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Open #2
Open House
Sequel to Open Seating
The Open Book Two
By the time Seth Wilder and Bryce McFarland return to Chicago after their UK cruise, they’re halfway in love. They decide to move in together to see if their feelings can survive in the real world.
Seth receives word that a mandatory autopsy was performed on his late partner because his death was a suicide. The medical examiner’s findings are disturbing and leave some doubt as to the underlying cause of death.
Because of the suicide clause, life insurance benefits had been denied, but in light of these new findings, Seth’s lawyer advises him to appeal. The insurance investigator turns out to be the man who broke Bryce’s heart twenty-five years ago. The guy has fallen on hard times, and when he sees how successful Bryce has become—and how large Seth’s potential payout might be—he decides he wants a piece of the pie. Bryce and Seth’s new relationship is severely tested in this second novel in the Open Series.
The Open Book Two
By the time Seth Wilder and Bryce McFarland return to Chicago after their UK cruise, they’re halfway in love. They decide to move in together to see if their feelings can survive in the real world.
Seth receives word that a mandatory autopsy was performed on his late partner because his death was a suicide. The medical examiner’s findings are disturbing and leave some doubt as to the underlying cause of death.
Because of the suicide clause, life insurance benefits had been denied, but in light of these new findings, Seth’s lawyer advises him to appeal. The insurance investigator turns out to be the man who broke Bryce’s heart twenty-five years ago. The guy has fallen on hard times, and when he sees how successful Bryce has become—and how large Seth’s potential payout might be—he decides he wants a piece of the pie. Bryce and Seth’s new relationship is severely tested in this second novel in the Open Series.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 24, 2016
About the author
Mickie B. Ashling
52 books345 followersMICKIE B. ASHLING is the pseudonym of a multi-published author who resides in a suburb outside Chicago. She is a product of her upbringing in various cultures, having lived in Japan, the Philippines, Spain, and the Middle East. Fluent in three languages, she’s a citizen of the world and an interesting mixture of East and West.
Since 2009, Mickie has written several dozen novels in the LGBTQ+ genre—which have been translated into French, Italian, Spanish, and German. A lot of her backlist is “Under Construction” as she slowly transitions from traditional publishing to representing herself. Her goal is to have most of her novels back in the universe by the end of 2023.
CONTACT INFO:
Email: mickie.ashling@gmail.com
Website: mickieashling.com
Blog: mickiebashling.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mickie.ashling
Twitter: @MickieAshling
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/micki...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mickieashling/
Since 2009, Mickie has written several dozen novels in the LGBTQ+ genre—which have been translated into French, Italian, Spanish, and German. A lot of her backlist is “Under Construction” as she slowly transitions from traditional publishing to representing herself. Her goal is to have most of her novels back in the universe by the end of 2023.
CONTACT INFO:
Email: mickie.ashling@gmail.com
Website: mickieashling.com
Blog: mickiebashling.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mickie.ashling
Twitter: @MickieAshling
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/micki...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mickieashling/
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 2, 2016
Now that the ship has docked...
'Open House' is the sequel to Micki B. Ashlings book 'Open Seating'. In Open Seating we met Seth following the death of Mark, his partner of 20 years. Seth found himself with non-refundable tickets for a UK cruise for two. Mark's friend Bryce steps in and offers to accompany Seth covering the cost of his half of the trip. It's during their cruise that these two men begin a shipboard romance that both realize they aren't ready to end when the ship docks.
'Open House' picks up with Seth moving into Bryce's penthouse apartment after confessing that he has no desire to return to the home he shared with Mark for 20 years as the memory of Mark's suicide outweighs any of the happy memories that the home may have held for Seth. While I have to admit this relationship is moving at a rather fast pace, I definitely see where Seth is coming from about this. I would also find it hard to return to my home if the last memory I have of the person I'd shared it with was their suicide. Add to this the fact that after paying for his share of a cruise that was non-refundable, Mark's funeral and other expenses Seth's nearly broke so his options are limited. Given that Mark and Bryce are both men in their late 40s (47 to be precise) this event didn't really faze me too much considering they've spent nearly a month living together on board a ship.
Unfortunately returning to land also means returning to the real world and for these two that means a whole new boatload of problems to deal with on top of the challenge of just getting use to the reality of living together. Seth is faced with the reading of Mark's Last Will & Testament which reveals that there was a sizable life insurance policy naming him the sole beneficiary and the insurance company is refusing to make the payout because Mark committed suicide so the cause of death voids the policy, however, while the results of a mandatory autopsy on Mark's body may hold some disturbing results for Seth it may also be the information that Mark's lawyer believes can change the insurance company's mind about paying out on the policy. That is provided that the results of the investigator's report are favorable...an investigator who turns out to be the man who broke Bryce's heart 25 years ago and has since fallen on hard times and sees Seth's potential payout as the solution to his problems. (no spoilers here it's all in the blurb)
I have to admit this sounded like a pretty big undertaking to me. I mean seriously there's a lot going on here for both Seth and Bryce. I was dubious as to how the author would pull this off...if it was even possible? I have to admit overall I was surprised there was a lot about this story that worked. Unfortunately for me there were also a few things that didn't, so I'm going to address these things first and we'll just get them out of the way so I can move on to discussing what I liked (because that's more fun).
