Book Review: The History of Us by Nyrae Dawn

The History of Us

By:
Nyrae Dawn

Release Date:
June 11, 2015

Publisher:
Harmony Ink

Add to
Goodreads

Source:
eARC from author for a honest review

GR's Summary:

Sometimes it's not about coming out, it's about settling in. 

Eighteen-year-old Bradley Collins came out a year ago and hasn't looked back since. Who cares if he doesn’t know any other gay people? Bradley has friends and basketball—that’s all he needs. Even if that means always sitting on the sidelines when the guys go out looking for girls. 

When cute film-boy TJ tries to flirt with Bradley while his friends are doing their thing, he freaks. Yeah, he’s gay, but he’s never had the opportunity to go out with a boy before. He’s never had to worry about how his friends will react to seeing him with a guy. 

Bradley accompanies TJ on a road trip to film TJ’s senior project documentary. In each city they visit, they meet with people from different walks of life, and Bradley learns there’s a whole lot more to being honest about himself than just coming out. He still has to figure out who he really is, and learn to be okay with what he discovers.

Lindy's Thoughts:

The History of Us  by Nyrae Dawn was a powerful, poignant, real, and though provoking story.  It gives us a clear look in to the thoughts and feelings of eighteen year old, Bradley Collins.  Bradley has been best friends with Chase, Jabbar, and Marcus since Kindergarten.  They are an extremely close knit group, and are all on their high school's basketball team.  Bradley came out to his friends and his mother, his sophomore year of high school.  Now, he is a senior in high school and has never had a boyfriend, shared a kiss with a guy, or even found a guy that he was interested in.

At times, Bradley feels lonely and left out with his friends.  When they flirt with girls, or go out in a group to date, he prefers to hang back.  One day, when his friends go to an arcade/coffee shop that they frequent, Bradley notices the cute guy that he see's around every once in a while.  Bradley is attracted to him, but would never make a move.  When they guy approaches Bradley, he introduces himself as T.J. and tries to pick up on him.  Bradley is embarrassed, and responds rudely to T.J.  However, he eventually apologizes, and they begin to hang out without Bradley's friends being made aware.  Even though Bradley has admitted to being gay, he is still not comfortable in his own skin.  He worries about what other people think of him, doesn't like feeling different from his other friends, and doesn't know how to move forward.

Bradley's mom stands strongly by her son's side and wants him to be happy.  She see's him struggling, and when he tells her about a road trip that T.J. is going on, she encourages him to accompany T.J.  The decision to go on the road trip is the beginning of an eye opening, soul searching experience, where both Bradley and T.J. learn about themselves as they interview a variety of gay couples, from different walks of life, and with various experiences and points of view.

The History of Us was a story that touched my heart.  I cried for Bradley, and my heart broke for  T.J., as well as those couples that were in horrible emotional pain.  The theme that was beautifully woven throughout the story was that first and foremost, we are all people.  We love, we endure painful loss, we struggle with who we are, we crave acceptance, and if we want something badly enough, we need to work and fight hard for it.  Life isn't always fair or easy, but if you surround yourself with good people, they can help you through those tough times.           

My Rating:

The History of Us was a story full of depth, and reflection.  It impacted me deeply and I loved how Ms. Dawn spoke about derogatory gay stereotypes, as well as made me feel for and relate to these characters as people.  It was eye-opening, profound, and compelling.  I give, The History of Us, by Nyrae Dawn, 4.5 Touching, Enlightening, and Authentic Stars!        

Ro's Take on this Journey:

The History of Us, by Nyrae Dawn, is a wonderfully written story of first love, learning how to become your authentic self, letting go, and becoming a giving, and loving human being.  This story is filled with life lessons, wonderful characters, and an honest look at how being different from the norm can leave you lonely, hopeless, and sometimes suicidal.  

Bradley Collins has been out to his mother and his closest friends for quite a while.  It's easy, they are all accepting of him.  It's uncomplicated, and honest, he thinks.  In actuality, Bradley is living a lie, because he hasn't tested the limits.  He won't allow himself to push forward into a relationship with another guy, because then he will have to see how his friends react, and test the bounds of their true feelings.

T.J. Bennett comes from an affluent family.  He comes across as self-assured, beaming with confidence, and as angry towards anyone who can't be who they really are.  One day, he approaches Bradley.  As T.J. attempts to flirt, Bradley shoots him down in front of his friends.  T.J. is a gorgeous young guy, with spiky hair, and beautiful piercing blue eyes.  Bradley is the school basketball champ.  They are both attracted to each other, but Bradley lets fear hold him back.

