Everything Changes by Melanie Hansen Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!

Everything Changes

Series: Resilient Love #1

Author: Melanie Hansen

Publisher: Self-Published (formerly Dreamspinner)

Release Date: September 14, 2020

Heat Level: 3 – Some Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 65,000

Genre: Romance, Military, disability, amputee, post-traumatic stress, friends to lovers, bisexual

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Synopsis

A childhood in foster care taught Carey Everett to hold tight to what he has. Enlisting in the Marines gave him purpose, but a life-threatening injury ended his career—and took his leg. Now fully recovered, Carey’s happier than he’s ever been. He has a fulfilling job, a chosen family and, best of all, a cherished friendship with Jase DeSantis, the platoon medic who saved his life.

Jase knows how to take care of the people he loves. As the oldest of seven, and then a Navy corpsman, it’s what he was born to do. Still, he’s haunted by his actions overseas. Playing music with his band keeps the demons at bay, but it’s a battle he’s starting to lose.

After a week of sun and fun in San Diego, Jase and Carey’s connection takes an unexpected turn. With change comes a new set of challenges. For Jase, it means letting someone else into his deepest pain. For Carey, it’s realizing love doesn’t always equal loss. In order to make their relationship work, they’ll each have to come to terms with their pasts…

…or risk walking away from each other for good.

Excerpt

With an oath, Carey broke away from Jase, turned, and strode off the dance floor.

Cursing, Jase ran after him.

“Carey, wait!” he called, but Carey didn’t stop as he pushed through the doors leading to the patio. It was almost empty, the chill of the late night air having driven most everyone back inside. Abruptly, Carey whirled and grabbed onto Jase’s T-shirt with both fists.

Bracing for a shove, or a blow, Jase staggered when Carey instead yanked him into the shadows just outside a soft pool of light.

“Damn you,” he hissed, his eyes glittering. “Damn you, Jase.” Despite the harshness of his tone, Carey didn’t let go of him, his fingers twisted in the fabric of Jase’s shirt. His lips were parted, breaths coming in pants, spots of color high on his cheekbones.

His heart thudding painfully in his ears, Jase deliberately took one step closer until their bodies were only inches apart. Carey turned his head away, but still didn’t let go, his grip tightening.

“Damn you,” he said again, but the words were without heat, softer, more like an exhalation. He dropped his head back to the wall, pulse throbbing visibly in the hollow of his throat, eyes drifting shut. “Oh God. I don’t know what’s happening to me.” His voice was barely audible.

Blood racing, body trembling, all Jase could do was wait him out. At last Carey opened his eyes, the normally brilliant blue dark with emotion. His gaze clung to Jase’s, his lips parting as Jase started to close the last few inches of distance between them…

Gasping, Carey shoved him back, then yanked him close again in an abrupt motion that had Jase slamming his palms against the wall to keep from crashing into him. He looked down at Carey’s fists, still twisted in his shirt, then met his eyes once more.

“Let me go,” he said softly. “If you don’t want me to kiss you, push me away.”

For one heart-stopping second, Carey’s grip loosened, then tightened again. Leaning in until their lips were only a whisper apart, Jase breathed, “Let me go. If you don’t want me to kiss you—”

The rest of his words were muffled by Carey’s mouth, crushing his. Hot, slick, eager, Carey’s tongue slid deep, almost devouring him. With a hoarse groan, Jase slanted his head, his own tongue thrusting, parrying. They bit and licked at each other, bodies straining, breaths sawing in and out…

Then Carey ripped his mouth free. “No.”

Struggling to focus, Jase staggered a bit when Carey pushed him away. For the space of several heartbeats they stared at each other, chests heaving, Carey’s body tense, coiled, as if ready to flee.

Seeing it, Jase forced himself to blow out a long, slow breath, and crammed his hands in his pockets as he deliberately took another step back, giving him some room.

“I’m sorry,” Carey whispered. “I’m so sorry.”

“For what?” With an effort, Jase kept his voice low, calm. “I was a more than willing participant.” He waited until Carey met his eyes. “You think I don’t want this? Want you?”

Carey shook his head wildly. “I can’t risk it. I can’t.”

