Sharing is Caring - Videos: "With or Without You || Swan Queen Video || Regina & Emma || Once Upon A Time"

Be sure to WATCH IN HD! Like this? Please share! It would behoove you to read the description. ;)

Emma Swan and Regina Mills had worked so hard to get to the point in their relationship in which they were today. After all, accepting true love isn't always easy.

And it did not start out that way. Even though both Regina and Emma knew that they had deep feelings coursing through their veins for one another, a love so powerful, it could easily defeat the most disasterous evils of the world, didn't make it easier for them to admit to those feelings. Sure they tried, in subtle, inconspicous ways at times, but without success. They seemed to dance around the topic for years without ever achieving admission.

Eventually, Emma had enough. Feeling as though Regina would never return her feelings, Emma confronts Regina about having to end whatever it is between them, and for her to leave Storybrooke. Completely shocked, Regina becomes defensive, her feelings for Emma bubbling under the surface of her resolve. Before she can admit anything rash, she instead makes it known that she will have no part in Emma's departure. Emma tries to show understanding but only feels dread. But when she attempts to make a quick exit, Regina finally shrugs off her pride and puts a stop to their dance.

With the truth finally free, Emma and Regina begin a life together with Henry, showing the entire world that the Swan-Mills family has always been the center of the story the whole time.

One day, Henry brings Emma and Regina a trinket. But the moment Regina touches it, she falls unconscious. Before Regina or Emma can identify what took place, they wake up in odd locations, not knowing how they arrived.

Now I'm going to clue you, the reader, in on something our fearless women have not yet discovered: they have woken up in different realms, and are NOT on the same plane. And because of that, they are both about to experience a painful and deterimental heartbreak.

When Emma goes to seek out Regina, and Regina does the same for Emma, they both reach dead ends, discovering the other is missing. When Regina appears as if by magic to Emma in the middle of Storybrooke, she is suddenly taken by darkness, and killed, before Emma even has a chance to save her. Then we find Regina, who ends up locating Emma in the middle of the street battling a hooded figure of impeccable skill. Regina runs to assist Emma in her fight, but finds her magic stolen away from her in the same moment that a sword is run straight through Emma, killing her instantly. But another clue for the reader - watch closely and make sure to take note of each scene carefully. If you observe, you may be able see the rip in reality come alive.

Both Emma and Regina are heartbroken, feeling their hearts torn clear from their bodies and crushed by the weight of the other's painful and undeniable death. As they both try to deal with the pain of loosing their true love, they find it to be the most difficult endeavor they have ever encountered.

Fast forward six months, and both women are trying to lead their lives, but neither has been able to move forward from the other's death. Both Regina and Emma battle with the demon of their true love gone, but are loosing. Suddenly, Emma is struck with a very real vision of her own death, something she has a difficult time shaking. Seeking help from an evil yet knowledgeable man, Emma soon discovers that she has been living in a different world, separate from her real family, since the day she watched Regina die.

When she discovers this, she is suddenly thrust into a world behind reality. She is suddenly able to watch her friends, and even Henry. Working out a way to get their attention and free herself from this prison, she counts on her son to get the message. Being a super smart young man, he does.

And then she sees her. Her Regina. Her one and only true love. And she's ALIVE.

Once Henry and Emma make contact, a monster suddenly appears to prevent Emma from returning to her family. But just as suddenly, Henry breaks through the barrier, giving Emma a way back home.

And when true love's magic steps in, Emma and Regina are given a second chance...

Fandom: Once Upon A Time
Characters: Regina & Emma - Swan Queen
Music:
Starlights - Tracey Chattaway (https://youtu.be/D1K6ztEk80I)
We Are Stars - Rhian Sheehan (https://youtu.be/ETVyB958nlc)
On the Nature of Daylight - Max Richter (https://youtu.be/xotZgqGIMt0)
The Hug - Atli Örvarsson (https://youtu.be/g-sl7DFIeO0)
Reality is Lonely - Thomas-Adam Habuda (https://youtu.be/VwuEbibzEDk)
Rebirth - Must Save Jane (https://youtu.be/BRGq-c5s2dc)
Singularity - Nick Murray feat. Roger Shah (https://youtu.be/MiIZBxw1EUU)

IG & Kik: @SwanQueen4Lesbians

The Legal Stuff:
Manips from Willow Hermione & Wursuf.
I do not own the rights to Once Upon a Time or their characters, to Disney, to any of the musicians, & I make no profit from this.
Copyright Notice on YouTube Channel page.

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Sharing is Caring - Videos: "Words Left Unsaid || Swan Queen Video || Emma & Regina || Once Upon A Time"

Be sure to WATCH IN HD! Like this? Please share! It would behoove you to read the description ;).

Emma Swan and Regina Mills did not start out as friends. But as they grew to trust one another, they became a force unlike any other in the magical world.

One day, Regina and Emma find themselves at sea. In an attempt to right the ship during a heavy storm, Emma gets knocked unconscious underwater. In her stupor, Emma experiences a vision, showing her moments where Regina is the sole focus. As the team makes attempts to rescue Emma, they eventually bring her back on board - but she's not breathing. Something moves within Regina and she realizes that it is all caused by the thought of losing Emma. Her mind flashes images of Emma, and her heart grows heavy with the possibility of her demise. But Emma suddenly comes to, and both women reflect on their visions.

Returning to Storybrooke, Emma finds herself at war with her emotions and thoughts. It is as if her feelings for the mayor had intensified beyond what she thought was capable. But what Emma didn't know was that Regina was experiencing the very same thing. Interactions with one another overflow with a desire to assure the other is kept safe. They seem to find every single way to convey their feelings and get so close to admitting their feelings time and time again without a true confession. As they fall deeper and deeper in love, the struggle becomes all too real.

But then, the unthinkable happens.

A new curse, fresh with evil intent, is closing in on the town quickly. Immediately, Regina realizes what must be done. The town of Storybrooke and all of its character residents must return to their old lives in the Enchanted Forest for one year's time, saving the town and allowing them to return after. But at the cost of being forgotten in the real world. As Emma is a part of the real world, it will not include her, and she must leave Storybrooke while the town absorbs the curse, losing her memories completely of the town and its residents, or she will die.

Being encouraged by her parents and others, Emma looks to Regina. Knowing that they no longer had a future, Regina confesses that she must say goodbye to the thing she loves most. And Emma realizes that Regina is speaking of her.

With no time to react, Emma receives instruction and leaves Storybrooke, never getting the chance to tell Regina how she truly feels in return. However, as soon as Emma passes the town line, her despair disappears. But not for Regina.

