Lovely reader, I hope you will like my review of Christina Lee’s Reawaken. It’s the second volume in the Under my Skin series but can totally be read as a standalone.
Check the post out for a cool giveaway, an excerpt and the hot teaser. I assure you want to grab your own copy. 😀
Happy reading, enjoy. ❤
Reawaken by Christina Lee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
*~~*ARC kindly provided by the author to me in exchange for an honest review *~~*
Christina Lee is an author I really enjoy and trust in providing good, solid and comforting stories. This book, second volume in the Under the Skin series focuses on Tristan, the owner of the dog grooming ship Doggy Style (LOL that title :D) and the vulnerable looking, pouty face making but fierce beyond that Jonas – or like he wants to be called – West. 😉
I really loved the chemistry between the two guys. The tension builds from a solid start, Tristan is older but he never “uses” West. He sees the need West has, instinctly react to him and they two guys develop a friendship which is based on communication and trust which I totally adore.
It is really charming how soft and easy Christina Lee is dealing with two different types of losses in the book; Tristan is grieving for his passed away husband he was together with for over 20 years and West is suffering not only from his own loss regaring his family but also his seperation from his nearly abusive, control-liking boyfriend, even if he would deny it.
The balance is truly there and during the book we get a few insights of the character, mostly we have a close insight because of the first person narration, switching from Tristan to West and back. It gives the needed depth (but also holds the danger of being unreliable) and the character becoming more alive. Totally a plus point for the story’s pace.
I really liked the different types of characters both are; Tristan the calm, mature kind of guy, grounding West and giving him the support and the safe place, being like a – metaphorical speaking – anchor -, and West the younger one but not necessary naive young man who is fierce and kinda demanding behind the cute freckled face. In fact West has a few character developments and turns which were pleasantly surprising.
The erotic in this book was on point and delivered well.
As I said the tension was therem the attraction right from the start but is was slowly build and from the friendship there was a growing of something more, something solid and really deep.
The most important fact is that both trust each other, that they talk, that both give the other want he wants and it’s in no time in the book an unhealthy relationship, it stays always balanced.
In the book Tristan is several times mentioning his passed away husband – in fact he doesn’t hide his feelings for him and that he is still having a huge part in his daily life – but it’s nothing bad and West is totally understanding. It is charming to not have the grieving character feeling utterly guilty in getting a second chance and fall in love again but also that the passed away is the “shiny hero”.
With sensual scenes and a lots of emotions, the book was well balanced on this part too and I enjoyed it a lot. There were tender kisses, hot groping but also snuggling and light touches. It truly warmed my heart. ❤
The whole book had a pleasant, cozy matureness; it was with less angst than the first book, Regret, but had thrilling parts with a bit drama, but not over the top. 🙂
With the trust and the communication as a big plus for the book, which made it even more lovable, and the charming and totally understandable acting characters in the book I give 5 out of 5 stars for it. :3
I can actually guess who’s book is next and I am really looking forward reading it. 🙂
RELEASE BLITZ
Title: Reawaken
Series: Under the Skin # 2
Author: Christina Lee
Genre: M/M Romance
Release Date: November 2, 2017
Lenght: 232 pages
Cover Desigh: Kanaxa
Add to you bookshelf:
(click on the button or this link)
PURCHASE LINKS
Amazon US | Amazon UK
Blurb
Losing his adoring husband shattered Tristan Rogers world. For the past few years, he’s been going through the motions, running their dog grooming business while hiding the loneliness he feels down to his bones. When he witnesses an ugly breakup between a pretentious customer and his boyfriend, Tristan can’t help but intervene. Something about the unassuming younger man calls to him, and he can’t help wondering if he’s experienced some heartache of his own.
Life took a tragic turn for Jonas “West” Hollis as a teen, and he’s felt indebted to his overbearing lover ever since. Tristan’s kindness draws him from the start, but with his dreams finally in reach, West can’t risk getting close to someone else. Not now that he can live his life and stand on his own merit.
From innocent texts to companionable rides on Tristan’s boat, what starts as an unexpected friendship between the men sparks into undeniable attraction. Neither are ready for anything deeper than a couple of passionate nights wrapped in each other’s arms but their connection becomes too intense for either to ignore. If Tristan and West want to heal their broken hearts, they’ll need a considerable amount of trust and courage—not only in themselves but also each other.
Excerpt
“Promise you won’t let me drown?”
“If I did, I’d miss out on whatever meal you promised as payback,” he replied with a smirk. “And believe me, I’m all for that.”
A nervous laugh jumped from my throat, even though the idea of cooking for him—for anybody, really—thrilled me. I pulled the sticky orange life vest over my neck and fastened it, figuring I’d bob around at first and get used to the water.
After I jumped in, I stuck close to Tristan, still nervous that I’d somehow float away from him and feel abandoned in this giant body of water.
“You ready to try without the life vest?” he asked in a tentative voice.
My pulse pitched, but I still nodded. I knew he wouldn’t leave me stranded or let anything happen to me.
“We’ll just practice floating.”
Tugging me closer to the edge of the boat, he helped unsnap the vest. As he fished it over my shoulders, his gaze met mine. “It’s okay. I got you.”
He placed the vest on the platform, where my fingers were digging into the edge for dear life.
Tristan moved behind me, his hands winding around my waist, and I immediately felt goose bumps line my skin. Just like I did when I was lying in bed with him. His lips found my ear, and it made all the hair along my nape stand on end. “Breathe, West. It’s going to be okay.”
Author bio – Christina Lee
Mother, wife, reader, dreamer. Christina lives in the Midwest with her husband and son–her two favorite guys. She’s addicted to lip balm, coffee, and kissing. Because everything is better with kissing.
She writes MM Contemporary as well as Adult and New Adult Romance. She believes in happily-ever-afters for all, so reading and writing romance for everybody under the rainbow helps quench her soul.
Author links / get in contact
Website
Facebook author page
Facebook personal page
FB Group The Swoon Room
FB Group The M/M Daily Grind
Twitter
Instagram
Giveaway
There is a giveaway to win one of a $10 Amazon gift card
Your chance to win *click*
Please note: the giveaway is not sponsored, administered or endorsed by Mikku-chan / A World full of Words.
Tour gracefully hosted by Michelle Slagan.
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