For You by C.R. Guiliano Guest Post, Giveaway & Review

Hey guys, today we bring you C.R. Guiliano and her newest release For You (out tomorrow!), so C.R. is visiting us and has brought along her giveaway where you can win a copy of For You. So see what C.R. has to say, read the review and leave a comment… Oh and don’t forget to visit the other blogs on the tour to increase your chances of winning! Hugs ~Pixie~

C.R. Guiliano - Blog tour cover

C.R. Guiliano: Reading –

Honestly, when I was younger, I’d read anything I could get my hands on, from classics, to horror. But, as I grew older, my tastes became more refined. Not that I’m limiting myself to any one type, but I have favorites now that I stick to.

Fantasy is one of them. I read all kinds of fantasy, and I write it as well. I am a Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Narnia, Dragonrider’s of Pern fan, just to name a few. As far as writing fantasy, I let my imagination go wild and think about what kind of story I would like to read, and then create it.

Science Fiction is also a favorite and I’ve dabbled writing in that genre also. It’s not quite as easy to write, what with all the techno-speak that’s usually splattered everywhere. I mostly read it.

I enjoy most paranormal stories, even the ones “based on true events”. They are fascinating, and I’ve caught myself more times than not wishing such creatures and worlds existed. I love writing those kind of stories as well.

Gay Erotic Romance is my ultimate favorite and I have dozens, upon dozens of stories in the works in that genre. I include all my other favorites as a sub-genres in those same stories.

So, does my reading influence my writing? Absolutely. It’s easiest to write what you love to read. The only pitfall I will not allow myself to fall into, is reading someone else’s story and wondering how I would have written it differently. That is just frustration waiting to happen. I read the stories to enjoy them, be touched by them, to gush and share them with my friends. Not to dissect them and make them fit my own unique mold. Besides, how they were written is the way they should have been, and not for me to wonder.

Buy link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4764

GIVEAWAY! Each comment will be entered to win a copy of For You! You can get additional entries by following the blog tour.

6th ~ http://tempesteoriley.com/blog/

7th ~ http://www.bookwhoresunited.blogspot.com/

8th ~ http://www.prismbookalliance.com/

9th ~ http://elingregory.wordpress.com/

10th ~ http://taralain.com/blog/

11th ~ http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/

12th ~ http://sidlove.com/

About the author:

CR Guiliano is an avid reader, which logically morphed into the love of writing. She writes in many genres, but is most happy writing the love between two men (or more!). She makes them work hard for their HEA and considers herself an expert in angst. CR finds her favorite form of writing is in serials, where she can continue to write about characters who have captured her heart and she hopes to have captured her readers’ as well.

You will usually find CR cuddled up to her laptop creating stories to entertain, inspire, and bring your emotions to the surface. CR has a huge warren of plot bunnies that is growing every day, and can’t wait to fill out each story idea and share them all with her readers.

CR was proudly nominated in the Goodreads Best Anthology Nominations and was thrilled to be included with the many talented writers from the same anthology.

CR is a committed advocate for the GLBTQ community and does her best to change society’s attitudes, one mind at a time. You can learn more about CR Guiliano and her stories at the following locations, and feel free to drop her line as she loves to hear from anyone interested in her or her writings:

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/CR-Guiliano-Author/243814592322136?ref=hl

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crguiliano

Author blog: http://crguiliano-author.blogspot.com/

Works-in-progress blog: http://guilianowip.blogspot.com/

Website: http://crguiliano.wordpress.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/pernwish

E-mail: pernwish@gmail.com

C.R. Guiliano - For You2Title: For You

Author: C.R. Guiliano

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Short (70pgs)

ISNB: 978-1-62798-564-2

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (10th March 2014)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Graham and Jeremy’s first meeting sparks an explosive and passionate relationship that proves opposites attract. However, as time wears on, their differences cause a lot of strain between them.

