Hi guys, we have Rick R. Reed popping in today with his new release Sky Full of Mysteries, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~
Sky Full of Mysteries
by
Rick R. Reed
What if your first love was abducted and presumed dead—but returned twenty years later?
That’s the dilemma Cole Weston faces. Now happily married to Tommy D’Amico, he’s suddenly thrown into a surreal world when his first love, Rory Schneidmiller, unexpectedly reappears.
Where has Rory been all this time? What happened to him two decades ago, when a strange mass appeared in the night sky and lifted him into the heavens? Rory has no memory of those years. For him, it’s as though only a day or two has passed.
Rory still loves Cole with the passion unique to young first love. Cole has never forgotten Rory, yet Tommy has been his rock, by his side since Rory disappeared.
Cole is forced to choose between an idealized and passionate first love and the comfort of a long-term marriage. How can he decide? Who faces this kind of quandary, anyway? The answers might lie among the stars….
Blurb: Hunter Beaumont doesn’t understand his grandmother’s deathbed wish: “Destroy Beaumont House.” He’s never even heard of the place. But after his grandmother passes and his first love betrays him, the family house in the Wisconsin woods looks like a tempting refuge. Going against his grandmother’s wishes, Hunter flees to Beaumont House.
But will the house be the sanctuary he had hoped for? Soon after moving in, Hunter realizes he may not be alone. And with whom—or what—he shares the house may plunge him into a nightmare from which he may never escape. Sparks fly when he meets his handsome neighbor, Michael Burt, a caretaker for the estate next door. The man might be his salvation… or he could be the source of Hunter’s terror.
Review: A Demon Inside by Rick R. Reed is a rather spooky novel and not for the faint of heart. For anyone who has read the first edition of this book, I have to admit that I never read the first edition, so I’m not entirely sure what has changed since.
The story itself has left me with some rather mixed feelings. Being a DSP Publication means that any romance is not front and centre of the plot, and what romance there was throughout the story was really nicely done. However, it is not that aspect that has bothered me. The horror was fantastically written and I really enjoyed it. In hindsight, though, I think that there was some sort of spark missing with the horror that connected all the dots for me in my head. But mostly, I found that after the build up in the horror and the terror felt by Hunter, the ending was a little too flat and a little too quick for my liking.
Nonetheless, this book does the creepy and poltergeist things perfectly, so on the surface this is a fantastic horror story which may well leave you with chills running down your spine.
The story follows Hunter Beaumont and finds his life at loose ends when in a tumultuous short period of time his beloved grandmother dies and his boyfriend dumps him. In a move that is something like a classical gothic horror, Hunter decides to live in Beaumont House after being told by his grandmother on her death bed to burn it down. Beaumont House has no end of secrets (which leads Hunter to uncover the memory of when his parents had died when he was a child) and some of them are quite deadly (this is one house with a bad history).
The subplot featuring the neighbour of Beaumont House, Michael, is where the romance comes in. Michael is a sweet guy and matches well with Hunter. However, Hunter seems to spend a lot of time doubting his new relationship and I’m not entirely sure whether or not this is actually to do with the “demon” of Beaumont House or just Hunter being insecure. This adds a nice, lighter plot to the otherwise dark/horror we otherwise get.
Despite my conflicted feelings, this is a good book and anyone into horror and anything that is generally just creepifying (in the words of Joss Whedon) stories will at least enjoy this read.
Blurb: With the couple next door, nothing is as it seems.
Jeremy Booth leads a simple life, scraping by in the gay neighborhood of Seattle, never letting his lack of material things get him down. But the one thing he really wants—someone to love—seems elusive. Until the couple next door moves in and Jeremy sees the man of his dreams, Shane McCallister, pushed down the stairs by a brute named Cole.
Jeremy would never go after another man’s boyfriend, so he reaches out to Shane in friendship while suppressing his feelings of attraction. But the feeling of something being off only begins with Cole being a hard-fisted bully—it ends with him seeming to be different people at different times. Some days, Cole is the mild-mannered John and then, one night in a bar, he’s the sassy and vivacious drag queen Vera.
