Diverse Reader: Blog Tour: Open Case by Mickie B. Ashling #Review #Excerpt #Giveaway

Friday, February 10, 2017

Blog Tour: Open Case by Mickie B. Ashling #Review #Excerpt #Giveaway

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.
As always, I’d like to thank Diverse Reader for hosting and my wonderful publicist J for her excellent help in organizing my blog tour.

ABOUT OPEN CASE

Author: Mickie B. Ashling
Series: Open Trilogy #3
Release Date: February 3, 2017
Genre: Contemporary Gay Romance
Length: 200 pages
Cover Artist: Catt Ford
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

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 names 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 Seth and Bryce think it is all over, Owen reappears, and what follows tests the very limit 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.

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EXCLUSIVE EXCERPT

“Guys,” Adam reproached. “Let’s stay on topic here. My main concern is keeping you both safe until we have Owen behind bars.”
“I’ve already agreed to the classes,” Seth said. “So has Bryce. What more can we do?”
“A lot,” Adam said. “I’m glad you’re enrolling, but until then, you need to be suspicious of anyone and anything out of the ordinary.”
The seriousness in Adam’s demeanor made Seth hyperaware of his job as a law enforcement officer in one of the toughest cities in the country. Every day Adam faced untold danger, and Seth knew there were years of experience backing up his words of advice. Like a novice traveler on his first airplane ride, Seth’s eyes remained fixed on Adam as he recited some dos and don’ts.
“I want to go over a few things that might seem like no-brainers to you, but it’s easy to forget the world isn’t always a safe place. Protection 101 is pretty simple. Never walk alone at night if you can help it, and be aware of your surroundings at all times. If you’re comfortable carrying pepper spray or a pair of brass knuckles until you get the CCL, do it. Stay focused on your task and don’t get distracted. Remember that you are the hunted and Owen has you in his sights. With that in mind, keep your eyes peeled for anyone suspicious. Don’t be afraid to approach a policeman if you have any concerns, and always keep your car doors locked. No one should get by the doorman without proper ID, but on the off chance they do, look through the damn peephole before letting anyone inside. If you don’t recognize the person, call Jack or me immediately. You’ve got us both on speed dial, right?”
They nodded.
“Okay. Even if it’s inconvenient, takeout should be left in the lobby, and one of you can go down and pick up the order. This way, you won’t have a repeat of last time. Doormen aren’t cops, much as they like to pretend they are. Most of them have too many duties and not enough time. When you’re out at night, never leave a drink unattended. It’s easy to slip a pill into a beverage in a crowded venue like a dance club.”
“We don’t go to clubs,” Bryce said.
“Since when?” Adam looked surprised.
“Since we found each other,” Seth replied, reaching for Bryce’s hand.
“Good,” Adam said. “That’s one less thing to worry about. Just remember what I’ve said about drinks in case you ever get in the mood to go dancing. There’s no second-guessing a criminal mind, and staying a step ahead is always the safer option.”

Review

When Book two ended we were left with a million questions. I don't know about anyone else but I was on the edge of my seat waiting for this book to come out. Knowing it was a trilogy, I knew there everything would get answers and there would be closure.

Let's actually talk about the villain in this story first, Owen. Yes, I know he's not our fantastic MC's (Seth and Bryce) but he's instrumental in the story building and whole of the trilogy. He's a thorn in everyone's side that is causing so many issues. He's extremely dangerous and absolutely off his rocker. I was beyond eager to see Owen and all his madness come to an end.

Seth and Bryce are tested in every way. From book one all the way through to the end. I feel they haven't even had a chance to have a normal relationship and I can't help wondering if after it's all said and done they'll be able to deal with normal.

They are a very strong due and the author writes them well individually. I felt a bit of a disconnect with the pair in this book but I assumed it was because of all that was going on reaching it's boiling point.

This is a very dramatic story. Sometimes overly so. Owen's reign of terror was a bit over the top and with that the nightmare of Mark's life insurance. I think Owen was just a smidgen overdone. I will say I was very happy with the resolution of this trilogy. I enjoyed it!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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.

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RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY

Win a $20 Dreamspinner Press gift card, an ecopy of Open Seating, or an ecopy of Open House. Three winners! Contest open internationally. Must be 18 or older to enter.
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