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Through Hell and Back #1
A Walk Through Fire
Years after running away from an abusive foster family, Asher Davis still struggles with the guilt of leaving his foster brothers behind. He’s climbed to unimaginable heights as a ruthless, high-powered attorney, creating a life of power and control and takes whatever and whomever he wants.
Blaming himself for the death of his parents, Dr. Drew Klein retreats into a shell of loneliness, merely going through the motions of life. After a disastrous, short-lived marriage, Drew leaves his lucrative medical practice to set up a clinic for abused young men and women. The decision has more repercussions than Drew could ever imagine when the dark and sensual Ash Davis volunteers to help.
Although Drew isn’t gay, Ash is inexplicably drawn to him. He vows to simply bed him and forget him like he's done with every other man. However, Drew's sweet and caring nature and unexpected passion both stun and frighten Ash, who questions his right to any happiness at all. And when Ash befriends an abused young man who unwittingly draws the clinic into danger, threatening Drew’s safety and that of his beloved grandmother, Ash discovers that there is nothing he won’t sacrifice to protect the love he never thought he’d find.
This is a re-edited version of the original book published in 2014. Over 12,000 words have been added
Blaming himself for the death of his parents, Dr. Drew Klein retreats into a shell of loneliness, merely going through the motions of life. After a disastrous, short-lived marriage, Drew leaves his lucrative medical practice to set up a clinic for abused young men and women. The decision has more repercussions than Drew could ever imagine when the dark and sensual Ash Davis volunteers to help.
Although Drew isn’t gay, Ash is inexplicably drawn to him. He vows to simply bed him and forget him like he's done with every other man. However, Drew's sweet and caring nature and unexpected passion both stun and frighten Ash, who questions his right to any happiness at all. And when Ash befriends an abused young man who unwittingly draws the clinic into danger, threatening Drew’s safety and that of his beloved grandmother, Ash discovers that there is nothing he won’t sacrifice to protect the love he never thought he’d find.
This is a re-edited version of the original book published in 2014. Over 12,000 words have been added
239 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 24, 2014
200 people are currently reading
1251 people want to read
About the author
Felice Stevens
98books1,674followersFelice Stevens writes romance because what is better than people falling in love? Her favorite part of a romance novel is that first kiss…sigh. She loves creating stories of hopes and dreams and happily ever afters. Her stories are character-driven, rich with the sights, sounds and flavors of New York City and filled with men who are sometimes deeply flawed but always real.
Felice writes M/M romance because she believes that everyone deserves a happily ever after. Having traveled all over the world, she can safely say that the universal language that unites people is love. Felice has written in a variety of sub-genres, including contemporary, paranormal and has a mystery series as well.
Felice is a two-time Lambda Literary Award nominee and the Lambda award-winner for Best Gay Romance for her book, The Ghost and Charlie Muir, as well as the e-Lit gold medal winner in romance for Broken Silence.
Felice writes M/M romance because she believes that everyone deserves a happily ever after. Having traveled all over the world, she can safely say that the universal language that unites people is love. Felice has written in a variety of sub-genres, including contemporary, paranormal and has a mystery series as well.
Felice is a two-time Lambda Literary Award nominee and the Lambda award-winner for Best Gay Romance for her book, The Ghost and Charlie Muir, as well as the e-Lit gold medal winner in romance for Broken Silence.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 354 reviews
November 26, 2014
I was very, very excited for this one, considering author ' debut novel was one of my favorite reads this year. I did enjoy , but not nearly as mush as I enjoyed .
is the story of a lonely, recently divorced man name Dr. Drew Klein. He makes buckets of money as a plastic surgeon and has decided to open a free clinic to help young, abused teens find help when their parents and the foster system fails them. He feels this new project will give his life meaning.
Dr. Klein's wife's divorce lawyer in Asher Davis, the discarded product of the foster system, now successful beyond his wildest dreams. He has no close friends and no family and goes from meaningless hookup to meaningless hookup, believing he is unworthy of anyone's love. When he hears about Drew's clinic, he wants to help and try to make a difference to atone for what he feels is a complete failure he has made of his life.
