Title: Beyond the Surface
Series: The Breakfast Club #1
Author: Felice Stevens
Genre: M/M Romance
Release Date: August 17, 2015
On 9/11, firefighter Nick Fletcher’s world changed forever. He's unable to rid himself of survivor’s guilt, made worse by the secret he hides from his family and co-workers. Nick's life is centered around helping burn victims, until he is reunited with the man he’d once loved but pushed away. Now he has a second chance at a love he thought lost forever.
For fashion designer Julian Cornell, appearances mean everything. His love affairs are strictly casual, and the only thing he cares about is making his clothing line a success. A chance encounter with the man he loved long ago has Julian thinking for the first time in years there may be more to life than being seen at the best parties and what designer labels to wear.
When Julian’s world takes an unexpected turn, it's Nick who helps him regain perspective on what matters most in life. Julian, in turn, helps Nick accept who he is and understand he isn’t responsible for tragedies he couldn't prevent. Lost love found can be even sweeter the second time around and after all the years apart, both men learn to look beyond the surface to find the men they are inside.
Julian was in the kitchen, sitting on one of the stools by the counter. He had a glass in front of him filled with what Nick presumed was vodka, having spied the Grey Goose bottle.
“Would you like a drink? I have beer, wine…anything you’d like.”
Nick shook his head, regret piercing his heart as he watched the hope drain from Julian’s eyes.
“I don’t think so. I’m going to head home. I want you to know how much I appreciate what you did for Jamal tonight.”
Julian stood abruptly, kicking the stool away from his feet.
“Don’t treat me like I’m some fucking stranger, Nicky. You owe me. It’s been eighteen years; you think I’m going to let you walk out on me again like you did before? After what just happened between us? After you fell apart? No fucking way. I’m not that same person and neither are you, obviously.”
Taken aback by Julian’s anger, Nick remained mute.
“What the hell is going on with you? One minute you’re tongue fucking me into the next century and the next you’re freaking out. I know I’m a damn good kisser, but this isn’t about us, is it? It has nothing to do with our past and everything to do with you and the shit that’s floating around in your head.”
Julian stepped closer to him and Nick, who normally couldn’t stand people near him, was rooted to the floor, unable to move.
“Talk to me, Nicky. Tell me what happened to you.”
He was so tired of holding himself together, feeling like at any moment he’d shatter into a million tiny pieces, leaving nothing behind but a pile of dust.
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.
The words poured out of him, flowing unchecked this time. “It should’ve been me. We all went to the Towers to save them. It was my day off, but I went anyway. I heard and couldn’t stay home; I had a duty to help, you know? But I lived and they all died. Why, Julian? Why did I live and they didn’t?”
“Oh, Nick.” Julian held him close. “I don’t have the answers for you. No one does. But I’m going to be completely selfish and say I’m so thankful you did make it and we’re here together after all these years.”
Unflinching green eyes gazed back at him. Clever, beautiful eyes that Nick could never stop dreaming of. Eyes that at one time had held the promise of forever, until Nick ruined everything with his cowardice and shame. Unable to maintain Julian’s scrutiny, Nick broke away and ran to the elevator, his chest heaving, eyes stinging with tears.
“Let me out. I need to leave here. NOW.”
5 out of 5 stars
Can I say that I'm totally addicted to Felice Stevens books and that I'm sorry but I will fangirl over her characters? Because...I am! and I will! I keep saying with each new book that I don't think she can top the last set of characters but she keeps doing it. Nick and Julian are absolutely no exception. They have almost edged out my favorite Tash and Brandon, actually I'd say they're tied as my favorite couple of this author's books.
Beyond the Surface was a fantastic introduction into a new trilogy. It showcased the main characters Nick and Julian to perfection. Granted two wounded men, one suffering from PTSD and firmly in the closet, and the other still hurt from years of being bullied and from Nick's pushing him away at age 16. They have a lot to overcome in order to be able to be together and build a strong, solid relationship.
The addition of Nick's sister Kate, and Julian's friends Zach and Marcus really add additional heart to the story by giving each of the main characters someone who really knows them. They also add a touch of humor, and with Zach someone you want to hug tight, and with Marcus someone you want to smack in the back of the head for the things he says but who is fiercely loyal.
Beyond the Surface lives up to it's title because the story is more than just the surface romance. It's Julian who finds a purpose that makes him really happy. It's Nick who finds that to heal he has to be open about who he is and who he loves. Once both of these men start to heal their relationship really takes off.
I really wanted to dive into this book and never come out of it. This cast of characters is fantastic and really sucks you into the story. I can't wait to see what the author has up her sleeve for Zach's book, and then Marcus's afterward. Something tells me that Zach's is going to be really good, too.
If you've never picked up a book by Felice Stevens before, trust me, this is one you MUST read. And if you're already a fan, this is a DO NOT MISS book. So run..do not walk and grab Beyond the Surface.
Beyond the Surface was a fantastic introduction into a new trilogy. It showcased the main characters Nick and Julian to perfection. Granted two wounded men, one suffering from PTSD and firmly in the closet, and the other still hurt from years of being bullied and from Nick's pushing him away at age 16. They have a lot to overcome in order to be able to be together and build a strong, solid relationship.
The addition of Nick's sister Kate, and Julian's friends Zach and Marcus really add additional heart to the story by giving each of the main characters someone who really knows them. They also add a touch of humor, and with Zach someone you want to hug tight, and with Marcus someone you want to smack in the back of the head for the things he says but who is fiercely loyal.
Beyond the Surface lives up to it's title because the story is more than just the surface romance. It's Julian who finds a purpose that makes him really happy. It's Nick who finds that to heal he has to be open about who he is and who he loves. Once both of these men start to heal their relationship really takes off.
I really wanted to dive into this book and never come out of it. This cast of characters is fantastic and really sucks you into the story. I can't wait to see what the author has up her sleeve for Zach's book, and then Marcus's afterward. Something tells me that Zach's is going to be really good, too.
If you've never picked up a book by Felice Stevens before, trust me, this is one you MUST read. And if you're already a fan, this is a DO NOT MISS book. So run..do not walk and grab Beyond the Surface.
I have always been a romantic at heart. I believe that while life is tough, there is always a happy ending just around the corner. I started reading traditional historical romances when I was a teenager, then life and law school got in the way. It wasn’t until I picked up a copy of Bertrice Small and became swept away to Queen Elizabeth’s court that my interest in romance novels became renewed.
But somewhere along the way, my tastes shifted. While I still enjoys a juicy Historical romance, I began experimenting with newer, more cutting edge genres and discovered the world of Male/Male romance. Once I picked up her first, I became so enamored of the authors, the character-driven stories and the overwhelming emotion of the books, I knew I wanted to write my own.
I live in New York City with my husband and two children and hopefully soon a cat of my own. My day begins with a lot of caffeine and ends with a glass or two of red wine. I practice law but daydream of a time when I can sit by a beach somewhere and write beautiful stories of men falling in love. Although there is bound to be angst along the way, a Happily Ever After is always guaranteed.
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