So how can Jeremy rescue the man of his dreams from a situation that seems to get crazier and more dangerous by the day? By getting close to the couple next door, Jeremy not only puts a potential love in jeopardy, but eventually his very life.
Review: This is the first book by this author that I have read and I must say that this author has one hell of a gift. I am not much into mysteries however this story gives you a different perspective. I have to admit that it was a spooky story that is for sure. I wasn’t really sure what to really think about it but I did enjoy reading it.
I liked how Rick made multiple personality disorder seem so intriguing. Although, the truth does come out in the end. John was a sweet young man, but he has multiple personalities in him. He was Vera, who I have to admit was a bit harder to figure out, and then there was Cole. Cole was a very cruel man, loved to cause pain and a killer. He had moved with his little brother Shane to get away from the past. It would seem the past has caught up with them.
Jeremy had come across Shane and John, when John pushed Shane down the stairs. He was falling for Shane but his fear of John or Cole was making it hard. Rick was able to bring these characters to life and gave them such a detailed depth, that it makes you feel like you are there with them. I felt for Shane but loved Jeremy a bit more. He put his neck out for Shane but Shane loved his brother. The problem is his brother is nuts.
This author has made me believe every word that came out and had me captivated in the story. I couldn’t put the book down. There are sexy neighbors, secrets, violence, false identities and an amazing plot twist to this story that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat. Now I admit this story was not for me, but that is because I am more for stories that are happy, cheerful and quirky which this story definitely is not. I did have fun reading it though. However I will probably be sleeping with the lights on and probably will never date again after reading this.
I would definitely recommend this story to any one that is looking for a good mystery with a bit of romance in it.
Blurb: When Aaron finds Mavis, an emaciated and shy Boston terrier, at a pet adoption fair, his heart goes out to her—completely.
When Christian, manning the adoption fair for the Humane Society that autumn Saturday, finds Aaron, his heart goes out to him—completely.
This is a story about embracing love, whether it’s for someone who walks on four legs or on two. Mavis’s journey back to wholeness and finding her forever home parallels the story of two men discovering each other at the perfect moment—a moment that defies logic, propriety, and common sense. But when did love ever follow a rational course?
Review: He lost his boyfriend, his car and his home. Now he is living with his nutty sister who is trying to talk him into adopting a pet. When he meets Mavis, his heart just says this is the perfect dog. Mavis is a cute Boston terrier who has been abused. To top it off the cute guy from the Humane Society might just be willing to help him.
I will say that at first I thought his sister was pretty cool, but that did not last long. She is a royal bitch, if I must say so. But the guys together, well they rocked. It is a cute little story made even better with a dog. I think the author could have given it a better ending but it was still pretty good. Felt like a longer story but it turned out to be perfect for a break time read.
I will admit that it is not one of those stories I would read more than once though. It is still a pretty nice story with some cuteness to it. I would recommend it.
Blurb: Two men. One Christmas Eve that changes the courses of both their lives.
Henry’s homeless and only wants a warm place to sleep on the coldest night of the year. A forgotten open window in a darkened house entices Henry inside with the promise of warmth and comfort. He knows it’s wrong, but he promises himself he’ll be out before the owner wakes on Christmas morning. Except he oversleeps and the homeowner, Jim, discovers a bearded stranger sawing logs under his dining room table. When the shock and the drama that ensues dies down, Henry and Jim discover that they might have found, quite unexpectedly, the Christmas miracle they’d both been longing for—love and home.
Review: An open window and a frozen man, is what Jim finds up when he gets up in the morning. But in truth what he finds is the man just for him. Jim lost it all, now homeless, all he wanted was a place where he wouldn’t freeze to death. An open window is just the thing.
This story is one of those that makes you think about the people around you. It makes you thankful of what you have. This story was probably the perfect Christmas story I have ever came across. It was sweet and tender, will make you cry, and then it will make you smile. I enjoyed the characters and their quirky ways. I had a blast reading it and can guarantee you will too.
I sure hope that this author turns this little story into a full size novel, because I sure do want to read more about these two guys and their life together.
