Padme's Library: Release Day Blitz: The Greatest Gift by Felice Stevens

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Release Day Blitz: The Greatest Gift by Felice Stevens

Title: The Greatest Gift

Author: Felice Stevens

Series: Memories #3

Genre: M/M Contemporary Romance

Release Date: December 10, 2015

Cover Design: Dar Albert/Wicked Start Designs

Summary:
After five years, Alex Stern and Rafe Hazelton have what seems to be the perfect marriage. Alex is entering his last years of residency and Rafe’s veterinary business is busier than ever. For Rafe, all that is missing is a child, but Alex, afraid of ending up to be a man like his father, isn’t as sure. He doesn't want to make any mistakes.

When a new patient enters the hospital, Alex is drawn to the young, desperately ill single mother, who shares her fears for the future of her young son. Rafe worries about the toll on Alex becoming emotionally invested in a patient, yet he too can’t walk away once he meets the little boy, and together they vow to help in any way possible.

Families are not always born of blood— love is a gift no one can plan for. And sometimes from the darkest of tragedies, the brightest light will shine.

This is a 25k word novella in the Memories series.

Alex and Rafe are possibly my favorite Felice Stevens' couple so when I heard they were going to be starring in their own Christmas story I was beyond stoked. Let's just say I was not disappointed. I have not had any intimate experience with cancer but I have spent a few Christmases sitting by my mother's hospital bed so just after reading the blurb I knew a few tears would fall, and fall they did. I can't really think of more to say that wouldn't leak spoilers so I'll just say this is a beautiful story that needs reading because not only is it a great tale but you just might walk away learning a little something about yourself too.

RATING:

“Okay, Alex. I can see Dylan likes you and Jude is a smart girl. She wouldn’t give her baby to just anyone. But let us know where you are throughout the day, please.”

“Of course.”

They said their goodbyes and Valerie gave them her car seat for Dylan. Rafe expertly buckled it into the backseat of their car and off they went to the Bronx Zoo.

Rafe steered the car up the FDR Drive toward the zoo, and Alex decided to sing a song to keep Dylan entertained. He searched his memory for a song and only one came to mind. He started to sing and Rafe glanced over at him in disbelief.

“Alex.”

“What?” He bit his lip to keep from smiling.

“That is not an appropriate song for a four year old to sing.”

Alex could see Rafe fighting to keep from bursting out in laughter.

“I couldn’t think of anything else.”

“More. Sing more, Alex.” From the backseat, Dylan continued the song. “Hundred bottles of beer on the wall…”

“I can’t believe you’ve had this child less than an hour and you’ve already taught him a drinking song.”

“Hey,” said Alex, protesting Rafe’s accusing tone. “I can’t help it if he’s a smart kid and picks things up quickly.”

“Impossible.” Rafe muttered under his breath, turning into the parking lot of the zoo and finding a spot to pull into. He killed the engine and turned to face Alex who gave him a wide-eyed stare.

“What’s wrong?”

“Don’t pull that innocent look on me.” Rafe huffed. He tried to affect a stern look but Alex could see the twinkle in his eyes behind his glasses.

“It would help your outrage if you didn’t look like you were about to laugh yourself.”

“Hmmph.” Rafe turned away, but not before Alex saw his lips twitch with suppressed laughter.

“Hey,” said Alex. “I love you.”

“Love you too.”

That got him a full blown smile and a kiss.

Author Bio:
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.