Hi guys, we have the wonderful Shira Anthony popping in with her newest release Blood and Ghosts, Shira also brings along a great guest post and a fabulous giveaway. So check out the post and click that Rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~
Blood and Ghosts
(Blood 02)
by
Shira Anthony
Sequel to Blood and Rain
With vampire Nicolas Lambert’s marriage to a rival clanswoman only weeks away, Adrien Gilbert struggles to come to terms with his defeat at the hands of Verel Pelletier, a vampire hunter and an immortal like himself. Adrien and his former teacher, Roland Günter, begin to explore his newly acquired abilities. But without his soul’s sword, Adrien flounders.
On Nicolas’s wedding day, a two-hundred-year old secret is revealed, sending the wedding party into a blazing battle between hunters and vampires. Once again Adrien finds himself facing Pelletier’s superior strength. Just as Adrien believes all hope of a future with Nicolas is lost, he finally learns his true gift—he can turn back time. But time travel comes with a high cost. To save Nicolas, Adrien must become strong enough to use his power without descending into madness.
Title: Blood and Ruin Series: Blood # 1 Author: Shira Anthony Genre: Vampires/ Other Paranormal/ Historical Length: Novel (278 pages) Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (December 15, 2014) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4 ½ Hearts Blurb: Adrien Gilbert has spent several lifetimes searching for the love he lost. Born in the 1800s into a clan of fabled vampire hunters, Adrien once wanted nothing more than to tend his family’s vineyard in southern France or read a good book. But Adrien’s peaceful existence ends abruptly when his older brother, François, is murdered. Bound by his hunter’s oath, Adrien sets out on a path that will forever change his life when he agrees to execute his brother’s killer, the vampire Charles Duvalier.
After months chasing the elusive Charles, Adrien reluctantly makes a bargain with Nicolas Lambert, an ancient vampire. Adrien will escort Nicolas to Paris for his marriage to a rival clanswoman, and Nicolas will help Adrien find Charles. Nicolas’s quiet strength and gentle heart soon convince Adrien that Nicolas is nothing like the vampires he has sworn to destroy. As the wedding date draws nearer, a force intent on destroying the fragile peace between the vampire clans threatens to tear apart both the vampire realm and the world of the hunters.
To secure both past and future for those he loves, Adrien must find a way to stop the looming war between hunters and vampires. But first, he’ll have to let Nicolas go.
ISBN-13: 978-1-63216-607-4 Product Link:
http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5805&cPath=55_484 Reviewer: Shorty Review: After his brother Francois death, Adrian, a hunter, was tasked by the council to find and eliminate the vampire Charles for his crimes. But he finds that things are not as they seem. The vampire is very elusive as are the people who he talks to for information on the vampires whereabouts.
Loved the descriptions of the different places Adrian travels as well as the interesting people he talks to. Mysteries and adventure await Adrian on his quest to full fill what the council orders him to do along the way he meets Nicolas, a vampire, who he starts to have feelings for, but is promised to another.
Interesting story that is well written and captivating. It was fascinating reading about the differences between a hunter and vampire, especially when a hunter is turned.
So much happens in this fantastic story. The intimate scenes were hot. Highly recommended.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com*
Hiya guys, we have Shira Anthony stopping in for the last day of her blog tour with Dissonace, Shira lets us have a peek at an excerpt and she has a very cool giveaway… now you have to be quick because it ends tonight 😉 Tams also wrote a great review so you can have gander at what she thinks. Remember click that Rafflecopter link it ends tonight! <3 ~Pixie~
Dissonace
(Blue Notes 07)
by
Shira Anthony
British lord Cameron Sherrington has hit rock bottom. The love of his life, opera sensation Aiden Lind, is marrying another man, and Cam knows it’s his own fault for pushing Aiden away. Then someone tries to set him up and take away his family business. Facing arrest by US authorities on charges of money laundering and with no money to return to London, Cam decides to run. But with no money and no place to stay, it’s not exactly the Hollywood thriller he’d imagined.