Jeremy, a first grade teacher and softball coach, is deeply closeted and sees no way out of the darkness. Graham is out and proud and doesn’t understand Jeremy’s fear at revealing his sexuality. After four years of trying to balance the differences, Graham leaves.

Jeremy is heartbroken, knowing that the love they feel is the real thing. He knows he’s the one who needs to change, but old habits are hard to break. He’ll need support from friends and family to make things right with Graham, but most of all he’ll need to find strength within himself to be honest about who he really is.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4764

Review: When Jeremy and Graham first meet the sparks fly and they begin a passionate and loving relationship. Graham is out and proud but Jeremy is deep in the closet, their relationship suffers as the strain on Graham hiding his love becomes too much and after three years together he can no longer take it. Jeremy knows that the only way to get Graham back is to come out of the closet but his fears holds him tight, can Jeremy face his fears and admit his true self to his friends and family or is the fear he feels stronger than his love for Graham?

This is a great story of two men finding a perfect love but who are driven apart by the fears of one of them. The story switches from the past to the recent past and the present; it also switches perspectives between Graham and Jeremy so we can see both sides of the story clearly. Graham is a wonderful man who is out and proud, he is loving and affectionate and knew getting involved with a closet case might be a mistake but he can’t resist the sexy man. Jeremy is sweet and gentle and deeply in the closet, growing up with a bigoted family has him fearing coming out and when you add in that he teaches first grade he is terrified of losing his job. Their relationship suffers as Jeremy refuses to even acknowledge Graham in the outside world and won’t even consider relaxing around Graham’s family, but Graham’s had enough and Jeremy has some serious soul searching to do.

This really is a lovely story of true love, acceptance and conquering fears. We feel for both Jeremy and Graham as we see the full story unfold before us, we understand Graham’s frustration and hopelessness and we sympathise with Jeremy’s fears. You have to admire a man who won’t let go of his convictions no matter how hard and painful it is and Graham is such a man, walking away from Jeremy and trying to get on with his life was admirable but you know his heart shattered every day. Jeremy let his fear rule him and even though it broke his heart when Graham left him he couldn’t overcome the fear, but taking a chance might just lead to many surprises.

Seeing Jeremy and Graham together and finally getting their happy ever after was wonderful but it was the love they had for each other even while going through the hard times that shines through. They never gave up on their love or became resentful; they really hoped that the other would find the love they deserved even while it tore them to pieces. When Jeremy finally weighs up his love against the fears you breathe a sigh of relief and when he forces himself past those fears it is brilliant. I really loved Graham because he never threw it in Jeremy’s face; he just let it go and moved on accepting the second chance they got.

I recommend this to those who love contemporary romance, an intense love that won’t be forgotten, understanding and forgiveness, overcoming fears for love and a very happy ending.

Red Dirt Heart by N.R. Walker Blog Tour, Excerpt, Giveaway & Review!

Hello boys and girls look what I am bringing you today… a hot Australian Cowboy and a sexy American Cowboy *shiver* two delicious cowboys finding love against a harsh backdrop. N.R. Walker and her newest release Dirt Red Heart is hitting the spot with all those Cowboy lovers out there so don’t miss your chance to get your hands on a copy of this book… and to give you a helping hand there’s a chance to win your very own copy *happy dance*. Now I am going to leave you to it so you can have a good shufty (look) at the excerpt and review and click the Rafflecopter link, and while you do that I am gonna find somewhere to hide for when Cat realizes I reviewed a cowboy book LOL ~Pixie~ 

Red Dirt Heart Walker

RED DIRT HEART

By N.R. Walker

BLURB:

Welcome to Sutton Station: One of the world’s largest working farms in the middle of Australia – where if the animals and heat don’t kill you first, your heart just might. 

Charlie Sutton runs Sutton Station the only way he knows how; the way his father did before him. Determined to keep his head down and his heart in check, Charlie swears the red dirt that surrounds him – isolates him – runs through his veins.

American agronomy student Travis Craig arrives at Sutton Station to see how farmers make a living from one of the harshest environments on earth. But it’s not the barren, brutal and totally beautiful landscapes that capture him so completely.

