Cat’s Meow~~#Reviews That Purr~~Dare to Hope~~An All Cocks Story By T.M. Smith

Good morning everyone, and thanks for stopping by today to see what Cat thought of Dare to Hope. I decided to share a song from the playlist for the book. Lost Stars by Adam Levine of Maroon 5. I love this song so much – I’ve used it on more than 1 playlist. For this book I bet you are all thinking it’s for Micah; that would be wrong. This song just screams Gabe.

Gabe is still in mourning over the loss of his lover in a senseless act of violence. There are several verses in this song that really hit close to home for the situation for Gabe. He misses Gio something fierce, to the point of thinking he is betraying Gio’s memory if he moves on.

Reaching out for someone I can’t see – Cupid’s demanding back his arrow. Gabe feels like he got dealt the short straw, losing his lover just when they were starting a life together. Searching for meaning – this is why Gabe goes through the therapy with Tristan, he is trying to make sense of what happened, why it still guts him a year later when he thinks about Gio.

But don’t you dare let our best memories bring you sorrow – Take my hand, let’s see where we wake-up tomorrow. About mid-way through the book, Gabe has a dream brought on by his still fragile psyche and witnessing a kiss between Micah and Tristan. In the dream, Gio comes to him, tries to reassure him that he will always be with him, but it’s time to move in. Holy shit, I balled like a baby while I was writing that chapter. It’s very moving and real and heart breaking, yet, beautiful.

Ultimately, Gabe finally realizes that the only way he can move forward, is to let go of the past. For so long he didn’t think he could hold onto his memories of Gio if he moved on, it takes a while and whole lot of love, patience and devotion from Micah and Tristan for Gabe to finally close that door and open a new one.

Please don’t see

Just a boy caught up in dreams and fantasies

Please see me

Reaching out for someone I can’t see

Take my hand, let’s see where we wake up tomorrow

Best laid plans sometimes are just a one night stand

I’ll be damned, Cupid’s demanding back his arrow

So let’s get drunk on our tears

And God, tell us the reason youth is wasted on the young

It’s hunting season and the lambs are on the run

Searching for meaning

But are we all lost stars trying to light up the dark?

Who are we?

Just a speck of dust within the galaxy?

Woe is me

If we’re not careful turns into reality

But don’t you dare let our best memories bring you sorrow

Yesterday I saw a lion kiss a deer

Turn the page, maybe we’ll find a brand new ending

Where we’re dancing in our tears

And God, tell us the reason youth is wasted on the young

It’s hunting season and the lambs are on the run

Searching for meaning

But are we all lost stars trying to light up the dark?

And I thought I saw you out there crying

And I thought I heard you call my name

And I thought I heard you out there crying

Just the same

And God, give us the reason youth is wasted on the young

It’s hunting season and this lamb is on the run

Searching for meaning

But are we all lost stars trying to light … light up the dark?

And I thought I saw you out there crying

And I thought I heard you call my name

And I thought I heard you out there crying

But are we all lost stars trying to light up the dark?

Are we all lost stars trying to light up the 

I’ll leave you with a little snippet from Dare to Hope. Remember to enter the giveaway at the end of the post for a chance to win a $25 giftcard. Thanks for hosting me today Cat!!

Excerpt from Dare to Hope, Chapter 12 Not Wanting to say Goodbye –

Warning, grab a tissue!

“I’m dreaming, aren’t I?” Gabe asked. 

“Yes. It was the only way I could talk to you, to tell you it was okay, to tell you it’s time to let me go.”  

“No.” Gabe choked on a sob.  

Gio, his angel, his ghost — whatever it was ignored Gabe’s choked out word. “Now you have to open your heart to them, you have to let them love you Gabriel, then you won’t be sad anymore.”  

Gabe spun around to face Gio. “Them? Baby, what… who are you talking about?”  

“The doctor and the soldier, don’t you feel it, Gabe? The three of you are already woven together, and yet, you all fight it so hard.”  

Gabe opened his mouth to protest, silenced by Gio’s lips as he bent and kissed him. It was gentle and full of warmth and love. Gabe stood still, eyes still closed as Gio pulled away from him. “I have to go now, just remember, I will always be with you Gabriel. I will always love you.”

OH Man T.M. That was a tear Jerker!  

Dare to Hope Play List