“Oh, Carey. Risk what?”

His throat worked. “Losing you.”

“Losing me?” Jase took a step forward, but Carey put up a hand to hold him back.

“Three years ago, I did almost lose you. Over this.” He made a sawing motion between them.

“That was different.” Jase still kept his voice low, despite the emotion raging through him that made him want to shout at the top of his lungs. “This is—”

“It’s what?” Carey interrupted. “Unfinished business? Curiosity?”

Pain stabbed Jase down low. “Is that what it feels like to you? Curiosity?”

“I don’t know!” Carey shoved his hands through his hair, then linked his fingers behind his neck, visibly striving for calm. He met Jase’s eyes again. “But whatever it is, it’s not worth risking our friendship over. I can’t—”

He sounded so distressed that Jase dredged deep and summoned a smile. “Then we won’t risk it. We’ll forget this ever happened, okay? Chalk it up to temporary insanity or something.”

The relief that spread across Carey’s face made his heart ache. “Yeah. Okay.” Pushing off the wall, he brushed past him, muttering, “See you at home.”

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Meet the Author

Melanie Hansen doesn’t get nearly enough sleep. She loves all things coffee-related, including collecting mugs from every place she’s visited. After spending eighteen years as a military spouse, Melanie definitely considers herself a moving expert. She has lived and worked all over the country, and hopes to bring these rich and varied life experiences to the love stories she gets up in the wee hours to write. On her off time, you can find Melanie watching baseball, reading or spending time with her husband and two teenage sons.

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Everything Changes by Melanie Hansen Cover Reveal!

Everything Changes

by Melanie Hansen

Cover Created by : Natasha Snow

Release Date: September 14, 2020

Available to Pre-Order at Amazon

Add to Goodreads

A childhood in foster care taught Carey Everett to hold tight to what he has. Enlisting in the Marines gave him purpose, but a life-threatening injury ended his career—and took his leg. Now fully recovered, Carey’s happier than he’s ever been. He has a fulfilling job, a chosen family and, best of all, a cherished friendship with Jase DeSantis, the platoon medic who saved his life.

Jase knows how to take care of the people he loves. As the oldest of seven, and then a Navy corpsman, it’s what he was born to do. Still, he’s haunted by his actions overseas. Playing music with his band keeps the demons at bay, but it’s a battle he’s starting to lose.

After a week of sun and fun in San Diego, Jase and Carey’s connection takes an unexpected turn. With change comes a new set of challenges. For Jase, it means letting someone else into his deepest pain. For Carey, it’s realizing love doesn’t always equal loss. In order to make their relationship work, they’ll each have to come to terms with their pasts…

…or risk walking away from each other for good.

Pre-Order Your Copy on Amazon Today!

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Loving a Warrior by Melanie Hansen

Title: Loving a Warrior

Series: Loving a Warrior 01

Author: Melanie Hansen

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (276 Pages)

Publisher: (November 26, 2018)

Heat level: Low

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖 3 Hearts

Blurb: BUD/S: six months of the most intense training there is. It’s survival of the toughest, and Matt Knytych is determined to come out the other side a navy SEAL.

Distraction is life or death. And just the sight of former marine Shane Hovland is enough to shake Matt’s concentration.

Shane came to BUD/S training ready to prove himself—again. Semper Fi is forever, but he needs a new start. Not this dangerous heat with a man he barely knows.

Everything they’ve ever wanted is riding on a thin, punishing line. And they’ll have to fight for more than just each other if they want to make it through intact.

After all, the only easy day was yesterday.

ISBN: 9781488036194

Product Link: Carina Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: Matt would do anything to make his uncle proud. His uncle had been a navy seal, and that was his goal. He didn’t want anything to get in that way, that included the sexy man he ran into. He should have not been surprised to find that sexy man was also one that was doing the BUD/S training.

Shane wanted to prove that he could do it. He wanted to prove that he was not a quitter and that he was good enough to be a seal. He however didn’t have the same single minded thoughts that Matt had, he wanted it to include friends and family. The last thing they needed was distraction and complications, but that was what they got when they met.