Ok, first on my list and if you read my review of 'Open Seating' and a few other books you'll know this is a pet peeve of mine it's in regard to using the word 'babe' as a term of endearment. I don't honestly remember the total number of times this was used in the first book but in 'Open House' it was used a total of '72' times plus the word 'baby' was used once as a term of endearment add to the word 'sweetheart' which was used once in the first book and in 'Open House' the word 'sweetheart' has appeared a total of '21' times. While I found 'sweetheart' be slightly over used it was the word 'babe' that drove me crazy. I realize that for many this is a term of endearment unfortunately for me (yes, this is a case of it's not you, it's me) anyways, for me an occasional 'babe' is ok, but after a while and after 72 uses it becomes repetitive and goes from being a term of endearment to a form of condescension and while I didn't really factor this into my rating because...its not you, its me. Admittedly it did distract from me from the story.
The other issue I had that made this an 'it's ok' read instead of a 'wow, I'm really enjoying this' read was that there were times that the characters just fell flat for me and I lost my connection to the story or I just couldn't see the connection between them...something just stopped working.
So what did I like about this book. I liked the growth that I'm seeing in Seth and Bryce as individuals and as a couple. That they communicated as a couple and there was no blame game going on about things when they went wrong they just worked together and dealt with things...like Bryce's ex showing up as the investigator and being a major obstacle, Seth never faulted Bryce for the things he did.
I really liked the overall story and all the stuff that was going on it kept things interesting. Also I really liked that we got to meet some of Bryce's friends and I loved that Lil & Grier from her Horizon's series. it's a quirk of mine that I like it when an authors characters cross over to other series even if I haven't read the series that the characters originally came from...yet!
For me the last half of this book was definitely the part that hooked me in and helped me decide that I'll be looking to read the next book when it comes out. Mostly though I want to see Owen get what he deserves and then some because damn that cray, cray dude is still on the loose.
'Open House' definitely went better for me than 'Open Seating' in spite of all the 'babes' being tossed about and I was left with the urge to go back and finish reading the Horizon's series which honestly was pretty impressive since I admittedly didn't enjoy the first book all that much, but now I'm thinking when I have the time I need to give that series one more shot. So this one was probably a little better than a 3 star read for me but not quite enough to get me to push it up to 3.5 but close pretty close. If the first part of the book had held my interest just a bit more it could have happened.
********************
An ARC of 'Open House' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
'Open House' is the sequel to Micki B. Ashlings book 'Open Seating'. In Open Seating we met Seth following the death of Mark, his partner of 20 years. Seth found himself with non-refundable tickets for a UK cruise for two. Mark's friend Bryce steps in and offers to accompany Seth covering the cost of his half of the trip. It's during their cruise that these two men begin a shipboard romance that both realize they aren't ready to end when the ship docks.
'Open House' picks up with Seth moving into Bryce's penthouse apartment after confessing that he has no desire to return to the home he shared with Mark for 20 years as the memory of Mark's suicide outweighs any of the happy memories that the home may have held for Seth. While I have to admit this relationship is moving at a rather fast pace, I definitely see where Seth is coming from about this. I would also find it hard to return to my home if the last memory I have of the person I'd shared it with was their suicide. Add to this the fact that after paying for his share of a cruise that was non-refundable, Mark's funeral and other expenses Seth's nearly broke so his options are limited. Given that Mark and Bryce are both men in their late 40s (47 to be precise) this event didn't really faze me too much considering they've spent nearly a month living together on board a ship.
Unfortunately returning to land also means returning to the real world and for these two that means a whole new boatload of problems to deal with on top of the challenge of just getting use to the reality of living together. Seth is faced with the reading of Mark's Last Will & Testament which reveals that there was a sizable life insurance policy naming him the sole beneficiary and the insurance company is refusing to make the payout because Mark committed suicide so the cause of death voids the policy, however, while the results of a mandatory autopsy on Mark's body may hold some disturbing results for Seth it may also be the information that Mark's lawyer believes can change the insurance company's mind about paying out on the policy. That is provided that the results of the investigator's report are favorable...an investigator who turns out to be the man who broke Bryce's heart 25 years ago and has since fallen on hard times and sees Seth's potential payout as the solution to his problems. (no spoilers here it's all in the blurb)
I have to admit this sounded like a pretty big undertaking to me. I mean seriously there's a lot going on here for both Seth and Bryce. I was dubious as to how the author would pull this off...if it was even possible? I have to admit overall I was surprised there was a lot about this story that worked. Unfortunately for me there were also a few things that didn't, so I'm going to address these things first and we'll just get them out of the way so I can move on to discussing what I liked (because that's more fun).