After the year has passed, we find Emma living in New York. Regina and the others have returned to Storybrooke, and Regina uses a bit of magic to look in on Emma. But what she sees makes the dread she had already been feeling expand to new levels, and she is stricken with grief, watching the color practically fade out of her world as her heart melts away.

One day, a strange man (but what was once her best friend in Storybrooke) knocks on Emma's door, telling her that all she knows is a lie. As this man trails her across town, he convinces her to discover the truth, and she promptly returns to him after finding evidence of a life she doesn't remember. With a little magic, Emma is suddenly transported through time as her memories of her parents, of Storybrooke, and of Regina, come back to life.

Emma rushes back to Storybrooke in the middle of the night, only wanting to find Regina, but she is unsuccessful. Working with her parents to develop a plan at Granny's, Regina walks into the diner and sees Emma sitting there, and is overcome with shock. Thinking Emma doesn't know who Regina is, and before Emma even has a chance to explain that her memories have returned, Regina is gone. Regina realizes that she is unable to bear the thought of Emma back in Storybrooke without her memory. She makes the ultimate decision to leave the town she loves and cross it's line, therefore eliminating her own memory of Emma, and the love she continues to have for the Savior.

Without being able to find Regina, Emma turns to the town to seek any information regarding Regina's whereabouts. Discovering Regina's plan, Emma rushes away and speeds towards the town line as fast as her yellow bug can take her.

As Emma rushes towards the town line, we come to the point in the story where, as always, true love's magic finally gives them a chance...

Fandom: Once Upon A Time
Characters: Emma & Regina - Swan Queen
Music: The Ends - Luke Howard (https://youtu.be/LjcAk5AWS5Y)
Tears of War - Colossal Trailer Music (https://youtu.be/VoIDS8vYkFE)
Beth's Theme - Ólafur Arnalds (https://youtu.be/pmKkaCKWreM)
I Will Follow You - Toulouse (https://youtu.be/b6HonlIF2B4)
Until the End - Really Slow Motion (https://youtu.be/QZKQF7g9ESo)

IG & Kik: @SwanQueen4Lesbians

The Legal Stuff:
Manips from Willow Hermione & Wursuf.
I do not own the rights to Once Upon a Time or their characters, to any of the musicians, & I make no profit from this.
Copyright Notice on YouTube Channel page.

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Sharing is Caring - Books: "Shaken to the Core" by Jae

Shaken to the Core by Jae
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received this novel for free from NetGalley and Ylva Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

Jae's newest contribution to the lesbian historical fiction genre is remarkable. Centering around one of the most destructive natural disasters in recent history, Shaken to the Core is an adventure and whirlwind of emotions that I, truthfully, was not expecting. Following the lives of two very different women as the navigate through this disaster brick by brick is one that had me glued to the pages of this story from the moment I read page one.

Deriving from Jae's Hollywood series, Shaken to the Core is the corresponding story surrounding the screenplay and movie that Jill in Just Physical, along with her friend Grace, star in, all from a screenplay written by Grace's girlfriend, Lauren. I'm so glad Jae decided to write an associated novel to that tidbit in those books, as it is a wonderful reward for her historical fiction fans.

I was more than impressed with this novel, and only found some issues with how the story left me hanging for more. This is the reason for the 4-star review. I firmly believe that this novel is exceptional, and I also completely respect an author's decision on where to end a story and start fresh. But in this case, I did feel that there was something left to be desired, and it may have been just a quick remedy of a more well-rounded ending. Jae's novels have never left me feeling this way in the past, which I believe is the reason I felt it so much in this novel. It is fine to be left wanting more, but I more felt as if I was left with an unfinished tale.

All in all - a fantastic read though. A must-have for any Jae fan, and a beautiful novel to start off if your a first time reader of her work.

View all my reviews

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Sharing is Caring - Videos: "The Secrets We Keep || Swan Queen Video || Emma & Regina || Once Upon A Time"

Emma Swan and Regina Mills did not get along. At least, not in the beginning.

But they slowly grew into a friendship that saved lives...and themselves.

As time went on, both Emma and Regina began to trust one another in ways they had never trusted before.

But Emma began to feel...more.

As Emma begins to recognize that her feelings for Regina are more than she had ever thought possible, she begins to evade the advances of one local pirate clearly after her heart. But knowing where her own heart truly lies, she decides to confront Regina about her feelings. When Emma approaches the mayor, she walks into a moment where Regina is in agony over comments someone has made on her time as the Evil Queen. Seeing her distraught, Emma evades her plan.

As time moves on and adventures continue, Emma and the others find themselves in Camelot. Watching a moment between Regina and David, Emma gets up the courage to confront Regina once more. But when she does, she stumbles upon Regina in the arms of a man, and her heart breaks. Taking rash action, she flings herself at the pirate pursuing her, but immediately regrets the action, and eventually comes clean to him with the real truth.

Weeks later, Regina approaches Emma with a request for help. Asking Emma to help her find the man she met in Camelot, Emma is set on staying out of Regina's pursuits for love, until she sees her face. And suddenly, all Emma wants is for Regina to be happy. She agrees, and sets out to find the man.

When Emma does find him, she learns that he is a repulsive wretch that feels the need to defile Emma, stating his knowledge of her feelings for Regina, and that he has been "protecting" Regina from Emma's advances. Emma is crushed, but still notifies Regina of his location, set on ensuring Regina's happiness.

When Regina and the man reunite, Emma watches them cling to each other, and knows that the only way she can save her own heart is to remove herself. And that means leaving Storybrooke.

Emma does leave, much to the dismay of Storybrooke and even Regina. But the information regarding Emma's feelings and the man "protecting" Regina from her advances comes to light, and Regina is furious. She banishes the man from her life, and sets off to find Emma, only to discover that she has completely left Storybrooke, only speaking to her parents.

Regina discovers that the only way to fix everything is to travel back in time to when she, Emma, and all of Storybrooke were in Camelot. Regina will avoid the man from the start, and find Emma, convincing her to stay. Regina brings Mary Margaret and David along to assist in making sure they rewrite history, and Regina reflects on how it was that she could have never known of Emma's feelings. But she realizes that a part of her had always known, because a part of her, a large all-consuming part, had always loved Emma.

Regina is dismayed when she realizes that she has successfully gone back in time, but to the wrong location. She sets out on a search for King Arthur's kingdom, knowing Mary Margaret and David have made it successfully. 

