Sebastian:He’s a shining star, I’m a black hole. Complete opposites. And just like our astronomic counterparts, there’s no way Marty’s light is ever going to brighten me. Black holes don’t let any light escape. They devour it all. And that’s what will happen to Marty if he doesn’t keep his distance from me. I want to warn him, but there’s a selfish part of me that can’t do it. Like a moth, I’m …
Like a moth, I’m drawn to Marty’s light. I know I should stay away—for his sake more than mine—but I can’t. A better man would do the hard thing and stay away. Not me. The fact that this time the easy way lines up with my self-centered desire to spend more time with him, is only a bonus.
He doesn’t know that I’ve already declared this over in my head. He thinks he does, but he’s lying to himself. Part of me resists it as well, though. Part of me is determined to give this a real go and not lose my chance with him. Because if I back out now and regret it later, it could be too late.
Which is worse? Missing my chance, or opening myself up to the agony I already know so intimately?
Marty:
Me: I know what I’m doing, and I know Sam’s not after anything serious. It’s fine. I can handle it.
Narrator: He could not handle it.
Some folks say I live in a dreamworld. It’s partly true; I run a party planning business in the idyllic town of Snow Lake and I love every minute of it. But when I watch my friends partner up and look so happy, I hide the sadness that threatens to engulf me. Nobody needs to know how deep that particular pit goes.
When Sebastian arrives in Snow Lake, I bring him a welcome basket, like I do for everyone. But when I actually take in that tall, muscular frame and dark artist’s mystique, I practically want to organize a parade complete with marching band and an interpretive dance about how much he turns me on.
So what if he says he only wants a casual thing? A hookup is better than not getting my hands on that body. And besides, how can he not fall in love with me?
I’m charming. I deserve love. Right?
Right?
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Returning to Snow Lake is beginning to feel a lot like coming home…
This book is about Marty, the resident party planner and ray of sunshine, and Sebastian, the latest temporarily resident artist.
Sebastian lost his fiancé in a car accident he still blames himself for and he feels like a black hole that can suck out the light of Marty’s bright star. What starts as a no strings attached arrangement soon becomes more for both men, but external influences and Sebastian’s unresolved grief stand in the way…
The book is sweet and charming at points, but quite emotional and somber when Sebastian deals with his own emotions. He really is the ultimate artist, ruled and consumed by his feelings.
I loved Cam Walker’s performance, he really did great with this book!
I loved this book! It’s emotional but not too heavy- just the right mix of emotions. All the feels. I’ve added the other books in this series to my TBR list and hopefully will get to buy them soon! I would definitely recommend this book!
I’m in love with this series! Sebastian and Marty are total opposites and absolutely perfect for each other. I really felt for the sorrow in Sebastian’s past. Marty was the sunshine he needed. Loved it!
I’m a huge fan of this series, and I think that this one is the best yet. Seriously each book is just better than the last. Marty and Sebastian had to overcome a good deal of issues to be together. The depth that the author gives each character is just amazing and drew me in. I cant wait to see what’s next.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
A haunted painter and a demon slayer disguised as a party planner. 😀
This story, a new sweet small town story is an awesome addition to what is proving to be a great series! I love the couple introduced in this book as much as the previous ones. What is more, the supporting characters and the setting are a perfect compliment to the story, making it a wholesome picture. Eagerly looking forward to next volumes!
This is another well written book to the series. The characters are strong and the author does a fantastic job developing the story. She pulls you in with all the emotions,the grief and pain,the healing and acceptance of finding love after the guilt and loss. Her detailed scenes express those feelings coming through the pages. It’s a rough road to happiness for Sebastian and Marty. I loved reading the story and would recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I absolutely adored this latest book in the Hearts of Snow Lake Series!!! Marty and Sebastian couldn’t be any more different. Marty is a shining light with an upbeat personality to match. Sebastian is broody and that is on a good day, he is more of the glass is empty kinda guy. Sebastian comes to Snow Lake to regroup so to speak after a tragedy rocked his core. Marty is the welcoming committee so to speak and wants to make sure Sebastian feels welcome in Snow Lake. All Sebastian wants to do is be left alone especially by someone as cheerful as Marty but even he isn’t completely immune to Marty’s charm. A casual fling turns into something more than either one could deny. When someone from Sebastian’s past tries to sabotage a developing relationship between the two, can they weather the storm or does things fizzle out? A fantastic story…one that I enjoyed a lot and I highly recommend to all. Cant wait for the next book in this amazing series. Well done!!!
This is my first Ashton Cade book and I liked it. The two main characters are well written and likeable almost from the get-go. In Sebastian’s case, you gradually grow to learn more about him as the story moves along and as a reader, I found him to be so interesting and the changes that took place in him really drove the story forward. Marty is such a straightforward character from the beginning and while both are flawed, they are also both complex and interesting. The surrounding cast of characters add depth to the story and help to bring the small community to life. The only part of the story that fell flat and frustrated me was the extreme toxicity of Sebastian’s relationship to his agent/friend. I don’t want to spoil the story but I wish that part had been written differently. I do recommend this book. 🙂
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily providing my honest review.
When he moved to Snow Lake,Sebastian Baird wasn’t expecting to have his life taken over by the whirlwind that is Marty O’Lynn.
I found Sebastian endearing in his reactions to Marty. The party planner’s attack is no holds barred to get what he wants and the poor artist is defenseless against it. Soon,he just stops fighting, because Marty is ” . .”
Their story is the best kind of opposites attract romance:the brooding,isolated Sebastian and the sparkly,outgoing Marty. Their interactions are entertaining and heart-warming. Together they’re cute, hot and absolutely the perfect fit for each other.
& kept a smile on my face all through reading it. That’s the best you can look for in a book,right?
Definitely a must read.
The great character and storyline development kept me totally engaged as I turned each and every page until the very end! I was so engrossed in this story that I read this book in one sitting!