Deep Down (Crush #4) by Elouise East

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

Trusting your instincts can have unexpected consequences...

Craig is a website designer. He spends much of his time happily chained to his desk and, as a boyfriend, he looks after the home while his partner works. It’s all about balance.

Alex is a workaholic doctor, often covering others’ shifts because a busy hospital is where he is most comfortable. He doesn’t have much of a social life even with his best friend dragging him out. He knows nothing about balance.

But Craig’s life is not as picture perfect as it appears… And when Alex has to patch him up, he realises something is amiss with Craig’s relationship. Craig is just another patient, but Alex can’t let him go back into a dangerous situation.

But when Alex reaches out, Craig’s boyfriend sees him as a threat and Craig’s carefully balanced life falls apart - under the fists of the man who has promised to love him.

As a doctor, Alex can heal Craig’s body, but it is up to Craig to learn to heal his own heart… and maybe, give love another chance.

*This book contains sensitive material that could be a trigger for some*

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Elouise East's Deep Down is way more than I was expecting. The fourth book in the Crush series, it is easily read as a standalone. 

Before you even consider reading this book, note that this book is about domestic abuse. If that is a trigger for you, just pass on by. 

Now, as for the story itself. I struggled with the writing at the very beginning. But it didn't take long for me to be sucked in by the storyline. 

This is the story of two men who meet under the worst of circumstances. Craig is injured and Alex is his doctor. Alex immediately suspects domestic abuse at play, and can't let this suspicion go. 

I have to admit that Alex definitely is a little creepy with the way he goes above and beyond to check on Craig. However, these incidences help guide the plot along the way, so just go with it. 

This is a powerful story, as the author tackles some serious issues. The author expertly explores that one can be a serious victim of abuse without ever thinking they are being abused. The author excels at illustrating the calculating ways of an abuser. And in the end, the author shows the reader the struggle one has to endure upon recovery. This part is enlightening for sure. 

Deep Down is a tough read, but this Elouise East story is a wonderful one of survival, healing, and hope. 

BLITZ & REVIEW - Forever (Always & Forever #2) by Kindle Alexander

Title: Forever

Author: Kindle Alexander

Genre: M/M Romance

Release Date: April 6, 2020

Goodreads Link

Forever, the continuation of the number 1 bestselling novel, Always is coming soon.

Dr. Robert Adams grew up with more advantages than most—the son of a former vice president, he had two loving fathers, a twin sister he adores and wonderfully doting grandparents. Life is good until one afternoon when his dreams flat-line. And no scalpel can repair the guilt and grief he carries with him for the first time in his life.

For Tech Sergeant Landon Russo, determination isn’t just a word, it’s a way of life. Joining the US Air Force allows him to prove his worth, and he takes the values of integrity, service and excellence to heart in every decision he makes. Until on one fateful night, in celebration of a much-deserved promotion, a simple misstep sends his life flying into a tailspin.

As both men fight to regain control of their lives, they’ll soon discover fate rules. Will they ignore the signs and risk everything or will they take a chance and trust they're destined to be together...forever? 

Amazon US -  Available in KU

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

An avid fan of Kindle Alexander, I am not surprised at the beauty that is Forever. The second book in the Always & Forever series, this book is the journey of Robert following his fathers' deaths. And wow, just wow! 

After Landon is injured, Robert appears at this bedside. The reason Robert ever ends up in that hospital, where he meets Landon, is as touching as can be. Feathers. Enough said. Read it, you'll understand. 

Just like what happened to his fathers in Always, Robert knew that this man was his. This is a beautiful story of intense love, as fate brings these two men together. And a backstory that makes their connection immediate is amazing. Chills. Just chills.

Both men have their share of issues, but their love and chemistry is never in doubt. Robert's issues with self confidence and feel unworthy are well explored. This side of Robert's personality just made me fall for him even harder. 

One needs to have read Always to get the full feel for this book. Avery and Kane are talked about often and are the magnets that brought these two men together. They're both a huge aspect of this tale and understanding their story seems necessary to enjoy Robert and Landon's story. 

Two fantastic contributing side characters are Robert's sister and grandmother. I just love them. Both are full of support, encouragement, and love, adding greatly to the story.

Oh, and if you're looking for heat, there's plenty of that as well.

One of the aspects of this tale that just guts me is the distance factor. When lovers are separated, that just kills me, and of course, these two definitely face their share of distance issues. Of course, these two not only spend a lot of time apart, but their lives are very separate too. 

But, do not fear, in the end, this love story is magnificent. 

Forever is everyone I was hoping it would be. Kindle Alexander manages to impress me again with this magnificent tale. If you have read Always, grab this sequel now. And if you never read Always, omg, start with that one and then read Forever. Be prepared to have tissues handy however, as Always is one of the most gut wrenching books ever. 

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“You think you know me?” The words and tone said something different than the playfulness dancing in Dr. Adams’s eyes as he lifted a single brow.

Yeah, in another place and time, that look would have been sexy as hell. Now though, wasn’t that time. “No, I don’t know you, not at all. I don’t even know people like you, so I don’t know how to guess. It’s why I have to ask.” 

“What does ‘people like me’ mean?” Dr. Adams asked, the fun tone vanished as his eyes narrowed and his brow dropped into a hard V. The intensity coming off the man kind of impressed Landon who lifted his good hand in a peace offering. 

“Don’t get defensive. I meant sophisticated, if that’s the right word?” 

Dr. Adams did another one of his sudden visual mood shifts and started laughing. Shit, this wasn’t working out well for Landon at all. The man had a wonderful laugh, even if it was directed at him, and his dick took notice, plumping underneath his hospital gown. 

