Jason and Brian Sutter were happily married. They thought their relationship was perfect, but something was missing. After a few years, the dynamics of their relationship changes when Brian’s friend, David Sifuentes, moves in. Feelings develop as flirting becomes love. The duo quickly turns into a trio. But, their happily ever after isn’t meant to be.
Brian and David are both Marines and are sent to Afghanistan, leaving Jason at home. While on a mission, Brian is killed. When David comes home with the casket, he realizes that his relationship with Jason is over. Unable to deal with the hurt and heartbreak of losing both of his lovers, he joins a new unit, and gets shipped off to Iraq. His new goals – avenge Brian’s senseless death and make Jason proud of him. Unfortunately, things don’t end up as he plans.
With so much love and loss, can these two men last without their third?
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Story Excerpt
Jason Sutter sat on the hard, wooden church pew, half-listening as the pastor spoke to the congregation. His attention strayed from the man standing in front of the pulpit to the shiny casket only a few feet away. Pain ripped through his chest, stealing his breath and breaking Jason’s heart into a million little pieces. He was frozen by shock, unable to accept the truth. Taking short gasps of breath through his mouth, Jason tried to wrap his mind around what was happening, but it was impossible.
His life would never be the same again.
Jason’s eyes filled with moisture, blurring his vision. It didn’t take long before silent tears dripped down his cheeks. He wanted to let go of the tight rein he had on his emotions. He wanted to sob hysterically. He wanted to get up and yell at the injustice of having his husband ripped violently from his life. But he didn’t. Instead, Jason stayed sitting on the pew, his hands folded tightly on his lap. There was a good chance that if he let go now, he’d never be able to stop.
As he stared at the casket, Jason’s mind wandered.
How could Brian be inside there? He hated tight places. He was claustrophobic although nobody else knew that. Brian couldn’t even step inside an elevator without sweating bullets and gripping the metal railing until his knuckles turned white. Was he okay? Was he comfortable? Was he scared?
Most of what Brian did was top secret and since Jason wasn’t in the military, he wasn’t given the details of his husband’s death. From the small bits and pieces of information he gathered, Brian had been traveling with a convoy when a bomb went off, killing part of the squadron and injuring others. He would never know exactly what happened, and maybe that was a good thing. He didn’t need to know all the specifics.
Jason hadn’t spoken to Brian in weeks. Their last conversation played through his mind, shaming him. Brian had been in Afghanistan, serving his country and fighting for freedom, and Jason had been upset. He hated being separated from his husband for months at a time. This was Brian’s third tour and the separation was wearing on their relationship.
Shaking his head, he thought back to their last conversation wishing he could take back his words.
“Hey, baby, how’s life in the real world?” Brian’s voice shouted out through the static.
“I’m just working. You know…same old, same old. I miss you,” he admitted. He hated going to sleep and waking up all alone.
“I miss you, too, honey. Being so far away from you is worse than death.”
“Don’t say that.” Jason chastised, shaking his head. “Don’t talk about death, not when you’re so far away from home. If anything happened to you…”
“Nothing is going to happen,” Brian said with confidence.
“It better not. I’m expecting your sexy ass home in less than a month.”
“Uh…” He stopped.
“What?” Jason asked, already knowing the answer.
“I’m staying here another three months, baby.”
“No!” Jason shook his head. “This is your third tour. You’ve been gone more than you’ve been home. Damn it, Brian! I need you here. Why the hell do they keep extending the date?”
“I volunteered.”
“Why the hell would you do that?”
“I’m sorry, baby.”
“No! Bullshit.” He rejected the apology. He was sick of all the apologies. He wanted actions, not meaningless words. “You better get your ass home, Brian. While you’re off playing G.I. Joe with David, I’m here alone. I can’t do this without you anymore. I won’t.”
The phone went dead before he could say anything else.
Their stupid argument meant nothing now and his harsh words ate at his heart, injuring him further. Jason would give anything to have Brian back, even for a moment. If only he could hug, kiss, and apologize for allowing his frustration to get the better of him. If only it was possible for Brian to forgive him.
GIVEAWAY
Olivia is giving away an e-copy to one lucky winner. Please leave a comment to enter and win.