When Regina finds Camelot and finally confronts Emma, moments after she is thrust back to Storybrooke and it's present time. Immediately upon returning, she is overcome, and is suddenly whisked through memory after memory of the moments and signs Regina had missed where Emma had showed her love. But when she wakes, Emma is there, in Storybrooke, standing over her.

Little did Regina know, true love's magic had helped her find the way...

Fandom: Once Upon A Time

Characters: Emma & Regina - Swan Queen

Music: Mix created by Far Nerdy comprised of the following:

Time & Tide by Fired Earth Music (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-38xYwUtpo)

Kérastase by dévoile (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsNv8bQAIDU)

Forgiving by Evgeny Raskin (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lC40DnWyYo)

Close by David Yousefi (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_p2ZEJA8UA)

Glimmer of Hope by Ivan Torrent (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbpHB9wbDhY)

Riding the Light by Really Slow Motion (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUPfawME5JA)

FIND ME ON INSTAGRAM! @SwanQueen4Lesbians

Wanna talk to me? I'm on KIK! @SwanQueen4Lesbians

https://farnerdy.blogspot.com

The Legal Stuff:

Manips from Willow Hermione (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCShx0QIPjY)

DISCLAIMER: I do not own the rights to Once Upon a Time or their characters; to Ivan Torrent and his music; to Steve Jablonksy, Paramount, or Hasbro; or to Mattie Cupelli and his music; and I make no profit from this.

Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for 'fair use' for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational, or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.

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Sharing is Caring - Videos: "Out of the Darkness || Swan Queen Video || Regina & Emma || Once Upon A Time"

Regina Mills and Emma Swan's relationship began with a rocky start. 

But as time went on, their feelings for one another grew in silence.

Closer and closer they became, until they relied on one another for more than each was willing to admit.

But one day, Regina began to notice a change in Emma...

...a dark change...

Doing everything in her power, Regina vowed to all of those who loved Emma to keep her from the darkness...

But without having admitted their love for one another

True love's magic couldn't keep Emma safe...

When Emma turns against the ones she loves, her rage fuels her fight for power and destruction. She begins to lash out at everyone she loves, including Regina.

Regina follows Emma around town as much as possible, coming up against her at every turn. Feeling wholly responsible for Emma's plunge into the world of darkness, Regina feels the need to keep going, and never give up on Emma - no matter the consequence.

Regina and Emma's parents, as well as others throughout the town of Storybrooke, fight their way to keep Emma from falling completely into darkness. But Emma has already done the impossible, and has released a new beast upon the town, intent on killing everyone in a mass exodus and sacrifice to the "dark ones."

When Emma watches this new demon harm Regina, completely for the game of hurting Emma and nothing more, something shifts within Emma, causing her desire for power and evil to fade away. Realizing she must save her friends and family, Emma goes to Regina to apologize, but comes up short when Regina lashes out at Emma, causing both of them shock and alarm. With the reality of Regina hating Emma in her current state, she begins to realize just how deeply her feelings for the mayor had rooted within her heart, and it becomes her sole motivation to go back to her true self, and tell Regina how she feels.

When Regina returns to find Mary Margaret waiting for her after her interaction with Emma, she confesses her true feelings for the savior, slowly feeling her hope slip away that she will ever be able to tell the real Emma Swan. Mary Margaret encourages Regina to stay strong, despite her obvious pain at the sight of what Emma had become. Mary Margaret's words hit Regina deeply, and she finds new inspiration after their encounter.

But little does anyone in the town of Storybrooke know - Emma is working to make things right. However, the final step is one she needs to keep secret. She calls upon Regina to assist her without telling anyone else of her plan. But in this request, she asks Regina to keep her promise to destroy the darkness no matter the consequence. Regina waivers, enacting an internal battle of such magnitude. How could she possibly fulfill her promise and be the cause of Emma leaving her world?

But as we know (and as I've told you before), magic works in mysterious ways...

...especially when true love's magic finally makes an appearance...

Fandom: Once Upon A Time

Characters: Regina & Emma - Swan Queen

Music: "A Step in the Forest" Mix created by Far Nerdy 

comprised of the following:

When It All Falls Down by Ivan Torrent (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knrN8_OQJcM)

Aligning Hearts by Ivan Torrent (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1uajQSqUh4)

Best Thing That Ever Happened by Steve Jablonsky - from "Transformers: Age of Extinction" OST (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlLwp05Da4o)

Waves by Mattia Cupelli (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbtel9K6fVY)

PLEASE - if you wish to use clips from this video and/or use this idea in your manip or edit, give credit back to this video and/or YouTube channel. Do not take the idea or any manipulated clips from my videos for yourself or your edits and manips. Hard work was put into this creation, and I am counting on you to pay it forward. Your cooperation is extremely appreciated. :)

Wanna talk to me? Find me on Kik! I'd love to hear from you! @SwanQueen4Lesbians

FIND ME ON INSTAGRAM! @SwanQueen4Lesbians

https://farnerdy.blogspot.com

The Legal Stuff:

Manips from Willow Hermione (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCShx0QIPjY) and Wursuf (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=We0x0XgTn7M)

DISCLAIMER: I do not own the rights to Once Upon a Time or their characters; to Ivan Torrent and his music; to Steve Jablonksy, Paramount, or Hasbro; or to Mattie Cupelli and his music; and I make no profit from this.

Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for 'fair use' for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational, or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.

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Sharing is Caring - Videos: "Dr. Jillian Holtzmann || Holtzmann Love Video || Ghostbusters || Kate McKinnon"

Be sure to WATCH IN HD! Like this? Be sure to share it! :)

It would behoove you to read the description. ;)

Dr. Jillian Holtzmann is one of the most fantastic characters to grace the cinematic screen in years. A symbol for women, a symbol for women in science in engineering, a symbol for those gay women out there that have long sought-out a presence like hers - she hits each and every need in perfection. Eccentric but lovable, crazy but loyal, and best of all - completely herself through and through - Holtzmann has been the breakout star of the new Ghostbusters movie, and has jumped onto many people's radar as a character to show their love, as well as a jumping-off point for the woman that brought her to life - Kate McKinnon.

Here you will find my dedication and appreciation video to Holtzmann and Kate, as I can't get enough of either of them. I am already planning out my Holtzmann cosplay costume (hopefully it will be completely ready for Halloween), and I'm finding every single one of my friends who haven't yet seen the movie and dragging them to the theater - mainly so I can just see this character's awesomeness in action once again.

Long Live Holtzmann.  And God Bless Kate McKinnon!

If you haven't yet had a chance to go and see the new "Ghostbusters" movie - STOP THIS VIDEO AND GO SEE IT! It's PHENOMENAL. Don't let those misogynistic and sexist comments from the haters sway you from seeing one of the best movies of the summer.