When Cam hears Galen Rusk play in a lonely subway station, he’s intrigued. But his assumptions about Galen are all wrong, and their unusual relationship isn’t exactly what Cam bargained for. Add to that the nightmares that dog him nightly, and Cam’s world is shaken to its core. Cam figures he had it coming to him, that it’s all penance due on a life lived without honesty. He just never figured he might not be able to survive it.
Note: Blue Notes Series novels are standalone stories, and can be read in any order.
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (2nd Edition February 19th 2014)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4.0Hearts
Blurb: 2nd Edition – A Blue Notes Novel
Blame it on jet lag. Jason Greene thought he had everything: a dream job as a partner in a large Philadelphia law firm, a beautiful fiancée, and more money than he could ever hope to spend. Then he finds his future wife in bed with another man, and he’s forced to rethink his life and his choices. On a moment’s notice, he runs away to Paris, hoping to make peace with his life.
But Jason’s leave of absence becomes a true journey of the heart when he meets Jules, a struggling jazz violinist with his own cross to bear. In the City of Love, it doesn’t take them long to fall into bed, but as they’re both about to learn, they can’t run from the past. Sooner or later, they’ll have to face the music.
1st Edition published by Dreamspinner Press, December 2011
Review: When life implodes who wouldn’t benefit from two month in Paris? Jason, Jaz, Green heads to the city of love hoping to reflect on his life choices so far, find out what is missing, and rediscover himself. And, oh boy, does he! What he discovers might just be the reason for his failed relationship with Diane, and his unsatisfactory personal life so far. He’s ignored something that has been simmering below the surface since grade school, his attraction to guys. Once Jules, a very talented, very attractive, and very flirtatious Frenchman enters the picture, it all becomes pretty clear to Jaz.
Not only do we get to go along on the wild rollercoaster of a ride sexual self-discovery brings to Jaz, we get to confront his past, his fears and the future with him too.
I enjoyed the flawed characters, their ups and downs, but what made this story stick for me was the time Jaz had once he was back stateside without Jules beside him. Yes, he was heartbroken. Yes, he had to confront Diane and go on living without her, or Jules for that matter. He had time to adjust to himself, and an experience being attracted to yet another handsome gay man, even though he quickly realized it was Jules that made it not just sexy, but loving. You know this is going to have a HEA, but the characters have to work for it, and that makes it all even sweeter!
The adventures of living in Europe, enjoying the attractions, absorbing the day-to-day way of eating and living enjoying all the details is authentic. I miss those details, taking time to appreciate the craft of eating, vintners, daily treks to pick up fresh-baked goods.
This was a wonderfully written romantic, sexy, and enjoyable escape to the city of love, with a beautiful HEA. The writing was smooth, and painted a wonderful picture for my imagination. I enjoyed being introduced to other characters and can’t wait to read the other stories in the Blue Note Novels! Luckily this is a 2nd edition so there are already plenty out there for me to dig into!
Are you a fan of the Blue Notes series? Would you like to know where the couples from the first four books are now? This is your chance to catch up! Aiden and Sam are finally getting married. But when Cary and Antonio’s baby daughter makes her appearance a bit earlier than planned, the big reception is put on hold. David Somers normally conducts orchestras, but this time he devotes his energy to “conducting” his friends so that everyone can join him at his Milan villa for a reunion at an intimate Thanksgiving dinner.
Sam and Aiden, Jules and Jason, David and Alex, and Cary and Antonio are soon assembled, and each couple shares something they are thankful for. Played out in four movements, this symphony is a celebration of friendship and love, orchestrated by David.
NOTE: Although novels in the Blue Notes Series are standalone books and can be read in any order, this holiday novella is a sequel to the first four books in the series.
Review: In this novella in the Blue Notes series, readers and fans get a chance to spend Thanksgiving with their four favorite couples. Who was your favorite pairing from the first four books in this series? David and Alex; Antonio and Cary; Jason and Jules; or Sam and Aiden? I know, I know… it’s hard to choose just one!
David and Alex host the dinner at their villa in Milan with all the guys, David’s sister Rachel and a couple of kiddo’s. Each couple shares a story, something in their lives they are thankful for. Each of these stories gives a little more insight into that specific couples life and their story. David starts with the story of their arrival at the villa as Alex shimmied the wall to ‘break in’ since they hadn’t brought a key.
