Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Release Day Blitz for Moment of Truth by Karen Stivali (Review)

After reading the previous book in this series I was consumed with watching two young men's romance progress.  I'm excited to return to the haven Collin and Tanner have found with each other and now give you a glimpse of Moment of Truth by Karen Stivali, the second installment in the Moments In Time series.  You can also learn my impressions of this book and add the first installment to your bookshelf (if you haven't yet) as it's on sale for a limited time......

Collin expected to spend another summer fixing cars and working at the college pizzeria. Instead, he's living in a beach house on Fire Island, waiting tables at a hip seaside restaurant and, for the first time since he and Tanner got together, they can publicly be known as boyfriends. Being "out" takes some getting used to, but with the help of new and old friends, Collin is happier than he ever imagined. And more in love. But newfound freedom brings unexpected challenges, and when friends get flirty, old insecurities arise. Moments of doubt and jealousy threaten their happiness, and Collin and Tanner must confront the truth or risk losing it all.

BUY LINKS:  DREAMSPINNER PRESS |  AMAZON (US)  |  AMAZON (UK)  |  AMAZON (AU)  |  ARe  |  BN


PREVIOUS BOOK IN THE SERIES, ON SALE FOR $0.99 UNTIL MARCH 17TH!.......

Outside Collin Fitzpatrick’s dorm room is a dangerous place. Beyond his door the students of his small, conservative college think he’s straight, as does his Catholic family who'd disown him if they learned the truth. Inside, he’s safe with his incredibly sexy roommate Tanner D’Amico. Their room makes a perfect place to hide away and fall in love. The moment they cross the line from roommates to lovers, Collin becomes caught between their heavenly passionate encounters and the hellish reality that someone might find out and destroy everything. Tanner's not used to being so confined, and wants to show the world how much he loves Collin. But Collin’s not sure he’s ready for the impact stepping outside will make.

BUY LINKS:  DREAMSPINNER PRESS |  AMAZON (US)  |  AMAZON (UK)  |  AMAZON (AU)  |  ARe

MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

Just when Collin and Tanner seem to be heading in the right direction, Collin's jealousy and Tanner's tendency to comfort others takes their burgeoning relationship down a rocky road.  When a summer spent away from familial and peer pressures turns from heaven to hell, their commitment to each other is put to the test in this sweet and sensual, yet heartbreaking at times,  tale.  Along with seeing a maturing and compelling Collin and Tanner we're also introduced to a cast of secondary characters, among them is friend Wendy from the first book, whose love lives add to the drama.

From start to finish this story had a nice flow that captivated me and held me in it's sweetly romantic embrace.  Collin and Tanner are so cute together as they learn what it's like to have a mature and committed relationship.  They talk through things and experiment together with Collin taking the lead more often than in the past.  Tanner's still the more supportive one, constantly worried that things might be too much for Collin when it comes to coming out at school, but for this one summer they're trying to leave those worries behind.  Collin's self-doubts and jealousy over Tanner's experience, good looks, and bisexuality leave him questioning their commitment though and making a poor choice one evening that forces them to fully admit their feelings.  It's a true test of their commitment that left me worried for their future.

This was a satisfying sequel to the previously emotional coming out of Collin to himself and others.  I enjoyed the give and take of these two young men as their relationship goes to more mature levels.  The sexual interludes get more intense as they become more comfortable with each other with these scenes nicely spaced throughout the story.  They're a compelling couple with feelings and actions that are believable and that put readers through the emotional wringer along with them.  The cast of secondary characters are colorful and engaging and have their own drama that affects Collin and Tanner too, putting their relationship further in jeopardy.  All in all this was a delightful read that has me greatly anticipating the next installment to see how Collin and Tanner have weathered the emotional storm battering them from the outside world.

My rating for this is an A-

*I got this book from the author for review in exchange for my honest opinion.

AUTHOR INFO:

Karen Stivali is a prolific writer, compulsive baker and chocoholic with a penchant for books, movies, and fictional British men. She's also the multiple award-winning author of contemporary and erotic romances. Her lifelong fascination with people has led her to careers ranging from hand-drawn animator, to party planner, to marriage and family counselor, but writing has always been her passion. Karen enjoys nothing more than following her characters on their journey toward love. Whether the couples are m/f or m/m, it’s guaranteed that Karen's novels are filled with food, friendship, love, and smoking hot sex—all the best things in life. 
When Karen isn’t writing (and often when she is), she can be found on Twitter attempting witty banter and detailing the antics of her fruit-loving cat, BadKitteh. She loves to hear from readers (and other writers), so don't hesitate to contact/follow her.

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