Hi guys! We have the ever wonderful Rick R. Reed popping in today to show off the wonderful new cover to his upcoming re-release I Heart Boston Terriers, we have a a lovely guest post from Rick about the super sweet Lily, and we have a great excerpt so check out the post and enjoy the lovely cover and meeting Lily! <3 ~Pixie~
Cover art design: Reese Dante. Cover Model: Lily, the Boston terrier (owned by Rick R. Reed and Bruce Moynagh)
I Heart Boston Terriers
by
Rick R. Reed
When Aaron finds Mavis, an emaciated and shy Boston terrier, at a pet adoption fair, his heart goes out to her—completely.
When Christian, manning the adoption fair for the Humane Society that autumn Saturday, finds Aaron, his heart goes out to him—completely.
This is a story about embracing love, whether it’s for someone who walks on four legs or on two. Mavis’s journey back to wholeness and finding her forever home parallels the story of two men discovering each other at the perfect moment—a moment that defies logic, propriety, and common sense. But when did love ever follow a rational course?
First Edition published by Amber Quill Press/Amber Allure, 2012. This story has been re-edited and has significant changes.
Hiya guys! Today we have the wonderful Rick R. Reed stopping by with his upcoming re-release (with an added story) M4M, we have a fantastic GP where Rick interviews himself and we also have an excerpt so you can get a taste for the stories. So guys, check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~
M4M
by
Rick R. Reed
Finding and keeping love can be a challenge in the modern world of blogging, social media, and online dating, as one man will learn in this trilogy.
VGL Male Seeks Same
Poor Ethan Schwartz. At forty-two, he’s alone, his bed is empty, and his HDTV is overworked. He’s tried bars and other places where gay men are supposed to find each other, but it never works out. Maybe he should get a cat?
But his life is about to change…
NEG UB2
Poor Ethan. He’s received the most shocking news a gay man can get—he’s HIV positive. Until today his life was perfect, with a job he loves and Brian, who could be “the one.” The one to complete him and fill his lonely life with laughter, hot sex, and romance.
But Ethan’s in for another shock. Could Brian have infected him?
STATUS UPDATES
Alone again, Ethan wonders if life is worth living, even with a cat. When an old nemesis sends a Facebook friend request, Ethan is suspicious but intrigued. It seems this old acquaintance has turned his life around, and the changes might hold the key to Ethan getting a new lease on life… and love.
First Edition published by Amber Quill Press/Amber Allure, 2009. Note: First edition did not include the new third part, “Status Updates.”
Hiya guys! We have Rick R. Reed stopping by today with his new release The Perils of Intimacy, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant giveaway, so check out the post and click that giveaway link! <3 ~Pixie~
The Perils of Intimacy
by
Rick R. Reed
Jimmy and Mark make an adorable couple. Jimmy’s kindness (and clean-cut cuteness) radiates out of him like light. Mark, although a bit older, complements Jimmy with his humor and his openness to love.
But between them, a dark secret lurks, one that has the power to destroy.
See, when Mark believes he’s meeting Jimmy for the first time in the diner where he works, he’s wrong.
Mark has no recollection of their original encounter because the wholesome Jimmy of today couldn’t be more different than he was two years ago. Back then, Jimmy sported multiple piercings, had long bleached dreadlocks, facial hair, and was painfully skinny. And he was a meth addict. The drug transformed him into a different person—a lying, conniving thief who robbed Mark blind during their one-night stand.
Mark doesn’t associate the memory of a hookup gone horribly wrong with this fresh-faced, smiling twenty-something… but Jimmy knows. As they begin a dance of love and attraction, will Jimmy be brave enough to reveal the truth? And if he does, will Mark be able to forgive him? Can he see Jimmy for the man he is now and not the addict he was? The answers will depend on whether true love holds enough light to shine through the darkness of past mistakes.
Hi guys! We have Rick R. Reed popping in today with his brand new release Unhinged, a collection of horror romance stories, we have a great excerpt and there’s also a free short story, so check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~
Unhinged
by
Rick R. Reed
Horror. Romance. The two seem at odds, yet in provocative author Rick R. Reed’s hands, the pair merge like a match made in heaven … or hell.
Prepare for a dark journey into an unhinged world populated by ordinary and extraordinary monsters. Unhinged brings you sometimes chilling, sometimes romantic, sometimes hilarious, but always thought-provoking tales.
