Friday, June 22, 2018

Release Blitz: Something About You by Riley Hart (Reviews, Excerpt + Giveaway)

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SOMETHING ABOUT YOU
RILEY HART
M/M ROMANCE
RELEASE DATE: 06.19.18

Something About You Cover
COVER DESIGN: X-Potion Designs
PHOTOGRAPHER: Wilson Models

BLURB

Lucky Tyler Holloway has never felt particularly lucky. Frankly, he's about as regular as can be. He works construction with his brothers, loves his small-town life, and shares a close bond with his family—especially his grandmother. Okay, so maybe he has a few secrets in his closet, like his bisexuality…and that other thing he doesn’t talk about… Maybe that's why he's always felt a little like an outsider.

Grayson St. Claire has it all: a dream job in LA, money, freedom. Saint has no attachments, which is just the way he likes it. Still, he’d be lying if he didn’t admit he missed his deceased parents who were the only family he had... Until he gets an e-mail from some guy named Tyler revealing the existence of a grandmother he’s never met, and prompting Saint to drop everything to drive across the country.

Saint and Tyler couldn't be more different. Tyler hates the guy on sight, but there's something about Tyler that gets under Saint's skin. It’s not until they get to know one another that everything begins to change. But the Holloways and St. Claire’s have secrets, and their pasts are tied together in tragic ways they don’t know about. The odds are stacked against them and between their distance and their differences, Lucky and Saint have to admit that love alone might not be enough.

Something-About-You---Teaser-3 Something-About-You---Teaser-4
EXCERPT

Fuck. He really hated Sienna right now. But the truth was, Tyler was attracted to Saint, and he sort of hated himself for it. Saint represented everything that annoyed the shit out of Tyler. He was arrogant and full of himself. He had money, and he wanted everyone to know it. He obviously had a grudge against or didn’t understand small-town life. They were too different, so the attraction didn’t make much sense. You don’t have to know or like someone to think they’re sexy. Ugh. Truth.


He shifted uncomfortably. “You’re crazy. I don’t even like the guy.”


“And?” Sienna asked. “Since when do we have to like someone to be attracted to them? I know you’re Mr. Nice Guy, but hate sex is some of the best sex you can have. Billy and I—”


“Can you not?” Tyler cut her off. “I don’t want to hear any more about your sex life with Billy, and there’s no chance I’d have sex with Saint—hate sex or not.” Jesus, were they really going to do this? “Plus…even if I wanted to have sex with him—which again, I don’t—I’m not into fucking someone I don’t like, especially the first time I’m with a man, and I’m sure he’s straight anyway.” Just like everyone assumed Tyler was straight…and he had himself until he’d admitted the attractions he’d felt.


He couldn’t believe he was having this conversation. He wanted to go back to before he’d admitted to Sienna he thought he might be bi. Well, he was pretty sure he was obviously bi. But it just felt…strange to have this conversation with her. To discuss his sexuality, which he was still working through himself, a sexuality he hadn’t yet explored outside of a kiss. How in the world did someone know if another man was gay or bi anyway? Hell, the man who kissed him had done it without any confirmation from Tyler. How had he known it wasn’t a quick way to get his ass beat—or worse?


Sienna reached over and patted his thigh. “Oh, my dear, sweet friend. You are so innocent sometimes. He was totally checking you out.”


“He was?” slipped out before Tyler could hold it back. “I mean, I don’t care if he was. I’m not interested. This isn’t a game to me, Si.”


She sighed, and he could see the guilt in her eyes. “You think I don’t know that? I want you to have every experience, though.” She moved the bowl from between them and leaned against his side. Tyler wrapped his arm around her, Sienna’s head in the crook. “I’m sorry. I know I’m a little much sometimes. I definitely don’t want to push away the one person who always stays. I don’t know what I’d ever do without you.”


“Hey.” He tilted her head toward him. “I’m not the only one who stays, and I’d never leave you. I hope you’re not talking about Billy either. You walked away from him, and you should have. That’s nothing on you.”


“I know. I don’t know what’s wrong with me.” She snuggled into him again, and he thought, not for the first time, how much easier life would be if he were in love with Sienna. Not just because she was a woman. There were other single women in town, and if he were interested, he could date them. He had dated some of them, but he and Sienna had always gotten each other on a different level. They understood each other and cared about each other. They had fun together, but anything other than friendship wasn’t there between them. Not on Tyler’s side, nor hers.


“I don’t ever want anything to hold you back. You’re the best person I know. Why shouldn’t you have every experience possible? Why shouldn’t you know what it’s like to be with a man? And he’s sort of the perfect person because he’s leaving and he wants to jump your bones. I could see it.”


