Elisa Rolle's Blog, page 279

2016 Rainbow Awards: Blurred Lines by K.D. Williamson (305-08-22-2016)

Blurred Lines (Cops and Docs #1) by K.D. Williamson
Lesbian Romantic Suspence
Series: Cops and Docs
Paperback: 306 pages
Publisher: Ylva Verlag; 1 edition (February 1, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 3955334937
ISBN-13: 978-3955334932
Amazon: Blurred Lines (Cops and Docs #1)
Amazon Kindle: Blurred Lines (Cops and Docs #1)

Kelli McCabe is a no nonsense detective with a tough exterior. Only a select few know her as a loyal, loving friend. Committed to her family, her friends, and her job, Kelli puts her needs behind everyone else's.As a surgeon, Nora Whitmore is used to being in control. The hospital is her life and leaves room for little else. Respected by her colleagues, but misunderstood by the residents, Nora takes what she needs and keeps everyone at arm's length. In the process, she creates unexpected enemies.Tragedy brings them together. As chaos grows around them, the lines between them begin to blur. Despite being from different worlds, friendship grows between them, turning quickly to attraction. Will these two strong, independent women find a way to deal with their individual baggage? Or will they be overcome by it?

Rainbow Awards Guidelines: http://www.elisarolle.com/rainbowawards/rainbow_awards_2016.html

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2016 Rainbow Awards: Risk (Dark Light #2) by Dusk Peterson (304-08-22-2016)

Risk (Dark Light #2) by Dusk Peterson
LGBT Anthology / Collection / Alternative Universe/Reality
Publisher: Love in Dark Settings Press (August 21, 2016)
Amazon Kindle: Risk (Dark Light #2)

"I hesitated. Was Fairview dead? Was it worth my while to risk my own life for a dead man?"

Until risk arrives, you never know how important the things are that you're required to risk.

A soldier must decide how high a price he is willing to pay for an unspoken bond. A journeyman must choose between an assured future and an untroubled conscience. A boy learns that his life is a lie and must decide which truth he desires. A servant and his beloved master face stark truths as their lives are endangered. A young torturer, satisfied with his lot, gambles everything he has ever valued to learn a new way of treating prisoners. A master must risk the future of his slave, or else risk his own future. . . . "Risk" looks at the dangers and rewards of taking risks.

This second volume of Dark Light collects two novellas (short novels), two novelettes (miniature novels), and two short stories. These tales come from Turn-of-the-Century Toughs, a cycle of alternate history series (The Eternal Dungeon, Dungeon Guards, Michael's House, Life Prison, Commando, Waterman, Young Toughs, and Dark Light) about adults and youths on the margins of society, and the people who love them. Set in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, the novels and stories take place in an alternative version of America that was settled by inhabitants of the Old World in ancient times. As a result, the New World retains certain classical and medieval customs.

Volume Contents
"The Unanswered Question" (The Eternal Dungeon). No weapons, no allies, and no guarantees that he will survive the test.
"The Lure" (Young Toughs). His entire life has been a secret. Now he must rip open the secret.
"Journey to Manhood" (Young Toughs). "Perhaps, when they spoke next, the other young man could tell Simmons of any masters here who were in need of an apprentice who was perilously close to the age of journeymanship."
"Lost Haven: a master, his servant, and a disappearing island" (Waterman). Amidst a servant's nightmare, can a haven of hope be found?
"Master's Piece" (Waterman). He was his master's piece: the model for his master's sculptures. But his master was different.
"Spy Hill" (Commando). On a hot summer's day, on a high hill surrounded by the enemy, the best battle-companion can turn out to be the truth.

Rainbow Awards Guidelines: http://www.elisarolle.com/rainbowawards/rainbow_awards_2016.html

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2016 Rainbow Awards: Nobody’s Son by Shae Connor (303-08-22-2016)

Nobody’s Son (Sons #3) by Shae Connor
Gay Contemporary Romance
Paperback: 200 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (November 16, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 162380969X
ISBN-13: 978-1623809690
Amazon: Nobody’s Son (Sons #3)
Amazon Kindle: Nobody’s Son (Sons #3)

Who wouldn’t want a nice cup of tall, dark, and gorgeous? Shaun Rogers does. He's working at the front desk of a clothing-optional gay resort when Conrad “Con” Brooks walks in. The sweet, funny, and smart IT guy is there to install a new network and security system, and sparks fly between the two men from the start. Trouble is, Shaun’s hiding his sexuality from his grandmother, the only family he has left, and that makes him reluctant to take the leap with Con.