With the encouragement of Bradley's mom, he finally apologizes to T.J., and asks to accompany him on his road trip, so that he can get to know someone that is like himself.  This is Bradley's first time stepping out of his comfort zone, and it takes him a while to let go of all his fears, and just let life happen.

The two leave for an extended two week trip, meeting people with original stories of their challenges, obstacles, pain, and loneliness in their journey through their private life experiences of being gay.  This is an eye opener for Bradley.  He finally starts evolving, realizing that he has nothing to be ashamed of, and  this allows him to open up to the experience of love for the first time in his life.

The History of Us, by Nyrae Dawn, was a Beautifully written, painstakingly carefully written novel.  There is nothing over the line, or offensive, in this well written YA novel.  It does however have a lot of say to the youth today, and will teach family and friends how important their role is in their children, friend, and/or sibling's journeys.  

My Rating:

I give, The History of Us, 4, Eye Opening, Life Changing Lessons, New Love Stars!!!

Book Teasers:

Purchase At:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo

About Nyrae Dawn:

Writing has always been Nyrae Dawn's passion. Nyrae gravitates toward character-driven stories. She loves going on emotional journeys with characters whether it be reading or writing. And yes, she's a total romantic at heart and proud. Nyrae resides in sunny Southern California with her husband (who still makes her swoon) and her two awesome kids. When she's not with her family, you can be pretty sure you'll find her with a book in her hand or her laptop and an open document in front of her. Nyrae also writes adult romance under the name Kelley Vitollo. 

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter

Release Day Blitz: The History of Us by Nyrae Dawn

The History of Us

By:
Nyrae Dawn

Release Date:
June 11, 2015

Publisher:
Harmony Ink

Add to
Goodreads

Source:
eARC from author for a honest review

GR's Summary:

Sometimes it's not about coming out, it's about settling in. 

Eighteen-year-old Bradley Collins came out a year ago and hasn't looked back since. Who cares if he doesn’t know any other gay people? Bradley has friends and basketball—that’s all he needs. Even if that means always sitting on the sidelines when the guys go out looking for girls. 

When cute film-boy TJ tries to flirt with Bradley while his friends are doing their thing, he freaks. Yeah, he’s gay, but he’s never had the opportunity to go out with a boy before. He’s never had to worry about how his friends will react to seeing him with a guy. 

Bradley accompanies TJ on a road trip to film TJ’s senior project documentary. In each city they visit, they meet with people from different walks of life, and Bradley learns there’s a whole lot more to being honest about himself than just coming out. He still has to figure out who he really is, and learn to be okay with what he discovers.

Book Teasers:

Purchase At:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo

About Nyrae Dawn:

Writing has always been Nyrae Dawn's passion. Nyrae gravitates toward character-driven stories. She loves going on emotional journeys with characters whether it be reading or writing. And yes, she's a total romantic at heart and proud. Nyrae resides in sunny Southern California with her husband (who still makes her swoon) and her two awesome kids. When she's not with her family, you can be pretty sure you'll find her with a book in her hand or her laptop and an open document in front of her. Nyrae also writes adult romance under the name Kelley Vitollo.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter

Release Day Spotlight: The Weight of Destiny (Misfits #1) by Nyrae Dawn

The Weight of Destiny
Misfits#1
By: Nyrae Dawn
Published: November 18, 2014
Source: Author
Add to Goodreads

Gr's Summary:

When “crazy” runs in your family and your namesake is known for walking into a river with a pocket full of rocks, a girl kind of wants to avoid tempting fate at all costs. For Virginia Nichols, the only way to dodge that bullet is to be perfect at everything: school, student council, life. Too bad it’s all a lie, and underneath the perfection...Virginia is lost. 

Ryder Blackstock knows a thing or two about being born into fate. The talents passed down from his father aren't exactly normal; instead of learning how to throw a fastball, he was taught to hot-wire a car like a pro and pick any pocket in sight. He’s got criminal blood, just like his old man. And as soon as he turns eighteen, he’ll be living life on the run with his dad. 

When Ryder and Virginia meet on the beach, it seems they couldn't be more different. Soon they discover they’re both trapped in their lives—Virginia denying her fate, Ryder embracing his. Like the rocks in Virginia Woolf’s pockets, the weight of their destinies will pull them under. But being together brings out pieces of themselves they didn't know existed—pieces that make them want to take fate into their own hands and rewrite their destinies...if it’s not too late.