Rating: 5 ++++ stars

Something About You is a standalone book by Riley Hart, and in my opinion, this is a classic Riley Hart book. I fell in love with this author’s writing when I read Crossroads and years later, nothing has changed for me. Riley writes diverse, imperfect characters and this book is no exception. She surrounds her characters with memorable supporting characters that just further brings a story to life.

Saint and Lucky were a true picture of opposites attract. One man is black and one is white; one man is all about family and one is not; one man is about small town living, the other city living; one man is about taking his time to enjoy the scenery, the other about speeding from adventure to adventure; one man is about one night stands, the other is not. The one thing they do have in common is attraction, though neither man will give in easily.

Lucky was a very likable character, from the very beginning. He seemed young, naive and with a good heart. He loved spending time with his best friend, his family and his grandmas. He had a good life and though he thinks there’s more out there, he’s content in the life he has built for himself. But, there are aspects of himself that Lucky hasn’t explored and he longs to do so. Saint was not as likable for me, at first. But, the more the story unfolds, the more you get to see Saint and understand him. Saint’s life has a lot of hidden secrets, some of them so sad. His story is a great reminder that life is short, don’t put something important off for another day because you don’t really know that you’ll be around for that day.

This book made me smile, laugh, sigh and cry. For me, this was truly just a perfect, beautiful read. Lucky, Saint and their story is one that will stay with me and one that I will read again and again. As sweet as this story is, let’s not forget that no one writes a smoking hot story like Riley Hart! Even though I’ve read so many books from her, never has any scene between two MC’s felt or seemed repetitive. Lucky has a lot to learn about himself and Saint is up to the job!

I absolutely loved the cover on this book and everything that followed that cover! The one thing I wished for more of, was Saint and Lucky once they made their decision about their life. But, I’m one of those people who love to read the neat HEA and see future interactions of the couple. Regardless, that doesn’t stop me from loving or recommending this book to everyone!

**A copy was provided to me by the author for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement**




5 Stars!

This book gave me all the feels! I could not put it down! This beautifully written story is about two men, Saint and Lucky, coming together from very different backgrounds (small town v. big city), finances, education, families (only child v. large family) and races. These differences alone could make for a meaty story with angst and overcoming obstacles, but I think what really sets this novel apart is how Saint helps Lucky explore his sexuality and kinks in a such a safe and supportive way. Saint knows who he is and doesn't do relationships and Lucky being from the small town, thinks he knows who he is but isn’t sure… Saint agrees to help Lucky explore his wants and needs temporarily and from there, their love blooms to the point where they need each other. The growth of love between these characters is almost a tangible thing. Even with the backdrop of tragedy, misunderstandings and differences, their love seems so real and strong.

I often get frustrated with MCs that tend to get in their own way to their HEA, jumping to conclusions or letting their preconceptions hold them back. The MCs and supporting characters were so well written, they felt so mature. And none of the usual hang-ups happen. How refreshing!

I would absolutely love the opportunity to “see” their next chapter.

*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement.
***

4 Stars!

Something About You is a stand-alone book about a country boy handyman and an LA advertiser. They are completely different. One from a big family and the other being a single child who lost his parents. Going to Virginia to meet his estranged grandmother was the plan, little did Saint know he would find a whole lot more.

Tyler was my favorite character from the beginning. He is sweet, innocent, helpful with a heart as big as can be. He deserved to find love.

Saint seemed kind of snobbish at first, but as the book went on, he became softer probably because of Tyler. I am happy he found his grandmother and they could have a good relationship until the very end.

This book started kind of slow and I almost gave up a couple of times but I am happy I didn’t. The ending was not completely satisfying but it was very good. We got a HEA along with some things to think about. The epilogue was pretty much directly after the story ended I would have liked to see it taking place a little later but I am happy with it.

*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***


                                                    Riley Hart Logo 3
Riley Hart is the girl who wears her heart on her sleeve. She’s a hopeless romantic, a lover of sexy stories, passionate men, and writing about all the trouble they can get into together.
She loves reading, flawed characters, and hanging out with her husband and children, who she adores. She and her family live in Southern California, soaking up the sunshine while also missing seasons. Not a day goes by that she isn’t thankful she gets to wake up and do what she loves.
Life is good. Riley also writes young adult and new adult under the name Nyrae Dawn.
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2 comments:

  1. For some reason the cast of characters in a small town are crazier than in a city. 💁

    ReplyDelete
  2. In have lived in a small town my entire life. It is just easier to relate to things that you are used to.

    ReplyDelete