The set up makes for a colossal hurt/healing/comfort extravaganza! Right? Drew is not gay, so we have a great GFY situation too. Lots of nice sexual tension. I'm gonna spoiler tag here, just to be on the safe side.
Now, I was actually ready to pretty much overlook the above quirks and give the book 4 stars and express some mild irritation with how the men handled themselves by acting like 14 year old girls. But then the ending happened and threw me for a loop and I needed to sleep on it and decide how I wanted to sum everything up and ultimately rate the book. I'm giving this one 3 stars and recommending it with caution. The angst is very, very high and the healing/comfort does NOT balance it out. That's a big bummer for me personally. If it's not for you, then you'll handle this with no problem at all!
I love Felice's work and will continue to be excited for any and all of her new releases!
PS: WARNING! This spoiler will give away a major plot point, so please read with that in mind. What happened at the end of the book that knocked a star off for me:
is the story of a lonely, recently divorced man name Dr. Drew Klein. He makes buckets of money as a plastic surgeon and has decided to open a free clinic to help young, abused teens find help when their parents and the foster system fails them. He feels this new project will give his life meaning.
Dr. Klein's wife's divorce lawyer in Asher Davis, the discarded product of the foster system, now successful beyond his wildest dreams. He has no close friends and no family and goes from meaningless hookup to meaningless hookup, believing he is unworthy of anyone's love. When he hears about Drew's clinic, he wants to help and try to make a difference to atone for what he feels is a complete failure he has made of his life.
The set up makes for a colossal hurt/healing/comfort extravaganza! Right? Drew is not gay, so we have a great GFY situation too. Lots of nice sexual tension. I'm gonna spoiler tag here, just to be on the safe side.
Now, I was actually ready to pretty much overlook the above quirks and give the book 4 stars and express some mild irritation with how the men handled themselves by acting like 14 year old girls. But then the ending happened and threw me for a loop and I needed to sleep on it and decide how I wanted to sum everything up and ultimately rate the book. I'm giving this one 3 stars and recommending it with caution. The angst is very, very high and the healing/comfort does NOT balance it out. That's a big bummer for me personally. If it's not for you, then you'll handle this with no problem at all!
I love Felice's work and will continue to be excited for any and all of her new releases!
PS: WARNING! This spoiler will give away a major plot point, so please read with that in mind. What happened at the end of the book that knocked a star off for me:
November 30, 2014
3-3.5 STARS
Asher Davis is a successful lawyer. He has power, money and everything anyone dreams, but he is so unhappy. Abused for years physically and sexually by his foster father, who was supposed to care for him and to love him like any parent, Asher is damaged. After so many years, he is still struggles with his guilt of leaving his foster brother behind. He not only has anxiety attacks when he remembers his childhood, but he cuts himself because he thinks he needs to suffer. A lonely man, he doesn’t have a family or close friends. Asher doesn’t do relationships. He’s a player, hooking up occasionally with different men, believing he’s unworthy of anyone’s love.
Dr. Drew Klein is getting a divorce, after his cheating wife realizes she doesn’t need a man who helps others for free. He is plastic surgeon, but he wants to help others in a different way, so he decides to start a clinic where to treat underprivileged kids. Drew feels lonely, empty even if he has a wonderful family and great friends. He doesn’t want to get involved with other woman at the moment, getting involved with someone being the last thing on his mind.
Asher and Drew met when Asher decides to get involved helping these poor kids. Asher was also Drew’s wife’s divorce lawyer. He feels attracted to Drew from the start, even if he knows Drew is straight. Drew knew all his life that he is straight, but an event makes him question his sexuality.
What comes next is a series of events that will change both Asher and Drew and eventually a HEA.
Obviously I didn’t loved this one, but I like it enough. Both main characters are likeable and I liked how they connected with each other. Their connection is strong and palpable. I really felt for Asher. He’s not a bad man, just a damage one. He has a big heart, he wants to help others and he wants to find his foster siblings. With Drew he is caring and supportive at times with Drew and with Nana, Drew’s grandmother, he’s so sweet.