Ok, first on my list and if you read my review of 'Open Seating' and a few other books you'll know this is a pet peeve of mine it's in regard to using the word 'babe' as a term of endearment. I don't honestly remember the total number of times this was used in the first book but in 'Open House' it was used a total of '72' times plus the word 'baby' was used once as a term of endearment add to the word 'sweetheart' which was used once in the first book and in 'Open House' the word 'sweetheart' has appeared a total of '21' times. While I found 'sweetheart' be slightly over used it was the word 'babe' that drove me crazy. I realize that for many this is a term of endearment unfortunately for me (yes, this is a case of it's not you, it's me) anyways, for me an occasional 'babe' is ok, but after a while and after 72 uses it becomes repetitive and goes from being a term of endearment to a form of condescension and while I didn't really factor this into my rating because...its not you, its me. Admittedly it did distract from me from the story.
The other issue I had that made this an 'it's ok' read instead of a 'wow, I'm really enjoying this' read was that there were times that the characters just fell flat for me and I lost my connection to the story or I just couldn't see the connection between them...something just stopped working.
So what did I like about this book. I liked the growth that I'm seeing in Seth and Bryce as individuals and as a couple. That they communicated as a couple and there was no blame game going on about things when they went wrong they just worked together and dealt with things...like Bryce's ex showing up as the investigator and being a major obstacle, Seth never faulted Bryce for the things he did.
I really liked the overall story and all the stuff that was going on it kept things interesting. Also I really liked that we got to meet some of Bryce's friends and I loved that Lil & Grier from her Horizon's series. it's a quirk of mine that I like it when an authors characters cross over to other series even if I haven't read the series that the characters originally came from...yet!
For me the last half of this book was definitely the part that hooked me in and helped me decide that I'll be looking to read the next book when it comes out. Mostly though I want to see Owen get what he deserves and then some because damn that cray, cray dude is still on the loose.
'Open House' definitely went better for me than 'Open Seating' in spite of all the 'babes' being tossed about and I was left with the urge to go back and finish reading the Horizon's series which honestly was pretty impressive since I admittedly didn't enjoy the first book all that much, but now I'm thinking when I have the time I need to give that series one more shot. So this one was probably a little better than a 3 star read for me but not quite enough to get me to push it up to 3.5 but close pretty close. If the first part of the book had held my interest just a bit more it could have happened.
********************
An ARC of 'Open House' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
October 24, 2016
After the tumultuous beginning of Seth and Bryce’s relationship during their cruise in ‘Open Seating’, I was curious to find out what would happen when they return home. Sharing close quarters on the ship might have made them feel close enough for them to decide they want to move in together. But Seth still has to deal with his former partner’s death and all that entails, and Bryce only just admitted his emotions are involved and their relationship is more than physical. When Mark’s death turns out to be a suicide, Mark’s life insurance refuses to pay. Seth appeals, based on his lawyer’s advice and Bryce’s insistence, but the insurance investigator turns out to be one of Bryce’s exes. Then the sh*t really hits the fan, and the suspense made me turn the pages as fast as I could. What a ride!
Seth has led a relatively sheltered and protected life so far, what with Mark taking care of earning money and providing a home for Seth. But now that Mark has died and there is an investigation into the reasons, threatening Seth’s financial future, Seth has to deal with situations he has no idea how to navigate. Rather than let everyone steamroller over him, Seth keeps trying, and no matter how often it looks as if he has been dealt the final blow, he keeps coming back and keeps fighting - Seth truly comes into his own. A lot of Seth’s strength comes from having Bryce in his corner, and it was wonderful to see how well they work together despite how short a time they have been a couple.
Bryce has a lot to deal with as well. He is facing Owen, the man who broke his heart many years ago and made Bryce decide never to fall in love again. But now that Bryce has opened his heart to Seth, he will not give up. He supports Seth as much as Seth helps him, and their love can grow despite all the adversity. They work together, and even though the danger isn’t over by the end of this second book, Bryce and Seth are solid.
Let me just say here that Owen is a real scumbag. Actually, he is more like a sociopath. He sees nothing but his own needs and survival, and he will not accept anyone else’s view. Owen is not someone I’d like to meet under any circumstances – and I wish he’d leave Seth and Bryce alone. Unfortunately, that does not look likely to happen anytime soon…
If you like stories about characters who are as different as can be yet clearly belong together, if you believe that anything can be dealt with if two partners work together and use each other’s strengths to their advantage, and if you’re looking for a read that is suspenseful, emotional, and contains lots of loving moments despite constant adversity, then you will probably like this novel as much as I do. As for the cliff-hanger at the end – arghhh! I can’t wait to see what’s next for Seth and Bryce!