Among them you’ll find a chilling and redemptive ghost story, a most unusual and shocking first meeting for two lovers, a story revolving around one of the 20th Century’s most horrific serial killers, and a darkly comic take on the vampire mythos. This collection will make your heart race with passion … in all its forms.
Contains the stories: Echoes, How I Met My Man, The Man from Milwaukee, Sluggo Snares a Vampire, The Ghost in #9, and Incubus.
Blurb: A monster moves through the night, hidden by the darkness, taking men, one by one, from Seattle’s gay gathering areas.
Amid an atmosphere of crippling fear, Thad Matthews finds his first true love working in an Italian restaurant called the Blue Moon Café. Sam Lupino is everything Thad has ever hoped for in a man: virile, sexy as hell, kind, and… he can cook!
As their romance heats up, the questions pile up. Who is the killer preying on Seattle’s gay men? What secrets is Sam’s Sicilian family hiding? And more importantly, why do Sam’s unexplained disappearances always coincide with the full moon?
The strength of Thad and Sam’s love will face the ultimate test when horrific revelations come to light beneath the full moon.
Review: I chose this book because I definitely thought it was a mystery, and it was however I wasn’t really paying attention to the werewolf part to much. So you can imagine my surprise when I started reading it. I have read a couple of books by this author, and have to say that he has a top notch imagination, and wonderful for us because that imagination gives us a good book. Although I do admit, this one leaves me on the edge. I can’t decide if I liked it or if I hated it.
Thad is a sweet young man who gives him time getting things together for ones who have AIDS. He has a gentle soul and a big heart. When Thad walks into the Blue Moon Cafe, his heart starts beating and his hands start sweating. He has found the man of his dreams. That man of his dreams has a secret that is deadly though.
Sam is one hell of a sexy Sicilian. He can cook like no man can. One night with Thad, and he wants more but his family is a very difficult family. Then the murders of gay men start happening, and Thad’s best friend found the answer. Now Sam’s disappearance around the full moon just so happens to be the same time as the murders. Thad is going to find out what is going on, and if you want to know more then read the book.
Now I have to admit that I am more romance and paranormal, then creepy paranormal. Also I am stuck with the werewolf in the city idea, which for most would be odd. Werewolves and the city just don’t mix. One would think that they would pick more Montana, Wyoming and even Alaska, then a city in Washington. So it seemed to stick with me throughout the book. Then there was the way they are together, and sudden love just doesn’t work for me. I don’t know, the whole book just felt rushed and didn’t come together like I wanted it to. Now, even though those are my feelings on the book, it is well written with some juicy parts in it.
The action pack, suspenseful story mixed in with a romance is just a part of what is in this book.
Hi peeps, we have Rick R. Reed stopping by with his upcoming re-release Dinner at the Blue Moon Cafe, we have a brilliant exclusive excerpt and a fantastic giveaway, so check out the post and click that giveaway link! <3 ~Pixie~
Dinner at the Blue Moon Cafe
by
Rick R. Reed
A monster moves through the night, hidden by the darkness, taking men, one by one, from Seattle’s gay gathering areas.
Amid an atmosphere of crippling fear, Thad Matthews finds his first true love working in an Italian restaurant called the Blue Moon Café. Sam Lupino is everything Thad has ever hoped for in a man: virile, sexy as hell, kind, and… he can cook!
As their romance heats up, the questions pile up. Who is the killer preying on Seattle’s gay men? What secrets is Sam’s Sicilian family hiding? And more importantly, why do Sam’s unexplained disappearances always coincide with the full moon?
The strength of Thad and Sam’s love will face the ultimate test when horrific revelations come to light beneath the full moon.
First Edition published as The Blue Moon Cafe by Amber Quill Press/Amber Allure, 2010.
Blurb: On a bright autumn day, Flynn Marlowe lost his best friend, a beagle named Barley, while out on a hike in Seattle’s Discovery Park.
On a cold winter day, Mac Bowersox found his best friend, a lost, scared, and emaciated beagle, on the streets of Seattle.
Two men. One dog. When Flynn and Mac meet by chance in a park the next summer, there’s a problem—who does Barley really belong to? Flynn wants him back, but he can see that Mac rescued him and loves him just as much as he does. Mac wants to keep the dog, and he can imagine how heartbreaking losing him would be—but that’s just what Flynn experienced.