In the last few months I have become a fan of yours. I love the Belt Buckle Ranch series and the Silver Bullet series also. I would love to read this book also
This sounds like an emotional rollercoaster. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Oh my..I really want to know the rest of the story.
IslndGrl602@hotmail.com
I have never read one of your books and looks like I will be starting too. Would love to win but if not it is on my TBR list. Thanks for the chance to win.
This sounds heart wrenching.
sassytw@gmail.com
I enjoyed reading the excerpt it sounds an emotional read please count me in for the Giveaway.
ShirleyAnn(at)speakman40(dot)freeserve(dot)co(dot)uk
Sounds like a heartbreaker.
Sounds like a good story
sounds like something I would like to read. marie.mattingly88@yahoo.com
This sounds really good. I would love to win. Thanks for the opportunity.
Loss is never easy to handle. Thanks for the chance to win the ebook.
debby236 at gmail dot com
I have not read this Book yet. 🙂 I do love your other series and would like to read this one. Thank you for sharing with us. 🙂
I so NEED a copy of this book it is definitely added to my TBR list.
Wow, loved the blurb and excerpt. Thanks for the chance to win.
Sounds like a great story..
What a great story!
kathyj1986@gmail.com
Oh my, I’m going to need extra tissues for this one.
Sounds like a real tearjerker. I’ve got my tissues ready.
Thanks for the chance
tina.zeedyk@yahoo.com
Not usually into military type stories but this sounds very interesting with the trio dynamic.
This looks to be a real tear jerker, Thanks for giving us a chance to win a copy 😀
aibopals at gmail dot com
oh..so sad..so very very sad…those last words will always stay with you…I know from personal experience. I hope Jason finds his relief from the pain of not being able to say I love you, one more time
I would love to read this book it sounds like a honest and emotional story.
harpluv@hotmail.com
Need a box of Kleenex for this one. Sounds great.
Would love a copy.
I love the silver bullet series. This book sounds really good as well. Thank you for the chance.
marsh10(at)netzero(dot)com
Love your series. Don’t include me in the chance because I already bought my copy. Getting ready to read as I type. have a great day
This sounds like a really great book, can’t wait to read it!!!
Oh hell I have got to read this one….
Looks like a good story! Going to have add another author to my list..
Entirely intrigued at the moment.
sam.bennett@okstate.edu
I like Madeleine’s comment, Oh hell I feel the same way!
Sounds like this is a wonderful read with a lot of emotional impact. The excerpt brought tears to my eyes. Can’t imagine having the last conversation with someone you love going that way. Would be hard to get over that.
Can’t wait to read this. Looking forward to it for awhile
I already bought and read this book. It is such a wonderful story! ❤️❤️
Love all of your books, they are magical and speak of true love.
Can’t wait to read this one.
goaliemom0049 (at) gmail (dot) com
this looks like an incredible story but one I am sure is going to make me cry. Thanks for the introduction to your work, I look forward to reading about this trio. ( I have my Kleenex ready)
Sounds like it will have some tear jerker moments. Can’t wait to read it. Love your books!
What a beautiful excerpt. So sad. I would love to read this book. thank you for the chance.
This sounds heartrending, but sweet!
Even if I don’t win this book, it just went into by buy list on payday!
Yup, this definitely just went on the ‘to be bought’ list. Can’t wait to read it.
Wow! This book sounds really good. Thanks for the chance to win a copy!
jczlapin(at)gmail(dot)com
This sounds like a really good but sad book.
This one is on my list
Sounds good. Love your work. Dejamew@centurylink.net
Sounds great. Thank you.
humhumbum AT yahoo DOT com
Thank you all for the kind words. I really appreciate you taking the time to stop by and leave a comment. I believe the winner will be hearing from Amber Kell. Enjoy the book. Happy reading.
~Olivia Black
Thanks for the chance to win your book, I enjoy your writing. Have safe and Happy New Year!
Deanna
brdgl1963@gmail.com
Can’t wait to read this. Looking forward to it. Thank you for the chance at the giveaway.
juliesmall2016(at)gmail(dot)com
Oh gosh what a heartbreaking extract, I hope there is a way back for Jason & David or some happiness for them without Brian! Thank you for a chance to win a copy and for bringing this author to my attention.
This looks fantastic! I really want to read it!