Then a man claiming to be Shaun’s absent father shows up out of nowhere, throwing Shaun completely off balance. His life spiraling toward chaos, Shaun soon discovers that his “father” is hiding secrets of his own. When things come to a head between them, it’s Con who comes to Shaun’s rescue―but the incident could force Shaun into a decision he’s not sure he’s ready to make.

Rainbow Awards Guidelines: http://www.elisarolle.com/rainbowawards/rainbow_awards_2016.html

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2016 Rainbow Awards: Other Side of the Line by Marguerite Labbe (302-08-22-2016)

Other Side of the Line by Marguerite Labbe
Gay Historical Romance
Paperback: 330 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (September 18, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1634765842
ISBN-13: 978-1634765848
Amazon: Other Side of the Line
Amazon Kindle: Other Side of the Line

Caleb Hudson and Hal Zimmer became best friends the day they stood up against the schoolyard bully together. Life’s complicated enough with their friendship crossing racial lines in 1960s Charleston, South Carolina, but as time passes, they realize it’s more than their friendship that sets them apart from other kids. At first, Caleb denies his feelings for Hal could be more than companionship. He supports his friend when Hal admits he’s gay, but Caleb isn’t ready to face his own truth.

Hal becomes a staunch antiwar protester, and the divide between them widens after Caleb is drafted. But when Caleb returns from Vietnam, the time for denial is over. His homecoming sets off a series of events that force Caleb and Hal to confront their desires and what lines they’re willing to cross to get what they truly want out of life.

Rainbow Awards Guidelines: http://www.elisarolle.com/rainbowawards/rainbow_awards_2016.html

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2016 Rainbow Awards: Dragon Dreams & Fairy Wings by Bailey Bradford (301-08-21-2016)

Dragon Dreams & Fairy Wings (Fire and Flutter #1) by Bailey Bradford
Gay Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Rainbow Ninja Press; 1 edition (February 25, 2016)
Amazon Kindle: Dragon Dreams & Fairy Wings (Fire and Flutter #1)

What happens when a fairy loses his wings—and his memory?

Griff was born a Love fairy, but he never quite fit in. He didn't want to be part of a harem, at least...he didn't think he wanted that. What with his wings gone and his memory damaged, he can't be certain of what he felt in the past. All he does know is, he wants his wings back. Without them, he's grounded.

Blaze is a dragon shifter who tends to stick his foot in his mouth—and some other parts in other places—when he really shouldn't. His brother is the king, and his sister-in-law Bonny is scary. Blaze's last screw-up got him grounded, unable to shift into his dragon form. His punishment seems harsh to him, but there's no escaping it.

Then the Love fairies come to the castle to work on forming an alliance. Blaze has about had it with guarding the horny beings, and he's disappointed that they don't stay small and cute. He almost commits a major faux-pas when he swats at something buzzing him, and it turns out to be a fairy on a dragonfly.

And from that snarky meeting, something wonderful, and dangerous, will come.

Rainbow Awards Guidelines: http://www.elisarolle.com/rainbowawards/rainbow_awards_2016.html

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GRL Featured Blog: Wade Kelly

Interview with Ellis Montgomery on Release Day of JOCK 3

Oh My Gosh, Oh My Gosh, Oh My Gosh! Back Off! That’s My Jock is OUT! Today is Release Day! I can’t believe it! You can order it HERE.

You’ve probably noticed I’ve done a number of character interviews for this tour where the characters ask ME questions. I thought it was a bit different, and hopefully entertaining. We’ve spoken with Doug Archer, Sam Garber, and Rob McAvoy. For release day, why don’t we go back to the beginning and chat with Ellis Montgomery. Don’t you think that would be fun?