I am going to admit that I didn’t even check this book out. I was asked to review this story and honestly thought that it was one of my Christmas stories to do for the holidays, so I was a bit disappointed that it turned out to be something different. I was also not into it as much as I should have been. It has a dry tone to it and a very slow pace that didn’t give it any justice. I could have done without the whole back story and their training. It made the story dull quite a bit.

I had mixed emotions on this book and wasn’t really impressed with it. That is not saying it isn’t a good book because it really is a good story, however it was also boring to me. There was just so much that wasn’t needed in this story and it made it draw out the enjoyable parts. I hate to admit that this book just didn’t really catch my attention nor did it keep it.

Had this book been a bit shorter without all the added parts into it, this would have had higher marks with me. As it is though, it makes me want to hide from the next book. I am afraid that this book just didn’t do it for me.

Loving A Warrior by Melanie Hansen Blog Tour & Giveaway!

Melanie Hansen - Loving A Warrior RTBanner-6

Hi guys, we have Melanie Hansen popping in today with the tour for her new release Loving A Warrior, we have a brilliant $10 Amazon GC giveaway, so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~ p.s. keep an eye out for Lisa’s review posting tonight!

Loving A Warrior

(Loving A Warrior 01)
by

Melanie Hansen

BUD/S: six months of the most intense training there is. It’s survival of the toughest, and Matt Knytych is determined to come out the other side a navy SEAL.

Distraction is life or death. And just the sight of former marine Shane Hovland is enough to shake Matt’s concentration.

Shane came to BUD/S training ready to prove himself—again. Semper Fi is forever, but he needs a new start. Not this dangerous heat with a man he barely knows.

Everything they’ve ever wanted is riding on a thin, punishing line. And they’ll have to fight for more than just each other if they want to make it through intact.

After all, the only easy day was yesterday.

.•.•.**❣️ Carina Amazon US | Amazon UK ❣️**.•.•.

About Melanie!

Melanie Hansen has spent time in Texas and Florida prisons…for work.   She’s been in a room with a 17-year-old mass murderer who was also one of the most soft-spoken and polite teenagers she’s ever met.  After a 13-year career as a court reporter, she can tell many stories both hilarious and heartbreaking.

She grew up with an Air Force dad, and ended up marrying a Navy man.  After living and working all over the country, she hopes to bring these rich and varied life experiences to her stories about people finding love amidst real-life struggles.

Melanie left the stressful world of the courtroom behind and now enjoys a rewarding career transcribing for a deaf student.  She currently lives in Arizona with her husband and two sons.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

Giveaway!

Win a Backlist Ebook From Melanie Hansen!

Melanie Hansen - Loving A Warrior TourGraphic-6

Check out the other blogs on the tour!

November 28 – The Blogger Girls
November 29 – Joyfully Jay
December 1 – My Fiction Nook
December 4 – Love Bytes
December 6 – Gay Book Reviews

Loving A Warrior by Melanie Hansen Release Blast & Giveaway!

Hi guys, we have Melanie Hansen popping in today with her new release Loving A Warrior, we have a brilliant $10 Amazon GC giveaway, so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~

Loving A Warrior

by

Melanie Hansen

BUD/S: six months of the most intense training there is. It’s survival of the toughest, and Matt Knytych is determined to come out the other side a navy SEAL.

Distraction is life or death. And just the sight of former marine Shane Hovland is enough to shake Matt’s concentration.

Shane came to BUD/S training ready to prove himself—again. Semper Fi is forever, but he needs a new start. Not this dangerous heat with a man he barely knows.

Everything they’ve ever wanted is riding on a thin, punishing line. And they’ll have to fight for more than just each other if they want to make it through intact.

After all, the only easy day was yesterday.

.•.•.**❣️ Carina Amazon US | Amazon UK ❣️**.•.•.

About Melanie!

Melanie Hansen has spent time in Texas and Florida prisons…for work.   She’s been in a room with a 17-year-old mass murderer who was also one of the most soft-spoken and polite teenagers she’s ever met.  After a 13-year career as a court reporter, she can tell many stories both hilarious and heartbreaking.

She grew up with an Air Force dad, and ended up marrying a Navy man.  After living and working all over the country, she hopes to bring these rich and varied life experiences to her stories about people finding love amidst real-life struggles.