Book Praise:

"Whenever I read Nyrae Dawn, I am reminded that words are her art, and she wields her paintbrush with all the skill of Rembrandt. The tender romance of Ryder and Virginia is palpable on the page, and the story sings with all the complexities of the interwoven plot. I read late into the night to finish this one, and once again, Nyrae has managed a masterpiece. LOVED."  ~ USA Today and New York Times Bestselling Author Courtney Cole

"The Weight of Destiny unfolds like a storm. It is dark and electric and incredibly romantic. I lost and found myself. The characters are so vivid, so alive, you'll forget anything but them exists." ~ David James author of Between the Stars and Sky

"The Weight of Destiny is YA at its absolute finest. Nyrae Dawn flawlessly brought two seemingly broken characters to life and showed everyone deserves a second chance at love and life. This breathtaking storytelling will blow you away." ~ USA Today Bestselling Author Tiffany King

"The Weight of Destiny is art at its best, Ryder and Virginia canvasses on which the good and bad of life and love unfold in brilliant, true color."
~ Author Jamie Manning

My Thoughts:

Ms. Dawn write's the most beautifully broken characters, and makes them relatable regardless of gender, sex, ethnicity, and social status.  When it gets down to it, we are all people who may all have different life experiences, yet we all know what fear, sadness, anger, and other various afflictive emotions feel like.

In The Weight of Destiny, we have two characters that appear very different on the outside, yet are undergoing the same emotional turmoil beneath the surface.  Virginia comes from a wealthy family, attends a private school, and is a popular straight A student who is attending Stanford in the fall.  Yet, she closely carries a family secret that makes her live in constant turmoil, with the fear of eventually battling the same mental illness that plagues her mother.  Ryder (Ry) lives in a poor neighborhood, doesn't apply himself in school, and is being raised by his older brother Luke.  His mother took off when he was young, and his father has been on the run from the law for many years.  Ry knows that his father will one day come back for him, and they'll live on the run together as professional thieves.

One night, Virginia and Ryder meet.  These two very different teens end up forging a deep connection with one another.  They learn that they are a lot more alike than either of them noticed at first glance.  Will they crumble under the weight of their destiny, or write their own?

I loved, They Weight of Destiny, by Nyrae Dawn.  The connection between Virginia and Ryder felt authentic.  The friendship that they built created a deep and well-developed romance.  There were many great secondary characters as well, and I am looking forward to them getting their own stories.  I adored, Ryder's older brother, Luke.  I need him to get his own story.  Luke was an amazing brother.  He put Ryder ahead of himself, worked crazy hours, and wanted Ry to make good decisions.  I also loved getting to know Ryder's best friend Shane, and his other good friend's Tanner, Cody, and Drea.  

My Rating:

The Weight of Destiny was a beautifully crafted character driven story.  I loved reading Virginia's inner dialogue.  She was very in touch with her emotions, and her fears were conveyed in such a way that I could empathize with her plight.  I liked the philosophical question that was posed in this story, "Are we fated to become who our parents are, or Can we write our own destiny?"  I love stories that make me contemplate my own life experiences.  Ms. Dawn made me reflect on my thought processes when I was an older teen, and I remembered how exciting and intimidating that time in our life is.  I give, The Weight of Destiny, 4 Rich Characters, Contemplative, Empowering, and Emotionally Riveting Stars!    

Book Teaser:

Book Excerpt:

“You’re strong and beautiful.”
She chuckles softly and shakes her head. “It’s just a different kind of strength. You are who you are, and you don’t care what people think. You don’t care that you’re sober at a party where everyone is drinking. You don’t give a shit if you’re the girl who leaves to do her homework, because it’s important to you.” 
“Is it still strength if the reason behind it is fear?” She sounds like she’s drifting away, her voice getting softer and softer. I need to reel her back in, keep her close, so I roll to my side, lean my head into my hand and let my elbow prop me up. With my other hand, I brush her cheek with my thumb. “I don’t know. You’re the smart one. Regardless, I know you’re strong.” Because I know she’s dealing with more than I’ve seen; I just don’t have a clear picture of what it is.
“We’re still different, though, so why me?” 
Words get trapped in my throat. I can tell her it’s because of what I said—she’s beautiful and strong. I can tell her it’s because sometimes the loneliness in her eyes mirrors mine, only I didn’t know it was there before her. Maybe it’s to prove I won’t screw up with a girl like her the way Luke thinks I will. There are a million possibilities, not all of them good. The only thing that manages to come out is, “Because the weight isn’t as heavy when I’m with you.”
Her breath hitches. I let my fingers gently glide against her neck, her throat. When she speaks, I feel the words vibrate through my fingertips. It’s a crazy-wild feeling, and I want it to keep going, want to touch all her words. 
“The weight of what?” she asks. 
I don’t know… I shrug. “Of everything.” 
But it’s not my words that settle into my chest. It’s hers. Virginia shakes her head and answers her own question. “Of destiny.”