From there Cary and Antonio talk about their growing family, they just had their baby girl Graziella. And as much as their son Massi loves his little sister, there was a period of adjustment that tested Cary and made him question his ability to be a good father. Jason and Jules have a surprise for their friends, as well as Sam and Aiden. And at the end of the story, Alex has a little something up his sleeve for his man.
I love how Anthony pulled all these characters from this series together and showed a very basic, vulnerable, and human side to them all. And even these world-renowned artists and musicians have lumps in their gravy at Thanksgiving!
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review for MM Good Book Reviews*
Blurb: Taren Laxley has never known anything but life as a slave. When a lusty pirate kidnaps him and holds him prisoner on his ship, Taren embraces the chance to realize his dream of a seagoing life. Not only does the pirate captain offer him freedom in exchange for three years of labor and sexual servitude, but the pleasures Taren finds when he joins the captain and first mate in bed far surpass his greatest fantasies.
Then, during a storm, Taren dives overboard to save another sailor and is lost at sea. He’s rescued by Ian Dunaidh, the enigmatic and seemingly ageless captain of a rival ship, the Phantom, and Taren feels an overwhelming attraction to Ian that Ian appears to share. Soon Taren learns a secret that will change his life forever: Ian and his people are Ea, shape-shifting merfolk… and Taren is one of them too. Bound to each other by a fierce passion neither can explain or deny, Taren and Ian are soon embroiled in a war and forced to fight for a future—not only for themselves but for all their kind.
Review: Taren has always longed for the sea, but when he is handed over to pay his masters debts, he doesn’t believe that he will ever get to sail the seas. When Taren is snatched by a pirate captain and offered the choice of serving him in every way for three years and then gaining his freedom, Taren jumps at the offer. Two years later Taren dives overboard during a storm to save another sailor and is lost at sea, he awakens to find himself the prisoner of Ian, a rival ship captain, and Taren slowly discovers secrets about himself. Ian has a duty to do and where Taren was discovered is a violation of the council, even his attraction and belief in the young man can’t save him from the council.
This is quite a good fantasy building up a world where the mermen council rules their community with an iron fist and fear. Taren we slowly discover is not who he thinks he is, led to believe that he was sold as a baby he has lived the life of a slave. When he is kidnapped by a pirate captain, he discovers freedom to sail the seas and sexual exploration with the captain and his lover, but when he is rescued, he discovers a culture ruled by fear and torture. Ian is bound by the council, arguing with the council would end in imprisonment but Taren reaches into a part of Ian and makes him act.
This is one of those stories that by the end of the book you are only just beginning to learn the plot; there is no doubt in my mind that this story has a long way to go before the conclusion. We learn a bit about Taren and his affinity to the sea and his strange feelings when a storm is approaching; we also discover that he seems to be a very sexual being when he feels attraction to a man. Ian is a merman who has had to prove himself to his own people, they don’t trust anyone who hasn’t always lived on the island, seeing spy’s at every turn and turning on those that don’t agree with them. Ian is caught between doing his duty and following his heart and it isn’t an easy choice.
While we follow the story we discover why the mermen council is so harsh, but we also discover that there is something deeper going on which is indicated by Taren’s dreams. This is a really well written story, the characters come to life, and the descriptions are vivid. The sexual scenes are incredible hot and we get some extremely sensual merman sex. There are some scenes of torture that are pretty nasty, but it shows you just what the council is really like. Now, while I liked the characters I never quite connected to them, I just found it difficult to relate to either of them and their choices.
I recommend this to those who love mermen, an interesting in-depth storyline, fantasy, hot sex, great characters and an ending that has you compelled to read more.
At age sixteen, Todd Hoffman is a social outcast. He lives with his mother in a rundown mobile home and doesn’t wear the nice clothes or drive fancy cars like the other students. He has one outlet: he secretly writes fan fiction about a boy falling in love with another boy he’s crushing on, and posts it online.
When Galen Caulfield, Todd’s real life object of affection, notices him and asks him out, Todd feels like he’s living his fantasy. Soon enough he realizes that fantasy and reality are two very different propositions.