If you are unfamiliar with my JOCK Series, it began in December 2012 with the release of My Roommate’s a Jock? Well, Crap! In the first book Cole Reid needs a roommate and is looking for anyone but a jock. In steps Ellis! Ellis is the star soccer player at Gettysburg College and moves in with Cole. Their relationship is history, so to say, since they were the couple in book 1. Book 2 came three years later in December 2015. No! Jocks Don’t Date Guys features a new couple, Chris and Alonzo. The plot ends in mid-October with playoffs in sight. Chris has a best friend in book 2, Doug Archer, who is featured in book 3. These book can be read out of order, but it is not recommended. For die hard fans, I also have a free short on All Romance eBooks entitled Oh, Crap! This Jock’s Getting Married.



Wade: Welcome Ellis Montgomery to the interview today.

Ellis: It’s great to be here. I’m really happy to see the progression of the characters in JOCK 3 and how we all interact. May I ask, how did you decide on the theme for this book?

Wade: Nothing like jumping straight into the interview.

Ellis: *chuckles*

Wade: I love soccer. My son played high school soccer so I paid close attention. After so many years had passed between JOCK 1 & JOCK 2, I knew I had to come up with another couple and another storyline. You and Cole had to have graduated by then. I also didn’t want to lose you. The brilliant idea of you coaching instead of playing just popped into my head. After JOCK 2, I had to thing of what to do with Doug. He’d had a rough time in JOCK 2, but his story was more complicated in my head. Originally, my story wasn’t going to be about a bisexual player, but as I wrote JOCK 2 last year, it was apparent the plot I was foreshadowing for JOCK 3 was too complicated for me, so I changed it. Since Doug was dating girls in book 2, it made sense to either have him discover his bisexuality throughout the book, or write him as a gay man who suppressed his attraction to guys and dated girls because it was easy or socially acceptable. I sort of did that in Names Can Never Hurt Me, sort of, so I went with bisexuality in a way to show it’s okay to be bi and you don’t have to be ashamed of it.

Ellis: Wow. Cool. I for one am glad you did it that way. I saw the whole soccer team pause and look at Doug to figure out where they stood on the matter of sexuality in relation to friendship, soccer, and life. Thanks for that. What cultural value to do see in writing/storytelling?

Wade: I really strive to write what I see in culture, and I think the benefit is that readers in other areas of the world can get a different perspective. Or, they can see the same perspective and not feel so alone. No matter how LGBTQ rights have progressed in the last few years, there are still people who feel isolated and alone in their sexuality. I am someone who doesn’t want that person to feel alone. New York and L.A. may be relatively same to live out, but there are still plenty of places where bullying can lead to suicide. Therefore, I think storytelling can open peoples’ eyes to situations they hadn’t dreamed of before.

Ellis: What did you enjoy most about writing Back Off! That’s My Jock?

Wade: Writing ALL my characters into the story. (Except for one.) In JOCK 2 I introduced another set of soccer players, but the main focus was on Chris Jackson and his relationship with Alonzo Martin. Since I build the surrounding characters in book 1 & 2, I could simply write the story in book 3. There wasn’t as much history to build and explanation. You knew who they were. The biggest part of “telling” came in chapter one where I give a brief summary of book 2 to catch the readers up to where I was going to begin book 3. I reminded readers what Doug did in book 2 before he steps onto the field for practice and meets the new player on the team. I enjoyed bringing ALL the characters in as major parts of Doug’s personal development. The biggest part of that was his new friendship with Rob.

Ellis: I’m really glad you wrote that. Rob has needed a friend since Russell left for Japan and I got married. I think he’s been drifting for a long time. Doug was good for him. How did you get where you are in life today? Did you suffer an absence of friendship like Rob, or get bullied like Cole?