Purchase On:

Amazon

About Nyrae Dawn:

Writing has always been Nyrae Dawn's passion. Nyrae gravitates toward character-driven stories. She loves going on emotional journeys with characters whether it be reading or writing. And yes, she's a total romantic at heart and proud. Nyrae resides in sunny Southern California with her husband (who still makes her swoon) and her two awesome kids. When she's not with her family, you can be pretty sure you'll find her with a book in her hand or her laptop and an open document in front of her. Nyrae also writes adult romance under the name Kelley Vitollo.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter

Release Day Blitz & Review: Rush by Nyrae Dawn

Add to Goodreads

Rush
By: Nyrae Dawn
Published: May 6, 2014
Publisher: Forever Romance
Source:  Publisher
Purchase: Amazon | B&N 
Mature Content:  18 & Up

This new adult, male/male romance will capture the audience who fell in love with Nyrae Dawn's Games Trilogy. For the love of the game. Brandon Chase has always defined himself by one thing: football. Tough and athletic, he is a great college player who enjoys the hard hits and the sweaty grind of the gridiron. But when Brandon is injured, only one person can help him get back on track-a forbidden love he's desperately tried to put behind him. Alec Andrews has never quite forgiven Brandon for walking away when their friendship turned into something more. But he can't deny help to one of his closest friends. As the two spend the long, hot summer working together, their old attraction comes flooding back. Now as Alec thinks about coming out to his conservative family and Brandon considers revealing he's a gay football player, the two men must be strong to fight for a love that could be the greatest rush of their lives. Approx. 70,000 words.

Lindy's Thoughts:

Rush, by Nyrae Dawn, is the first M/M romance that I have ever read.  I decided that I wanted to read this book for a few reasons. First off, I am a huge Nyrae Dawn fan, and have enjoyed every book that she has written.  I follow Ms. Dawn, and was excited and intrigued, every time she would share her excitement for Rush, her favorite quotes, and teasers with her fans.  Also, someone that is near and dear to my heart, recently came out to me, and I felt by reading this story, I would be showing them my support, as well as, getting to understand on a deeper level everything that they had gone through, and were continuing to go through, as they learned how to accept themselves, and take a chance by being honest with the people that they are closest to.

Rush, was an excellent, and very emotional read for me.  Right away, I came to care about the main characters Alec and Brandon. Alec and Brandon had been best friends since their teenage years. Brandon was a very talented football star, who someday hoped to make it to the pro's.  The only thing Brandon ever thought that he was good at was football.  His father was a professor, and his brother Nate was really book smart, just like their father.  Brandon had struggled in school due to Dyslexia, and defined himself first and foremost, as a football player.  The more time Alec and Brandon spent with each other every summer, the more they realized that they were attracted to one another.  They experimented a little bit with one another as teenagers.  Alec and Brandon dealt with their feelings very differently.  Alec realized that he loved Brandon, and wanted to be with him.  He was willing to come out to his friends and family for Brandon; even though he knew he would probably be rejected by his parents.  His father was very ignorant, prejudice, and homophobic.  Brandon on the other hand dealt with a lot of guilt, shame, and denial.  He was not willing to be honest, because he feared rejection from his family, friends, and team mates.  The two go their separate ways, when Brandon tells Alec he can't be with him.