Melanie left the stressful world of the courtroom behind and now enjoys a rewarding career transcribing for a deaf student.  She currently lives in Arizona with her husband and two sons.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

Giveaway!

Win a Backlist Ebook From Melanie Hansen!

Loving A Warrior by Melanie Hansen Cover Reveal & Giveaway!

Melanie Hansen - Loving A Warrior CoverRevealBanner

Hi guys, we have Melanie Hansen popping in today with her new release Loving A Warrior, we have a brilliant $10 Amazon GC giveaway, so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~

Loving A Warrior

by

Melanie Hansen

BUD/S: six months of the most intense training there is. It’s survival of the toughest, and Matt Knytych is determined to come out the other side a navy SEAL.

Distraction is life or death. And just the sight of former marine Shane Hovland is enough to shake Matt’s concentration.

Shane came to BUD/S training ready to prove himself—again. Semper Fi is forever, but he needs a new start. Not this dangerous heat with a man he barely knows.

Everything they’ve ever wanted is riding on a thin, punishing line. And they’ll have to fight for more than just each other if they want to make it through intact.

After all, the only easy day was yesterday.

Release date: 12th November 2018
Pre-order:
 Carina | Amazon US | Amazon UK

About Melanie!

Melanie Hansen has spent time in Texas and Florida prisons…for work.   She’s been in a room with a 17-year-old mass murderer who was also one of the most soft-spoken and polite teenagers she’s ever met.  After a 13-year career as a court reporter, she can tell many stories both hilarious and heartbreaking.

She grew up with an Air Force dad, and ended up marrying a Navy man.  After living and working all over the country, she hopes to bring these rich and varied life experiences to her stories about people finding love amidst real-life struggles.

Melanie left the stressful world of the courtroom behind and now enjoys a rewarding career transcribing for a deaf student.  She currently lives in Arizona with her husband and two sons.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

Melanie Hansen - Loving A Warrior Square

Giveaway!

Win a $10 Amazon Gift Card!

Unquiet by Melanie Hansen ~ Audiobook

Title: Unquiet

Series: Resilient Love 03

Author: Melanie Hansen

Narrator: Michael Stellman

Genre: Contemporary

Length: 10 hrs 32 mins

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC (13th September 2017)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Loren Smith has been in love with Eliot Devlin almost his entire life. During their turbulent childhood and teen years, Loren didn’t always understand Eliot, and sometimes he could be a challenge, but Eliot was the only one to ever truly ease Loren’s deep loneliness and accept him. When Eliot’s increasingly erratic and self-destructive behavior culminates in a suicide attempt at 17, Loren is devastated.

Upon meeting again by chance nine years later, Loren is enjoying a successful career as a police officer while Eliot’s life has been a constant struggle for stability. In and out of mental hospitals, with a rap sheet a mile long, he continues to be buffeted by the twin storms of mania and depression. Loren’s love and protectiveness for Eliot are deeply ingrained in him, however, and their feelings for each other are quickly rekindled.

Loren has issues of his own that he’s dealing with, and trying to understand and cope with Eliot’s bipolar disorder isn’t easy. They believe they’re meant to be, and Eliot brings a fulfillment to Loren’s life that no one else will ever match. But, as they both come to realize, love by itself can’t cure all.

Product Link: Audible AU | Audible US | Audible UK | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Prime

Review: Unquiet is the third book in Melanie Hansen’s series Resilient Love and this book certainly lives up to the title. I’ve been one to do trigger warnings in my reviews but I feel that I need to for this as there is one character who suffers from a severe mental illness, to the point of attempting suicide. This book left me raw and I think I cried throughout the entire 10-odd hours that the book went for. Michael Stellman, a new narrator for me, was just perfect, hitting the right tone and emotion.

This is the story of Eliot and Loren.

