Hi guys, we have R.J. Jones popping in today with her new release Blueprint, we have a great excerpt, a fantastic giveaway and Lisa’s review, so check out the post and click that giveaway link <3 ~Pixie~
Blueprint
(Out of the Blue 04)
by
R.J. Jones
If only building the foundation for a lasting relationship was as easy as drafting the blueprint.
Jet Black doesn’t date. Even if he wanted a man beyond sex, his ever-watchful identical twin scares potential suitors away. Jet lives with his brother, but since Gray fell in love with Kris, Jet feels like a third wheel. Despite their bond, Jet knows he needs to move out and experience life for himself, whether Gray likes it or not.
After his father dies in a boating accident, Ethan Nichols is devastated. As the last survivor of his family, he realizes the need to put down roots. He leaves Australia and returns home to San Francisco and his old architectural firm. But there’s more to building a new life than simply moving house.
Jet and Ethan’s first encounter is brash and anonymous, but when Ethan moves across the hall, their lives become irrevocably linked. Jet is quirky and fun loving, while Ethan is rock steady and dependable. There’s no denying the passionate spark between them.
But Ethan is looking for a more solid foundation than Jet is ready to offer. Until Jet learns to spread his wings and trust Ethan with his darkest secrets, building a life together will be impossible.
**This can be read as a standalone, however it is best enjoyed reading the series in order as side characters play a major role.**
Title: Black & Blühe Series: Out of the Blue, #2 Author: RJ Jones Genre: Contemporary Length: Novel (178 Pages) Publisher: Vivid Blue Press (July 31st, 2015) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts Blurb: Grayson Black has never forgiven himself for not saving his identical twin brother, Jet, from a savage beating at their father’s hands ten years ago. Jet’s near-death never would have happened if Gray hadn’t been so focused on his boyfriend at the time. He has sworn to take care of his brother ever since. Gray can’t afford a distraction from his self-imposed mission, the type of distraction presented by the gorgeous blond showing up at their gigs.
Kris Larson is a firefighter with the San Francisco Fire Department. Since splitting from his girlfriend, his favorite way to spend nights off is watching the Black Brothers play in the bars of the Bay Area, especially the guitarist. But it’s not until the brothers are left homeless after a fire at their apartment building that Kris has the opportunity to know the real person behind the brooding façade.
Gray fights his attraction to Kris, but with a meddlesome twin who just wants him to be happy, it’s a losing battle. Before Gray and Kris can have a lasting relationship, though, Gray must learn to forgive himself, let go of the past, and lay more than one demon to rest.
Review: Jet and Grayson Black are twins that are inseparable. Jet was hurt as a teenager by their father, and Gray has never forgiven himself for not being there to intervene. Their father was a homophobic prick who hated his son when he found out he liked boys. As soon as they were able, they left home and never looked back.
The brothers, who go by The Black Brothers when performing, play at the local clubs part-time. They, both, are teachers through the day but music is their lifeline.
Gray is very quiet, almost shy like, but he has his reasons for not putting himself out there to gain attention. Jet, on the other hand, is outgoing, funny, and constantly pushing his brother to find a boyfriend.
Following the brothers from one club to the next is the only enjoyment Kris allows himself away from his job, a firefighter. He has had his eyes on Gray for a while, but never having a relationship with a man before, he’s not sure what to do.
Kris has just recently broken up with his long-term girlfriend and he wants to pursue Gray and see if they have chemistry. When the fire department is called out on an apartment building fire, Kris can’t believe who is standing on the sidewalk huddled together…The Black Brothers.
Offering his home, car, clothes, and anything else they may need to the brothers seems the natural thing for Kris to do. He can’t allow them to be homeless so he offers his place until they can figure out their next move.
Gray cannot believe how nice Kris is and surely he must have a reason for allowing them to stay at his place. Living under the same roof as his obsession makes him even crankier than he is normally. He doesn’t trust Kris and comes off very rude most of the time. Maybe if they have sex he can get the sexy firefighter off his mind and return to normal.
Jet can read his brother like a book and he is constantly pushing him to see where things may lead with the firefighter. He knows immediately when Gray screws up and makes an ass of himself. But, Jet has a plan of bringing the two stubborn men together and maybe, just maybe Gray can finally learn to forgive himself for things out of his control years earlier.
Black & Blühe is an enjoyable read although a little frustrating at times because Gray is constantly throwing up roadblocks when Kris tries to get close. They argue or ignore each other for most of the book. After their initial sexual encounter their attraction and chemistry is a slow-burn.
For me, Jet was the highlight of the story. He is witty and outgoing and always trying to make his brother confess his true feelings. Their moments together, however, were very moving and touching. I love that the brothers are so close to each other and stick together so tightly. They are very co-dependent on each other and as heartwarming as that is it can also become a hindrance.
The author’s prose is clean and smooth and even though there are many firefighter books in the genre, RJ Jones sets hers apart from the rest. She has also incorporated other pairings that I hope have their own story to tell in the future. Mason and Brandon, definitely, but most of all I want to see Jet find his HEA with the man of his dreams. Fingers crossed the author has his story pending.
Overall, I really enjoyed Black & Blühe and there are a couple of surprises the author throws in that I was not expecting. The first half of the book was a little slow but the second half really picks up and pulls your heartstrings. Gray found his happy ever after, now Jet needs to find his. *hint, hint*
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Black & Blühe