Alec is heartbroken, but so is Brandon.  They both lose their best friend when they leave each other, and feel like they are living a lie, by pretending to be straight.  The only people that know the truth are Brandon's brother Nate, and Alec's best friend, Charlotte (Charlie,) who are in a serious relationship.  Charlie accidentally walked in on them, and that's how she found out.  Nate and Charlie are very accepting, and just want Brandon and Alec to be happy. Brandon and Alec haven't spoken to one another for a year and a half, when Charlie calls Alec to let him know that Brandon was in a serious accident, and almost died.  Brandon won't talk to any of his friends or family, won't eat, and is in a very deep depression. Charlie asks Alec to come see Brandon, and talk to him.  Alec goes to visit Brandon, and the two quickly realize that they never stopped loving one another.  Pretty soon Alec has gotten Brandon being more positive and acting more like himself.  Brandon decides to move to where Alec, Nate, and Charlie are all staying for the summer.  Alec offers to help Brandon train to get ready for his senior year in college football.  Soon, things get more complicated when the two begin living together as "room mates," and get to experience what it feels like to be in a normal relationship.  They are both tired of hiding their relationship, and who they are. However, they have both agreed to part ways after the six weeks of summer have come to an end.  What happens when neither one are ready to say goodbye, but Brandon is not ready to come out of the closet, and Alec can't go on living a lie anymore?

Rush was an excellent story!  It felt very realistic to me, and I came to care very deeply for Alec and Brandon.  I sympathized with their struggle, and put myself in their shoes.  It would be horrible and exhausting to have to deny yourself your feelings, the person you loved, and pretend you were something that you are not.  I found myself being angry at the injustice, prejudice, ignorance, and maliciousness in our society.  I was extremely angry at Alec's family, and couldn't understand how anyone could treat their child so horribly!  I was surprised at how emotional this story made me.  It made me experience a wide variety of feelings.

When it gets down to it, Rush is a story about two people learning how to accept themselves for who they are, and realizing that being happy is a choice.  It is also a romance.  A beautiful love story, about two people that shared a special friendship, and could be themselves around each other.  It was about two people that understood one another, and loved the other deeply and passionately.

My Rating:

I give Rush, by Nyrae Dawn, 5 Fantastic, Transcendent, Romantic, Passionate, and "Learning to Love Yourself" Filled Stars!  

My Favorite Quotes:

"Coming out would be like being cut open all the time, everyone seeing what's inside me.  It's showing sides of me that people will judge me for and maybe even hate me for."  (eARC, Loc. 135)

~Alec

"That doesn't matter.  How far from home you go means nothing.  A person can run to the other side of the world but it doesn't mean shit if they're the same person when they get there as they were when they left.  You might not have gone far from home but inside you've traveled a whole hell of a lot further than most people...farther than me."  (eARC, Loc. 1071)

~Brandon

"I can't imagine my life without him.  Loving Alex helped me decide who I want to be.  That's all I ever had to do, was decide who that was.  It's always been my choice.  (eARC, Loc. 3302)

~Brandon

Ro's Take on this Journey:

Rush, by Nyrae Dawn, is an emotionally charged, poignant story of love, denial, labels, and learning how to be authentic with yourself, no matter the cost.  Either you sacrifice yourself and the wholeness of your soul, or pretend to be someone that you are not for people that don't deserve to be a part of your life in the first place. Ms. Dawn has created, not only a beautiful story of real life situations, but a book of lessons with consequences, and a tool which everyone should read, in order to come out of the darkness of ignorance and bigotry.  I have read all of Ms. Dawn's books, and this book is at the top of my list.  What a fantastic accomplishment for an amazing writer.

Alec and Brandon have been friends for years.  They are football players, though Brandon has a promising future with his abilities. He comes from a loving family, yet feels he cannot come out to them.  He is afraid of the friends he will lose by telling them his secret, so he keeps it to himself.  The only one he can be real with is his best friend, and love of his life, Alec.  Alec has not come out to his family, because they are mindless bigots, who would never accept him once he came out.  But, he would come out, if only Brandon admitted who he is to himself and told Alec he was ready. Brandon only associates himself as his title, "a football player," never reaching deeper to who he really is. He has always felt second best, because of a learning disability, and compared to his ultra-intelligent brother, Nate, to which education came easily.  He never had a chance, because he never allowed himself the right to be someone who deserved love and to be real.

These two go through struggles, back and forth, don't see each other for over a year and a half, until the day Alec gets a call that changes everything.  Charlie, (Charlotte) Alec's best girlfriend, calls and tells him that Brandon has had a tragic accident and needs him desperately, though he will not ask himself for anyone. Nate and Charlie are the only ones who know about the situation between the two, so everything is easy and up front. Brandon has never left Alec's mind or his heart.  The day that Brandon walked away from giving himself a chance to have a real live relationship, he took the not so easy road out, and left Alec heartbroken.  He would rather live in the dark shadows, that his life had been for so long, without real love, or the only man that ever really knew him or his feelings, inside and out.  Alec comes to help Brandon out of the dark, and the ride is one to remember.  There are a lot of ups and downs, just like real life. 