Fandom: Ghostbusters

Characters: Dr. Jillian Holtzmann (Kate McKinnon)

Music: "Ghostbusters (I'm Not Afraid)" by Fall Out Boy ft. Missy Elliott (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2AQ44nPrRTM)

Wanna talk to me? Find me on Kik! I'd love to hear from you! @SwanQueen4Lesbians

Instagram - @SwanQueen4Lesbians

https://farnerdy.blogspot.com

The Legal Stuff:

DISCLAIMER: I do not own the rights to Ghostbusters, Columbia Pictures, or any other production partners; to the characters from the Ghostbusters movie; to Fall Out Boy or Missy Elliott; and I make no profit from this.

Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for 'fair use' for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational, or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.

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Sharing is Caring - Videos: "Remember Me || Swan Queen Video || Regina & Emma || Once Upon A Time"

Regina Mills and Emma Swan have finally found love. But just because they have found their happy ending, doesn't mean that they are safe from all of the unpredicted dangers of a magical world.

On one fateful day, Regina goes missing, having been kidnapped by two ruthless villains set on destroying the town of Storybrooke. Emma begins her search to the ends of the Earth to find the woman she loves, while also moving forward in making every attempt to save Storybrooke. Unbeknownst to Emma, Regina's captors have figured out a way in which to trigger the Evil Queen from the depths of Regina's conscious, releasing her back into the fairy tale world to continue her havoc. Torturing Regina beyond any level someone should have to withstand, Regina sends out a message of love to Emma as she slips away, morphing into the Evil Queen...for good.

Emma is so close to finding Regina that she hears Regina's declaration of love, reaching her a moment too late, and witnesses Regina turn flesh and bone into the Evil Queen. Dread and failure overwhelm Emma as she watches her one true love perish into a dark existence.

But when Emma and Hook witness an odd appearance show over the town, they investigate and get transported directly into the Enchanted Forest, right in the midst of the Evil Queen’s path. Discovering their whereabouts, Emma gets an up-close glimpse of Regina as the Evil Queen, and is stunned. Watching some of the heinous acts Regina commits sends Emma into a deeper depression as the reminder of her failure to save the woman she loves most barrels out of control disaster after disaster. But when she and Hook sit down to figure out a way to return to Storybrooke, Emma realizes that maybe there is hope, if only she can trigger Regina's memory of their true love.

Seeking assistance from Rumpelstiltskin, Emma and Hook find their way into a royal ball where Regina attends, and Emma finally comes face-to-face with the woman she yearns to have again. But the Evil Queen has other plans, and imprisons Emma for years without a second thought. Emma vows to never give up this time and stays true, intent on bringing Regina back, despite the hardships the imprisonment takes on her soul.

But then, as we have all learned, magic can work in mysterious ways. 

Especially True Love’s Magic…

Fandom: Once Upon A Time

Characters: Regina & Emma - Swan Queen

Music: "A Step in the Forest" Mix created by Far Nerdy 

comprised of the following:

Carry Me by Eurielle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyn8gAYtNu4)

See What I've Become by Zack Hemsey (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWDYAJ2-Y1E)

A Thousand Words by Dorian Marko (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0vfqD-a-JI)

Memories of You by Christian Baczyk (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ss0vgfTpLyE)

Alive by Kari Sigurdsson (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aVkTRbhZLE)

Wanna talk to me? Find me on Kik! I'd love to hear from you! @SwanQueen4Lesbians

Instagram - @SwanQueen4Lesbians

https://farnerdy.blogspot.com

The Legal Stuff:

DISCLAIMER: I do not own the rights to Once Upon a Time or their characters, to Eurielle, to Zack Hemsey, to Dorian Marko, to Christian Baczyk, or to Kari Sigurdsson, and I make no profit from this.

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Sharing is Caring - Books: "First Position" by Melissa Brayden

First Position by Melissa Brayden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Before getting into the nitty gritty of this review where I tell you all how amazing it was, I wanted to say that I actually got the insanely awesome pleasure of being able to sit down with the extraordinary Melissa Brayden herself, and though I was secretly telling myself consistently to "be cool" (and the verdict is still out on whether I succeeded or not)

... I can walk away saying that Ms. Brayden is simply amazing in person, end of story.

Which brings me to the point of saying, once again, that anything Melissa Brayden writes is simply amazing as well, end of story.

The love story Brayden has crafted between outgoing and enthusiastic Natalie Frederico (which is SUCH a fun name to say!) and level-headed, no-nonsense Anastasia (Ana) Mikhelson is art all on it's own...and not just because it is a book about dance! Art can be crafted in such meticulous ways, but Brayden has found a realm where, as a reader, you don't even realize how amazing the story is that is being presented to you because of the flawless effort that flows and snakes and weaves its way in and around you and your psyche while reading. These books, many of which (in my experience) have been penned by Brayden, are escapes and outlets all on their own that fulfill such a deep need for so many. And it is all in the name of literary art. First Position does just that.

First Position is another piece of Les Fic gold. Yet, it is very different than the usual fare we are presented with from Brayden. While reading, I couldn't quite put my finger on what it was that had this story stampeding in and out of my brain both while I was reading, as well as the times in between my reading sessions. For some reason, this book made me THINK. Please don't take that as meaning that Brayden's other novels left my mind searching for sustenance. This is not the case. But the levels that were presented with this novel - the deep-dives into emotions and relationships, interactions with the world around us, perspectives both internally and externally for the soul, and so much more - made this novel take up residence right in the center of my normal, everyday thought process and spend more time reflecting on this novel, its characters, and its subject matter, more than I have for any others in 2016.

So what's the big difference in this novel compared to Brayden's others? Well, as many reviews have already stated, there is one addition within these pages that we have not yet seen often from her previous novels.

In addition, there was more a slow-burn to the two characters and their developing relationship. This definitely added to the angst level, but made the encounters between them leading up to the "big moment" all the more sizzling and tantalizing for the reader. I completely endorse the Brayden Slow-Burn, and hope to see it again in future novels.

This review is minimal compared to others that I've written, but it is for a reason. You don't need a review to tell you this book is amazing. Incredible. Riveting.

The fact is, First Position is fantastic, and you should read it.

End of story.

View all my reviews

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Sharing is Caring - Videos: "You Thought We Were Friends? Part II || Swan Queen Video || Regina & Emma || Once Upon A Time"

We last found Regina Mills and Emma Swan in a state of turmoil...

Emma had sacrificed herself in order to save Regina...

