If We Could Go Back by Cara Dee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

First of all, I loved this story of hope and faith and love and second chances and heartbreak. But, I will provide a caveat...this probably isn't the book for everyone. Cara Dee has become one of my must read, one click authors, so I didn't even read the blurb before I delved right in. I'm not one for books with cheating. Honestly, that was a major part of this story. If you can get past that, this book is superbly written and angst filled and worth every ounce of guilt that the MC's had.

This is one of those books that makes you realize your life will ever be changed when you reach the last page. I couldn't have predicted how much impact the words on the page had on me. It was beautiful. I felt the emotions run through Kieran and Bennett. I felt the longing, the tenderness, the passion, the regret, and the heartbreak.

So many really tough subjects were brought to the surface in this story and each was met with dialogue of caring and understanding and support. I can't say enough about the brilliant writing that went into creating this story and the significant emotions that were felt. Cara Dee is generous with giving her characters depth and imperfect lives and shaping them into heroes and people you'd be glad to call family.

This is one book that will go on my top 5 for this year, without question.

Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to multiple sites, including http://gaybook.reviews/*

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Stranded by Cara Dee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m both exasperated and thrilled. I have such a love/hate relationship with this series. I feel like I’ve come to know the characters so well and it’s devastating every time there is a loss. And there are many.

But here I am, still wildly sucked in and broken hearted at having to wait for the next book in the series.

I’m getting antsy for the romance now. There was a bit more in this story now that they’ve returned to the United States, but it’s still not enough... Dammit I need it!

If you haven’t started this series, you NEED to. It’s emotionally exhausting and will leave you an utter wreck but somehow the writing is gripping enough that I’m happily waiting for more. And giving it all the stars!

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Auctioned by Cara Dee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I just don't even know what happened. This was such an emotional, heart wrenching, difficult read. It was fantastic.

So many things...

--There was a lot of torture
--There was a lot of death
--There is slavery
--The worst, most horrifying things you can think of are happening

But also,

--There were heroes
--There were innocent people who helped
--There was a ton of emotion
--I'll be thinking about this book for a very long time

The writing was graphic and brilliant. I loved the characters. I loved how well the story was thought out and how it managed to end well instead of with excruciating loss.

There is still so much more to Gray and Darius's story, I can't wait to read the rest!

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Power Play by Cara Dee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved this story.

Abel grew up with one constant in his life, Madigan. As his biological dad's best friend, Mads was there through his father's death, every birthday, his mother getting remarried, school events, etc. When Abel's mental illness reared it's ugly head, Mads was the one who calmed him.

Now, at 21, Abel realizes that his love for Mads had turned into more than a friendly, fatherly love. And when he confessed it by text a year ago, his relationship with Mads broke. They haven't spoken since, and Mads has missed a year of his life. So when Abel asks for help with his new lifestyle, Mads can either let him find someone else to mentor him, or finally give in to the feelings he's repressed this whole time.

I was sucked into their story from the Prologue. I loved how intense all of the family members were. There was just this tangible, pure respect, acknowledgement, love aura that surrounded them, which was a really rich part of the story. It was also very dark and real.

Each character was so vital to the story and their reactions and relationships with both Abel and Mads were so important. I just really loved the writing and how everything flowed and built. And the understanding that was between all of the characters.

Honestly, I have nothing but love for everything about this entire story. I'd absolutely recommend this read.

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