Galen is the high school soccer team captain, clearly out of Todd’s league. On top of that, he’s popular, good-looking, and confident, so everyone thinks he’s straight. Now it’s up to Todd to decide whether Galen is the boy of his dreams or just another dumb jock.
1st Edition published by Amazon Digital Services, Aug 24, 2012.
Length: Novel (210p.) | Genre: Contemporary, Coming of Age| Release Date: August 12, 2013
Taren Laxley has never known anything but life as a slave. When a lusty pirate kidnaps him and holds him prisoner on his ship, Taren embraces the chance to realize his dream of a seagoing life. Not only does the pirate captain offer him freedom in exchange for three years of labor and sexual servitude, but the pleasures Taren finds when he joins the captain and first mate in bed far surpass his greatest fantasies.
Then, during a storm, Taren dives overboard to save another sailor and is lost at sea. He’s rescued by Ian Dunaidh, the enigmatic and seemingly ageless captain of a rival ship, the Phantom, and Taren feels an overwhelming attraction to Ian that Ian appears to share. Soon Taren learns a secret that will change his life forever: Ian and his people are Ea, shape-shifting merfolk… and Taren is one of them too. Bound to each other by a fierce passion neither can explain or deny, Taren and Ian are soon embroiled in a war and forced to fight for a future—not only for themselves but for all their kind.
Length: Novel (214p.) | Genre: High Fantasy, Paranormal, Shapeshifter, M/M/M or More
What happens after “happily ever after”? No matter how long they’ve been together, the couples in this anthology find that keeping a relationship alive takes work. Whether it’s job conflicts or family issues, the seven-year-itch or just plain stuck-in-a-rut routine, these men face the challenges of keeping the spark alive with humor, creativity, and romance.
At First Sound by G.S. Wiley
Change of Heart by Rhidian Brenig Jones
Cupcakes for Two by K. Lynn
Dream Lover by Nico Jaye
Happy Holidays by Anna Butler
Home on the Range by Anna Martin
How to Date Your Husband by AC Valentine
Like an Old Sweater by Elizabella Gold
Looking Back by Rob Rosen
Quarter Moon Over a Ten Cent Town by Stephen Osborne
Even after a decade, the life that journalist Brent Walsh and Milwaukee homicide detective Shawn Mackey have made together is far from boring. But when a new case cuts a weekend getaway short, they aren’t quite prepared for how it will impact their personal lives. Suddenly there’s too much to juggle: Shawn will be working the case of the sharpshooter who is trying to infect random people with HIV, Brent needs to cover the story but fears a conflict of interest, one of Shawn’s colleagues is attracted to him, and Brent sincerely needs to mend the painful break with his childhood best friend, Ollie, and heal their broken hearts.
Though the case comes to a close, it’s not the end of their troubles. Shawn and Brent still face a past of old white lies, a present possibility of inviting another man to their bed, and a future with children, not to mention health issues and national fallout from the case. It’s enough to make them want to run away—until they realize they have to face those challenges head-on so they can get on with the life of love they’re hoping for.
Length: Novel (204p.) | Genre: Mystery/Suspense, M/M/M or More | Release Date: August 14, 2013
When Madison “Matty” Ward finds himself out of work and without a place to live, his cousin comes through with a job on the Gates cattle ranch. Despite not knowing anything about herding cattle or taking care of horses, Matty does his best to impress the older hunky foreman, Baxter Hollingsworth. Baxter is drawn to the new young hand, but he’s deeply closeted, and after an openly gay veterinarian shows he’s interested in Matty, Baxter’s repressed feelings lead to an explosive encounter. Baxter then withdraws—leaving Matty feeling angry and used—until an accident forces him to confront his fears.
Length: Novella (120p.) | Genre: Western | Release Date: August 14, 2013 | Buy as eBook ($3.99 ISBN: 978-1-62380-066-1)
Dominic Holland leaves behind in London the shattered remains of a dishonest relationship and sets about rediscovering himself across the pond, exploring New York City and two widely different possible futures. Through a series of increasingly public encounters with a mysterious silver-haired man, Dominic gets a tantalizing taste of a new kind of freedom. But it’s fellow journalist Alex Everton who attracts Dominic, making him yearn for a real and honest love. But Alex is working on a story that is linked to his past, leaving Dominic unsure of whether he will be the one to heal his heart.