But in this act of heroism, Regina fully realized just how much Emma had come to mean to her...

And confessed her love to Emma before it was too late...

To which Emma responded in kind.

Watching the inevitable unfurl, Regina Mills is left distraught and hollow. She feels no joy, no happiness, and lacks the ability to see the beauty in the world any longer. Struggling with her feelings of loss and despair, all those around her see her clouded in darkness with no forseeable way for her to escape.

After being consumed by the evil darkness that threatened Storybrooke, Emma Swan finds herself trapped in a world where happiness does not exist. She is taken prisoner by an evil ruler who plans to use Emma to get what she wants. Emma makes multiple attempts to find a way out, but to no avail.

But luck takes a turn for our star-crossed lovers. In an unexpected find, Regina discovers a secret leading to a form a magic in which she can bring Emma back safely. But it comes with the unfortunate task of teaming up with Storybrooke's original dark one, Mr. Gold.

But when Regina finds the answer embedded in the book of magic she took from Gold, the path becomes clear, and she risks everything in order to bring Emma home...

And never lose her again.

If you are looking for PART I, please go here: https://youtu.be/6PkDFRYc2FA

Fandom: Once Upon A Time

Characters: Regina & Emma

Music: My personal compliation of the following -

"Between Worlds" by Roger Subriana (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prz-qFNQMOw)

"When the Time Comes" by Audiomachine (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G112xCLQJ6E)

"Suns and Stars" by Really Slow Motion (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5ANvyBJsU4)

FIND ME ON INSTAGRAM! @SwanQueen4Lesbians

https://farnerdy.blogspot.com

The Legal Stuff:

Some Manips completed by Wursuf.

DISCLAIMER: I do not own the rights to Once Upon a Time or their characters; to Roger Subriana, Audiomachine, Really Slow Motion, or any of their music; and I make no profit from this.

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Sharing is Caring - Videos: "Loving Lana Parrilla || Regina Mills || Evill Regals Appreciate! || Once Upon A Time"

~*~Lana Parrilla~*~

Actress...

Humanitarian...

Human.

Lana Parrilla has always been inspirational to me.  The way she goes about her life - with her fans, with her cast mates, with her family - she always continues to show her appreciation, as well as bestow the utmost kindness on everyone she comes into contact with.  For this, as well as her sense of humor, long standing approach to laughing through life, and the "heart with two legs" mentality that the world has come to recognize of her - I give my appreciation to Lana for just being Lana.

If you ever get to see this - Lana Parrilla, thank you for being an inspiration to so many, especially me.

Fandom: Once Upon A Time/Lana Parrilla

Music: "Up" by The Score (from the original movie "Sing Street")

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3DLF2MV3q8

FIND ME ON INSTAGRAM! @SwanQueen4Lesbians

The Legal Stuff:

DISCLAIMER: I do not own the rights to Once Upon a Time or their characters, to The Score, or to the movie "Sing Street", and I make no profit from this.

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Sharing is Caring - Videos: "The Awakening" || Swan Queen || Emma & Regina || Once Upon A Time

When dealt yet another hardship, Regina Mills retreats to the safe confines of her office to escape the pain that never ceases to stop when it comes to her happy ending.  Emma Swan runs after her, arriving too late to encounter the Mayor of Storybrooke face-to-face. But Emma takes it upon herself to try and convince Regina not to give up.  Practically being able to hear Regina's hope slipping away, Emma vows to do it for her, and promises to ensure Regina the happy ending she has always deserved.

But when Emma leaves the Mayor in peace, Regina lets Emma's words sink in, and she begins to realize that...maybe...Emma has already fulfilled her promise. Reminiscing over the past, Regina realizes that at almost every turn towards her happy ending, her own walls have prevented her from fully experiencing it's true potential.

Because - all along - she's been looking for the wrong happy ending. Regina realizes that Emma is her happy ending.

But struck with fear at this realization, Regina prevents herself from taking any steps to fulfill her new-found goal.  Too scared to pursue her true happy ending when it could so easily be stripped away from her is a risk she is not willing to take.

Emma soon realizes that she herself has been looking in all the wrong places for her happy ending, and that it solely lies within Regina.  Emma begins to believe that Regina feels the same, but feels each and every attempt she makes to bring them closer is met with one of Regina's well-built walls.

After speaking to one of her closest friends, Emma understands more than ever before that Regina is her happy ending, her "home".  And without delaying one more day, she approaches Regina directly, forcing the two women to talk, and finally confess.

Fandom: Once Upon A Time

Characters: Emma & Regina

Music: "Where the Streets Have No Name" by 2CELLOS

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jO9P_P84U_k)

FIND ME ON INSTAGRAM! @SwanQueen4Lesbians

https://farnerdy.blogspot.com

The Legal Stuff:

DISCLAIMER: I do not own the rights to Once Upon a Time or their characters, to 2CELLOs, or to the band U2, and I make no profit from this.

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Sharing is Caring - Videos: "When It's Worth Fixing" || Swan Queen || Emma & Regina || Once Upon A Time

Emma has always admired Regina and secretly held a deeply-rooted love for her since her arrival in Storybrooke. Pining away, Emma steels herself against continuously watching Regina follow suitors that never live up to expectation.

On one fateful day in Storybrooke, Emma has to make one of the most difficult decisions of her life. She must take action to protect all of the people of the town against a horrific curse, but in doing so, hurting the one person she would never wish to harm - Regina.

Time passes and Storybrooke is safe once again, thanks to it's commendable Savior. But Emma isn't strutting around town like the hero she is. She is faltering, feeling the effects of her decision down to her core. Because only now does Regina acknowledge her on a daily basis, but for all the wrong reasons. 

Regina despises Emma.

Emma takes it upon herself to try and make amends, but Regina blocks her at every turn. Eventually, Regina lays into Emma for ruining her life, and Emma succumbs to the hurt and anguish of Regina's words by doing the one thing she knows how to do best - she runs.

When Regina learns of Emma's departure, she begins to feel guilt. Regina runs to Emma's parents to ask them if anyone had gone to look for Emma. David responds by telling Regina that Emma found a way to live outside of Storybrooke but still retain her memories of her family. Regina is shocked that both of Emma's parents are okay with this, stunning both David and Mary Margaret with her reaction. Regina begins to feel remorse beyond comparison as it begins to settle in deep that she is the reason Emma is gone.