A “shared custody” compromise might be just the way to work things out. But will the arrangement be successful? Mac and Flynn are willing to try it—and along the way, they just might fall in love.
Review: Flynn and Barley were out on an normal day just walking in the park. Then Barley became lost. Flynn looked for him for so long, but in the end he gave up I suppose. That is until he sees a man walking him.
Mac was a scared young man in my mind, who had lost his parents at the age of 12. So when he came across a beagle that was starving and so scared, that he knew he could help him. And in a way Hamburger saves him. All that ended in away when a strange man came up to him, and told him that the beagle was his. He did what anyone would do, he ran. Thanks to a dear old woman, they talked each other into sharing Barley. Well let’s just say if you want to know the juicy details, pick up the book. Because it does get not only hot, but it is also a very sweet story.
I have read a few books by this author, and I have to say that this one is probably the top one. Dogs know who they want to be with, and it would seem Barley wants them both. The story is very cute and sweet, if not a bit quirky also. It is a very entertaining story and one that I could see happening in real life. The cover with the pup is probably the best one I have come across, but mainly because of the dog. Beagles are just so sweet. Any how this book caught my attention and kept it to the end. There was however a few dry spots that made it seem longer then it is, but not so much that it takes away from the story.
I enjoy reading stories with animals in them. They just make it seem so real and much like life is as we know it. If an animal trust a human, then more than likely you can too. They are the best ones to choose. Although I did enjoy reading the story, I felt that it was just a bit drawn out, but that was just me. I had a lot of fun reading it and can guarantee that you will also.
Hi guys, we have Rick R. Reed stopping by today with his new release Class Distinctions, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant giveaway, so check out the post and click that giveaway link! <3 ~Pixie~
Class Distinctions
by
Rick R. Reed
Kyle and Jonathan were perfect for each other, the two halves that, once together, made a whole. And then one snowy night just before Parents’ Weekend on the campus of Hamilton University, Kyle drops a bomb: he’s breaking up with Jonathan.
Follow the couple through the stormy (in more ways than one) night that ensues. Why has Kyle suddenly decided to throw away something so precious and good?
The answers lie in their backgrounds, and will gradually come to light as a winter blizzard rages around the young couple.
Their tortured paths bring them to the covered bridge where their love had sprung to life on a hot summer day. But will the warmth of that memory and the heat of the love they once shared be enough to outclass the storm, and more importantly, bring them back together?
Blurb: A modern-day and thought-provoking retelling of Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray that esteemed horror magazine Fangoria called “…abook that is brutally honest with its reader and doesn’t flinch in the areas where Wilde had to look away…. A rarity: a really well-done update that’s as good as its source material.”
A beautiful young man bargains his soul away to remain young and handsome forever, while his holographic portrait mirrors his aging and decay and reflects every sin and each nightmarish step deeper into depravity… even cold-blooded murder. Prepare yourself for a compelling tour of the darkest sides of greed, lust, addiction, and violence.
First Edition paperback published by Design Image Group, 2000.
Second Edition paperback published by iUniverse/Back in Print, 2006.
First Edition eBook published by Bristlecone Press, 2009.
Review: Having read the story and seen the movies about Dorian Gray I was not sure what to expect with this book. It was thought provoking and intriguing as we learn Liam is the artist that paints the picture that ages. Liam was intriguing yet at times seemed a little to absorbed in his own world which I expected. Upon meeting Gary, someone who I didn’t like to begin with, he insists on painting his portrait.
Gary is what I would call self centered and arrogant. He knows he looks good. When he sells his soul in order to stay young his life takes a downhill turn. Drugs, murder, mayhem and mystery surround Gary as we follow him down his own rabbit hole.
The details of the different scenes throughout were well written and thought out. I felt as though I was actually there witnessing what was happening. The story grabs the reader from the start and does not let go until the very end. It was a fantastic story that I enjoyed very much.