Wade: Not exactly, but I think the similarities are there. In 2010 I lost all my friends because I wrote a book with gay characters and the church I attended at the time blamed me for the three gay kids in the church. Somehow I turned them gay even though none of them knew I wrote a book with gay characters. The main character in that book was 46 and I didn’t see how anyone would think I wrote it about them. Being alone because of narrow-minded religious zealots made me rethink how I felt about gay people. I was shunned and I wasn’t even gay. I saw a glimpse of how cruel people could be toward things they didn’t understand. I then learned over time my views differed from the one in some of the churches I’d been to. I believe people are born gay (LGBTQ, etc.), but there were others who think it is a choice. In my opinion, no one would choose to be bullied, condemned, put in prison, or killed for his/her/their sexuality. It would be much easier to choose to be straight. In a small comparison (not meant to belittle), it would be easier and more acceptable to the world for me to write straight romance. I wouldn’t have gotten thrown out of church and I wouldn’t have lost my friendships. However, I believe things happen for a reason and I choose not to do the acceptable, mainstream thing, but to stand for something meaningful. I stand for equality. I want to promote hope. I want to write about the culture we live in, and change the way people think one book at a time. In short, I HAVE felt things like Cole and Rob, but I’ve also lived experiences similar to my other characters. I may not be gay myself, but I do live the same human experience in many ways. And I write to express what is inside my heart.

Ellis: Thank you. I don’t really have any words for that. I’m glad for the part I have in your JOCK series. I remember being reluctant and shy in the first book, but I’ve grown a lot in the last few years. If my character is a part of your heart then it explains why I’ve grown to be more assertive and happier. That’s you, isn’t it?

Wade: Indeed. I’ve worked through my aggression and anger with Doug’s character in Back Off! That’s My Jock, as well as pouring my happiness into you, Ellis. Maybe in the following JOCK books, you’ll see even more happiness in your life.

Ellis: So you are saying there will be more JOCK books in the future?

Wade: Yes. I’m writing JOCK 4, and I have a plan for JOCK 5. There could be a sixth one if it comes to mind, but for now I plan on 4 & 5 for sure. Is there anything you’d like to see happen in those books?

Ellis: I’d like Cole to find personal fulfillment. I know he’s frustrated with his job. I’d like Rob to find love. And I think I’d like to see Chris have a great senior year.

Wade: I think I can handle that. These will be things the readers can look forward to in the next few JOCK books. In the mean time, read JOCK 1, 1.5, 2, & 3. For details of my free short, visit my website or email me: writerwadekelly@gmail.com

Back Off! That’s My Jock (The JOCK Series #3)
Series: Jock (Book 3)
Paperback: 290 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (August 26, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1634775627
ISBN-13: 978-1634775625
Amazon: Back Off! That’s My Jock (The JOCK Series #3)
Amazon Kindle: Back Off! That’s My Jock (The JOCK Series #3)

Defining his sexuality didn’t make sense until his best friend spelled it out.

Doug Archer did some pretty idiotic things in the first eight weeks of his junior year of college. First, he kissed his gay best friend, and second, he kissed a guy he’d mistaken for a girl. Not stellar moments for Doug. If he isn’t careful, he’ll lose his spot on the soccer team to the new freshman, or worse, he might misconstrue his new friend Rob’s overly affectionate tendencies for flirting. But if Doug isn’t bothered by another guy’s attention, and he normally dates girls, does that mean he’s gay or bisexual?

Sam Garber suppressed his same-sex attraction his entire life. His father told him it was immoral, and Sam did everything he could to bury his feelings. However, after meeting Doug at a party and kissing him, Sam can’t think of anything else. He decides dating girls is the best way to keep his secret hidden. With playoffs in sight, this is no time to think about guys in any other context than soccer. Only, neither boy anticipates the difficulty in suppressing his attraction for another jock!

Wade: I guess that concludes the interview for this guest post. Thank you, Ellis for joining me, and thank you Elisa Rolle for hosting me. Join me for more fun on the other stops of this tour:

July 27th – Caraway Carter’s Wednesday Walkabout
August 1st – Jeff and Will’s Big Gay Fiction Podcast.
August 17th – 2 Chicks Obsessed
August 19th – Prism Alliance
August 22nd – Love Bytes Reviews
August 24th – Ashley John’s blog
August 25th – Dreamspinner Press’ Blog
August 26th – Release Day! I’m on Elisa Rolle’s blog
August 29TH – Joyfully Jay
August 30th – Long & Short Reviews
August 31st – TTC Books & More
September 2nd – MM Good Book Reviews

I hope you enjoy release day as much as I will! Whoot!!!