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Seth has led a relatively sheltered and protected life so far, what with Mark taking care of earning money and providing a home for Seth. But now that Mark has died and there is an investigation into the reasons, threatening Seth’s financial future, Seth has to deal with situations he has no idea how to navigate. Rather than let everyone steamroller over him, Seth keeps trying, and no matter how often it looks as if he has been dealt the final blow, he keeps coming back and keeps fighting - Seth truly comes into his own. A lot of Seth’s strength comes from having Bryce in his corner, and it was wonderful to see how well they work together despite how short a time they have been a couple.
Bryce has a lot to deal with as well. He is facing Owen, the man who broke his heart many years ago and made Bryce decide never to fall in love again. But now that Bryce has opened his heart to Seth, he will not give up. He supports Seth as much as Seth helps him, and their love can grow despite all the adversity. They work together, and even though the danger isn’t over by the end of this second book, Bryce and Seth are solid.
Let me just say here that Owen is a real scumbag. Actually, he is more like a sociopath. He sees nothing but his own needs and survival, and he will not accept anyone else’s view. Owen is not someone I’d like to meet under any circumstances – and I wish he’d leave Seth and Bryce alone. Unfortunately, that does not look likely to happen anytime soon…
If you like stories about characters who are as different as can be yet clearly belong together, if you believe that anything can be dealt with if two partners work together and use each other’s strengths to their advantage, and if you’re looking for a read that is suspenseful, emotional, and contains lots of loving moments despite constant adversity, then you will probably like this novel as much as I do. As for the cliff-hanger at the end – arghhh! I can’t wait to see what’s next for Seth and Bryce!
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
November 4, 2016
4.5 Stars
Open House is the sequel to Open Seating and is NOT a standalone! You really have to read book 1 first.
Seth and Bryce are back home after their long cruise. Seth went because he and his partner had planned the trip and after his partner's death he went anyway taking Bryce, a friend of his partners.
So much happened in book one and the emotions were high and they don't take much of a break in this story. Seth is embarking on a new romance with Bryce while still mourning Mark's death. With insurance woes, exes coming out of the woodwork, and Seth and Bryce trying to figure out if their relationship was left on the ship... It's an intense ride.
These boys really don't have it easy. Owen is a class A super jerk. Like OMG I wanted to light him on fire and roast marshmallows over his burning corpse. Too much? Oh well. You'll hate him too.
Now I feel compelled to tell you it's a cliffhanger. Book 3 is desperately needed! I'm not a fan of cliffys and I really get frustrated with them. But I get why the author had to do it. This series is an emotional roller coaster that's for sure. But you'll find yourself extremely invested.
Open House is the sequel to Open Seating and is NOT a standalone! You really have to read book 1 first.
Seth and Bryce are back home after their long cruise. Seth went because he and his partner had planned the trip and after his partner's death he went anyway taking Bryce, a friend of his partners.
So much happened in book one and the emotions were high and they don't take much of a break in this story. Seth is embarking on a new romance with Bryce while still mourning Mark's death. With insurance woes, exes coming out of the woodwork, and Seth and Bryce trying to figure out if their relationship was left on the ship... It's an intense ride.
These boys really don't have it easy. Owen is a class A super jerk. Like OMG I wanted to light him on fire and roast marshmallows over his burning corpse. Too much? Oh well. You'll hate him too.
Now I feel compelled to tell you it's a cliffhanger. Book 3 is desperately needed! I'm not a fan of cliffys and I really get frustrated with them. But I get why the author had to do it. This series is an emotional roller coaster that's for sure. But you'll find yourself extremely invested.
October 23, 2016
Open House (Open Book #2) by Mickie B. Ashling
4.5 stars
M/M Romance - Cliff hanger
Triggers: Suicide, attempted murder, arson, cross dressing
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Bryce and Seth have been through a lot in their short relationship. While Seth is just now starting to learn about how Mark was controlling and somewhat manipulative, Seth knows that Bryce is going to take care of him. Despite it being soon after Mark's death, Seth has found something real with Bryce and he'll be dead before he gives that up.
Bryce is a level headed loving man. He saw something in Seth and has loved watching Seth come out of his shell. But, Bryce's past is about to bite them both in the rear.
Owen is a sadistic sociopath who is hell-bent on figuring out a way to survive. If he has to go through Seth and Bryce to do so, then so be it.
I loved all of the secondary characters - they helped to show who each character was and added a depth to the story that would have been missed.
I can't wait to see where this story goes, because Ashling definitely leaves the readers wondering.