Loren is a cop who we met in the previous book as the best friend as one of our heroes (FYI he is Kai Daniels’s best friend), but it’s ok to read this one as a standalone book. Loren knew that he would be a cop when he was a kid, it was family thing for him but it is a job that he loves. There was really only one thing that was left a loose end for him and that was the sudden loss of his best friend, Eliot Devlin when they were in high school. Eliot was always different but until the suicide attempt he had never known that his best friend had had all the signs of bipolar disorder, even as a kid. As kids their relationship was very sweet because they were each other’s everything until one day Eliot tried to kill himself and then Eliot and his family suddenly moved away without Loren ever knowing what happened to Eliot.

Ok, I’m seriously starting to cry just writing about this book. This left such a mark on me, it’s one of those books that just stays with you for days and weeks after you finish. With that said, I’m going to keep the rest of this review short.

Fast forward to the present day and Loren took up an opportunity that could mean a promotion to detective for him. By chance he encounters Eliot after so many years. Loren immediately tracks down his best friend, even after finding out the horrifying and sad truth of his illness. At first Loren understands on the surface but he really needed to experience more of Eliot’s illness to fully comprehend what life would be. Eliot is used to being alone but as soon as Loren comes back into his life it was like a switch was flipped and their old friendship is something of an anchor to him despite his issues. However, Eliot’s issues are not minor and can just be glossed over to a quick HEA and I think that is what I loved about this story. I am glad, too, that Hansen’s didn’t fall into the trap that Eliot would suddenly be better just because he found love with Loren.

Sometimes I wanted to kick Loren because he didn’t see what that sometimes his behavior did negative things to Eliot’s state of mind. But I knew that this was on the bumpy road to Loren understanding Eliot and maybe, just maybe there would be a chance of a future together.

Signs of Life by Melanie Hansen ~ Audiobook

Title: Signs of Life

Series: Resilient Love 02

Author: Melanie Hansen

Narrator: Robert Nieman

Genre: Contemporary

Length: 8 hrs 22 mins

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC (21st March 2017)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Successful lawyer Jeremy Speer has it all – a loving husband, a beautiful home, and a cherished dream that’s about to become reality. He’s learned not to take happiness for granted, meeting the challenges of life and love head-on with unwavering commitment and fierce devotion. A series of tragic events leaves Jeremy shattered, adrift on a sea of unimaginable pain. He’s able to piece his life back together, but instead of embracing it, he merely exists, using isolation and punishing physical exertion to keep the world at bay.

High school teacher Kai Daniels has a heart for at-risk kids – he was one himself, and a teenage brush with the law and some troubled years behind bars left him scarred inside and out. With courage, hard work, and the support of friends, he’s built a fulfilling life that leaves no time for a relationship.

An intense encounter with Kai at a gay club ignites a spark in Jeremy that he thought was extinguished forever, but he’s unwilling to destroy the fragile peace he’s managed to create, and he leaves Kai humiliated and disappointed. Things should have ended there, but a bizarre occurrence brings the two together in a way neither of them expected.

Product Link: Audible USAudible AU | Audible UK | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Prime

Review: Signs of Life is book 2 in Melanie Hansen’s Resilient Love series. I hadn’t been sure what to expect. I had read book 1, about 2 years ago, and from reading my review of that I loved it, though I had trouble remembering all of the plot. Regardless, I went into the audio of book 2 with an open mind and hoping that I didn’t need to do a proper re-read of book 2. While I’m sure it would be best to read the books in order, I find that Signs of Life also works perfectly well as a standalone book. However, be warned, it’s probably best to have some tissues handy for this one.

The story follows Jeremy Speer, a lawyer with a tragic past after the death of his family, and passionate school teacher who works with troubled kids, Kai Daniels.

Jeremy has a lot of baggage and emotion to work through before even thinking about a relationship beyond sex. After their first encounter, work brings the two men back together and Kai is not a very happy man about seeing the man he thought as an asshole. For Jeremy, the fact that he barely knows Kai, especially since their first encounter is in a dark, dingy gay club, he has to open himself up before completely fucking up any chance he could have with Kai.

The plot line itself is fairly simple and I’ve tried to keep this review spoiler free, which is the reason why it is so short. For me though, this book was all about the emotion – the loneliness, hurt and grief which has the opportunity to transform into acceptance, love and hope.

I’ve not heard a lot of books narrated by Robert Nieman, and while he is not among my absolute favorite narrators, I nonetheless enjoyed listening to his narration.