While away, Emma gets some sound advice from another queen of a different type, giving her the inspiration to not give up on Regina despite everything that had occurred. With renewed energy and determination, Emma returns to Storybrooke. Immediately confronting Regina, Emma takes the time to explain that she never meant to hurt her, and that all she has ever wanted was to be friends with Regina. Regina hears Emma out, allowing her the chance to explain after feeling her own guilt about causing Emma to leave Storybrooke. Emma makes a bold move and states to Regina that she will never stop trying to be friends, and Regina feels compelled to give a friendship with Emma a chance.

As the two give one another a second chance, Regina begins to notice her feelings shifting for the young hero, and Emma can't help but notice the different attention that is being bestowed upon her by the one woman she has always held close. Seeking advice from her mother, Mary Margaret advises Emma to do the right thing, leaving it up to Emma's interpretation, and to figure it out.  Emma realizes that if she never takes a chance with Regina, the possibility of a happy ending may never even occur. Emma gathers up her courage and approaches Regina, and Regina responds with such enthusiasm that both women fall into love without ever looking back.

While Emma was away, she developed and honed her magic skills, becoming powerful beyond measure. When Regina learns of this, the two begin fighting off all traces of evil in Storybrooke - none of it a match for the two women and the magic they make together.

But when Emma and Regina attempt to vanquish a source of evil, and think the job complete, it reappears. Emma acts without thinking and pushes Regina to safety as the spirit is finally captured. But no one sees the spirit grab for Emma as the portal begins to close, and before anything can be done to stop it, Emma disappears along with the spirit.

Regina is devastated, only then realizing her true affections for the young woman, and how they have grown exponentially. She curses herself for the way she behaved and acted towards Emma before, and the guilt coursing through her burns through every vein.  She takes it upon herself to find a way to bring Emma back.

Discovering a dangerous method, Regina makes the decision to bring Emma back, even if the price to be paid could mean Regina's life.

But due to the true love the two women share, and the power that love can have against all evil, Regina successfully brings Emma back to her, and doesn't waste time telling her how she truly feels and how she will always feel for the Savior. Emma is overwhelmed by Regina's declaration, and can finally admit her own feelings to the Mayor; those she has harbored for so long.

And, like most fairy tales, they live happily ever after.

~*~WATCH IN HD!~*~

Fandom: Once Upon A Time

Characters: Emma & Regina

Music: My Own Custom Mix created from the following:

Fix You Cover by Stringspace String Quartet

Fix You Orchestrated Cover by jscottrakozy

FIND ME ON INSTAGRAM! @SwanQueen4Lesbians

https://farnerdy.blogspot.com

The Legal Stuff:

Some Manips completed by Wursuf.

DISCLAIMER: I do not own the rights to Once Upon a Time or their characters and I make no profit from this.

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Sharing is Caring - Videos: "Lana Parrilla || Top 3 Favorite Q&A Moments || Interview with AOL Build 5/11/2016

New Lana Parrilla appreciation video! ;) 

On Wednesday, May 11 2016, Lana Parrilla did a fantastic interview with AOL Build in New York, NY. The Q&A session that ended the interview was funny, sincere, and just awesome all around.  Here is a selection of my favorite moments from the Q&A, containing questions about which character Lana feels Regina would want to switch with from Storybrooke, what other villains Lana would love to play, and even a small discussion about Lana's voice.

Enjoy!

Fandom: Once Upon A Time

Character(s): Regina Mills

Actor(s): Lana Parrilla

The Legal Stuff:

DISCLAIMER: I do not own the rights to Once Upon a Time under ABC/Disney or their characters, I do not own the rights to any content from AOL Build, and I make no profit from any of this.

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Sharing is Caring - Books: "Fortunate Sum" by M. Ullrich

Fortunate Sum by M. Ullrich
My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Note: I received this ARC from Bold Strokes Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Fortunate Sum by M. Ullrich was a very, very pleasant surprise. Debut novel from a first-time published author in this genre provided some trepidation when I first set out to reading this novel. And though it had some slight needs for further development (in my opinion), those tiny flaws did not dissuade from my enjoyment of this from beginning to end.

I was captured pretty quickly into this story (after a few duds and attempts to read new books before acquiring this one, where the other did not go nearly as well), and bonded with the characters. I will admit that I didn't become attached to the two main characters as much as I have in other novels of the same genre, but spending some time with Catherine Carter and Imogene Harris did not disappoint in the least.

Following Catherine and Imogene as they stumble into a chance at love was an epic ride for the reader, and I enjoyed every minute of it. Again, despite some minor things that caused me to raise an eyebrow at the author's choice for the turn of the story, or the reaction of one character to another, I felt fulfilled in the end product, and would read M. Ullrich again to see what other stories she has up her sleeve to share with the world.

I look forward to reading more by this debut author, and can comfortably give this novel 4.5 stars, rounding up to 5.

Rating: ⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆

You can purchase "Fortunate Sum" from Amazon or Bold Strokes Books, Available Now!

View all my reviews

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Sharing is Caring - Books: "Love on the Red Rocks" by Lisa Moreau

Love on the Red Rocks by Lisa Moreau

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So I'm just going to go ahead and add Lisa Moreau to my "buy everything this author writes" list and leave that there as a start off to this review.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, from beginning to end. Even the start of it seemed really well-paced, providing the necessary prologue to make the rest of the story really even out throughout. Debut author Lisa Moreau provided us a with a great first novel full of fantastic characters, a beautiful backdrop, mystical romances, secrets in love (the good kind), falling for our best friends, realizing our judgments are, often, incorrect, a fantastic lesbian retreat group (where can I find one of these in real life?!), and believable scenarios that may hit close to home with many of us.

Each character was one that stuck with me in different ways. Main character Malley reminds me of that great friend you have that needs to control every aspect of her life, but you still find adorable. She reminds me a lot of Mallory Spencer in Melissa Brayden's Soho Savvy series. But the character of Jessie was, by far, my favorite. I can't quite grasp what it was about her that made her seem like someone I would find myself being attracted to, just for the pure sake of wanting to know her and be friends with her, but a large part of it was because she was written in such a real and genuine way. Her struggles, her attitude, her approach to life and all in it, just came across as the most authentic I've read in a while. Not something extenuated by the perils of novel writing, but actually a complete character that made it seem like you could meet this woman in the street in any major city. I can't gush about the characters enough.

Moreau continues to fascinate the reader by painting a beautiful backdrop of the picturesque mountains and landscapes of Sedona, AZ, fully grasping the surroundings to make it sound like it was a character all its own. This book made me add Sedona, AZ to one of my next vacation destinations. I can't wait to see it all for myself.