4.5 stars
M/M Romance - Cliff hanger
Triggers: Suicide, attempted murder, arson, cross dressing
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Bryce and Seth have been through a lot in their short relationship. While Seth is just now starting to learn about how Mark was controlling and somewhat manipulative, Seth knows that Bryce is going to take care of him. Despite it being soon after Mark's death, Seth has found something real with Bryce and he'll be dead before he gives that up.
Bryce is a level headed loving man. He saw something in Seth and has loved watching Seth come out of his shell. But, Bryce's past is about to bite them both in the rear.
Owen is a sadistic sociopath who is hell-bent on figuring out a way to survive. If he has to go through Seth and Bryce to do so, then so be it.
I loved all of the secondary characters - they helped to show who each character was and added a depth to the story that would have been missed.
I can't wait to see where this story goes, because Ashling definitely leaves the readers wondering.
October 17, 2016
My lord, how much can these two men insure before one or both of them break. Evidently a lot!!
I honestly do not know what Seth or Bryce would do with without the other. I think they both give each other strength that they may not normally have. Their relationship may be new but they work well enough together that one would think they have been together for years and not just weeks. Not to mention the chemistry and love between them is so real that you can feel it billowing off the pages as you read this book about them. They truly are a couple that would and should be rivaled by others because they work so flawlessly together that I believe after even more time together they will be in sync with each more so then a lot of long standing couples.
Seth in my opinion is finally coming into his own in this book. He is not some wilting flower but instead he is proving to be very strong, capable, and very smart in this book. He keeps taking hit after hit and instead of letting it get him down, he is standing up and fighting back not only for him but for Bryce also.
I think that Bryce is the more weak in this book then Seth is. I do not mean that in a bad way either. What I mean is he has done something with Seth he thought he would never do again and that is open up his heart to him and has fallen in love with Seth. To make matters worse, his first love that broke his heart and turned him against love in the first place is the one who is putting both Seth and Bryce at risk. Owen is the one that is stalking both of them and is the one that has endangered both their lives more then once and now Bryce may lose the love that he never expected to find.
What I truly loved about this book is that instead of Bryce and Seth letting Owen come between them like some people might, it has brought them closer and made them even stronger. This is definitely a book about love being extremely powerful and these two men are proof of that.
But the danger is not over and Bryce and Seth are going to have to brace themselves for the storms that are heading their way in the form of Owen. Those who hate cliffhangers will not like this book because it does end in a heck of a cliffhanger but as for me I can't wait till the next one to come out.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
I honestly do not know what Seth or Bryce would do with without the other. I think they both give each other strength that they may not normally have. Their relationship may be new but they work well enough together that one would think they have been together for years and not just weeks. Not to mention the chemistry and love between them is so real that you can feel it billowing off the pages as you read this book about them. They truly are a couple that would and should be rivaled by others because they work so flawlessly together that I believe after even more time together they will be in sync with each more so then a lot of long standing couples.
Seth in my opinion is finally coming into his own in this book. He is not some wilting flower but instead he is proving to be very strong, capable, and very smart in this book. He keeps taking hit after hit and instead of letting it get him down, he is standing up and fighting back not only for him but for Bryce also.
I think that Bryce is the more weak in this book then Seth is. I do not mean that in a bad way either. What I mean is he has done something with Seth he thought he would never do again and that is open up his heart to him and has fallen in love with Seth. To make matters worse, his first love that broke his heart and turned him against love in the first place is the one who is putting both Seth and Bryce at risk. Owen is the one that is stalking both of them and is the one that has endangered both their lives more then once and now Bryce may lose the love that he never expected to find.
What I truly loved about this book is that instead of Bryce and Seth letting Owen come between them like some people might, it has brought them closer and made them even stronger. This is definitely a book about love being extremely powerful and these two men are proof of that.
But the danger is not over and Bryce and Seth are going to have to brace themselves for the storms that are heading their way in the form of Owen. Those who hate cliffhangers will not like this book because it does end in a heck of a cliffhanger but as for me I can't wait till the next one to come out.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
September 1, 2019
Seth e Bryce sono appena rientrati dalla crociera quando una scoperta sul suicidio di Mark scatena una serie di eventi che divengono via via sempre più pericolosi e destabilizzanti. Se il primo capitolo della serie lo abbiamo vissuto all’insegna della scoperta di un sentimento repentino ma vero e profondo, questo secondo volume è all’insegna del pericolo. Un uomo del passato di Bryce tenta con ogni mezzo di danneggiarli psicologicamente e fisicamente.