Everything Changes by Melanie Hansen

Title: Everything Changes

Series: Resilient Love 01

Author: Melanie Hansen

Genre: Contemporary, Military

Length: Novel (200 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (13 Mar 2015)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: What happens when friendship catches fire? 

Former Marine and lower-leg amputee Carey Everett keeps a gruelling schedule of counselling fellow war veterans and their families. The injury he received in Afghanistan forces him to rely on a reserve of strength he didn’t even know he had. A much deserved vacation will let him reconnect with his best friend, who saved his life and has been there for him through devastating injury and painful recovery. 

Part-time EMT and aspiring singer Jase DeSantis has been in love with Carey for years, but he’s come to accept that his straight friend will never be able to offer more. Jase fills his days with band rehearsals, ambulance shifts, and willing groupies, all while trying to cope with debilitating PTSD.

A week of sun, fun, and music in San Diego changes Jase and Carey’s lives forever when their relationship takes an unexpected turn. Jase has been longing for that change, but it leaves Carey reeling with confusion. As Jase fights to hold things together, Carey deals with doubts, fears, and his own preconceived notions about labels and the true nature of love.

ISBN: 9781632165701

Product Link: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon UK | Amazon US

Reviewer: Prime

Review: This is one emotionally charged read and I loved it! Everything Changes is Melanie Hansen’s debut novel and I have to say for me it hit all the right buttons. I’m a sucker when it comes to the wounded soldier kind of angle and really enjoy the emotional rush that must inevitably follow provided that the author hits on those emotions.

This is about best friends, ex-Naval medic Jase DeSantis who out in the real world works as an EMT and working hard to get his band signed up to a record deal. Carey is an ex-Marine, an explosion in Afghanistan meant that he had lost the lower half of one of his legs and he now works with other ex-service people who have trouble coping with their own injuries. The guys met in service and became friends on board a ship some years earlier and through Carey’s rehab they continued being friends.

I enjoyed the brief flashbacks because, honestly, nothing bores me more than a long flashback telling us how we got to where we are in the middle of a book. These flashbacks helped to serve to explain the friendship and comradely between the guys, they also serve to define Jase and Carey’s individual issues. For example, Jase also has PTSD that Carey helps him to deal with during the course of the book. Okay, one thing that niggled at me, why did it take Carey so long to see Jase’s PTSD? I suppose there are many reasons to potentially explain this one.

So that’s the guys – now the attraction. I loved it, it was slow simmering. Jase is openly bisexual. Carey, I think, is just confused about their attraction and his sexuality, something that I concluded after a couple of flashbacks. That being said there is a bit of the “gay for my best friend” or “gay for you only” vibe, but really it is only a side note and not really what the book is about. Together, Jase and Carey work well and it’s easy to quickly cheer for these guys to get along.

Love and the Exorcism by Melanie Hansen

LoveAndTheExorcismLGTitle: Love and the Exorcism
Series: N/A
Author: Melanie Hansen
Genre: Contemporary/Holiday
Length: 47 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (February 11th 2016)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts
Blurb: Tom Hannity is not boring, despite what his ex-boyfriend says. He loves his circle of family and friends and finds peace in the beauty of flower arranging. Still stinging from his recent breakup, Tom attends an Anti-Valentine’s Day “Ex-orcism,” hoping for some fun and forgetfulness.

Mario Tellez is tired of party boys, and he’s had his eye on Tom for a while. When they run into each other at the Ex-orcism, sparks fly, until an accidentally overheard conversation drives Tom to do something he normally doesn’t do.

What should have been a hot and fun night turns into Tom and Mario seeing each other at their absolute worst, although surprisingly, it brings out the best in them, too. Navigating around the toxic people in their lives isn’t easy, and after a small series of bumps in the road, they finally come around full circle… to Valentine’s Day and laying old demons to rest.

ISBN:9781634770439

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=7402

Reviewer: Aerin

Review: You know an author is talented and worth reading when they manage to capture the essence of the main characters in a short story… and this is very short, people, not more than 3 or 4 chapters. But despite the fact that this book was length-challenged, I felt like I connected with the characters and got to know them pretty well.