I'm still not quite sure how to explain why I loved this book so much. The story was great, the characters were fantastic, the love story predictable yet charming, the side stories well embedded into the main plot - I don't know. It all just WORKED.

Moreau's writing style reminded me of a cross between Melissa Brayden and Gerri Hill, which may add to the reasons why I enjoyed the novel so much. Some things didn't sit so well with me, mostly just certain word choices. But those occurrences didn't take away the pure joy I still had while reading the novel. I thoroughly appreciated how Moreau conveyed the characters to not take themselves too seriously, how they came to grips with the fact that they had been wrong about a thing or two, and how Moreau was able to teach me the same lessons that her characters were learning through her descriptions and narratives. Again, only a few authors (i.e. Brayden and Hill, among others) have done that for me in the past, and I take those lessons to heart when an author helps me figure them out without pointing me in the exact direction I am supposed to take in the learning of the lesson.

This was a fun read, and a good one at that. The romance is strong, the sex scenes are glorious, and the pace is very close to being perfect for the novel. Bold Strokes Books has found another winning author in my opinion, and I anxiously look forward to Lisa Moreau's next novel with them.

Now, how do I start over and read it all again?

Rating: ⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆

You can purchase "Love on the Red Rocks" from Amazon or Bold Strokes Books, Available Now!

View all my reviews

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Sharing is Caring - Books: "Sweet Hearts" by Melissa Brayden, Rachel Spangler, Karis Walsh

Sweet Hearts: Romantic Novellas by Melissa Brayden

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

First - the obligatory:

Note: This ARC was provided by NetGalley & Bold Strokes Books in exchange for an honest review.

Now the review:

I was having trouble staying engaged with this series of short novellas from some of the best Lesbian Romance writers in the business, so I just spent the last few hours powering through in order to reach the end and move on to my next read. I know, not something that usually accompanies a 4-star review but, mostly, it was because my nightstand is starting to pile high with books, and I'm anxious to get to them :).

Another reason for the 4-star review was due to my very favoritest author and Goddess of the Heart, Melissa Brayden being the front-runner, along with the always well-written and spunky Rachel Spangler, and my intro into the thoughtful and poignant writings of Karis Walsh.

5 stars - I know there were some lack-of-research holes that were discovered in Brayden's short story, "Firework", but it still served as my favorite of the three. Melissa's always fun and delightful banter between her main characters, as well as those quick-wit descriptors, such as:

"I suppose I could leave you to your drink."

"It's an option," Kristen said with a smile.

Lucy raised her shoulder. "I mean, for all I know, you're waiting on someone. A hot date perhaps."

Kristen nodded. "Yep. The hottest. She'll be here any minute now."

I thoroughly enjoyed Lucy and Kristen's tumble story into love, and it was a nice reflection against Brayden's famous "Heart Block". It was such a treat to return to Emory, Sarah, and Grace (and Walter!), and I was completely satisfied with it's run. Although, let me just be honest too and say, whenever Melissa Brayden has a novel out - no matter the subject - I'll just buy it, no questions.

3 stars - Spangler's "Getting Serious" was a nice taste of the writings and stories that Rachel Spangler has become known for in her novels. Purposeful and powerful in it's own mind and right brought a different tale altogether separate from the other two. While still funny and having Spangler show of her own skills of witty banter between characters, it was fun to follow Lisa and Marty through their own tale of love. Unfortunately though, this story fell short in my eyes, and it was partially due to some difficulties keeping in line with what was going on every second. Now, that could have totally been my mistake and fault completely, but it still caused me to lose the enjoyment that I usually settle in to when reading a great LGBT romance.

4.5 stars - I have yet to read an entire novel by Karis Walsh, but reading "Risk Factor" made it become more of a need than a possibility. Walsh captured me with her story of Myra and Ainslee's turbulent and emotion-filled journey to loving one another left me wanting more, and the only story I wish had been made to last longer so that it could have explored deeper paths. My second favorite of the three, I am glad to have had this introduction to Karis Walsh, and look forward to devouring more of her novels in the near future.

Overall, this collection was a great read, and I had fun with all three novellas. It was a great addition to have a short story like this available until the next Melissa Brayden novel comes along (holy crap...end of this year...UGH), as well as a great way for me to get introduced to a new author I had yet to explore in Karis Walsh. 

Rating: ⋆⋆⋆⋆

You can purchase "Sweet Hearts" from or Amazon and Bold Strokes Books, Available Now!

View all my reviews

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Let's Talk About BioWare

If any of you have been reading any part of my blog prior to this, you should know by now that I'm gay, and I'm in a same sex marriage.

You should also know by now that literature and video games basically are my two main hobbies in life.  Well, aside from being with my family and loving being married that is.

I reviewed one of my (now) favorite video games ever on here about a year ago - Dragon Age: Inquisition.  BioWare is one of the best game developers out there, along with Bethesda, Ubisoft, Valve, and Naughty Dog.  But the reason I love their games?  Because those games have a STORY - they're deeply developed, like reading a fantastic fantasy (the Dragon Age series) or science fiction (the Mass Effect series) novel, and getting to interact with it in all ways.  Another reason I love BioWare, and one reason the rest of the world does too, is because they offer intricately developed romance options in all of their games.  Ones where you have to actually woo the person you're pursuing, as well as be a real person and make decisions that could affect the outcome of your romance with this person.

But the hook, line, and sinker?  Their romance options include LGBT options!  How freaking cool is that?!  Not only do I get to battle dragons, make lifelong friends, and strut around in custom made armor and weaponry, I actually get to full on make out (among other things) with the same sex as my main character!  Bravo BioWare!!

So, with this, I recently played Dragon Age: Inquisition for the third time, and romanced the same option I always do in that game - Josephine Montilyet.  Hey - my female inquisitor and Josephine make a pretty sexy couple in my eyes.  So much so, that I even made a video ;).

Enjoy <3

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Sharing is Caring - Books: "Ready or Not" by Melissa Brayden

Note: This ARC was provided by NetGalley & Bold Strokes Books in exchange for an honest review.

To purchase this novel, please see links at the bottom of the review.
To view the entire review with the spoilers included, please visit GoodReads.

Okay, first off - we should all know by now that anything Melissa Brayden writes is pure gold.  This is fact, not opinion. Glad we got that out of the way.  

