Book Reviews

Book Blurb

Ryder Daniels is all too familiar with rejection. His parents cut off contact because he’s gay and his boyfriend left him, choosing drugs over love. Aside from his rescued pit bull, his only joy is hanging out with his younger brother. Then his mother does the unthinkable and forbids them to see each other, leaving Ryder devastated and alone. His friends urge him to date, but Ryder would rather throw himself into working at the dog rescue and figuring out a way to see his brother again.

When Jason Mallory’s girlfriend gives him an ultimatum to get married, he shocks everyone by breaking up with her instead. He believes he's too busy for a relationship now that the construction company he started with his brother is taking off. When he discovers a group of abandoned pit bulls and calls the local dog rescue group to pick them up, an uncomfortable encounter with Ryder causes Jason to question feelings he’s hidden deep inside for years.

Jason and Ryder build a friendship, until an unexpected kiss sparks the attraction they’ve been fighting. Jason gives Ryder unconditional love and helps him reconnect with his brother while Ryder shows Jason the passion he’s always missed in relationships. Together they must battle through their family differences and ugly prejudices. Only then can they prove that once you find the right person to love, there’s no turning back.

 

 

NOTE: This book was previsuly published at Loose Id in August 2014.

 

Book Review

There is, in my mind, nothing better than reading an author's debut novel. Getting the opportunity to hear a new voice is a very exciting thing. I'm thrilled to be able to say that Felice Stevens caught my attention within just a few pages. I'm not talking about the story arc, I'm talking about the writing, the ebb and flow of her words, the syntax, and the dialogue. It was immediately apparent, to me, that I was going to enjoy this maiden voyage.

I absolutely adored Ryder from the moment he appeared. He's had it rough and he's so sad in the beginning. Ryder hasn't seen or spoken to his parents in three months and some days the only thing keeping him sane is his calls and texts with his little brother, Landon. But the chilling call from his mother on the day of thanks, and then his subsequent discovery that she's blocked him from contacting Landon, is almost too much. After being burned pretty badly, twice, Ryder has no intention of ever falling in love again. He has been single for a year, and if it wasn't for his rescued pit bull, Pearl, he doesn't think he'd make it. Ryder, along with his best friends, Connor and Emily, make up the legal heart and soul of Rescue Me, a pit bull rescue which Connor and Emily started. Ryder handles the legal issues, along with Connor, and he also does rescues.

Jason, on the other hand, has been dating a girl for three years and he feels las though he's in a rut. She has no interest in anything other than looking pretty and spending her daddy's money. Jason and his brother are still getting their construction company off the ground and Jason is starting to wonder if any of it is worth it. When she throws the marriage ultimatum at him, Jason says enough is enough. He's done with relationships for awhile and he's not going to listen to the little voice in his head or the memory of a secret desire he keeps pushing down.

After Ryder and Jason meet over the rescue of abused dogs, they slowly become friends, with Ryder hanging at the neighborhood bar with Jason, his brothers, and his friends. When Ryder's mother once again steps in and takes away any chance Ryder has of spending time with his brother, he's devastated. He gets drunk at the bar that night and Jason drives him home. Much to both of their surprise, some kissing and making out happens, but Ryder pushes Jason away. Ryder is tired of always being second choice and he's certainly not going to get involved with a straight guy. But Jason isn't completely straight. Certainly not when he's having dreams about Ryder, and Jason isn't about to give up on these feelings. Of course, coming out can have a lot of repercussions that neither of them counted on.

What a wonderful book! Yes, the story was a little predictable, however, I'll read a slightly predictable story from this new author any day over established writers. Felice Stevens really captured the emotion in a way that struck me as realistic and helped me to enjoy this book even more. The animal rights portion hit home for me and, more than anything, I loved the epilogue. Excellent job, Felice! I'm looking forward to reading more by you.

 

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been provided by the author for the purpose of a review.

Additional Information

Format	ebook
Length	Novel, 85000 words
Heat Level
Publication Date	05-September-2016
Price	$3.99 ebook
Buy Link	https://www.amazon.com/Rescued-Felice-Stevens-ebook/dp/B01LBQLEP6