Seth e Bryce hanno imparato ad amarsi, l’attrazione repentina e incontrollata che hanno provato fin da subito si è trasformata in un sentimento reale. Li abbiamo visti tentare di resistere alle loro emozioni, spaventarsi e colpevolizzarsi, tra dubbi e incertezze, per aver bruciato ogni tappa. L’amore sbocciato ha riportato alla vita Seth, insegnandogli ad essere più presente e accorto, più indipendente e sicuro delle proprie decisioni. Purtroppo alcuni eventi li porranno al centro di intimidazioni e minacce, ricatti e violenza perpetrati da un uomo meschino e subdolo. Un uomo disposto a qualsiasi cosa, anche a uccidere, pur di ottenere tutto ciò che vuole.
Bryce e Seth si ritroveranno al centro di eventi sconvolgenti, situazioni che rafforzeranno i loro sentimenti e scacceranno ogni insicurezza. Insieme, uniti e innamorati, sapranno sostenersi con fiducia ad ogni prova che ritroveranno sul loro cammino, forti dell’amore che li unisce.
Mickie B. Ashling ci racconta una vicenda dal ritmo incalzante grazie a uno stile pulito e lineare. Una storia che sa alternare momenti di leggerezza e sentimento ad altri più ricchi di suspense e/o erotismo.
Seth e Bryce hanno imparato ad amarsi, l’attrazione repentina e incontrollata che hanno provato fin da subito si è trasformata in un sentimento reale. Li abbiamo visti tentare di resistere alle loro emozioni, spaventarsi e colpevolizzarsi, tra dubbi e incertezze, per aver bruciato ogni tappa. L’amore sbocciato ha riportato alla vita Seth, insegnandogli ad essere più presente e accorto, più indipendente e sicuro delle proprie decisioni. Purtroppo alcuni eventi li porranno al centro di intimidazioni e minacce, ricatti e violenza perpetrati da un uomo meschino e subdolo. Un uomo disposto a qualsiasi cosa, anche a uccidere, pur di ottenere tutto ciò che vuole.
Bryce e Seth si ritroveranno al centro di eventi sconvolgenti, situazioni che rafforzeranno i loro sentimenti e scacceranno ogni insicurezza. Insieme, uniti e innamorati, sapranno sostenersi con fiducia ad ogni prova che ritroveranno sul loro cammino, forti dell’amore che li unisce.
Mickie B. Ashling ci racconta una vicenda dal ritmo incalzante grazie a uno stile pulito e lineare. Una storia che sa alternare momenti di leggerezza e sentimento ad altri più ricchi di suspense e/o erotismo.
April 14, 2020
Se nel primo libro della serie ti innamori dei protagonisti, in questo non puoi far altro che innamorarti ancora di più, per quanto è possibile. Seth e Bryce, in questo volume, crescono come coppia. Bryce si rende conto di aver ritrovato con Seth l’amore vero, Seth diventa un uomo capace di riappropriarsi della propria esistenza, liberando finalmente quei sentimenti da sempre repressi.
Veder trasformare quella forte attrazione sessuale in qualcosa di dolce e tangibile come l’amore è la vera magia.
In questo volume Seth svolge un percorso interiore di maturità, di presa di coscienza, di pilastro nella coppia. Se nel primo volume l’attenzione era calamitata da Bryce in questo le redini vengono prese da Seth, che viene amato all’inverosimile dal lettore.
Lo stile dell’autrice è lineare e schietto, semplice e diretto, passionale e romantico, i protagonisti cedono a quei sentimenti dove il cuore è il vero protagonista.
L’amore è il sentimento capace di far vedere le stelle in una notte nuvolosa, stretti in quell’abbraccio con l’uomo della tua vita.
Veder trasformare quella forte attrazione sessuale in qualcosa di dolce e tangibile come l’amore è la vera magia.
In questo volume Seth svolge un percorso interiore di maturità, di presa di coscienza, di pilastro nella coppia. Se nel primo volume l’attenzione era calamitata da Bryce in questo le redini vengono prese da Seth, che viene amato all’inverosimile dal lettore.
Lo stile dell’autrice è lineare e schietto, semplice e diretto, passionale e romantico, i protagonisti cedono a quei sentimenti dove il cuore è il vero protagonista.
L’amore è il sentimento capace di far vedere le stelle in una notte nuvolosa, stretti in quell’abbraccio con l’uomo della tua vita.
January 13, 2017
Second in the series, I read the first, really was surprised that we got a second. We we’re left with what I felt was a nice HFN ending. But when I saw that the story was continued I said sure. I enjoyed these two. Have to say, didn’t see the turn that this story took.
Crazy ex-lovers, homes with issues, growing pains of new relationship all made for a good story.
Seth and Bryce and back home, Seth has decided to take the plunge and while selling the home his lived in his moving in with Bryce. Why wait? It’s right. They may not have said the words but they both know.
Problem is, they gotten some bad news on all fronts.
These two are so supportive together. Where you could tell both had destructive relationships and pasts. Now are healthy and happy. Even when stuff starts happening around them, they both want to be better people. The secondary cast really brings out the whole tale of the story.