“You mean stuffy,” Dr. Adams corrected, his face filled with amusement as he gave Landon a racy teasing look. 

“You’re messing with me on purpose, and I can’t really tell if you’re joking, so let me tell you something I haven’t said because I didn’t know if I should. When you’re contemplating your signs and their meaning to your life and whether you should open yourself to understanding this world is bigger than you thought, you need to know I stood as the honor guard on duty the night you stayed with your father while he sat by your dad’s casket.”

The air stood completely still. The confession caused Landon’s heart to drum steadily in his chest as he stared at the utter shock filling Dr. Adams’s face. He waited through the range of emotion until disbelief hit, and he narrowed his eyes, shifting toward Landon for a closer look. “That was you?”

He clearly didn’t believe him. 

“I volunteered to stay all night with you both.” Landon scrunched his face into his serious I’m-a-badass-sergeant expression then put a hand to his brow partially covering his face like the brim of his wheel cap would do. Recognition instantly filled those blue eyes. 

“I tried to find you to thank you. Did you get my email?” Dr. Adams asked, sitting back in astonishment, like Landon had given the best possible gift. He seemed sincerely appreciative, not in the least bit angry that Landon hadn’t mentioned this before now. 

“I did. The email was forwarded to me by my CO, but I didn’t do it for a thank-you. I’m not kidding when I say your father was a great man. I moved heaven and earth to get there. I owed Vice President Adams my respect to watch over him as an honor guard, but when I watched his husband, in person with my own eyes, grieve like he did, I realized true love was possible for guys like me.” Landon didn’t waver in speaking his truth, damn the consequences of confessing his belief in something so filled with romance and lacking in any solid reason.

Best Selling Author Kindle Alexander is an innovative writer, and a genre-crosser who writes classic fantasy, romance, suspense, and erotica in both the male/male and male/female genres. It's always a surprise to see what's coming next!

I live in the suburbs of Dallas where it's true, the only thing bigger than an over active imagination, may be women's hair!

Usually, I try for funny. Humor is a major part of my life - I love to laugh, and it seems to be the thing I do in most situations - regardless of the situation, but jokes are a tricky deal... I don't want to offend anyone and jokes tend to offend. So instead I'm going to tell you about Kindle.

I tragically lost my sixteen year old daughter to a drunk driver. She had just been at home, it was early in the night and I heard the accident happen. I'll never forget that moment. The sirens were immediate and something inside me just knew. I left my house, drove straight to the accident on nothing more than instinct. I got to be there when my little girl died - weirdly, I consider that a true gift from above. She didn't have to be alone.

That time in my life was terrible. It's everything you think it would be times about a billion. I love that kid. I loved being her mother and I loved watching her grow into this incredibly beautiful person, both inside and out. She was such a gift to me. To have it all ripped away so suddenly broke me.

Her name was Kindle. Honest to goodness - it was her name and she died a few weeks before Amazon released their brand new Kindle ereader. She had no idea it was coming out and she would have finally gotten her name on something! Try finding a ruler with the name Kindle on it.. It never happened.

Through the course of that crippling event I was lucky enough to begin to write with a dear friend in the fan fiction world of Facebook. She got me through those dark days with her unwavering support and friendship. There wasn't a time she wasn't there for me. Sometimes together and sometimes by myself, we built a world where Kindle lives and stands for peace, love and harmony. It's its own kind of support group. I know without question I wouldn't be here today without her.

Find out more by visiting www.kindlealexander.com or email me at kindle@kindlealexander.com

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The Trouble With Tony (Sex in Seattle #1) by Eli Easton

Amazon Link - Available in KU 

Goodreads Link

Blurb

As part of the investigation into the murder of a young woman, Seattle P.I. Tony DeMarco poses as a patient of Dr. Jack Halloran, the therapist who treated the victim at a Seattle sex clinic. This isn’t the first time Tony has gone undercover, but it’s the first time he’s wanted to go under cover with one of his suspects. He can’t help it—Jack Halloran is just the kind of steely-eyed hero Tony goes for. But he’ll have to prove Halloran’s innocence and keep the doctor from finding out about his ruse before he can play Romeo.

Dr. Halloran has his own issues, including a damaged right arm sustained in the line of duty as a combat surgeon in Iraq and the PTSD that followed. He’s confused to find himself attracted to a new patient, the big, funny Italian with the puppy-dog eyes, and Tony’s humor slips right past Jack’s defenses, making him feel things he thought long buried. But can the doctor and the P.I. find a path to romance despite the secrets between them?

Review 

My Rating -   4 Stars!

Eli Easton's The Trouble With Tony is the first book in the Sex in Seattle series. From the start, this series that revolves around a sex clinic is fascinating. 

Tony's a PI working undercover investigating Jack, a sex clinic doctor. So, yes, I knew immediately that this one had potential.

In this short, quick romance, Tony ends up working with Jack, discovering that he's demisexual. The author does a wonderful job demonstrating some of the aspects of demisexuality we rarely hear about, including confusion and fear. 

The attraction and chemistry is strong between Tony and Jack, but they're conflicted by their doctor/patient status. The level of their longing and desire makes for an emotional read at times. 

Both men are interesting characters. Tony's a complex character, confused by his lack of sexual feelings, torn between his job and his desires, and a man who desperately wants to feel again. Meanwhile Jack's job is unique, and his developing feelings for Tony have him torn between his professional oath and his personal desires. 

The Trouble With Tony is a fun read which includes some light mystery and a little danger, along with a small amount of heat. Eli Easton has definitely left me wanting more, leaving me excited to read the rest of the series.