Molly Reviews, Exclusive Excerpt and Giveaway: Open Case by Mickie B. Ashling (Open Book 3)

Blurb:
Seth Wilder and Bryce McFarland deal with the aftermath of Owen Lightfoot’s destructive rampage. Once again, the insurance company denies the life insurance benefit despite the compelling evidence regarding the underlying cause of Mark’s death. However, they acknowledge their former employee’s complicity in the multiple crimes that have blindsided Seth and Bryce. They settle to keep their name out of the news, offering the couple a million dollars apiece, which they accept.

Owen learns of the big payoff and is determined to get his cut. Just when Bryce and Seth think it is all over, Owen reappears, and what follows tests the very limits of their endurance. Through the help of friends and relatives, Seth and Bryce find the strength to keep their relationship intact while seeking out the best way to stop Owen once and for all.

Where To Buy:
Dreamspinner Press || Amazon || Barnes and Noble || Kobo

Review:
This was the best end to the series. I adored how everything is wrapped up and questions are answered and laid to rest. The suspense came to a fitting end and without any loose threads to pull later on. Plus Seth and Bryce are amazingly happy together and will be together as long as they both live. I couldn’t put the book down!

Seth comes full circle in this story. He’s so in love and can finally be happy with Bryce. But he’s also able to look back with fondness on his past. By the end of the story I couldn’t not love Seth. His emotions are so clear as I read I felt all of the ups and downs in the story with him. It’s amazing to see him blossom throughout the whole series and come a man that’s confident, and knows his own worth. I just want to give Seth a big huge hug and tell him how proud of him I am.

Bryce becomes a little neurotic but his crazy is justified. His fear of losing Seth and what they have because of Owen made my heart hurt. It was lovely seeing Bryce go all in with love and the relationship. He gave his all to Seth and his love for Seth. Oh my gosh, it made him even more sexier which I didn’t think possibly. I adored how he wanted to keep Seth safe no matter what. The protective instinct made me swoon just a little bit. But Bryce’s real strength showed when everything happened in the whole Owen ordeal. I was proud of how Bryce handled himself.

Oh man Owen was off his rocker big time! The suspense plot line with him in this book was written so well. I was on edge the whole time I was reading and wanted to know what happened next. I was surprised at how some of it played out because I didn’t expect it to go that way. However it was done well and being surprised was a good thing in this case.

I loved Bryce and Seth’s happy ending. You can tell they are at a place that’s solid and nothing is going to tear them apart. I enjoyed getting to see on page their full and complete happy ending so you know everything keeps woking for them after the Owen ordeal is over. I would love to see these two again, but you can tell their story is done. Maybe they’ll get a cameo in Kyle’s story. Which I truly want at some point because I want to see that kid make it and be happy as well.
Stars:
Four and a half

Exclusive Excerpt:
Hi, all! Thanks for stopping by to help me celebrate the release of Open Case, the final novel in the Open Series. I’m excited to share an exclusive excerpt and give you a chance to win a few giveaways.  Those of you who haven’t read the first two books, Open Seating and Open House, will want to catch up before you start this one.

Since the status change from friends to lovers, Seth Wilder and Bryce McFarland, have had more challenges than the average couple. Through it all, they’ve been united, communicating without reservation in their quest for a happy ending. Now that it’s within reach, Bryce’s ex-lover, sociopath Owen Lightfoot, is back, hellbent on destroying it all.    

I’d like to thank Molly Lolly for hosting and my wonderful publicist J for her excellent help in organizing my blog tour.
Kate looked up from the baking dish she had filled with cut yams. She was dotting them with specks of butter and tiny marshmallows. “Can I get you anything, Seth?”

Seth shook his head. “No, thanks. I’m here to offer my services for whatever they’re worth. Cooking isn’t my forte, but I’m more than capable of washing and drying if you need help with the big pots.”

Kate smiled. “That’s very sweet. As our guest, you shouldn’t have to do anything except relax and watch TV.”

Seth laughed. “In general, I’m not a sports fan, but Bryce loves football, and I’m trying to keep an open mind and be supportive. Let them enjoy the game and I’ll be your grunt.”

“It’s an admirable trait and I can see why my brother finds you so appealing.”

“Thank you,” Seth said. “He means the world to me.”

“You have no idea how long I’ve waited to hear that. Bryce has always done a good job hiding his feelings, but I saw through his bullshit. He was lonely despite the revolving door of boy toys. This is the first time I’ve seen him so content. I’m glad you’re happy as well.”

“Very,” Seth said.

Kate beamed. “What kind of work do you do, Seth?”

“I’m a novelist.”

“Really? How exciting. What type of stories do you write?”

“Mostly historical romances, so you’ve probably never heard of me unless you’re into bodice rippers.”

“I can’t say I’m a big reader, but now that I have a brother-in-law who’s a famous writer, I’d better get cracking.”

“I’m not that famous,” Seth said modestly. He didn’t say anything about the brother-in-law comment, but he was secretly thrilled. Maybe someday it would actually come to pass.

“Are you published?”

“Yes.”

“Then your name is out there and that means you’re famous.”

Seth flushed. “Well, when you put it that way, I guess I am.”

“What’ll come up if I google you?” Kate asked.

“Why not see for yourself?” Seth suggested.

Kate nodded. “I’ll do it later when I can concentrate.”

“Sounds good,” Seth said.

“I never would have paired Bryce with a writer.”

“I’ll be the first to admit we’re an odd couple, but it’s working so far.”

“How did you meet?”

Seth wasn’t sure how much he should share, so he began with the abridged version, starting with Mark’s death and Bryce’s kind response to Seth’s SOS to accompany him on the cruise. Kate listened while she moved seamlessly from one cooking task to another. In between basting, stirring, and chopping, she pulled out another longneck and set it on the counter for Seth, along with a small bowl of mixed nuts. Kate laughed in the right places and nodded approvingly when appropriate. Seth found her to be a good listener as well as relaxed and empathetic. Before he could stop and analyze his feelings, Seth unloaded, sparing nothing in the telling, including the horrors perpetuated by Bryce’s ex. He didn’t even realize he was crying until Kate passed him the tissue.

About Mickie:
Mickie B. Ashling is the pseudonym of a multifaceted woman who is a product of her upbringing in multiple cultures, having lived in Japan, the Philippines, Spain, and the Middle East. Fluent in three languages, she’s a citizen of the world and an interesting mixture of East and West. A little bit of this and a lot of that have brought a unique touch to her literary voice she could never learn from textbooks.

By the time Mickie discovered her talent for writing, real life got in the way, and the business of raising four sons took priority. With the advent of e-publishing—and the inevitable emptying nest—dreams of becoming a published writer were resurrected and she’s never looked back.

She stumbled into the world of men who love men in 2002 and continues to draw inspiration from their ongoing struggle to find equality and happiness in this oftentimes skewed and intolerant world. Her award-winning novels have been called “gut wrenching, daring, and thought provoking.” She admits to being an angst queen and making her men work damn hard for their happy endings.

Mickie currently resides in a suburb outside Chicago.

Author Contact:
Blog || Facebook || Twitter || Goodreads & Ask the Author || Website || Email

Tour Stops:
Feb. 3: Sinfully
Feb. 6: Love Bytes
Feb. 8: Bayou Book Junkie
Feb. 10: Diverse Reader
Feb. 13: Molly Lolly
Feb. 14: The Novel Approach
Feb. 16: Prism Book Alliance
Feb. 20: Two Chicks Obsessed
Feb. 23: Just Love

Giveaway:
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