A week of sun, fun, and music in San Diego changes Jase and Carey’s lives forever when their relationship takes an unexpected turn. Jase has been longing for that change, but it leaves Carey reeling with confusion. As Jase fights to hold things together, Carey deals with doubts, fears, and his own preconceived notions about labels and the true nature of love. ExcerptAfter a silent minute, he heard Jase move from his chair, and when Carey opened his eyes, he was kneeling silently on the floor cleaning up the mess. He didn’t say a word of admonishment, didn’t rail against Carey, didn’t give him the decking Carey so richly deserved. “Jase,” he finally said thickly. “Why didn’t you let me die? Out there? You should have just let me die.” Jase bowed his head, and Carey realized with sudden horror that was the worst thing he could have possibly said to his friend, this man who had worked feverishly to save him after his injury, who had done things Carey would never understand fully, things to force Carey to live. Shame flooded through him, and he choked up. “I’m sorry, Jase, I didn’t mean that. Oh Christ, I didn’t mean that.” He heard Jase get up from the floor and come sit beside him on the couch, felt Jase put his arm around his shoulders and pull him close. Carey held himself stiff for a few seconds before giving in to his need for comfort, his selfish desire to have his pain taken away when he’d just inflicted so much of it on Jase. “I’m just so useless, man, so fucking useless. I can’t do anything for myself. I’m a burden on everyone. God, it sucks.” And wasn’t that the understatement of the motherfucking year. Carey felt Jase kiss the top of his head, his arm tightening in sympathy. “Everybody keeps telling me just to be grateful I’m alive. And I guess I am, but goddamn it, Jase, I miss the way I used to be. I miss being strong and being able to take care of myself. I miss being able to drive a car to the fucking grocery store. Hell, I’d even be glad to get off this stupid-ass couch without you having to fucking help me!” Carey took a shuddering breath. “I’m worthless, Jase.” And that was it, the crux of the problem, Carey’s deepest fear. He was worthless, a burden on the system like he’d been most of his life, passed around, unwanted. The Marines had given him an identity, a way to feel worthy, serving his country during the War on Terror and helping to kick some insurgent ass. Now that was gone and he’d never get it back. He had nothing. Jase pulled back, gripping Carey’s chin and forcing it around, making Carey meet his eyes. “You’re worth something to me.” Carey closed his eyes, a single tear squeezing out and tracking down his cheek. He felt Jase wipe it away with his thumb. “And I wanted you to live because I didn’t want to see what it was like to live without you. I can’t imagine a world without you in it, Carey. Don’t you see, man? You’re not worthless, not to me. Never to me. You’re my best friend.” Jase patted his cheek. “Look at me.” Carey raised his gaze. Jase cupped his cheeks in his hands and looked straight into Carey’s tear-filled eyes. His voice was low but firm. “You’ll never shake me, buddy. Nothing you could do or say will ever make me leave. And we’ll get through this. I will help you get through this, one day at a time. Don’t think about anything else but getting through each day as it comes, okay? There’s no next week, day after tomorrow, or even tomorrow. There’s just today, Carey. Let’s get through today.” Prize One:Prize Two:To Enter:Comment below on why you want to read Everything Changes by Melanie Hansen. Have you read Melanie Hansen books? For extra entries share this post using the FaceBook and Twitter buttons below. Contest One
Contest Two M/M Contest Three M/F Contest Four M/M Contest Five M/F Contest Six M/M Contest Seven M/F Contest Eight M/M Contest Nine M/F
12 Comments
H.B.
7/25/2017 12:14:20 am
I already read it and enjoyed it. It was my first read by the author.
Reply
Sativa
7/25/2017 02:23:48 pm
I love m/m how could you go wrong with a rocker and a PTSD survivor...oh the angst...sounds delicious
Reply
John M.
7/25/2017 04:01:37 pm
I will try anything with a soldier/marine in it. Anything!
Reply
Paul
7/25/2017 04:39:41 pm
This sounds like a great read based on the excerpt. Prizes look good too. Thanks for the giveaway.
Reply
Sula
7/25/2017 05:57:16 pm
I have not had the chance to read this book yet and I am keen to rectify that. Liked and tweeted
Reply
SEAN
7/25/2017 06:55:08 pm
The excerpt was great. I haven't read this book but I want to. thanks for the contest!
Reply
Lisa
7/25/2017 07:26:24 pm
Everything Changes sounds fabulous!
Reply
Melissa
7/25/2017 08:20:06 pm
I think this book looks great and I liked the excerpt alot. The cover really captured me. Thanks for the giveaway!
Reply
Anna
7/25/2017 10:42:26 pm
Loved the excerpt. This is going on my list to read. Thanks for the contest!
Reply
Cindra
7/26/2017 06:21:34 pm
It's always moving to read about MCs who are facing great challenges. And it is even more touching to read about a friend who will stand by you no matter what. Loved the blurb, and immediately wanted to know more about these characters. Thanks for the chance to win.
Reply
Lee Todd
7/27/2017 06:19:09 am
I adore military hurt/comfort stories!
Reply
Leave a Reply. |