Jon, a psychic since childhood, has never felt at home in the world, even less so after his lover died on Winter Solstice a year ago. Since his abilities failed him when he needed them most, he turns to alcohol and rejects his family’s assertion that he is a Star Child—an alien/human hybrid. When Jon’s sister suggests he should look into the legend of Handsome Fellow, Jon decides that if he cannot find happiness himself, he will bring it to others.

Jon returns home from work one evening to find a gift of his own—a strange young man waiting for him. Erukkass unveils one stunning revelation after another, including the truth behind his lover’s death and the nature of time itself. Can he and Jon forge a future together, or will two timelines that have always intersected, no matter when or where, finally be forced to diverge?

@debbiereadsbook - Debbie, @W_I_Promo - Wickedly Innocent Promotions, #M_M, #Novella, #Romance, #Science_Fiction, 4 out of 5 (very good)

Jennifer Loring does a wonderful job of continuing Stephanie Hartwell’s and former NHL Star Aleksandr Volynsky’s story in the second book of the Firebird Trilogy, WHAT'S LEFT OF ME.  Alex and Stephanie have not had it easy.  Just when it looks like everything is finally going to go their way, Alex is accused of sexual assault allegations, and Stephanie is diagnosed with a serious illness.   This contemporary sports romance takes place in Buffalo and is suitable for adult audiences.

Jennifer Loring does an admirable job with her character development.  Both main characters have gone through a lot and grown tremendously.  I felt bad for everything that the couple went through.  The characters are likeable.  Alex is now aware of his mental illness and trying to deal with it.  He had to end his NHL career early due to an injury.  He was given the opportunity to coach his old team the Buffalo Gladiators.  He is a good man, and he tries hard to be a decent husband and father.  I love Alex’s sense of humor.   Stephanie is a strong heroine.  I love that she plays hockey.  I was often disappointed in how she treated Alex in this story, and that she kept her illness from him, but I get that people respond to situations differently.  I like that Stephanie is ruthless when it comes to investigating accusations against her loved ones.

The plot was realistic and thought-provoking.  The issues were pertinent with today’s society.  The couple was put through some test in their relationship.  Both being public figures made their ordeals even more difficult.  I like how the story was resolved, and I look forward to the last book in the trilogy. 

Complimentary copy provided via manicreaders.com in exchange for an honest review.

NHL Star, Aleksandr Volynsky, is traded to the Seattle Earthquakes expansion team. His high school sweetheart and current sports writer, Stephanie Hartwell, request an exclusive interview, reuniting them after eight years.

It has been a long time since a book made me cry. Considering I read three to four book a week that is saying a lot. Jennifer Loring’s Firebird is a believable and heartfelt story that I could not put down.

I loved Alex’s character. He is an incredible athlete but very lonely. He never loved anyone other than Stephanie. My heart really went out to him and everything he endures. He is a good person even though he does not believe that himself.

A couple of times I was a little ticked off at Stephanie. I felt she did not cut Alex enough slack. However, in all honesty, I would have probably acted similar to her. I liked that she also plays hockey, and that she stands up for herself at work.

I love that they quote Winnie the Pooh. As they say, he really is a very wise bear.

The hockey scenes are well-written. The characters are well developed. The title is perfect for the plot of the book. There is a lot that happens in this story that kept me captivated. Firebird keeps getting better the further you read it. It is a meaningful story with an intense plot. I cannot wait for the next book in the series.

Complimentary copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.