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The Gift
Short story from the Bottom Drawer Publications 2013 Valentine's Day collection.
All film star Avery O’Dea has ever wanted is a normal home life outside of her career. Meeting Dominic Ramsey, albeit not through the best of circumstances, has made that dream a reality. A few months into their marriage, she’s finally living the kind of life she’s always wished for off-screen. So when their first Valentine’s Day comes around, she expects nothing less than what other girls get on the most romantic day of the chocolates, flowers, seduction … the works!
When Dominic Ramsay first met his beautiful wife, Avery, he was a struggling photographer and was able to devote much of his time to supporting her demanding career. Track forward twelve months and Dom is now very much in demand after successful showings of his work. He’s been offered the chance of a lifetime to work on a shoot in Paris and accepts the job, even though he’s been away from home a lot in recent times. Valentine’s Day is just commercialism gone mad, he reasons, and he’s sure Avery won’t mind that they celebrate on a different day.
Avery is crushed when the gift she receives from Dom makes her wonder if he knows her at all. Dom starts to wonder if Avery liked him better when he could devote much of his time to her. A chance meeting in an airport and advice from the most unlikely of sources just might make them realize what they have to hold on to and that the best gift of all is right under their noses?
All film star Avery O’Dea has ever wanted is a normal home life outside of her career. Meeting Dominic Ramsey, albeit not through the best of circumstances, has made that dream a reality. A few months into their marriage, she’s finally living the kind of life she’s always wished for off-screen. So when their first Valentine’s Day comes around, she expects nothing less than what other girls get on the most romantic day of the chocolates, flowers, seduction … the works!
When Dominic Ramsay first met his beautiful wife, Avery, he was a struggling photographer and was able to devote much of his time to supporting her demanding career. Track forward twelve months and Dom is now very much in demand after successful showings of his work. He’s been offered the chance of a lifetime to work on a shoot in Paris and accepts the job, even though he’s been away from home a lot in recent times. Valentine’s Day is just commercialism gone mad, he reasons, and he’s sure Avery won’t mind that they celebrate on a different day.
Avery is crushed when the gift she receives from Dom makes her wonder if he knows her at all. Dom starts to wonder if Avery liked him better when he could devote much of his time to her. A chance meeting in an airport and advice from the most unlikely of sources just might make them realize what they have to hold on to and that the best gift of all is right under their noses?
58 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 12, 2013
16 people want to read
About the author
Elise Marion
62 books319 followersElise Marion is a lover books and has a special place in her heart for sweet and sensual romance. Writing about love across all walks of life is her passion, as is reaching people through the written word. The Army wife and stay-at-home mother of two spends most of her time taking care of her children. Her second job includes writing stories about characters that people can fall in love with. When the Texas native isn’t caring for her family or writing, you can usually find her with her nose in a book, singing loudly, or cooking up something new in the kitchen.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
February 14, 2013
I had read and reviewed The Secret Life of Avery O’Dea by Elise Marion, and really liked it. In The Gift we are treated to a return peek into Avery and Dominic’s life, just about a year later, for their first Valentine’s together.
After several years as a pampered film star with little or no room for a private or personal life, Avery just longs to have the “everywoman’s Valentines celebration”: chocolate, some flowers, dinner out and quiet times in with her love. Dominic, his career in photography having taken flight, is busy working to earn and provide, and doesn’t see Valentine’s as anything important enough to change plans for, especially for two people who should “understand” career demands.
In a timeless and oft repeated miscommunication: he didn’t realize just how important the holiday is to Avery, and harsh words pass. All of the questions that readers may have had at the end of reading the first book, are spoken or addressed by the characters – first as accusation, then in reflection. With vividly described body language, pointed comments and emotionally direct introspection, you can easily feel the anger and then anguish with each situation.
But, this is all about love: redefining the reasons that you are together, despite the niggling questions and insecurities, and there is a perfectly lovely surprise that bring Avery and Dom back together, depicted with conversation and steamy make-up sex. For fans of Avery O’Dea, this book also touches back on Ryan, and gives a peek into his life and love. Written with a breezy style, this short is an engaging read, and will be a nice addition to your bookshelf.
I was provided an eBook ARC from the publisher for purpose of honest review as part of the Love Sucks Until it Doesn’t blog tour. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
After several years as a pampered film star with little or no room for a private or personal life, Avery just longs to have the “everywoman’s Valentines celebration”: chocolate, some flowers, dinner out and quiet times in with her love. Dominic, his career in photography having taken flight, is busy working to earn and provide, and doesn’t see Valentine’s as anything important enough to change plans for, especially for two people who should “understand” career demands.