As for the giveaways… I, Wade Kelly, will be giving away one GRAND PRIZE (items listed below) and three runner up prizes of a $10 gift card for Amazon. What you need to do is leave a comment. ALL comments are logged for a chance at the prizes. ONLY those who leave a comment on ALL eleven blog stops will be entered into the Grand Prize drawing. Last time I think there were 15 people in the Grand Prize drawing.

Note: If we’ve never chatted and you aren’t on Facebook, it is a good idea to leave an e-mail address because I need to know how to reach you. If I can’t, and I reply to your comment on the blog post that you’ve won but don’t hear from you, I have to give the prize to the next person on my list. Each comment gets you a chance in the drawing. If you leave one on each, that is eleven entries PLUS you are listed in the Grand Prize drawing. For a reminder if the rules, and where I’m stopping next, visit my blog post HERE.

Grand Prize includes all of the following:
1) One of my famous spoons in the colors of your choice
2) A $10 gift card from Amazon
3) One paperback signed from my back list (Not counting JOCK 3)
4) An e-book copy of JOCK 4, when it comes out.
5) And last, but not least, a soccer jersey for the player of your choice from the players in JOCK 3. (I’ll list them on my website along with pictures of the jerseys. They come in adult S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, & 4XL)

So there you go. If you have any questions, please let me know. Comment here or email me: writerwadekelly@gmail.com

As an aside for those who are attending GRL who may want some of my books in paperback, I will not be selling anything in Kansas City. If you want Misplaced Affection, e-mail me. Any other book Dreamspinner may be bringing, but most likely they will only have my recent books. If you pre-order it, meaning you tell me what you want and pay me, I WILL BRING IT TO YOU IN KANSAS CITY.

I can be found on:
Web: www.writerwadekelly.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wadekellywriter
Face book Fan group, The Wade Brigade: https://www.facebook.com/groups/24797...
Blog: writerwadekelly.blogspot.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/WriterWadeKelly
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writerwadek...
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/writerwadeke...

Bio: Wade Kelly lives and writes in conservative, small-town America on the east coast where it’s not easy to live free and open in one's beliefs. Wade writes passionately about controversial issues and strives to make a difference by making people think. Wade does not have a background in writing or philosophy, but still draws from personal experience to ponder contentious subjects on paper. There is a lot of pain in the world and people need hope. When not writing, she is thinking about writing, and more than likely scribbling ideas on sticky notes in the car while playing "taxi driver" for her children. She likes snakes, can’t spell, and has a tendency to make people cry.




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2016 Rainbow Awards: Destined Prey by Bailey Bradford (300-08-21-2016)

Destined Prey (Wild Ones #1) by Bailey Bradford
Gay Paranormal Romance
Series: Wild Ones
Paperback: 146 pages
Publisher: Rainbow Ninja Press (December 18, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1523338377
ISBN-13: 978-1523338375
Amazon: Destined Prey (Wild Ones #1)
Amazon Kindle: Destined Prey (Wild Ones #1)

All Jack Tucker wanted was to come home for a little while and try to figure out where his life had gone wrong. Moving from Wyoming to New York hadn’t turned out the way he’d thought it would, and a bad breakup leaves him bruised in more than just the emotional sense. He doesn’t expect to be glad he’s back on the Double T Ranch with his brother, Rhett, and he sure doesn’t expect to find the place crawling with coywolves, wolves, and coyotes. There seems to be some kind of animal-warfare going on, and he and Rhett are caught in the middle of it. Coywolves—the hybrid of wolves and coyotes, hated by both, and more predatory than either. Add in the fact that all the battling species are shifters, and there’s bound to be trouble. Ben Akers is part of his brother’s pack. The only coywolf shifters in existence, they find themselves under constant attack from wolf and coyote packs determined to make the Akers pack extinct. But coywolves don’t die out so easy, and when Ben’s life takes a surprising turn in the form of one sexy human named Jack Tucker, they’re both in for surprises, danger, and, if Destiny rules, an abiding love that most people—and shifters—only dream of.