Hi peeps, we have Rick R. Reed popping in today to celebrate his new re-release A Face Without A Heart, we have a great excerpt, a fantastic giveaway and Shorty’s review, so check out the post and click that giveaway link! <3 ~Pixie~
A Face Without A Heart
by
Rick R. Reed
A modern-day and thought-provoking retelling of Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray that esteemed horror magazine Fangoria called “…a book that is brutally honest with its reader and doesn’t flinch in the areas where Wilde had to look away…. A rarity: a really well-done update that’s as good as its source material.”
A beautiful young man bargains his soul away to remain young and handsome forever, while his holographic portrait mirrors his aging and decay and reflects every sin and each nightmarish step deeper into depravity… even cold-blooded murder. Prepare yourself for a compelling tour of the darkest sides of greed, lust, addiction, and violence.
Hi guys, we have Rick R. Reed popping in today with his upcoming re-release with co-author Vivien Dean Family Obligations, we have a fantastic guest post from Rick and a brilliant excerpt. So guys check out the post and enjoy this peek at Family Obligations! <3 ~Pixie~
Family Obligations
by
Vivien Dean & Rick R. Reed
Tate D’Angelo always thought he knew who his father was: beloved doctor, devoted husband and father…. Everyone at the funeral shared the same glowing stories of a kind soul. So when his father’s old college buddy, Randy, approaches him after the service, Tate expects to hear echoes of the same.
Instead, he gets a lifetime’s worth of letters that tell a different tale and cause him to view his father—and his family—in a whole new light.
The truth, about a secret romance kept buried for decades, astonishes him. Overwhelmed by grief and confusion, Tate’s unsure if he can bear learning how the lives of two men entwined over the years, but he reads on anyway, discovering more to value, more to respect, and most importantly, more to love about the man who raised him.
A Bittersweet Dreams title: It’s an unfortunate truth: love doesn’t always conquer all. Regardless of its strength, sometimes fate intervenes, tragedy strikes, or forces conspire against it. These stories of romance do not offer a traditional happy ending, but the strong and enduring love will still touch your heart and maybe move you to tears.
First Edition published by Amber Quill Press/Amber Allure, 2013.
Hi guys! We have Rick R. Reed stopping by today with the tour for his new release Lost and Found, we have a fantastic excerpt and a brilliant giveaway, so check out the post and click that giveaway link! <3 ~Pixie~
Lost and Found
by
Rick R. Reed
On a bright autumn day, Flynn Marlowe lost his best friend, a beagle named Barley, while out on a hike in Seattle’s Discovery Park.
On a cold winter day, Mac Bowersox found his best friend, a lost, scared, and emaciated beagle, on the streets of Seattle.
Two men. One dog. When Flynn and Mac meet by chance in a park later that summer, there’s a problem: who does Barley really belong to? Flynn wants him back, but he can see that Mac rescued him and loves him just as much as he does. Mac wants to keep the dog, and he can imagine how heartbreaking losing him would be—but that’s just what Flynn experienced.
A “shared custody” compromise might be just the way to work things out. But will the arrangement be successful? Mac and Flynn are willing to try it—and along the way, they just might fall in love.
Hi guys! We have the fabulous Rick R. Reed stopping by today to show off the cover to his upcoming release Lost and Found, we have a fantastic excerpt and a brilliant giveaway, so help Rick celebrate his upcoming release by checking out that gorgeous cover, read the excerpt and leave a comment to enter the giveaway! <3 ~Pixie~
Lost and Found
by
Rick R. Reed
On a bright autumn day, Flynn Marlowe lost his best friend, a beagle named Barley, while out on a hike in Seattle’s Discovery Park.
On a cold winter day, Mac Bowersox found his best friend, a lost, scared, and emaciated beagle, on the streets of Seattle.
Two men. One dog. When Flynn and Mac meet by chance in a park later that summer, there’s a problem: who does Barley really belong to? Flynn wants him back, but he can see that Mac rescued him and loves him just as much as he does. Mac wants to keep the dog, and he can imagine how heartbreaking losing him would be—but that’s just what Flynn experienced.
A “shared custody” compromise might be just the way to work things out. But will the arrangement be successful? Mac and Flynn are willing to try it—and along the way, they just might fall in love.