In a timeless and oft repeated miscommunication: he didn’t realize just how important the holiday is to Avery, and harsh words pass. All of the questions that readers may have had at the end of reading the first book, are spoken or addressed by the characters – first as accusation, then in reflection. With vividly described body language, pointed comments and emotionally direct introspection, you can easily feel the anger and then anguish with each situation.
But, this is all about love: redefining the reasons that you are together, despite the niggling questions and insecurities, and there is a perfectly lovely surprise that bring Avery and Dom back together, depicted with conversation and steamy make-up sex. For fans of Avery O’Dea, this book also touches back on Ryan, and gives a peek into his life and love. Written with a breezy style, this short is an engaging read, and will be a nice addition to your bookshelf.
I was provided an eBook ARC from the publisher for purpose of honest review as part of the Love Sucks Until it Doesn’t blog tour. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
February 14, 2013
We revisit Avery and Dom from The Secret Life of Avery O'Dea in The Gift. Fast forward a year, and Dom is in high demand as a photographer, and is spending a lot of time away from home.
He receives the chance of a lifetime to do a shoot in Paris, except oops! It's Valentine's Day.
To make up for his oversight, he gets Avery a gift that is really a terrible choice for her, and she begins to wonder if he knows her at all.
Elise has done yet another wonderful job. Her writing is poignant, the emotional aspects of the book are strong, and the story is steamy. I also loved that we get to see what happened to Ryan. Definitely worth picking this one up!
He receives the chance of a lifetime to do a shoot in Paris, except oops! It's Valentine's Day.
To make up for his oversight, he gets Avery a gift that is really a terrible choice for her, and she begins to wonder if he knows her at all.
Elise has done yet another wonderful job. Her writing is poignant, the emotional aspects of the book are strong, and the story is steamy. I also loved that we get to see what happened to Ryan. Definitely worth picking this one up!
February 14, 2013
The Gift Review
Very steamy tale of a Hollywood couple working through issues that we all experience!
Well told, and well woven, this is a terrific Valentine’s Day story! Avery and Dominic lead us through a ups and downs of any relationship. The differences between men and women are clearly evident, as well as masterfully exploited. However in the end, the couple discovers what’s truly important.
Elise Marion delivers an enthralling, tempting, and sensuous story that is perfect for Valentine’s Day or any other day when you need a great love story.
Reviewed by AB 2/14/13
Very steamy tale of a Hollywood couple working through issues that we all experience!
Well told, and well woven, this is a terrific Valentine’s Day story! Avery and Dominic lead us through a ups and downs of any relationship. The differences between men and women are clearly evident, as well as masterfully exploited. However in the end, the couple discovers what’s truly important.
Elise Marion delivers an enthralling, tempting, and sensuous story that is perfect for Valentine’s Day or any other day when you need a great love story.
Reviewed by AB 2/14/13
March 15, 2013
Avery and Dominic figure out what is really important. Short,sweet,hot sexy read.
March 4, 2019
Full Review posted at Book Lovin' Mamas
If you have read “The Secret Life of Avery O’Dea” you’ll love this short sequel of Avery and Dominic.
You’ll find out what happened to two of my fave characters from 2012 and how even our fave book characters have a fallen out every once in a while, especially when it comes to Valentine’s Day.
Although, Dom was such a jerk at first to Avery. Grrr!!! I was about to go into the pages of the book and knock some sense into him.
You even get find out what happened to Avery’s ex-husband, Ryan.
Elise Marion delivers yet another story that will have you turning the pages to find out what happens next.
If you have read “The Secret Life of Avery O’Dea” you’ll love this short sequel of Avery and Dominic.
You’ll find out what happened to two of my fave characters from 2012 and how even our fave book characters have a fallen out every once in a while, especially when it comes to Valentine’s Day.
Although, Dom was such a jerk at first to Avery. Grrr!!! I was about to go into the pages of the book and knock some sense into him.
You even get find out what happened to Avery’s ex-husband, Ryan.
Elise Marion delivers yet another story that will have you turning the pages to find out what happens next.
July 17, 2022
This was a wonderful follow up to The Secret Life of Avery O'Dea. It picks up some time after the events in the first book and is best enjoyed if read in order. What I liked the most about The Gift was the author's ability to take this not-so-ordinary couple and give them some ordinary problems, like trying to juggle private life and work or forgetting an important date. Bottom line, it looks like I've found a new author to watch.
May 18, 2014
A short read to a powerful love story for Avery and Dominic. Awesome to get a glimpse of their relationship a year later. Written to provide a humanistic view of a whirlwind relationship a year later. Well worth the read...
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews