to deal with Lincoln's self-harming and his depression. And Jace needs to decide if he can deal with the fame that follows Lincoln. They also have to deal with the fact that Jace lives in Seattle, while Lincoln tours the world.

I cannot praise Face the Music enough! The love between both men is just beautiful. The issues that they have to deal with are handled with such honesty and raw emotion. While reading this, you will cry, you will smile and you will be heart-broken. It is not an easy read, but I could not put it down.  

I am so happy to have found a new MM Rock series. I don't know when the next book will be out, but I cannot wait to read it.  

For fellow lovers of MM Rock series, I will say that this is up there with my favs - The Rock Gods by Ann Lister, The Rock Series by Sandrine Gasp-Dion, and The Souls of the Knight by Nicola Haken. If you loved those series, do not miss out on this Replay series by KM Neuhold.