It’s the man with the red dirt heart.

EXCERPT:

Red dirt heart300Just on sundown, I got off the motorbike, kicked the stand down so the bike stood upright without me and closed the gate. I’d been out all day in the South paddocks doing a final check of fences and water trough pumps before we bought the cattle down from the North. I’d seen the ute back at the homestead as I came in so I knew George was home.

George was my leading hand. He was in his fifties, with greying hair and sun-hardened skin. He’d worked here for as long I could remember, but he was more than a loyal employee. He was my friend, and in a lot of ways, more of a dad to me than my own old man ever was.

He’d been out all day, left before sun-up and headed into Alice Springs. We were a good three hours from the nearest town, and with a list as long as his arm from the Station cook, Ma—who also happened to be his wife—he needed a few hours in town before heading out to the airport to pick up the real reason for his trip: an American agronomy student by the name of Travis Craig.

When my father ran this farm, or station as we called it, every year we’d have people from another country come and spend a couple of weeks as part of some Diversification exchange program. My old man always said it was a good way to source out what other countries were teaching, but really I think he just liked the extra pair of hands at the finish of the dry season. And when we’d had a phone call back in July to ask if we’d be interested in hosting another student, and given it’d been a few years, I thought it seemed like a good idea. Now I couldn’t help but wonder if this Travis Craig would be a help or a liability.

I rode the bike into the yard and pulled up in the shed. I figured they’d know I’d arrived, having heard the bike, so I headed straight for the house. Like most homesteads built almost a hundred years ago, it was a weatherboard home, with an old iron roof and a veranda around four sides to try and keep it cool.

I kicked the red dust from my boots on the veranda steps and tried to brush the same from my jeans, took off my hat before I opened the door and walked inside. There was a suitcase and a duffel bag near the front door and voices at the back of the house.

“In the kitchen,” George called out.

I followed the sound of chatter and the smell of something good to find a meeting of sorts in the old country-style kitchen. The worn, solid wooden table that graced the middle of the room was covered with plates of scones and trays of cups and tea, and three people were in chairs around it—my right-hand man, George, his wife the cook, Ma, and a stranger with short light-brown hair and pale blue eyes.

George was the first to his feet, and the man beside him soon followed. “Here’s the boss, Charles Sutton,” George said, introducing me formally. “Charlie, this is Travis Craig.”

Travis looked about twenty-two years old, not much younger than me. Whereas I was a stockier build, with dull brown hair and boring brown eyes, he was taller than me by a few inches and muscular and lean. He held out his hand and smiled. “Mr Sutton. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” His accent was strange to hear at first, but his smile was warm and wide.

I wiped my hand on my shirt and held it out for him to shake. “Travis,” I said with a nod. “Please, call me Charlie.”

 

Contact Information:Rd Dirt HeartTour Badge

Website: nrwalker.wordpress.com.

Facebook: N.r. Walker (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003907957620)

Facebook Fan Page: N.R. Walker Author https://www.facebook.com/N.R.WalkerAuthor?

Twitter: @NR_Walker 

Email: nrwalker2103@gmail.com

About N.R. Walker

Who am I?

Good question…

I am many things: a mother, a wife, a sister, a writer.

I have pretty, pretty boys who live in my head, who don’t let me sleep at night unless I give them life with words.

I like it when they do dirty, dirty things… but I like it even more when they fall in love.

I used to think having people in my head talking to me was weird, until one day I happened across other writers who told me it was normal.

I’ve been writing ever since…

For a chance to win just click the Rafflecopter link: a Rafflecopter giveaway or at Pride-Promotions: http://pride-promotions.com/wordpress/book-tours/red-dirt-heart/ 

N.R. Walker - Red Dirt Heart1Title: Red Dirt Heart

Author: N.R. Walker

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella (110pgs)

ISNB: 9781311959355 & B00IKGXWYC

Publisher: N.R. Walker (20th February 2014)

Heat Level: Moderate – Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3 ½ – 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: ~~ Welcome to Sutton Station: One of the world’s largest working farms in the middle of Australia – where if the animals and heat don’t kill you first, your heart just might. ~~

 

Charlie Sutton runs Sutton Station the only way he knows how; the way his father did before him. Determined to keep his head down and his heart in check, Charlie swears the red dirt that surrounds him – isolates him – runs through his veins.

