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Love’s Tethered Heart

by C.L. Etta

Love's Tethered Heart - C.L. Etta
Editions:ePub - First Edition: $ 6.99
ISBN: 978-1-63533-223-0
Pages: 226
Paperback - First Edition: $ 14.99
ISBN: 978-1-63533-222-3
Pages: 226

Two years ago Mico and his partner suffered a savage gay bashing that left Mico a quadriplegic—and ended his dreams of traveling the world as an archeologist. Abandoned by the man he loved, he lives in isolation, tethered to his bed by the machines keeping him alive, with only his caretakers and immediate family as companions.

Assigned to interview Mico and uncover the story behind his assault and his refusal to identify his attackers, journalist Danny is unprepared for his reaction to the other man. Mico is afraid to let Danny into his life, and Danny is unsure how to change his mind. Mico is also keeping secrets, and he isn’t the only one. Danny is determined to protect Mico, and he’s determined to show Mico that their feelings for each other can thrive amidst the mechanics of Mico’s existence.

If you enjoy romantic tales of heartbreak turned to hope, the life-affirming story of Danny and Mico will make you believe in the possibility of love for everyone—no matter what obstacles they face.

 

Reviews:Serena Yates on Rainbow Book Reviewers wrote:

Full of emotions, revelations, and unexpected developments, this story pulled me in from page one. The main characters are complex, both in their own way, and the way they meet and gradually get to know each other is very well written. I expected to be upset about Mico’s fate, but a genuine tragedy of what happened to him put tears of fury in my eyes. While this novel is primarily an emotional journey for Mico and Danny, the mystery Mico keeps, its gradual unraveling, and the consequences for Mico and Danny’s relationship add an element of suspense that made the story spellbinding.

Mico is an archeologist, but he won’t ever be able to fulfill his dreams of traveling the world to unearth the secrets of the past. A savage gay bashing has left him a quadriplegic tethered to machines that keep him alive. He has come to accept his situation – as much as anyone can – but there are things that upset him. The lack of control gets to him, and his inability to move makes life boring to the point of annoying at times. The need for constant specialist care has reduced the circle of people he regularly interacts with to family and caretakers, so when Danny turns up to do an interview, the novelty of the situation alone has Mico interested. But as fascinated as he is by Danny, Mico is also scared the man will run eventually, and the secret Mico is keeping doesn’t make it easy to get close anyway.

Danny is full of questions, like any good journalist would be. He is also naturally curious, and Mico fascinates him from the first moment. Danny is surprised by the attraction he feels despite the machines, but as much as he slowly develops feelings for Mico, Danny is ill-equipped to deal with the practicality of Mico’s life. He wants to become more to Mico than a casual acquaintance, but he has much to learn. The revelations about Mico’s past are painful, but Danny is determined to make things work. I liked how he went from relatively naïve and full of assumptions about what will and will not work for Mico to more educated about his needs and finally reaches a level of love and consideration that is very touching.

If you like your romances with a significant serving of obstacles and heartbreak, if you’re ready for a tale full of hope that ultimately affirms life, and if you’re looking for a read that is as emotional as it is heartwarming, then you will probably like this novel as much as I do. It is full of fascinating insights into human nature and, above all, an ode to the determination to never give up.

Truus on Divine Magazine wrote:

I’m in awe… This is how you write a story from different perspectives. Really amazingly done.

The buildup is stunning and the story beyond my expectations

At 30% I really broke down when Mico broke down my God it was heartbreaking.

As you can read in the blurb Mico was bashed two years earlier and left with quadriplegic, I’m not familiar with such circumstances as described in this story. But it’s all convincing and I’m very content when there is love, compassion, honesty and forgiveness involved.

And when this is done in an amazingly honest and caring way I’m sold.

Danny is interviewing Mico about what happened to him two years ago. Through these interviews, we get to know the whole story. We will meet all his caretakers and we see the growing affection between Danny and Mico. I love them both <3

There are some hilarious parts (you must read them yourself)

The story was in balance and felt real and honest, despite the dark clouds you could feel the warmth of the sunshine.

There are some hideous parts where I couldn’t believe my eyes.

Some stupidities which were understandable.

It was a journey and a hard one. It touched me deep. I felt it in my burning chest.

When I have that feeling I know it’s real. Through reading every time i try to assure myself if this was holding Mico high because no way I want to read something that degenerate someone, that would bring someone down because of someones disability. In this case Mico who depends on others. Mico is not his disability he is a man with a big heart, humor, intelligent and caring….so exceptional, all his reflections felt real.

And Danny my God he is amazing, he sees a soul just how we all should. We see this story from his pov. We can see him grow and his love has no boundaries he is very dedicated.

Then there are Randy, Adrian their story will stun you. And there is Santi, Dad and other Dad and Mom

It was a circle of unconditional love.

All felt real and convincing.

You know….some sentences are so right….so straight to the heartstrings…you can only love them.

This book will make you laugh and cry and will amaze you about the strength of men kind.

It was beautiful solid written with unexpected turns.

An absolute must read!!

Star Rating: ✨✨✨✨✨


About the Author

C.L. Etta, a bartender's daughter, became the apple of her parents’ eyes at her first dimpled smile. Developing a lifelong passion for reading, C.L. spent summers riding her bicycle to the library where she filled the handlebar basket with books. Much to her chagrin, C.L.'s mother often found her under the bedcovers with a flashlight, reading in the middle of the night.

Fast-forward to college, where C.L. spent good times burning bras, working in summer-stock theater, trying out potential husbands, then to her parents’ and in-laws’ delight, finally started a family. Having raised three kids and a husband, and with varied careers as a secretary, credit union loan veep, a software support rep, a mortgage broker, and a nurse under her belt, C.L. decided it was time for a break. So, she retired.

It wasn’t until life had slowed that she heard voices—sexy male voices. Intrigued, she listened. She discovered new friends who clamored for their stories to be told. So, it was back to school where she stood outside the creative writing classroom with students who observed her silver hair and mistook her for the teacher. After completing class and going on a cruise, she sat at her computer and began telling her boys’ stories.

Eighteen months later, C.L. has contracted with two different publishers for four books. The voices in C.L.’s head are as loud as ever, giving C.L. the impetus to keep writing.