Trust (Demands #1) by Emily Alter

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Blurb

For a relationship to work, it is not just love which is demanded. Trust is, too.

Elijah is a student who tries too hard, who signs up for everything, and who can't always take the responsibility that comes with it. The new, anxiety-riddled guy ticks all the boxes for Elijah's inner caretaker, but not everyone wants to be taken care of.
Mason's the one who needs perfect grades and gets too anxious at the idea of missing a class. He keeps his gaze down and tries not to attract attention, while yearning for someone to reach out to him.
When Mason is accidentally shoved into Elijah's chest, there's a spark ... and one big problem. Elijah has sworn off relationships in college and Mason wants the real thing. It’s clear there’s an attraction between them, maybe even love, but can either guy learn to trust the other enough to make things work?

Trust is the 1st book of the Demands series. Although they can be read as stand-alones, characters from previous books will make multiple appearances throughout the series.

(71000+ words)

* Content warning: One of the MCs has to cope with the news of a (minor) background character's suicide *

REVIEW
My Rating - 5 Stars!

Emily Alter's Trust (Demands #1) is a strong, detailed story of two young men who are both suffering from mental issues.

When Mason arrives on campus as the new kid, Elijah is instantly drawn to him. Elijah can see Mason's anxiety issues, and wants to take him under his wing to help him. This is who Elijah is; a caretaker, who will give and give until there is nothing left of himself.

Mason is equally attracted to Elijah, and interested, but not in the uncommitted relationship that Elijah offers. Elijah has no time to commit to a relationship, but Mason is looking for an actual boyfriend.

Mason's anxiety, panic attacks included, were so well written, with a great understanding of the issue. There are many examples in the book where we can feel everything he's feeling, and it is stifling. Anxiety can completely take control of your mind and body, rendering you useless, and this is perfectly displayed in Mason. 

I also found Mason's desire for perfection to be well handled, as it is so darn on par with what I have seen from people first hand. And, even better, is that this need for perfection can be a common issue for people with GAD (General Anxiety Disorder.) His GAD is literally ruining his life, as it is taking away his love of living. 

And as for Elijah, wow, he's another perfectly written character. I know someone like him and found his character to be realistic, written with great knowledge and empathy. He just gives and gives of himself, without realizing that he's being pulled in too many directions. He aims to help everyone, and doesn't know what he would be, or who he would be without this trait. In addition, Elijah pushes people away, not letting anyone get too close. Not only is he too busy to devote time to people, he always can't express his feelings, needs, or wants. 

Both characters are so tough to read at times, as their struggles affect them in such negative ways.

I have to admit to loving the way Mason dresses and his occasional makeup. Even better though, is that doing so helps him with his anxiety, as when he's comfortable he feels more like he is in control. I wish there had been more of this in the story.

If you can handle a tough read, be sure to check out Trust, as Emily Alter will take you on an emotional journey that is well worth your time.

Starstruck by Emily Alter

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Blurb

This short story picks up where Liberated left things. It does so because Joshua and Rob’s journey is far from over. After all, we never know what happens the morning after. Are there sweet confessions? Do they make it awkward? The future holds a lot in store for these two. What happens when Joshua gets nominated for a Tony? How does he deal with the nerves? How does Jules feel about it? Does he even win? Whatever happens, it’s going to be an interesting night, in more ways than one. Jules’ journey is far from over, too. The girl who wants to dance ballet and play baseball at the same time, she’ll have to struggle with peer pressure when they find out Rob is technically not her dad. She’s a good kid, though. Spoiled, but good. Even when she makes Joshua shed a few tears. No more tears than he’ll shed when and if he hears the bells. People pour lots of expectations on weddings. Rob and Joshua only want to enjoy their little family. Joshua leaves most people starstruck –which Julia takes full advantage of– but they hold nothing on the way Rob’s gaze pierces into his every time they’re in the same room. (16000+ words)



REVIEW:
My Rating: 4 stars!


Starstruck is a short novella that follows Liberated.

It is a cute, quick story to catch us up on Josh and Rob's life.  As someone who fell for the characters in Liberated, I enjoyed seeing them happy and together in this follow up.  We get to witness Rob tying to move on from his sister's death.  He has been so busy thinking he can't allow himself to be happy.  Watching his healing process is wonderful.

I also really enjoyed Rob and Autumn's heart to heart moment.  Personally, I would love to read more of Autumn's story.

Starstruck reads a lot like Liberated reads.  It is fast paced, with a lot of fast-forwarding of the story.

But, the characters are nice guys you are happy for now that they have figured out their issues.  Rob's niece, Jules, is adorable.  And their ending is sweet and romantic!

Liberated by Emily Alter

Amazon



This is the first book I have read by Emily Alter.


Josh is an actor with a lead role on Netflix.   He is living the dream.   He has been dating Rob for a couple of months, but things are about to get complicated.  Rob's about to be an uncle and he needs to help out his sister, thus leaving Josh and the state to do so.

Josh has a tough time coping with Rob's absence.  He needs to get away so he spends the summer in LA with some friends.  It isn't the best of times, but it helps him to heal.  Until it's time to go on tour again. 

As they head to Rob's new city for the tour, Josh is not sure how to feel.  He was just getting over Rob's absence.  Then they run into each other again.  And Josh is immediately falling for Rob's niece.  Rob needs to decide if he can accept Josh's help and they need to decide what they can mean to each other.

The story itself was a great idea.   I liked both characters a lot.  Their circumstances were both very sad and realistic.   The heartache the characters suffered was a great plot idea, but at times the feelings were rushed and under explained.  

My only real complain about this book is that it jumped around a lot.  The characters were not developed much and the action fast forwarded often, with not a lot of continuity. But, overall, the characters kept me interested in the story.   Their circumstances and thought-processes were explained well.

Overall, I did enjoy the book.