American agronomy student Travis Craig arrives at Sutton Station to see how farmers make a living from one of the harshest environments on earth. But it’s not the barren, brutal and totally beautiful landscapes that capture him so completely.

It’s the man with the red dirt heart.

Purchase Link: US: Amazon

UK: Amazon

Smashwords: Smashwords

ARe: All Romance Ebooks

Review: Charlie owns Sutton Station in the Australian Northern Territory, and runs it the way his father did. Charlie knows that he will probably never find love especially being isolated by the red dirt that surrounds him and the rarity of his visits anywhere off his land. When an American, Travis, arrives as part of a Diversification program Charlie finds his life turned upside down by his feelings. Travis is visiting Sutton Station to see how Australians farm one of the harshest environments on Earth, but he never expected to find the owner so appealing and with only four weeks to spend on the station will he be able to crack the shell that surrounds Charlie’s heart and will he be able to love the beautiful harsh land that has hold of Charlie.

This is a wonderful story that speaks of the beauty and harshness of the Australian territories and two men who discover love. Charlie is a great character who buried a part of himself when he returned to the station after his father died; haunted by the words his father hurt him with. Travis likes what he sees when he meets the owner of Sutton Station and feels Charlie out to see if the attraction is mutual, but their brief affair looks to be doomed with Travis going home to Texas and Charlie fearful of being discovered as gay. There are many emotions that fly about this story with confusion, lust, want, fear, anger and love being just some of them.

I was extremely impressed with the descriptions of the setting, the harsh beautiful and deadly territories, the reality of living so far from civilisation and the dangers of everyday life on a station in the Australian Territories were incredibly well written; I could picture it in my mind and it reminded me of a near forgotten TV drama The Flying Doctors so I could actually imagine the sheer size of the station with some confidence. Remembering that Australian drama also let me visualise the characters better and understand the circumstances that Charlie finds himself in. Being a station owner, working in harsh conditions and knowing that you have to trust the people you work with, well admitting you are gay has you fearing more than just having someone swear and spit at you.

The relationship between Charlie and Travis is sweet but didn’t quite spark for me, Charlie is quickly talked into a short fling but Travis pushes all of Charlie’s hot spots and it isn’t long before Charlie is dreading the day that Travis will leave. You don’t really get a good feel for what Travis wants until near the end, but being honest by that time I’d found Travis just a bit off putting, he didn’t seem to be as invested in Charlie until it was time for him to leave, if we could have seen things from his perspective a couple of times I am sure I would have warmed up to him sooner rather than near the very end where Travis has to convince Charlie to put his fears aside and accept the love he offers. We also get a bit of excitement when Travis’ horse returns without him, bringing to the fore the dangers of where Charlie lives and bringing home to Charlie just how much he cares for Travis. The secondary characters, especially George and Ma, were great additions to the story supporting Charlie at all times but especially when he needed it most.

I recommend this to those who loves Australian cowboys finding love, an American cowboy discovering home, beautiful backdrops, overcoming fear and taking a chance on love.

Will Pride Promotions

Polyster Prince by Hayley B. James blog stop, Giveaway and Review

Hey peeps, Hayley James has stopped by to give you a quick peek into her newest release Polyster Prince and to give you a chance to win some cool prizes. Now you all know the drill take a gander at Polyster Prince, take a look at the review and then click on the Rafflecopter link to be in for a chance to win. *squeezes* ~Pixie~

Polyster Prince Blog Tour BannerBLURB: Kyle Edington built his life around clubs, alcohol, nameless sex, and turning a blind eye to his future, but having front row access to his best friend’s perfect relationship leaves him wanting something he doesn’t understand—the white picket fence. After an ankle injury hinders his plans for PrideFest and puts his day job selling furniture at risk, Kyle attends Pride anyway to cheer himself up. Leaving his crutches at home was a mistake, though, and he’s shoved off balance and hits his head.