Length: Novella (208p.) | Genre: Contemporary | Release Date: August 14, 2013 | Buy as eBook ($5.99 ISBN: 978-1-62380-778-8)
Summer School by Tam Ames
Jeremy Decker’s recent split with his long-distance boyfriend has left him lonely with a mountain of debt. His only practical source of extra cash is to teach summer school, even if it means teaching history—not easy for an English teacher. To support him, the school hires Lucas Van Sloan, a much-younger college history student.
Lucas, with his swimmer’s physique and optimism, not to mention his determination to get what he wants, both attracts and annoys Jeremy… and what Lucas wants is Jeremy. The heat flares between them, but when Jeremy’s ex, a high-powered attorney with plenty of experience turning things his way, shows he wants Jeremy too, it threatens to snuff out the flame of passion and new love.
Matt Dixon, a young firefighter, is the golden child of his family, and he never dreamed that coming out would challenge more than the way his church sees him.
For years, Matt has led a double life hoping to avoid ridicule. When a self-righteous pastor’s statements provoke him to defend his recently deceased best friend’s honor and subsequently out himself, he suffers the brutal aftermath of his revelation. Everyone in his life, including his family and his new lover, Darian, must deal with the ramifications as Matt struggles to come to terms with guilt, shame, and his very belief in God.
Darian Weston lost his fiancé when Jamie took his life, and his feelings for Matt added guilt to his burden of grief. Confused and lonely, Darian clings to Matt despite his inner strife. But small-town realities keep intruding, and if Matt and Darian hope to make a life together, they must first take a stand for what they believe in, even if they fear the cost.
When small-time thief Timmy Harwell recklessly “borrows” a Cadillac for a joyride, he doesn’t expect to find a cool $100,000 in the trunk. His elation turns to terror when he realizes the SUV and the dough belong to Miguel Garcia, aka El Poco, a Tijuana drug dealer with a nasty reputation. Timmy sees only one way out: leave the stolen car behind and run as fast as he can.
His getaway is cut short when a storm strands him outside Jasper Stone’s secluded mountain cabin. Jasper finds Timmy in his shed, unconscious and burning up with fever, and takes care of the younger man, nursing him back to health. The two begin to grow close, but Jasper, a writer who seeks only solitude, is everything Timmy isn’t. Straightforward, honest, and kind.
Timmy needs Jasper’s help—and wants his respect—so he hides his dishonest habits. But when El Poco comes after him, Timmy realizes he’s not the only one at risk. His actions have also put Jasper in harm’s way. Honesty now could mean Timmy loses the man he’s come to love, but not being honest could mean far worse.
Harmony Ink Press’ releases for the week of August 12, 2013
On the Right Track by Sam Kadence
Ryunoski “Ru” Nakimura knows all about the trappings of fame. Expelled from a boy band for coming out as gay, he still wants to continue his career in music. Too bad his ex finds nothing better to do than exploit their relationship in the press, so Ru leaves California behind to lie low in Minnesota for a while.
Adam Corbin attends a Minnesota high school and wants to coast through as a typical student. He’s friends with an openly gay student, Bas Axelrod, but while Adam plays football, he also stays away from much socializing. Blending in and not outing himself has been easy because he’s never really been seriously interested in any of the guys he’s encountered.
When Adam meets Ru in a library, Adam begins to think he’s found that special young man who might make it worthwhile to just be himself. And for Ru, Adam looks like someone he might trade his fame for, if they could be together. Ru and Adam will both come to realize that courage and love must go hand in hand if they are to have a future.
Length: Novel (184p.) | Genre: Contemporary, Gay, YA | Release Date: August 15, 2013
Blurb: World-renowned conductor David Somers never wanted the investment firm he inherited from his domineering grandfather. He only wanted to be a composer. But no matter how he struggles, David can’t translate the music in his head into notes on paper.