Unlike the last book, this one leaves us with a huge cliffy.
Crazy ex-lovers, homes with issues, growing pains of new relationship all made for a good story.
Seth and Bryce and back home, Seth has decided to take the plunge and while selling the home his lived in his moving in with Bryce. Why wait? It’s right. They may not have said the words but they both know.
Problem is, they gotten some bad news on all fronts.
These two are so supportive together. Where you could tell both had destructive relationships and pasts. Now are healthy and happy. Even when stuff starts happening around them, they both want to be better people. The secondary cast really brings out the whole tale of the story.
Unlike the last book, this one leaves us with a huge cliffy.
May 26, 2019
Hmmm. Did not enjoy this one as much as book #1. Seth and Bryce return from the cruise in love and moving in together. They find out that all is not what it seems regarding Mark's death. Seth's world is rocked again but he is better able to handle things now that he has Bryce. Which is the problem - lots of lovey-dovey bits that grew tiresome. They wander into manties land but rather than it being sexy and titillating, it's embarrassing. There is also lots of drama related to an unwelcome visit from Bryce's past who makes Bryce's and Seth's lives miserable. Fair amount of on page violence, too.
There was a bit more telling than showing in this book. Shame because it could have been a great book. So the drama doesn't end in this book. Not entirely sure if I will take my chances on book 3...
There was a bit more telling than showing in this book. Shame because it could have been a great book. So the drama doesn't end in this book. Not entirely sure if I will take my chances on book 3...
September 27, 2024
This one took a bit to get started, but the story picked up and I really ended up enjoying it. Bryce and Seth are back from the cruise and figuring out how to have a relationship now that they are in the "real world". Many people question them or give them trouble because they think Seth should still be grieving or because Bryce has never wanted to settle down before, but the guys make it work and don't let anyone else get in their way. I liked their relationship. I'm looking forward to seeing how it resolves.
August 30, 2019
carino ma pensavo che la storia fosse finita dopo il primo e vederlo diventare una trilogia mi lascia perplessa
July 8, 2022
RECENSIONE A CURA DI EVELYNE
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February 7, 2017
Original review on Molly Lolly
Four and a half stars!
This was a fabulous sequel to Open Seating. I adored seeing more Seth and Bryce. They are so good together it’s lovely watching them get together more. I was pulled in right from the beginning and couldn’t put the book down until I finished the story. I liked how Seth and Bryce handled all the twists and turns throughout the story and stayed true to their relationship no matter what. Like Lil said about “third party” influence, seeing them handle external things was very different than having their relationship rocked by something between the two of them. You can tell they’re still solid together and happily in love.
I adored Seth in this story. He gained so much confidence and showed his inner strength throughout the whole story. I love we get to see him come out of his shell and be this fierce man that sticks up for himself and the people he loves. He’s still gentle when needed but do not mess with him! The way he cares for Bryce and expresses his love is beautiful. I loved reading those scenes.
Bryce came shining through in this story. The way he evolved and was able to show his feelings was wonderful. The tender core under that outer shell is so sweet to see. He treats Seth like gold and I love how he treasures their relationship. He has a few moments of macho posturing but quickly realizes he needs to treat Seth as an equal. I’m really eager to see how he shows his love in the next book.
The suspense aspect of the story had me on the edge of my seat the whole time I was reading. The way it was threaded through the story was effortless and felt natural. I felt bad for all the things Seth and Bryce had to endure. However it made them stronger. I’m left at the end of the story wondering what’s going to happen next. I’m glad I’ve got the next book in the series now to go ahead and read. I’d be pulling my hair out if I had to wait to see what happens next!
Four and a half stars!
This was a fabulous sequel to Open Seating. I adored seeing more Seth and Bryce. They are so good together it’s lovely watching them get together more. I was pulled in right from the beginning and couldn’t put the book down until I finished the story. I liked how Seth and Bryce handled all the twists and turns throughout the story and stayed true to their relationship no matter what. Like Lil said about “third party” influence, seeing them handle external things was very different than having their relationship rocked by something between the two of them. You can tell they’re still solid together and happily in love.
I adored Seth in this story. He gained so much confidence and showed his inner strength throughout the whole story. I love we get to see him come out of his shell and be this fierce man that sticks up for himself and the people he loves. He’s still gentle when needed but do not mess with him! The way he cares for Bryce and expresses his love is beautiful. I loved reading those scenes.
Bryce came shining through in this story. The way he evolved and was able to show his feelings was wonderful. The tender core under that outer shell is so sweet to see. He treats Seth like gold and I love how he treasures their relationship. He has a few moments of macho posturing but quickly realizes he needs to treat Seth as an equal. I’m really eager to see how he shows his love in the next book.