A bike officer keeps him safe until the paramedics arrive. Kyle’s memory of the event is foggy. He doesn’t recall the name or face of his guardian angel, but he definitely remembers the finest polyester-covered ass in all of Albuquerque.

But when he goes in search of his polyester prince, Kyle realizes relationships take hard work. After he learns the name of that perfect ass, a lifetime of avoiding serious boyfriends leaves Kyle second-guessing himself and making difficult decisions about what he wants for his future

BUY LINKS: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4633

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

PolyesterPrince-Tour BadgeHayley B. James is a lifelong resident of New Mexico with no plans to pack up and leave just yet. Writing is her part-time job and full-time hobby. She works in a small office during the day and lives in her written worlds at night.

When she isn’t writing, Hayley is reading m/m romance, mystery, real-life crime, fantasy, and yaoi novels, and can be found cruising Tumblr and webcomics. She may or may not have an unhealthy obsession with police officers. It’s still up for debate.

AUTHOR LINKS:

Website: http://www.hayleybjames.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HayleyBJames.author

Twitter: https://twitter.com/hayleyb_james

GIVEAWAY

Winner’s prize – A set of paperback copies of Paid Leave and Polyster Prince

A “Paid Leave” coffee mug

Runner Up will win – An ecopy of the book

Rafflecopter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

PolyesterPrince-cover1Title: Polyester Prince

Series: ABQ Heat: Book Two

Author: Hayley B. James

Genre: Contemporary Romance

ISBN: 978-1-62798-512-3

Length: Novel (214 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3.5~4 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: Kyle Edington built his life around clubs, alcohol, nameless sex, and turning a blind eye to his future, but having front row access to his best friend’s perfect relationship leaves him wanting something he doesn’t understand—the white picket fence. After an ankle injury hinders his plans for PrideFest and puts his day job selling furniture at risk, Kyle attends Pride anyway to cheer himself up. Leaving his crutches at home was a mistake, though, and he’s shoved off balance and hits his head.

A bike officer keeps him safe until the paramedics arrive. Kyle’s memory of the event is foggy. He doesn’t recall the name or face of his guardian angel, but he definitely remembers the finest polyester-covered ass in all of Albuquerque.

But when he goes in search of his polyester prince, Kyle realizes relationships take hard work. After he learns the name of that perfect ass, a lifetime of avoiding serious boyfriends leaves Kyle second-guessing himself and making difficult decisions about what he wants for his future.

Product Linkhttp://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4633

Review: Oh, it is impossible to say how close at home this book hit. I loved it, I loved so much perhaps because I related a lot with the main character Kyle. Plus it was the same lovely, easy writing style I expected to find from the sequel of Paid Leave and Hayley B. James.

In this book we follow Kyle. Remember Kyle, the funny, always-teasing friend of Neal. You know, the one who hit on Benji’s nerves all the time? Yeah! I loved Kyle at Paid Leave and I couldn’t wait to read his story. What I didn’t expect was to find myself thinking “I am Kyle” when I was halfway through the book.

You see Kyle is this guy who is terrified of relationships for the sole reason that he doesn’t want to give up his independence. So he keeps on jumping from one hook up to the other, often not even remembering his one-night stand’s name, or even caring enough to.

“You went home with a guy who has a stripper pole?”
“That doesn’t happen outside of movies.”

“Kyle’s life is one long screenplay of the unreal.”

Yes, that is exactly what Kyle’s life is all about. Dancing and drinking all night long until exhaustion claims him. Settling down? Not on his future plans. Abandoning the club scene? A nightmare of the worse kind. Until he meets Isaac.