This is a fast paced, dual perspective, all around amazing chronicle of the lives of two men trying to be true to themselves and their love for each other, at a heavy price, but not heavy enough to deny them what they deserve; to be happy.  They just happen to be gay. All the characters are well rounded and add so much to this eye opening book. Since when is it a crime to be different, we are born biologically different?  Freedom is a given right.  It is time to step out of a comfort zone of denial, and realize that someday, your child may come to you and lay their heart on a platter before you. Will you give them the unconditional love that they deserve?  Or will you hide behind your stringent beliefs and/or religion, or will what others think and say be more important than your child's well being and happiness?  I say, my child will always come first, no matter what problem they come to me with, because they are my world. I will be proud of them for the human beings that they are, not the labels that society has rankled them with.  Kudos to you Ms. Dawn, for having the foresight and the guts to write this controversial, real life book, with so many life lessons for so many people.

This book was phenomenal, and it was heartbreaking.  The reader learns what it is like to live a lie, to lay in the dark contemplating the inner turmoil and self hate, secrets, lies, fear, anguish, and guilt for being alive.  I will never forget these characters or the fact that their lives have to be hidden.  They were not able to be whole, and they had to make a sacrifice of their lives, because they felt they didn't deserve to be here like everyone else.  I loved this book.  It will give the reader new perspective and hopefully, perhaps, compassion and wisdom beyond their current scope.

I give, Rush, by Nyrae Dawn, 5 Totally Lost, Anguish Filled, Poignant, Loving, Becoming Freed, Authentic Stars!!! 

Book Teaser:

Courtesy of Ms. Dawn's Facebook Page

Book Except:

“I want you to smile again too. It’s in there, Brand. I saw it tonight. When you had the ball and then when we were talking to my dad.”

I don’t know if it’s the right thing to do but it’s the only thing I can do. Even if I wanted to, I couldn’t stop myself. I step toward Alec and slide my free hand around the back of his neck. It only takes a gentle tug to bring him even closer, his hand moving to the same place on me that mine rests on him. 

Alec closes his eyes and drops his forehead to mine. Neither of us talk, and I wonder if he’s just feeling the way I am. It’s that same rush that sweeps through me every time I touch him, my nerve endings like live wires, sparking with electricity. Everything inside me screams that this is right. He’s right. How can anyone not understand this? How can I fight us? 

About Nyrae Dawn:

Writing has always been Nyrae Dawn's passion. Nyrae gravitates toward character-driven stories. She loves going on emotional journeys with characters whether it be reading or writing. And yes, she's a total romantic at heart and proud. Nyrae resides in sunny Southern California with her husband (who still makes her swoon) and her two awesome kids. When she's not with her family, you can be pretty sure you'll find her with a book in her hand or her laptop and an open document in front of her. Nyrae also writes adult romance under the name Kelley Vitollo. 

 Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter

Q & A With Nyrae Dawn:

Tell us about your new book.

It’s a love story. It’s probably more of a love story, rather than a romance, than anything I’ve ever written. It’s about two people who are in love with each other when the book starts. All they’ve ever wanted is to love each other. They just have to find a way to do that, and to be okay with who they are. Alec and Brandon spent four summers together, in secret and now that they’re older, they’ve been brought back together. This time, they can’t walk away. 

What is the secret to staying in love with your characters to see your story through to the end? 

Wow. Great question. I’m not sure there is a secret. I just think it’s important to make sure your characters are real and as layered as possible. To make them the kind of people you feel for, and pull for. People you continue to discover new things about.

What’s one characteristic that you like to give all your heroes? 

Big-hearts. Some of my boys may be bad boys, but they all have big hearts. 

What scene did you have the most fun writing? 

Again, this wasn’t really a fun scene but it really stuck with me. It’s the scene where Alec and Brandon go to talk with Brandon’s parents. I can’t say more than that. 

What is a common misconception about male/male or any LGBT romance? 

That it’s somehow different than other romance novels. Love is love, it doesn’t matter the gender, so while certain specifics may change, at the base they’re the same—love stories. 

Giveaways:

5 print copies of RUSH with signed cards and 5 signed cards from Nyrae Dawn:

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An eBook Copy of Rush by Nyrae Dawn:

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