When a guest violinist at the Chicago Symphony falls ill, David meets Alex Bishop, a last-minute substitute. Alex’s fame and outrageous tattoos fail to move David. Then Alex puts bow to string, and David hears the brilliance of Alex’s soul.
David has sworn off relationships, believing he will eventually drive away those he loves, or that he’ll lose them as he lost his wife and parents. But Alex is outgoing, relaxed, and congenial—everything David is not—and soon makes dents in the armor around David’s heart. David begins to dream of Alex, wonderful dreams full of music. Becoming a composer suddenly feels attainable.
David’s fragile ego, worn away by years of his grandfather’s disdain, makes losing control difficult. When David’s structured world comes crashing down, his fledgling relationship with Alex is the first casualty. Still, David hears Alex’s music, haunting and beautiful. David wants to love Alex, but first he must find the strength to acknowledge himself.
Review: David Somers is a brilliant conductor with intimacy and self-esteem issues thanks to a strictly shitty childhood. He was raised by his emotionally inept grandfather after his parents’ death. His dream is to become a composer, but he has issues getting the notes that dance in his head to pen and paper. Until he meets Alex.
Alex Bishop is an openly gay violin player, and a damn good one at that. He has a dark past having lost his parents as well, but he carries scars both emotionally and literally from his childhood. Tall, slender and tattooed Alex catches the eye of the standoffish conductor not with his boyish good looks, but with his instrument.
David is so scared of opening up his life and letting anyone past the walls that guard his heart that his budding relationship with Alex is in jeopardy before it really even begins. Can the outspoken, outrageous, talented and artistic violin player break down the walls and keep the man he loves? Or will David’s broodish attitude, inability to trust and unwillingness to love Alex back separate them permanently?
Well written and emotional, Prelude tells it’s story through the lives of two young men that have overcome mental, physical and emotional abuse at the hands of people they loved and trusted. And the lasting effects it’s had on both their lives. How the love they have for one another makes them better people. Did I mention that they rock in bed as well? I definitely recommend to fans of the genre.
Blurb: World-class chef Joshua Golden is homesick for Paris before he even arrives in New York, but he’ll endure it—his parents need him to help run the family restaurant while his mother recovers from surgery. Running a place so far beneath his talents is bad enough, but bad turns to worse when Josh discovers his former best friend and lover, Micah Solomon, is living at his parents’ house with his ten-year-old son, Ethan.
For ten years, Josh has done his best to forget how Micah shattered his heart into tiny pieces. Now Micah’s back, fresh out of prison, and helping out at the restaurant. Micah may not be the kind of sous chef Josh is used to, but he is more helpful and supportive than any of the other employees. But Josh finds it hard to keep his distance when, time after time, Micah proves himself a better man than Josh thought. Reluctantly, Josh realizes there is more to Micah than his lousy life choices… but that doesn’t mean Josh is ready to forgive him.
Review:This story is part of a series but can be read as a stand-alone. Josh comes home to New York for the first time in five years. His parents need him to help with their restaurant, while his mother recovers from surgery. Josh gets a shock though, when he discovers his ex-best friend and lover living at his parents’ house along with his ten-year old son, and that the ex-con is working at the restaurant as well. Micah made some bad choices in his life and regrets them. making things up with Josh is not easy to do, but he tries to show the man he has changed. Can Josh ever find it in himself to forgive Micah for the hurt he suffered?
This story is about forgiving the past and starting anew and opening your heart to love. Josh has been a high-flying chef in Paris. Returning home to New York to help with his parents’ restaurant isn’t what he really wants. But, it gives him the chance to see what he has really been missing for the past several years, after running away from the pain of his heart. Micah made many mistakes when he was younger and he has paid the price, but the person who he hurt the most, Josh, has never given him the chance to prove himself, now he has that chance.
I found this story to be interesting with the twisting emotions that Josh goes through and with self-realization as he looks at himself and what he has missed out on. The story is from Josh’s point of view, so we see everything through his eyes. He is quite unforgiving of his ex-best friend and at first I couldn’t understand why he was acting like such brat. But, then you discover they really were lovers for a very short time. It was hard to be too sympathetic with Josh though because he came across as self-serving for most of the book. Micah, on the other hand, isn’t trying to prove anything, other than he is truly a good man who lost his way abit. I really liked his character and was rooting for him to get through to Josh and make Josh listen to him.