Isaac is a character that makes falling in love the easiest feat ever. You actually fall a bit for him, not merely like him as a character. He’s charming, easy going, and has a way of accepting people that makes you want to crush him in a bear hug. His smile is a special allure itself, and it is no wonder even Kyle falls for him.

There’s not a real challenge in sight for the first half of the book besides Kyle’s frustration and inner thinking. The fact that he hasn’t wanted a steady boyfriend for years make the text interesting, his newly found “butterflies” in his stomach are hilarious at best. It’s highly amusing reading about Kyle’s trepidation over being or getting a “picket fence” as he so fondly refers to lifetime partners. His fear of losing his “freedom” is so easy to relate to, and makes for a most funny read. His slow change is a bit sneaky and takes him completely by surprise when he comes to realize it.
After meeting Isaac… “Would you like something to drink?”

“No, thank you.” …and that’s what Kyle the party goer is reduced to. But the transition  from party-boy to loving partner was so easy, so incredibly smooth, one just can’t help float that happy boat along with this pair. And when the time for the intimate parts came I ensure you it was breathtaking in a sweet yet very hot way.

ISAAC’S LIPS were poison, his touch fire, and his whispered words a catalyst sending every synapse in Kyle’s brain into overdrive. He couldn’t deny his desire for Isaac much longer if he wanted to keep his sanity.

Yeah, I found the intimate language highly sensual and sexy. It was no wonder I got lost in its web even as the story itself held no real intensity. Everything in this book was written in an easy-to-read language that was oddly erotic and alluring in its simplicity. When Kyle and Isaac came together it was all I could do not to hold my breath over the scenes. I loved it, I simply loved this read.

However easy the relationship was though, it was a relationship that required Kyle to make space for Isaac in his life, and while that was not a hardship, the very idea scared Kyle away.

He had ruined something based on a baseless fear.

Nearing the end of the book the intensity picks up a bit and emotions get stronger, they make you hold your breath and wait in agony while the story unfolds. You know there is a happy ending there, but still it was a punch to see how easily heartbreak occurred and over the stupid reasons it did. Fear though is a very real relationship breaker in life, and this book was real in many ways.

So, bottom end, this was yet another lovely addition to the ABQ Heat series. I loved the first and I loved this one as well. Now I just have to wait for the third to come out and swipe me like the other two. If this is a first book for you, know that it can be read as a standalone, yet I would suggest you pick up the first one too, only for your enjoyment. Strongly recommended!

 

THE TOUR SCHEDULE:

1/24 – Elisa Rolle – http://reviews-and-ramblings.dreamwidth.org/

1/25 – Andrew Q Gordon – http://andrewqgordon.com/posts

1/26 – MM Good Book Reviews – http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/

1/27 – Prism Book Alliance – http://www.prismbookalliance.com/

1/28 – CupOPorn – http://cupoporn.blogspot.in/

1/29 – Fallen Angel Reviews – http://fallenangelreviews.com/

1/30 – Sid Love – http://sidlove.com/

1/31 – Live Life, Buy Books – http://liveyourlifebuythebook.wordpress.com/

2/1 – Book Reviews and More by Kathy – http://www.bookreviewsandmorebykathy.com/

2/2 – The Novel Approach – http://thenovelapproachreviews.com/

In Liam's Wake by Ashlyn Forge, Review, Blog Tour & Giveaway

liam-tour-promoHey everyone! It’s me Pixie *whoop* I’ve gate crashed again to bring you another Blog Tour this time from a brand new author, Ashlyn Forge!!! I’ve read the book and it’s pretty cool and something to really get your teeth into, there’s also some pretty great prizes to be won so don’t forget to enter the raffle down at the bottom of the page. Oh yeah, don’t forget to show us some love by leaving a comment to tell me how wonderful I am er… I mean how great all us reviewers are and how perfect Portia is (she made me write that LOL). So enjoy the review, join in with the raffle (just follow the link) and help me in my bid for Universe domination! Much snuggles Pixie 😉

In Liam's Wake Cover2Title: In Liam’s Wake

Series: Toy’s and Soldiers 01

Author: Ashlyn Forge

Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy    

Length: Novel Plus (439pgs)    

Publisher: Ashlyn Forge (7th October 2013)   

Heat Level: Low – Moderate     

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie     

Blurb: For eight years, Liam Baldwin has been trapped underground in ‘The Colony’. His best friend and fellow detainee, Riley Scott, is comatose. Only Riley knows how to get out, but as the fifth year of his slumber comes to a close, Liam’s hope of ever seeing home again has faded.