Now on to the review:

OH MY GOODNESS!!  This is such a bittersweet review to leave as I am SOO sad to see the Soho Savvy series come to an end! (Okay, fangirling tendencies will cease now) But, despite that feeling, Melissa Brayden has done it yet again and gone out with a bang with her final novel in the trilogy, Ready or Not.  After watching her three best friends find love, Soho Savvy leader Mallory Spencer is beginning to feel like the fifth wheel.  In walks Hope Sanders, "hot bartender" and owner of the Savvy ladies' favorite chill spot, Showplace.  Pursuing Mallory until she finally caves after a bet is won, Hope and Mallory begin a relationship that blossoms into the unexpected for both women.  While her friends watch the relationship pan out from the sidelines (with copious amounts of encouragement no less), Mallory and Hope tentatively step out of their comfort zones to pursue it to the utmost extent.

Aside from the obvious, let me explain what I loved about this novel.  I'll be upfront and honest in saying that Mallory hasn't exactly been my favorite character amongst the Savvy novels, or the women involved for that matter.  Truth be told, my absolute favorite character in the entire series is Jessica Lennox, Brooklyn's love interest and eventual girlfriend. <spoiler removed> However, that does not mean that I wasn't extremely happy with this story and the conclusion of the Savvy series.  Mallory's story was just as important as the rest of them, and the novel exuded the same charm, character development, wonderful dialogue, and quirky backdrop that graced the rest of the series. I enjoyed learning more about Mallory as I had the other Savvy ladies, as well as learning her faults.  And Hope was a fantastic character - all tough and hardy when first examined, but eventually seen as a softie with a big heart that was her true form.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book, especially seeing as it lived up to my, admittedly, high expectations when going in to the novel.  Ms. Brayden has ended the series on such a high note, that I could only hope to see other series of similar caliber like this one from her in the future.  In truth, I loved how the romance build-up between Mallory and Hope wasn't the ONLY plot line to the novel.  Though I understand it was the primary one, it was nice to see other events play out in the background, but yet not out of the spotlight.  <spoiler removed > However, witnessing Mallory and Hope's relationship unfold over "mundane" things such as lobster rolls and business suits was still unique and beautiful in it's own, and in such a way that I have come to realize only Melissa Brayden can convey.

I'm sorry, but I do have to take a moment here to gush about Melissa Brayden for a second.  If you haven't read any of her novels, and somehow this one is the one that caught your eye - don't hesitate.  Read it.  I do think it is important to read ALL of the Soho Savvy novels, but Ms. Brayden makes it entirely possible to read them out of order if you feel the need.  However, if you're considering reading all of Brayden's novels - I couldn't recommend it more.  Take the time out of your life and really sit down with her books. Melissa Brayden is an author that can truly capture your soul with her words.  It genuinely feels as if you're listening to one of your best and closest friends tell you the story of her life when you read her works.  Her dialogue is funny and light, yet still important and essential to the story plot.  The women she writes about are unique, personable, completely relatable, and entirely crush-worthy in so many ways for any "type".  Her character development, her real-life situations, even the pets she writes about to some of her characters! - everything is spot on. There is no question that Ms. Brayden really deep-dives the novels she writes, spending the time necessary (plus some) to get it right.  Not just for her as an author, but for her readers as well. Melissa Brayden has quickly become my favorite author of this genre, and has even inched up to one of my favorite authors of all-time, sharing with other top contenders such as Jane Austen, J.K. Rowling, and Louisa May Alcott.


Bottom line: the book is fantastic.  And honestly, was there ever really any doubt that it wouldn't be? ;)

Rating: ⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆

You can purchase this novel on November 16, 2015 (Bold Strokes Books has made the novel available early!! Pick it up TODAY!) from Amazon and Bold Strokes Books.

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Sharing is Caring - Books: "Reasonable Doubt" by Carsen Taite

Note: This ARC was provided by NetGalley & Bold Strokes Books in exchange for an honest review.

To purchase this novel, please see links at the bottom of the review.

4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

This was my first Carsen Taite read, and I was pleasantly surprised.  As a personal notion, I am not usually one to enjoy the rough-and-tumble, shoot 'em up, cops and robbers romances that are found within the lesbian romance realm.  With that being said, I've still found a few that I enjoy, specifically The Target by Gerri Hill. It has been a long time since I've been able to find another one that I thoroughly enjoyed though, until I read Reasonable Doubt.

Sarah Flores has settled in Dallas after a tumultuous career in the BAU division of the FBI.  Now, all she wants is a home with a picket fence, actual furniture, and, if she's lucky, someone to come home to at night.  Ellery (a name I love!) Durant is a retired criminal defense lawyer that has embraced the simplicity of a life based solely on the furniture she refurbishes that she finds from scattered pieces across the city. After a sudden leave from her well-established personal practice, Ellery was set on living life in the slow lane. When the two meet, sparks immediately begin to fly. But when they experience a life-altering event together, Ellery finds herself at the forefront of the prime suspects, with Sarah as the investigator.

I loved both of these characters immensely.  Though stereotypical in some ways and one-dimensional, it worked for them, as their characteristics balanced each other out, coming to a great arch of personal development and meeting together in the middle.  I have to admit that Ellery was my favorite, but primarily due to her name.  For some reason, it stuck with me and has become something I will remember forever.  With that being said, I also enjoyed Ellery because of her inner monologues - the way she talks through her tribulations and feelings, the way she embraces the parts of her that aren't as developed as she wished them to be, the way she accepts the ways in which she has conducted her life, even when they were not always in the most moralistic of views.  Ellery was real, genuine, perfect in her abnormality.  Her regrets, choices, and decisions she has made throughout her life were perfect evidence as to the person she turned out to be, and the one as the focus of this novel.  Thus far, she is one my favorite characters ever written.

Please don't assume I didn't like Sarah Flores because of this.  Her character was fascinating as well in its own ways.  But seeing as Flores fell into the typical FBI agent/law enforcement persona without too much outside of that, she didn't pull my attention as much as Ellery.

The story was a great ride!  Mixing both dramatic moments with fast-paced action, along with heartfelt and gentle occurrences were found a-plenty in this novel.  Carsen Taite brought all of her own history as a criminal defense lawyer to the forefront of this novel in order to help tell the story.  Having the real pieces of court, lawyers, and lawmakers within the words truly expressed a sincerity that, I feel, would have been difficult to replicate had the lawyer not experienced it first hand.  Taite's own life in the world she uses as a backdrop to this story is evidence of how bona fide it felt to engage in that entity.

Bravo to the author!  A wonderful story all around.  I will be adding Carsen Taite to my list of authors to watch for when new novels are released.  Thank you for a wonderful read.

While reading this novel, I have to admit my SwanQueen shipper heart came out, and I immediately saw Ellery and Sarah as a similar couple to Regina and Emma.

Rating: ⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆
You can purchase this novel from Amazon and Bold Strokes Books.

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