"Filled with extraordinary characters that keep pages turning and emotions churning, Orientation blends heartbreak and hope into a potent literary brew. With a sure and descriptive touch, Rick R. Reed sets grief against the false glitter of Chicago Christmases, ultimately demonstrating that the power of love can heal, no matter what the form. Keep the hankies ready and be prepared: this book will stay with you long after the last page."--Amy Wolff Sorter, author of Soul Obsession

"Rick R. Reed has a knack for creating compelling characters with intriguing histories. His storytelling style is fresh and his plots are innovative. Well-known for his dark fantasy, horror, and suspense, Reed has branched out recently to add mystery and dramatic novels to his résumé. The resulting books, such as Orientation, are terrific, must-read novels."--Lori L. Lake, author of Snow Moon Rising

"Orientation is a romance, but, as one would expect from the celebrated author of suspense and mystery, it is not just your run-of-the-mill romance. There's a murderous subplot and plenty of agonizing over the rights and wrongs of one's actions, and some of the best writing Reed has done yet--but what he really serves up here is a beautiful Christmas present of a love story, all wrapped up in lavender ribbons, and with a splendid surprise in store for the reader when the last wrappings are peeled away. Forget the gay/straight labels. If you savor Miracle on 34th Street and sniffle through It's a Wonderful Life, put this at the very top of your Christmas list."--Victor J. Banis, author of Longhorns

"5 Stars!...The reader’s heartstrings will be more than tugged with this one; few readers will finish without shedding tears for both Robert and the dying Keith...The strengths of the novel...lie in the depths of Robert and Keith’s love, and in the unveiling of the new emotions between Robert and Jess, with the suggestions that Jess is not 'only' Jess, but carries another soul as well. From the grief of the initial chapters and the pain of the center core of the story comes the hope and joy of the final chapters, an encouragement to readers of all persuasions to hope for a miraculous 'second chance.'”--Frost's Fancy, Rainbow Reviews

"...Reed crafts a tale this reviewer would deem more of a paranormal romance, though it does have horrific moments. Reed’s descriptions of the Keith’s loss and Ethan’s downward spiraling addiction may add enough of a psychological horror element to give fans of Reed’s more traditional horror stories a reason to consider taking the plunge into a sub-genre that they might not otherwise be inclined to try."--Martel Sardina, Dark Scribe Magazine

"...All of the elements of a great, suspenseful romance: sympathetic and true-to-life characters, chemistry between the leads, and just enough intrigue to keep the reader on the edge of her seat. Reed does an excellent job of drawing the reader into all of his main characters' lives and, as in previous works, has an knack for eliciting compassion for and showing us the good in even his villainous characters. This reader particularly enjoyed Reed's trademark ability to imbue a palpable sense of place and time into the narrative, skillfully injecting verisimilitude through his descriptions of Chicago for a winning combination of escapism and realism...I recommend this story for anyone who believes, or wants to believe in the power of love and redemption. This was a wonderful story on every level!"--Gracie C. McKeever, Paranormal Romance

"...A romance novel, but it is unlike anything I ever imagined romance novels could be. It is a feminist testimony, it is an earthquake to the infrastructure of stereotyped sexuality, and it is a blessing to believers in an infinite universe...The characters are not just homosexual stereotypes living a cliché life. They are real, believable, and whole, and they are engaged in a plot deeper than just their 'coming out' or their 'queeritude.' And the story is as eerie as it is romantic...That slippery veil that separates the reality of the reader from the fantasy of the story hung silkily over my eyes for every, single word I swallowed. The dialogue was real and engaging. The characters were whole and every one of them completely realized. The plot was poetic and emotional. The conclusion was the correct, heady mix of triumphant resolution with the characters' closure and bittersweet disappointment with the ending of a very good book."--Araminta Matthews, Front Street Reviews

"...Absolutely a don’t-miss read...The incredibly well-written prose is coupled with dynamic characters who are three-dimensional, vivid, engaging and interesting...This is an amazing snapshot of pain, love, fall from grace and redemption among a small group of people doing their best to survive the sadness and terrors of everyday living. This is not so much a ghost story or horror story as a love story with a sense of mysticism about it. A thoroughly enjoyable read."--Untreed Reviews

"5 Stars!...I really love Orientation, which is exactly the kind of story one expects from Rick Reed--engrossing, mind blowing, emotional, eerie...An incredible piece of writing...The book is a gem and you won't find characters like these anywhere else....This is not a light read but if you're looking for an intricate plot and multifaceted characters who bring an array of complex human emotions to their story, then look no further. The characters will move you--to anger, pity and a whole range of other reactions...The plot is compelling and the characterizations are superb--there are no perfect people in this book--each character is flawed, some more than others, but in the end there is redemption...Looking for a totally different book with all the elements that will keep you on the edge of your seat? Try Orientation."--Wave, Reviews By Jessewave

“That could well be, that could very well be...”