Now he’s faced with two options: Continue in his quest to revive Riley despite amassing staggering debt as well as the wrath of bounty hunters and vengeful mutants, or leave the past behind–leave Riley behind–and give his life, his body, his mind, his loyalty over to the establishment by becoming a soldier for The Colony.

Two roads, one path, and no return.     

Purchase Link: US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FPYT5V6

UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00FPYT5V6

Review: Liam was unwillingly brought to ‘The Colony’ with his now best friend Riley eight years ago. Now stuck underground his only hope of a way out is if Riley wakes up from his five-year coma, but although he clings to his hopes of returning to the ‘Outside’ he has the opportunity to improve his lot by joining the Elete soldiers. Can he give up his dreams of returning home or should he throw the security away on the small hope that there really is a way out?

This story has a very dystopian feel to it, leaving you feeling like we are reading about an all-new world or about survival after an apocalypse, but it isn’t, it is a secret land that is whispered about in legends… Atlantis, Shangri la or Avalon but it is far from the paradise that we dream about. Liam and Riley were dragged to ‘The Colony’ against their will, they were forgotten about then left to fend for themselves, now several years later Liam looks after Riley as best he can, but Liam’s habit of gambling against the odds always backfires. When Riley wakes up from his five years coma unable to remember much of anything, Liam’s hopes of a way out begins to fade and he becomes desperate.

This is a great story that is very involved and has many mystery connections, there are many interesting aspects that we discover the longer we read, and the characters are interesting and varied. Liam is a dreamer, he dreams of returning to New York and his life and refuses to accept the life he now has, he has the opportunity of a lifetime but his dreams are too much to let go of. Riley is messed up he can’t remember much and Liam is nothing like the Liam he remembers, as time progresses he himself begins to change and there is a huge mystery surrounding him.

Although this is a great story, I did wish there was some explanation to explain ‘The Colony’ rather than the clues that were dropped throughout the book. I found myself struggling with the setting until I figured out they were on Earth but in a secret underground world, with very rare people. This is a brilliant storyline that you will leave you both frustrated and desperate for more, you will love and hate the characters as we follow them through the difficulties they face and the difficulties they bring on themselves. We see many story threads that are just at the beginning but we do get a sweet though awkward relationship between Liam and Riley.

I recommend this story if you love science fiction and legends merging, fighting for your freedom against the odds, and finally accepting your place in the world, an honest sweet love, and a twisty ending that raises the eyebrows in surprise.

Ashlyn Forge BioIn Liam's Wake full cover

Ashlyn Forge spends most of her days self-editing, writing, and editing. Her love of
storytelling, and the imagination in general, has put her in an on-and-off
relationship with Writing for a number of years. She is particularly drawn to
anything resulting in blurred lines between magic and science, as is evident in the
surreal world of her Toys and Soldiers series. Her literary ambition in life is to see
one, if not all, volumes of the Toys and Soldiers Series tucked neatly under
everyone’s pillow. If it were not for the discordant jumble of ideas clamoring for
attention in her head, she would also take up crocheting.
Liam Baldwin PortraitSocial Links:
Blog: http://www.ashlynforge.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ashlynforge
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ashlynforge
Goodreads: http://goodreads.com/author/show/7079034.Ashlyn_Forge
Google+: http://plus.google.com/104492834731918361056

Follow  for a chance to win =  a Rafflecopter giveaway