Believe [Kindle Edition]

Christmas: a time for love and togetherness. That is what Chase wants with Raylan, but what he has is back to back gigs playing with the band, fending off advances from bandmate Dave, and lonely nights. Raylan is his inspiration, and Chase hasn't written a decent song since Raylan left for New York six weeks ago.

Now, it's Christmas Eve, Raylan is back in town, and Chase can't wait to see him. Raylan makes plans to meet Chase for a drink before they head home, but they have things they need to discuss. The past keeps intruding on their togetherness, and when Chase arrives, one of Raylan's exes is there. Then there are the strange and anonymous phone calls Chase has been getting, asking about their relationship. All these things are starting to create doubts in both mens' minds, doubts they need to lay to rest once and for all.

Can they get to the heart of the matter, and just have faith in each other? Can these two dismiss the past and move forward for a happy ever after?

Megan Slayer takes us back to Ohio, and to the trials and tribulations of early days and long distance relationships. I love her small town stories, and this is a wonderful visit to Kenton, Ohio for the holidays. The characters, even the secondary ones, and strong and many faceted, with emotions that run high and all over the spectrum.

Chase is the gorgeous musician, writing songs that show the world his softer side. He has a big dose of insecurity in him, and watching him on this roller coaster ride was really fantastic. He is loyal and honest, and still getting used to being in this relationship. I like Chase, with his highs and lows, and his fears all out there in the open for all to see.

Raylan is the more serious of the couple, but still has his own share of insecurity. All he knows for sure is that he wants to be with Chase and no one else.I liked that he was ready to stand up to the ghosts, and people, from his past to defend what he feels for Chase, and I loved his strength and desire for the man he loves.

Chase and Raylan are great together, but they are also major `drama queens' where their emotions are involved. This is the story of a new relationship, and the pitfalls that can come between two people in love if they aren't careful. I really enjoyed the little things these two did for each other, and there is one big surprise Raylan has for Chase that I don't want to reveal here. But it is the high point of the story, that one perfect moment when you just know these two have something real and beautiful between them.

I recommend this to those who love happy ever after, but one warning: tissues and ice in equal measures are needed for this one.

Originally posted at LAS Erotic Romance Reviews

The Christmas season is about joy and family. But Chase isn't feeling the Christmas spirit. Playing at office Christmas parties and missing his partner, Raylan, Chase is unhappy with his life and unsure of his relationship with Raylan. With his bandmate coming on to him and then filling Chase's head with thoughts of Raylan being unfaithful, all Chase wants to do is be home with his honey for the holidays. Raylan has managed to get time off from work so that he can be with Chase. Unfortunately, people from Raylan's past and present have different ideas.

When I started reading Believe, I felt like I was dropped in the middle of the plot. Characters and events were introduced as if the reader should already know who and what was going on. I was really confused at the beginning and had to re-read certain parts so that I could follow the plot. Past lovers were mentioned and introduced and I felt like it brought nothing to the story. It did provide some relationship background info but it wasn't enough to get a full picture of Chase and Raylan's relationship. I tried to be invested in Raylan's and Chase's happiness but I couldn't find myself rooting for them. I felt like I only got a small peak at the characters and would have liked a fuller picture.

I liked Believe but wish it had been longer. Maybe not a full-length novel but at least a 100 pages or so. I wasn't with the characters long enough to be fully invested in their happiness and having certain characters pop up in the plot took away the focus from the main characters.

Posted on Romancing the Book blog
Reviewed by~Marissa
Reveiw Copy Provided By~Goddess Fish Promotions

Warnings: Contains: M/M, LBGT, BDSM, Fetish, anal sex
Review: This was truly a heartwarming story of two men, together yet still unsure of each other - and themselves. As I began reading this story, I thought there must have been a part one - an earlier book that explained Raylan and Chase meeting, getting together, falling in love - but this is a stand-alone so don't panic if think you've missed something.

As for the story itself, Believe left me feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. I came through the jealousy, the fear, the anger, and the angst with the two characters and felt the love that they truly share for each other. Slayer is able to capture the soul and release the emotions in heart- and gut-wrenching words that left me wondering if my Raylan or Chase is out there somewhere.

I think that's the only thing I didn't like about Believe was the fact that I wasn't there when the two met and fell in love. Otherwise, it is one of the best stories I have read in a while. Pick it up and you won't be sorry.

Favorite Quote: "Now I know what love looks like."