Drew is a great brother, grandson and friend here. He wants to help everybody, but most of all, he wanst to help Asher. He is patient and supportive with Asher, trying to help him in any way. Also, the GFY aspect is well done in this story.
I liked most of the side characters - Drew family and friends, except maybe Jordan. But in the end I felt for him. What I didn’t like entirely was the plot. At times it was over the place. I won’t say much, but that’s how it felt for me. Also I didn’t like that
I must admit Asher annoyed me at some point. He was just frustrating! Also, both Asher and Drew acted like children at times. I just wanted to smack them in the head. Really! I understood Asher is damaged, but come on..
Overall, a nice read!
Asher Davis is a successful lawyer. He has power, money and everything anyone dreams, but he is so unhappy. Abused for years physically and sexually by his foster father, who was supposed to care for him and to love him like any parent, Asher is damaged. After so many years, he is still struggles with his guilt of leaving his foster brother behind. He not only has anxiety attacks when he remembers his childhood, but he cuts himself because he thinks he needs to suffer. A lonely man, he doesn’t have a family or close friends. Asher doesn’t do relationships. He’s a player, hooking up occasionally with different men, believing he’s unworthy of anyone’s love.
Dr. Drew Klein is getting a divorce, after his cheating wife realizes she doesn’t need a man who helps others for free. He is plastic surgeon, but he wants to help others in a different way, so he decides to start a clinic where to treat underprivileged kids. Drew feels lonely, empty even if he has a wonderful family and great friends. He doesn’t want to get involved with other woman at the moment, getting involved with someone being the last thing on his mind.
Asher and Drew met when Asher decides to get involved helping these poor kids. Asher was also Drew’s wife’s divorce lawyer. He feels attracted to Drew from the start, even if he knows Drew is straight. Drew knew all his life that he is straight, but an event makes him question his sexuality.
What comes next is a series of events that will change both Asher and Drew and eventually a HEA.
Obviously I didn’t loved this one, but I like it enough. Both main characters are likeable and I liked how they connected with each other. Their connection is strong and palpable. I really felt for Asher. He’s not a bad man, just a damage one. He has a big heart, he wants to help others and he wants to find his foster siblings. With Drew he is caring and supportive at times with Drew and with Nana, Drew’s grandmother, he’s so sweet.
Drew is a great brother, grandson and friend here. He wants to help everybody, but most of all, he wanst to help Asher. He is patient and supportive with Asher, trying to help him in any way. Also, the GFY aspect is well done in this story.
I liked most of the side characters - Drew family and friends, except maybe Jordan. But in the end I felt for him. What I didn’t like entirely was the plot. At times it was over the place. I won’t say much, but that’s how it felt for me. Also I didn’t like that
I must admit Asher annoyed me at some point. He was just frustrating! Also, both Asher and Drew acted like children at times. I just wanted to smack them in the head. Really! I understood Asher is damaged, but come on..
Overall, a nice read!
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October 11, 2024
A Walk Through Fire by Felice Stevens is both a heartbreaking story and also one full of hope. I just did finish it and my heart feels so full with love for these two men.
Drew Klein had a wonderful childhood with loving parents and a great younger sister. But while in college, he lost his parents and blames himself for their deaths. Drew ran a successful medical practice but he wasn’t happy so he left it all to start a clinic for young men and women that needed help, medically, legally, or just needed someone to talk to. In the midst of all this, he had a very short lived mistake of a marriage. But it’s at the divorce proceedings that he met him, his soon to be ex-wife’s lawyer, and his life was forever changed.
Asher Davis is a high powered, ruthless lawyer who lives life alone, having regular one night stands with a sea of faceless men and always returning to his apartment by himself. Ash was abused by his foster family and has spent his life bottling up his pain and keeping his heart hardened. His one true regret are the two foster brothers he left behind, never knowing where they are or if they even survived. But the day that Ash attended the divorce proceedings and met Drew, who is straight, he felt drawn to him. He has no idea why but he can’t turn it off. And when he is offered the chance to help at Drew’s clinic, he jumps at the chance to help other teens who might be suffering as he did.