The storyline was good and the food descriptions were mouth-watering. I liked how Micah and Josh finally connected, with the entire truth being brought out in the open and that Josh was more forgiving than he seemed. I also liked the fact that Josh took a step back and had a look at his own actions over the years and he accepted his own faults. The two of them coming together was hot and you can easily see how good they are together. The secondary characters are great and add a wonderful family feeling.
I will recommend this to those who love forgiving the past, great characters, great family, rediscovering love and a happy ending.
Portia’s Two Cents: I agree with everything that Pixie said…I just wanted to add that this story brought to life a side of Judaism that I rarely see in fiction. This story could very well have been titled, Mizpah. This family aren’t those Jews that celebrate Passover and Chanukah and that’s it. Their faith is so much a part of their lives. It was really beautiful to see the generations use their faith, in different ways, to get through some very trying times. The theme of mizpah is what guides Micah, it allows Josh to forgive and it allows the Goldens’ to open their home to Micah and Ethan. Absolutely beautiful.
Blurb: Cary Redding is a walking contradiction. On the surface he’s a renowned cellist, sought after by conductors the world over. Underneath, he’s a troubled man flirting with addictions to alcohol and anonymous sex. The reason for the discord? Cary knows he’s a liar, a cheat. He’s the melody thief.
Cary manages his double life just fine until he gets mugged on a deserted Milan street. Things look grim until handsome lawyer Antonio Bianchi steps in and saves his life. When Antonio offers something foreign to Cary—romance—Cary doesn’t know what to do. But then things get even more complicated. For one thing, Antonio has a six-year-old son. For another, Cary has to confess about his alter ego and hope Antonio forgives him.
Just when Cary thinks he’s figured it all out, past and present collide and he is forced to choose between the family he wanted as a boy and the one he has come to love as a man.
Review: This book is quite different from the lot I’ve read. It starts of full power introducing Cary, a very talented, famous cellist who has serious issues underneath the façade he plasters for the stage. When lights go out, he lets his troubled self emerge, using a different identity, becoming a man who cares for nothing other than anonymous sex on the darkest corners of Milan. After one such night he gets mugged on a dark alley ending up with some bruises and a broken wrist. Fear consumes him, but to his rescue comes Antonio, a stunning man, and helps him through the recovery. Antonio seems genuinely interested on Cary, but he makes no move toward him and resists all Cary’s advances. Until Cary comes clean to him about the lies, the fake identity and the way he leads his life.
For a man who has lived all his life staying away from relationships and romance, even more so family, as Cary claims over and over that he hates kids, he finds himself trapped with emotions toward Antonio and his son. The feelings he’s had for himself for 28 years, that he’s and unworthy man, unworthy of love, soon subside and although scared to death he makes the decision to let himself be loved as well as return it.
Up until this point the story is fast and furious one might say. The author is rough and blunt in her description of Cary’s messy life and it suits him well. The intensity is there and when Cary finally couples with Antonio, it is liquid fire. The heat is incredible, yet it nearly stops there. The story continues with their joint life, the efforts to make it work and the lessons Cary has to learn in order to be in a partner and a parent. The inner fight he has to battle between his addiction, his guilt and a past that still burns. The rush slows down and the story goes quite mellow. The appearance of Cary’s (for 28 years dead) father somehow charges the story with a different kind of rush. It is plain that The Melody Thief revolves around Cary’s life and emotions. The intensity rises up a notch when Cary finds himself in a crossroad between his juvenile dreams and his present and future; however that notch is quite small. The events that follow and the way the story ends were by this point quite predictable. I would have loved to see a bit more about Cary’s brother though, since he was mentioned so much, yet we never saw a glimpse of him
As I said this book was quite different, enjoyable nonetheless. A romance with a very realistic approach, and a beautiful introduction at the world of classical music that was not as heavy as I imagined it might be. On the contrary, it was easy to follow and accept. If you’re a romantic this book might string a cord or two. Recommended.
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