Embrace the Fire
Through Hell and Back Series, Book 3
Felice Stevens
M/M Romance
Release: 03.24.17
Audio Release: 10.31.17
Narrator: Kale Williams
Listening Length: 9 hours and 42 minutes
Cover Design: Reese Dante
Cover Photo: Varian Krylov/ Strangeland Photography
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Brandon Gilbert has spent years in hiding, but he’s finally accomplished his dream of working as a public school teacher. When offered the chance to help bullied children, there was no way he could say no. Not to mention that meeting Dr. Tash Weber, the psychiatrist who helps them, a sad yet sexy older man, ignited a spark inside Brandon he’d never had before.
Though five years have passed since the death of his lover, Dr. Sebastian “Tash” Weber has no interest in relationships or love. But young, enigmatic Brandon awakens his heart and his desire. Despite Tash’s best efforts to push him away, Brandon unlocks the passion for life Tash thought he’d lost forever.
Falling in love wasn’t part of the plan for either Brandon or Tash, but neither family disapproval nor self-doubts can stop them from embracing the fire that burns between them. And when Brandon returns home to fight for a future he never imagined possible, he and Tash discover that the one thing worth fighting for has been with them all along.
“It was rough for you?”
“Yeah.” His eyes darted frantically from side to side. “I mean…um.” He drained his cup.
Looking for an escape, thought Tash. He felt bad for the guy, who obviously hadn’t worked through his painful past.
“I’m sorry. I’m not digging, honest. You seem like you need a friend is all. I know how it is. Life can get really lonely sometimes.”
Disbelief replaced fear in Randy’s eyes. “Oh, come on. I’ve seen your house, full of pictures, and met your friends. You have no idea what it really means to be alone.”
“I’ve only known these men for about six months. Why do you think I have two cats? I need something alive to welcome me when I come home at night.” Tash stopped, mortified by his outburst. “I’m sorry; I didn’t mean to snap at you.” He gestured to Noah, who’d finished his conversation and sat making notes on the pad in front of him. “Let me introduce you.” He walked away from Randy, wanting to put some distance between them.
“Noah. How’s it going? I brought someone to help us.”
Noah Strauss, former underwear model, now psychologist, put down his pen and flashed a brilliant smile. “So I see.” He stood and stuck out a hand. “Nice to meet you; I’m Noah Strauss.”
Randy returned the handshake with a hesitant smile. “Uh hi, I’m Randy Gilbert. I’m a schoolteacher. This setup looks pretty amazing.”
“It is. I was talking to someone right now who is getting bullied in high school. He’s so desperate that he’s on the verge of running away.”
“Oh, wow.” Randy let his backpack slide from his shoulder to the ground, and he took the seat next to Noah. “What did you say? I’m so afraid hearing that.”
Watching Randy listen to Noah, an ache rose in Tash’s chest. A few years past thirty, gay and single, Noah Strauss would be the ideal man for Randy.
“Hey, Tash, why the sad face?” Noah gestured to the phone. “I worked it out; the kid is going to come to my office tomorrow, and I’ll help him. You know that.”
A smile curved his lips. “You’re one of the good guys; I know. That’s why I thought you and Randy would hit it off.”
Noah’s bright smile faltered to a weak grin. “Uh, hit it off? Who are you; my mother?” He gave an apologetic glance to Randy. “No offense, but I’m not interested in dating anyone.”
“None taken and neither am I.” Randy shot Tash a frown. “I’m here to help.”
“I didn’t mean it like that. You people are touchy. I meant that Noah could show you the ropes since he does this more frequently than I do.”
Relief flooded through Noah’s face. “Okay, good, ’cause I get enough crap from my mother about dating. I don’t need it from my friends.” He nudged Randy’s foot. “Overinvolved family members. You know how it is. They always think they know best.”
“Yeah.” Randy slipped on a headset. “How about you let me take a call?”
But Tash wasn’t fooled by that forced smile. He knew Randy had little to no family and also knew the man wouldn’t appreciate any further conversation.
“Sure. Here’s how it works. We get a call in and the line lights up. You take it and announce who you are and that everything they say is confidential. You’re a natural from what I can tell. I know you’ll be able to help.”
That hesitant, wistful smile on Randy’s lips slayed Tash; what secrets did this young man hold so tight to live such a solitary life?
Why did it matter so much to him?
Felice Stevens has always been a romantic at heart. While life is tough, she believes there is a happy ending for everyone. She started reading traditional historical romances as a teenager, then life and law school got in the way. It wasn’t until she picked up a copy of Bertrice Small and became swept away to Queen Elizabeth’s court that her interest in romance novels was renewed.
But somewhere along the way, her reading shifted to stories of men falling in love. Once she picked up her first gay romance, she became so enamored of the character-driven stories and the overwhelming emotion there was no turning back.
Felice lives in New York City with her husband and two children. Her day begins with a lot of caffeine and ends with a glass or two of red wine. Although she practices law, she daydreams of a time when she can sit by a beach and write beautiful stories of men falling in love. Although there is bound to be some angst along the way, a Happily Ever After is always guaranteed.
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congratulations on the book, Felice. As for favourite narrator, I think I’ll go for Joel leslie…
Congrats on the new release!
My favourite narrator is probably Greg Tremblay, he really makes books come alive.
I haven’t heard many, but Charlie David did a great job with Damon Suede’s HOT HEAD! (And Alan Cumming’s rendition of his own YOU GOTTA GET BIGGER DREAMS is fantastic, makes me want to check out the others he’s read…)
I like Charlie David and Alan Cumming but have to admit I haven’t heard that many narrators as I usually read and not listen to books.
Congratulations! I don’t have a favorite yet, O have yet to try an audiobook.
With the dialogue written by Felice I’m sure any voice artist would love to be chosen for her books. I too don’t have a favorite yet, but i’m really looking forward to listening to Kale. I haven’t heard him before.
I have several that I enjoy very much but Greg Tremblay would probably be my favorite.