Rainbow Awards Guidelines: http://www.elisarolle.com/rainbowawards/rainbow_awards_2016.html

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2016 Rainbow Awards: Moment of Silence by Karen Stivali (299-08-21-2016)

Moment of Silence (Moments In Time #4) by Karen Stivali
Gay Contemporary Romance
Paperback: 230 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (December 18, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1623808979
ISBN-13: 978-1623808976
Amazon: Moment of Silence (Moments In Time #4)
Amazon Kindle: Moment of Silence (Moments In Time #4)

A Moments In Time Novel

Growing up, Jason Stern led a charmed life complete with devoted sisters, a father who was one of Brooklyn’s most respected rabbis, and a mother who made the world's best babka. He headed to NYU ready for anything―except falling for the wrong guy, coming out, and getting disowned by his once-loving family. In spite of that, Jason managed to graduate with honors. He's got friends who treat him like family, and he's proudly running the largest LGBTQ teen shelter in Manhattan. Life is good, but he's still falling for the wrong men.

When charming, sexy Quinn Fitzpatrick begins work at the shelter, Jason falls hard and fast. Quinn is tall, blond, funny―damn near perfect. Only if Quinn’s gay, even he doesn't seem to know it. If he does, he's not telling anyone. And he's about one ceremony away from becoming a Catholic priest.

Long hours of work turn to long nights of talking and laughter, and Jason dares to hope this time he's falling for the right guy. But Quinn's got a past to deal with and major decisions to make about his future. When Quinn leaves for a silent retreat, Jason knows the silence may change everything.

Rainbow Awards Guidelines: http://www.elisarolle.com/rainbowawards/rainbow_awards_2016.html

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2016 Rainbow Awards: Two Natures by Jendi Reiter (298-08-20-2016)

Two Natures by Jendi Reiter
Gay Contemporary General Fiction
Paperback: 376 pages
Publisher: Saddle Road Press (September 15, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0996907424
ISBN-13: 978-0996907422
Amazon: Two Natures
Amazon Kindle: Two Natures

Jendi Reiter's debut novel offers a backstage look at the glamour and tragedy of 1990s New York City through the eyes of Julian Selkirk, an aspiring fashion photographer. Coming of age during the height of the AIDS epidemic, Julian worships beauty and romance, however fleeting, as substitutes for the religion that rejected him. His spiritual crisis is one that too many gay youth still face today. This genre-bending novel couples the ambitious political analysis of literary fiction with the pleasures of an unconventional love story. Vivid social realism, enriched by unforgettable characters, eroticism, and wit, make Two Natures a satisfying read of the highest sort.

Rainbow Awards Guidelines: http://www.elisarolle.com/rainbowawards/rainbow_awards_2016.html

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2016 Rainbow Awards: Four Steps by Wendy Hudson (297-08-18-2016)

Four Steps by Wendy Hudson
Lesbian Romantic Suspence
Paperback: 364 pages
Publisher: Ylva Verlag e.Kfr.; 1 edition (August 21, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 3955336905
ISBN-13: 978-3955336905
Amazon: Four Steps
Amazon Kindle: Four Steps

Alex Ryan lives a simple life. She has her farm in the Scottish countryside, and the self-imposed seclusion suits her until a crime that has haunted her for years tears through the calm and shatters the fragile peace she’d finally managed to find. Lori Hunter’s greatest love is the mountains. They’re her escape from the constant hustle and bustle of everyday life. Growing up was neither traditional nor easy for Lori, but now she’s beginning to realise she’s settled for both. A dead-end relationship and little to look forward to. Her solution when the suffocation sets in? Run for the hills. A chance encounter in the mountains of the Scottish Highlands leads Alex and Lori into a whirlwind of heartache and a fight for survival as they build a formidable bond that will be tested to its ultimate limits.

Rainbow Awards Guidelines: http://www.elisarolle.com/rainbowawards/rainbow_awards_2016.html

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