Blog Tour: Take What You Want by Ann Lister

Synopsis:

Mega rock star, Alex “Zander” Metcalf is burned out after nearly two years touring with his band, as well as emotionally drained after his sexual preferences were exposed by the media. He is ready for a long sabbatical – alone, and retreats to the east coast island of Martha's Vineyard; leasing an oceanside estate.

Alex seeks the quiet lifestyle of a recluse to write new material for his band, only to meet the handsome estate manager, Chase, and his gorgeous fiancée, Danni, living in the guest house on his property. Alex's hope of solitude is soon forgotten when he discovers Chase has a repressed bi-sexual side that is aching to surface and Alex is more than happy to help him explore it.

What neither Alex or Chase expects is the emotional power of their chemistry expanding to involve the three of them when Danni becomes entangled in their passion. Alex believes he has finally found his perfect menage relationship with Chase and Danni.

Sometimes two isn't enough and it takes three to complete the union of a fulfilled love. But, will their new relationship be strong enough to survive when real life wants to punish them for their unconventional love? And, can they be confident in the strength of their love to take the 'happily ever after' they can only give each other?

4 star review by Jen Skewes

Take What You Want is the second installment in the Rock Gods series.  It is an emotional journey about discovering one's true self, become whole and finding love in a way that was unexpected and in an unconventional way.

Chase and Dannie are the perfect couple who are in love and engaged to be married.  But there has always been something inside of Chase that has longed for more.  For as long as he can remember he has been curious as to what it would feel like to be with another man.  All though he never acted out on his fantasies or curiosities.  When Dannie figures out what is going on with him, and what he has been feeling she wonders if allowing him to live out his fantasy will help him to get past it so that they can live their life.  While Danni is away on business for a few months, Chase meets the new neighbor, hot and sexy rock start Alex Metcalf, who also happens to enjoy being with both men and women. Danni senses the attraction that Chase feels towards Alex and encourages him to act on those feelings.  She thinks that maybe if he gives into his fantasies this one time that he will get it out of his system.  Not knowing that allowing him to explore this sex with another man could change everything.

Alex just finished up a tour with his band mates and is ready for a break.  A long quiet break away for the crazy world that he lives in.  Alex has had is fair share of men and woman.  He prefers a "tripod" relationship, as he calls it.  But being that the last time he was involved in one it nearly destroyed him.  When he meets Chase he cannot hep the feelings that he sparks in him.  There is no denying the attraction these two feel for each other.  Alex knows that Chase is bi curious and has never been with a man before.  He also knows about Danni and his love for her.  But when Chase admits that he wants him and that Danni has given him permission to be with him there is no way he is going to say no.  But can one night of passion be it for the two of them, especially when the connection between them is so real and so intense? 

What happens between Alex and Chase is completely unexpected but they both cannot deny what they feel for each other.  They want each other and are quickly falling for each other.  But Chase and Alex aren't the only two people who matter in this equation.  There is Danni to consider.  Alex wants a relationship with the two of them, but the problem is that Danni may not be on board.  What will happen when Dani comes home?  Can Chase walk away from the man that completes him?   Will Alex be able to accept it if Dannit cannot handle being with two men?  There are a lot of "what-ifs to consider but neither Alex nor Chase is willing to give up so easily.  They love each other, have a bond with each other and they want Danni to be included in that love and connection.

Ann Lister has managed to bring out so many emotions with Take What You Want.  First I will say that I loved Alex.  I think I loved his character and connected with him the most.  I felt the love that he had for Chase, the intensity between the two of them, but I also felt how much he wanted Danni as well.  I think that I connected with him more because I honestly felt for him.  He was considered the disposable one.  If things did not work out he was the one who would walk away.  I felt his pan, and heartache and honestly there were times when I loved him with Chase but I also loved him with Danni even when it was just the two of them.  He cared for her and wanted her to know that this had to be her choice.  I think he was gentle with her and aware of how she was feeling.  


You already know I love Chase,” Alex said. “But, I'm in love with you, too; have been since the night you finally relented and kissed me.”

I honestly loved Danni but at times she did frustrate me and tended to be a little more dramatic than necessary, but the truth is I can honestly say that I have no idea how I would handle a situation like she did, so while she did frustrate me I completely understood her feelings of insecurity, frustration, fear and anger.  I understood her emotions and I too felt them right along with her.   

I liked Chase even though I felt at times he was being selfish.  There were moments where I think that it was all about him.  He loved Danni and didn't want to hurt her, but yet he couldn't stay away from Alex.  He was conflicted and I completely understood that and I am not saying I didn't love him because I did.  I just didn't get that connection with him like I did with Alex.  I think Chase fell in love with Alex and he never expected to and in ways that scared him.  He was afraid to lose the both of them and wasn't quite sure how to handle his feelings.  

Overall I really enjoyed this book.  Alex, Chase and Danni had an intense love for each other and together they worked.  Ann Lister did a fantastic job with this story and the writing.  She made you feel the emotions that the characters were going through.  Their relationship may have had a rocky start and they had obstacles along the way that they needed to work out.  But you still felt the strength and intensity of the love that they had for each other, even when they were afraid to admit to themselves what they were feeling.  I loved the supporting characters a well.  Wheland was a great friend to Alex and always looking out for him.  I am also happy that we got the chance to spend a special day with Dagger and Ryan.  Take what You Want is a wonderful story of love, passion, trust, finding one's self and finding a love that makes you whole and complete.  I look forward to the next book in this series.  

What they were offering was everything he'd always hoped he'd find with another man and a woman. It seemed surreal for that to be happening with the one couple he didn't want to live without – ever. He'd no longer be disposable. He'd belong to them equally, as they would belong to him. Three equal parts. And, he loved it.

About The Author:

Ann Lister is a native New Englander currently living on the island of Martha's Vineyard with her husband. She has pulled details from her years living in the New England area and uses many local settings and landmarks in her novels.

After graduating art school and raising two daughters, she established her own video production company. Her nearly two decades working in video production included work within the music industry and won her a coveted Telly Award. It was this 'behind-the-scenes' exposure to the music world that inspired many of her novels.

In 2013 she released Book One of her new rock star series: The Rock Gods. Book One is titled, Fall For Me. This novel is her first full-length gay, erotic romance and it is also a Finalist novel for the 2013 Rainbow Award.

Book Two in the Rock Gods series is titled, Take What You Want. This story is a m/m/f menage and released in early November 2013. Book Three, titled: Make You Mine, is expected to release in Spring of 2014.

When not writing, she enjoys reading, creating stained glass, and traveling.

Social Links:

Facebook Author Page:  https://www.facebook.com/ann.macconnelllister?fref=ts

Twitter: @AnnListerAuthor

Goodreads Author Page:   https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/519355.Ann_Lister?from_search=true