The suspense aspect of the story had me on the edge of my seat the whole time I was reading. The way it was threaded through the story was effortless and felt natural. I felt bad for all the things Seth and Bryce had to endure. However it made them stronger. I’m left at the end of the story wondering what’s going to happen next. I’m glad I’ve got the next book in the series now to go ahead and read. I’d be pulling my hair out if I had to wait to see what happens next!
December 22, 2016
Bryce and Seth are back from their cruise and are starting the next step of their new life together. Step one: move Seth in. Step two: figure out what needs to be done to sell Seth and Mark's home. But, as always, nothing can be that easy. It turns out that there is a lot more work to be done to the Lincoln Park home than Bryce knew. On top of that Seth is faced with the fact that Mark's suicide is being called into question. Just when they think it couldn't get any worse, someone from Bryce's past reappears and may just destroy everything they have.
I enjoyed Open House and it was great catching back up with Seth and Bryce now that they are getting back to their routines and everyday lives. We see a completely different Bryce this time around. You'd have no clue he was anti- monogamy before Seth. I liked the way he embraced being a boyfriend/partner not to mention how he really stepped up to help Seth even though at times it may have been difficult.
In turn, Seth was there for Bryce as well. He didn't let his grieving take over his life, he felt it and talked about it but he also was able to put his all into his relationship with Bryce. He was strong when Bryce needed him to be and he shouldered as much as he could so that they could start building a future together.
The main conflict of the story isn't set around the couple's relationship which made me happy. Instead, they are faced with someone from Bryce's past whose intentions towards the men are far from good. Now the guys are confronted by a sociopath all while dealing with revelations about Mark's illness and suicide.
I definitely recommend Open House, especially if you were a fan of Open Seating. Now I just have to wait for book 3 to be released.
5 Stars!
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by the author/publisher for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*
I enjoyed Open House and it was great catching back up with Seth and Bryce now that they are getting back to their routines and everyday lives. We see a completely different Bryce this time around. You'd have no clue he was anti- monogamy before Seth. I liked the way he embraced being a boyfriend/partner not to mention how he really stepped up to help Seth even though at times it may have been difficult.
In turn, Seth was there for Bryce as well. He didn't let his grieving take over his life, he felt it and talked about it but he also was able to put his all into his relationship with Bryce. He was strong when Bryce needed him to be and he shouldered as much as he could so that they could start building a future together.
The main conflict of the story isn't set around the couple's relationship which made me happy. Instead, they are faced with someone from Bryce's past whose intentions towards the men are far from good. Now the guys are confronted by a sociopath all while dealing with revelations about Mark's illness and suicide.
I definitely recommend Open House, especially if you were a fan of Open Seating. Now I just have to wait for book 3 to be released.
5 Stars!
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by the author/publisher for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*
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October 25, 20165 ++++++
In the first book, Open Seating, Bryce was the strong one, being there for Seth after Mark dies. Feelings become involved and now these two are moving forward as a couple but what or who is lurking in the shadows to cause problems for them?
I fell in love with Seth, he was so vulnerable, but with Bryce by his side, nothing is impossible. Same with Bryce, even though in this installment we see Seth take on the role of being the protector. Even if these two have only been together for a few weeks, which some readers didn't love because of the short time between Mark's death and Seth & Bryce moving forward as a couple, it should be up to the reader to form their own opinion. I for one applaud this author for pushing the buttons, who has a right to determine the length one must grieve before they can move on? The chemistry between Seth & Bryce is hot, they click, they are the ying & yang to each other.
But there outside forces, by way of an ex of Bryce's, who has his own agenda. How many hurdles must they go through, how many fires must they put out, how many things keep getting in their way before they can relax or will the storms take over and sweep them away?
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*
In the first book, Open Seating, Bryce was the strong one, being there for Seth after Mark dies. Feelings become involved and now these two are moving forward as a couple but what or who is lurking in the shadows to cause problems for them?
I fell in love with Seth, he was so vulnerable, but with Bryce by his side, nothing is impossible. Same with Bryce, even though in this installment we see Seth take on the role of being the protector. Even if these two have only been together for a few weeks, which some readers didn't love because of the short time between Mark's death and Seth & Bryce moving forward as a couple, it should be up to the reader to form their own opinion. I for one applaud this author for pushing the buttons, who has a right to determine the length one must grieve before they can move on? The chemistry between Seth & Bryce is hot, they click, they are the ying & yang to each other.
But there outside forces, by way of an ex of Bryce's, who has his own agenda. How many hurdles must they go through, how many fires must they put out, how many things keep getting in their way before they can relax or will the storms take over and sweep them away?
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*
November 10, 2016
So I still think that the MCs relationship feels far too settled for having known each other for such a short length of time but I liked the other plot lines in this story and am looking forward to the next installment.
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