Tom and Mario meet at an anti-Valentine’s Day party, and the chemistry between them can’t be ignored. What’s supposed to be a steamy one night stand turns into something totally different when different circumstances leads the two men to see each other at their worst and care for each other the best they can. The sexual tension made me expect a steamy, crazy sex filled night, but that’s not what I got, and that was fine with me.

The characters and their story seem very realistic. The series of events and reactions are well executed and believable. Tom and Mario grow apart and find their way back together, they have challenges that are easy solved by communication, and their HEA is nicely done.

Great short story!

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

Signs of Life by Melanie Hansen Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

Melanie Hansen - Signs of Life -virtual-tour-updated

Hi guys, we have Melanie Hansen visiting with the tour for her latest release Signs of Life, we have a great excerpt, a brilliant giveaway and Zane’s review for you to enjoy, so check out the post and click that rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~

SOL_Cover

Signs of Life

(Resilient Love 02)
by

Melanie Hansen

Successful lawyer Jeremy Speer has it all—a loving husband, a beautiful home, and a cherished dream that’s about to become reality. He’s learned not to take happiness for granted, meeting the challenges of life and love head-on with unwavering commitment and fierce devotion. A series of tragic events leave Jeremy shattered, adrift on a sea of unimaginable pain. He’s able to piece his life back together, but instead of embracing it, he merely exists, using isolation and punishing physical exertion to keep the world at bay.

 High school teacher Kai Daniels has a heart for at-risk kids—he was one himself, and a teenage brush with the law and some troubled years behind bars left him scarred inside and out. With courage, hard work, and the support of friends, he’s built a fulfilling life that leaves no time for a relationship.

An intense encounter with Kai at a gay club ignites a spark in Jeremy that he thought was extinguished forever, but he’s unwilling to destroy the fragile peace he’s managed to create, and he leaves Kai humiliated and disappointed. Things should have ended there, but a bizarre occurrence brings the two together in a way neither of them expected.

Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo

Continue reading “Signs of Life by Melanie Hansen Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!”

Signs of Life by Melanie Hansen

SOL_CoverTitle: Signs of Life

Series: Resilient Love #2

Author: Melanie Hansen

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (234 pages)

ISBN: 1634761782 (ISBN13: 9781634761789)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (September 28, 2015)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4.5 Hearts

Reviewer: Zane

Blurb: Successful lawyer Jeremy Speer has it all—a loving husband, a beautiful home, and a cherished dream that’s about to become reality. He’s learned not to take happiness for granted, meeting the challenges of life and love head-on with unwavering commitment and fierce devotion. A series of tragic events leave Jeremy shattered, adrift on a sea of unimaginable pain. He’s able to piece his life back together, but instead of embracing it, he merely exists, using isolation and punishing physical exertion to keep the world at bay.

High school teacher Kai Daniels has a heart for at-risk kids—he was one himself, and a teenage brush with the law and some troubled years behind bars left him scarred inside and out. With courage, hard work, and the support of friends, he’s built a fulfilling life that leaves no time for a relationship.

An intense encounter with Kai at a gay club ignites a spark in Jeremy that he thought was extinguished forever, but he’s unwilling to destroy the fragile peace he’s managed to create, and he leaves Kai humiliated and disappointed. Things should have ended there, but a bizarre occurrence brings the two together in a way neither of them expected.

Product Link: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon

Review: “Resilient Love” is Melanie Hansen’s first series; “Everything Changes” is her debut novel. You do not need to read it prior to “Signs of Life”, but I recommend you do. I loved Jase and Casey, and the bit of information I did glean about Jeremy piqued my interest for his story, which I dove into immediately following Jase and Casey’s HEA.

In “Signs of Life” we meet the briefly mentioned Jeremy. He and Kai are from completely different walks of life with seemingly little in common, and yet they are explosive together in the best way. With an instant attraction and sizzling heat, there was such electricity between the two every time their paths crossed – these guys were hot, hot, hot! They engaged in rough play and had a power kink that I really couldn’t get enough of; I absolutely loved their sexy scenes.