Hiya guys! Today we have Rick R. Reed stopping by with the tour to his upcoming new release Dinner at Jack’s. We have a little guest post from Rick where he introduces us to Ruth, Rick also lets us have a peek at a new exclusive excerpt, we also have a fantastic giveaway and my review! So check out the post, enjoy and click that giveaway link! <3 ~Pixie~
Dinner at Jack’s
(A Romance With Recipes 03)
by
Rick R. Reed
Personal chef Beau St. Clair, recently divorced from his cheating husband, has returned to the small Ohio River town where he grew up to lick his wounds. Jack Rogers lives with his mother Maisie in that same small town, angry at and frightened of the world. Jack has a gap in his memory that hides something he dares not face, and he’s probably suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
Maisie, seeking relief from her housebound and often surly son, hires Beau to cook for Jack, hoping the change might help bring Jack, once a handsome and vibrant attorney, back to his former self. But can a new face and comfort food compensate for the terror lurking in Jack’s past?
Slowly, the two men begin a dance of revelation and healing. Food and compassion build a bridge between Beau and Jack, a bridge that might lead to love.
But will Jack’s demons allow it? Jack’s history harbors secrets that could just as easily rip them apart as bring them together.
Blurb: Personal chef Beau St. Clair, recently divorced from his cheating husband, returns to the small Ohio River town where he grew up to lick his wounds. Jack Rogers lives with his mother, Maisie, in that same small town, angry at and frightened of the world. Jack has a gap in his memory that hides something he dares not face, and he’s probably suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
Maisie, seeking relief from her housebound and often surly son, hires Beau to cook for Jack, hoping the change might help bring Jack, once a handsome and vibrant attorney, back to his former self. But can a new face and comfort food compensate for the terror lurking in Jack’s past?
Slowly the two men begin a dance of revelation and healing. Food and compassion build a bridge between Beau and Jack, a bridge that might lead to love.
But will Jack’s demons allow it? His history could just as easily tear them apart as bring them together.
Review:This story is part of a series but can be read as a stand-alone.
When Beau gets divorced from his cheating husband there’s only one place he thinks of going to lick his wounds, to the small town he grew up. Not sure what to do now Beau spots an ad for a personal chef and decides to check it out, it leads him to a man he never thought he’d see again.
Maisie is desperate when she posts an ad for a chef, her son has retreated into himself and is often snarly and surly, and she hopes that good food will tempt her son but the first visit doesn’t go too well.
Jack can’t remember anything of the night that changed his life, he’s terrified to leave his room and he hates the man he’s turned into. When his mom hires a chef in a desperate attempt to get Jack to engage in life, Jack is resentful but Beau begins to chip away at Jack’s blocked memories.
This is a great story that fits in perfectly with the other Romance with Recipes books (Dinner at Home, Dinner at Fiorello’s), it’s a touching story of budding love and healing. Beau is a fantastic character who is feeling slightly wounded after his divorce, when he gets a challenge in Jack he’s determined to bring Jack back to the land of the living and to being the man he knew one magical evening many years before.
Jack is suffering, he’s scared to live, there’s something lurking in his memories that has him terrified and has taken him from being a man who embraces life to one who shuns it. Jack isn’t a very nice character when we first meet him, in fact he’s downright nasty but as we learn what he has been through we understand that it’s a coping mechanism so he doesn’t have to re-join the world. When he meets Beau his behaviour doesn’t chase the man away and Jack soon learns that maybe that’s a good thing.
The story is really well written and the storyline is great, it’s a story that surprised me as I figured that the story would be straight forward and the blurb covered everything, and yes that’s true but there’s a little bit more that had my breath catching and a twinge of sadness struck me for what was lost by an act of hatred and bigotry. Rick R. Reed writes in such a way that even the expected comes as a surprise and he can tease feelings from you that you don’t expect.
While there is a touch of romance developing between Jack and Beau there is a lot of healing and facing the past before we get to that point, so don’t expect a lovefest because there’s a lot of ground to cover especially for Jack. On a side note Jack’s mother Maisie and Beau’s father Niles are great characters and it was so sweet to see their little romance play out as well.
I recommend this to those who love stories that have a little meat to them, characters who know sorrow and pain, men who have suffered but who begin to heal and bloom, and a romance that is just beginning.
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