Book Review: “A Fortunate Blizzard” by L.C. Chase (Rating: 4.5/5)

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A Fortunate Blizzard, by L.C. Chase
Publisher: Riptide Publishing (November 2, 2015)
Page Count: 179 pages
Genre: Gay (M/M) Romance

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

* I received an advanced copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. *

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Artist Trevor Morrison has always appreciated the little things in life, treating each day as a gift. And with good reason: he’s been on the transplant-recipient list for too long now. When he learns just how numbered his days truly are, he resolves not to take them for granted. But he won’t be unrealistic, either—which means romantic commitments are off the table.

Marcus Roberts seems to have it all. He’s handsome, financially sound, and on the fast track to partnership at a prestigious law firm. In reality, though, his drive for success has meant no time for friends or relationships. Add in the fact that his family discarded him long ago, and he’s facing yet another holiday season alone.

When the biggest snowstorm to hit Colorado in decades leaves Marc and Trevor stranded at the same hotel, a chance encounter and a night of passion leads to more than either of them expected. Finding comfort in each other is a welcome surprise, but time is not on their side. Either they find a way to beat the odds, or they lose each other forever.

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The winter holiday season has, for me, always been synonymous with family and comfort, and this book is a fantastic example of a holiday romance! A Fortunate Blizzard is a spectacular and heartfelt novel about two lonely men who meet by chance during a winter storm, and who find comfort together when they least expect to find it. L.C. Chase is the kind of writer whose vivid imagery can make you feel the cold from the blizzard outside, but keep you warm inside with the wonderful emotions and romance between her lovely characters.

“All we have is today,” she’d told him time and again. “Live it.”

Trevor and Marc aren’t so much an example of “opposites attract” as they are “opposites complement one another”; they balance each other out. Trevor knows that his time is limited, and is pragmatic almost to a fault; he accepts that he can’t change his fate, and doesn’t want anyone else to have to suffer that fate along with him. But he’s also an artist and a dreamer, and his diagnosis has taught him that you can’t keep living with regrets.

Marc starts out as cold, distant, unable to connect to the people around him for fear of disappointing them the same way he disappointed his mother. But when he meets Trevor, he sees in him the person he wants to be… an artist, loved by his family, eager to love those around him. Slowly, he realizes that this is the person he wants in his life, this is the person who’s going to show him that he’s not a disappointment, so he finds himself desperate to get Trevor to stay.

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This novel was absolutely gorgeous. It’s so full of emotion that it draws you in. This isn’t an action-packed story; it’s the interactions between the characters, their realizations about themselves and each other, which moves the story along. It’s the epitome of a holiday romance, all about dreams and realizing what’s important in life, and finding comfort and warmth and family.

I can easily see this becoming an annual winter re-read. There are definitely enough warm emotions in it to chase away the cold outside!

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Review: Long Tall Drink, by L.C. Chase (Rating: 4/5)

chase-long-tall-drinkLong Tall Drink, by L.C. Chase (Re-Release)
Publisher: Loose ID (Aug. 2011); Self-Published (August 16, 2015)
Page Count: 165
Genre: Gay (M/M) Romance/Western

Rating: 4 out of 5

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Oh, be still my heart! Stories about closeted cowboys in small towns are definitely one of my guilty pleasures, and this was a delightful read! I grew up in Texas and worked on a horse ranch in Wyoming, so I can definitely relate to the need to hide being different.

This is a short novel that was originally published several years ago, but has now been re-released with a longer ending. Ray owns a thriving horse and cattle ranch in the conservative mid-west, and is very careful to keep his sexuality a secret. He’s seen gay men get beaten and run out of town, and isn’t willing to lose everything by coming out.

The relationship between Ray and Travis, a horse trainer who comes to Ray’s ranch, is really beautiful. They’re both gay, and so terrified of being outed. Rumors of Travis’ sexuality have followed him from his last job, and are causing problems on the ranch. But through all of this, Ray can’t resist his attraction to Travis.

If you didn’t read this when it was originally released, definitely check it out now. There’s not a lot of sex, but the few scenes are super hot, and the sexual tension between Ray and Travis will have you fanning yourself! The side characters really add to the enjoyment too, especially Dot, who is the most awesome old lady ever!

Final word? Go read it. Great characters, a really enjoyable read, and a seriously hot relationship. Plus, a well-written look at homophobia in small-town America, with a HEA that will leave you smiling. (That said, at $5 it’s a bit pricey for the length, but this is one that I can see myself re-reading in the future.)

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