Though Jeremy and Kai each had their own demons to battle and neither was in the market for anything serious, the progression of their relationship from physical to emotional was extremely believable, yet not predictable. I was invested from the beginning, falling for them as they fell for each other.

A well written and impressive sophomore effort, I was captivated from start to finish. This is not an easy read – there is sadness and angst, but Kai and Jeremy are well worth your time. I was drawn in by the dialogue; there were words spoken by the two MCs I found to be equally beautiful and painful with so much rawness, laying one another’s hearts and souls bare.

Even with the emotional turbulence and requisite conflict, not only do Jeremy and Kai get their HEA, but we are left with a clear glimpse into their future. Not so clear is the future of Kai’s best friend Loren, whom we are given just enough of a background to want more, and to hope that there will be a Resilient Love 3, and that he will be one of the MCs. I find myself clamoring for this book (that I don’t even know for sure will be written) already!

I easily recommend this author and this book (as well as the first). Melanie Hansen is now on my radar, and I’m sure as soon as you read her, she’ll be on yours, too!

Signs of Life by Melanie Hansen Cover Reveal, Guest Post, Excerpt & Giveaway!

Melanie Hansen - Signs of Life 960x350

Hi peeps, we have a Melanie Hansen stopping by today to show off the cover to her upcoming release Signs of Life, Melanie has also brought along a collection of photos of her cover model and the story as to how she found the perfect model for her character Kai. We also so have a great excerpt and a fantastic giveaway, so enjoy the post and click that Rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~

Melanie Hansen - Signs of Life Cover New

Signs of Life

by

Melanie Hansen

Successful lawyer Jeremy Speer has it all—a loving husband, a beautiful home, and a cherished dream that’s about to become reality. He’s learned not to take happiness for granted, meeting the challenges of life and love head-on with unwavering commitment and fierce devotion. A series of tragic events leave Jeremy shattered, adrift on a sea of unimaginable pain. He’s able to piece his life back together, but instead of embracing it, he merely exists, using isolation and punishing physical exertion to keep the world at bay.

 High school teacher Kai Daniels has a heart for at-risk kids—he was one himself, and a teenage brush with the law and some troubled years behind bars left him scarred inside and out. With courage, hard work, and the support of friends, he’s built a fulfilling life that leaves no time for a relationship.

An intense encounter with Kai at a gay club ignites a spark in Jeremy that he thought was extinguished forever, but he’s unwilling to destroy the fragile peace he’s managed to create, and he leaves Kai humiliated and disappointed. Things should have ended there, but a bizarre occurrence brings the two together in a way neither of them expected.

Release date: 28th September 2015

Continue reading “Signs of Life by Melanie Hansen Cover Reveal, Guest Post, Excerpt & Giveaway!”

Everything Changes by Melanie Hansen Cover Reveal, Excerpt & Giveaway!

Melanie Hansen - Everything Changes 600x600Banner

Hi guys, we have Melanie Hansen popping in today to show off the cover to her debut novel Everything Changes, we have a beautiful cover, a great excerpt and a fantastic giveaway, so enjoy the post and click that Rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~  

Melanie Hansen - Everything Changes -DSP

 Everything Changes

 by

Melanie Hansen

Former Marine and lower-leg amputee Carey Everett keeps a grueling schedule of counseling fellow war veterans and their families. The injury he received in Afghanistan forces him to rely on a reserve of strength he didn’t even know he had. A much deserved vacation will let him reconnect with his best friend, who saved his life and has been there for him through devastating injury and painful recovery.

Part-time EMT and aspiring singer Jase DeSantis has been in love with Carey for years, but he’s come to accept that his straight friend will never be able to offer more. Jase fills his days with band rehearsals, ambulance shifts, and willing groupies, all while trying to cope with debilitating PTSD.

A week of sun, fun, and music in San Diego changes Jase and Carey’s lives forever when their relationship takes an unexpected turn. Jase has been longing for that change, but it leaves Carey reeling with confusion. As Jase fights to hold things together, Carey deals with doubts, fears, and his own preconceived notions about labels and the true nature of love.

Continue reading “Everything Changes by Melanie Hansen Cover Reveal, Excerpt & Giveaway!”