Drew’s goodness slowly melts the ice around Ash’s heart and together they find a peace neither has ever been able to experience. They also find a passion they didn’t know was possible. Drew realizes that he has been living a life in a sort of fog, and that with Ash, everything is suddenly bright and colorful. They also are able to give each other the healing they have never been able to allow themselves. To let go of the guilt and finally move forward. But, one of the teen boys that Ash has been helping brings danger to the door of the clinic and their lives. That more than anything else makes Ash realize how deep his feelings really are and that he will do anything to keep the man he now loves safe.
I admit that when we first meet Ash, he’s cold and cruel. But it’s easy to see right away how much pain he is in. I loved both he and Drew so much. I loved the effect they had on each other and the way they helped their hearts to finally heal and open to true love. This book was so beautifully written. As I said, it was painful and heartbreaking but also so hopeful to see how these two men finally came out of the darkness and into the sunshine. I can’t wait to start the next book, Drew’s friend Jordan’s book in After The Fire.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
Drew Klein had a wonderful childhood with loving parents and a great younger sister. But while in college, he lost his parents and blames himself for their deaths. Drew ran a successful medical practice but he wasn’t happy so he left it all to start a clinic for young men and women that needed help, medically, legally, or just needed someone to talk to. In the midst of all this, he had a very short lived mistake of a marriage. But it’s at the divorce proceedings that he met him, his soon to be ex-wife’s lawyer, and his life was forever changed.
Asher Davis is a high powered, ruthless lawyer who lives life alone, having regular one night stands with a sea of faceless men and always returning to his apartment by himself. Ash was abused by his foster family and has spent his life bottling up his pain and keeping his heart hardened. His one true regret are the two foster brothers he left behind, never knowing where they are or if they even survived. But the day that Ash attended the divorce proceedings and met Drew, who is straight, he felt drawn to him. He has no idea why but he can’t turn it off. And when he is offered the chance to help at Drew’s clinic, he jumps at the chance to help other teens who might be suffering as he did.
Drew’s goodness slowly melts the ice around Ash’s heart and together they find a peace neither has ever been able to experience. They also find a passion they didn’t know was possible. Drew realizes that he has been living a life in a sort of fog, and that with Ash, everything is suddenly bright and colorful. They also are able to give each other the healing they have never been able to allow themselves. To let go of the guilt and finally move forward. But, one of the teen boys that Ash has been helping brings danger to the door of the clinic and their lives. That more than anything else makes Ash realize how deep his feelings really are and that he will do anything to keep the man he now loves safe.
I admit that when we first meet Ash, he’s cold and cruel. But it’s easy to see right away how much pain he is in. I loved both he and Drew so much. I loved the effect they had on each other and the way they helped their hearts to finally heal and open to true love. This book was so beautifully written. As I said, it was painful and heartbreaking but also so hopeful to see how these two men finally came out of the darkness and into the sunshine. I can’t wait to start the next book, Drew’s friend Jordan’s book in After The Fire.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
August 10, 2017
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*Might contain spoilers* ⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
I had high hopes for this one BUT no expectations as I've been having bad luck for so damn long. I am surprised at the potential the book had and I am a little disappointed with story. However it was still alright. Book one in ‘Through Hell and Back� centers around ruthless and high-powered attorney Asher ‘Ash� Davis (in his thirties?) and Dr. Drew ‘D� Klein (in his thirties? 34? 36?).
“Asher, my son. Let go of your past. It’s the only way you can take control of your future. Rise above your pain. Don’t grow old, alone and unloved like me. Find someone to share your life with. You’ve been the greatest source of comfort and joy to me. I wish you love and peace in your heart.�
With a horrible and horrific past that still haunts him, Ash has buried all emotions and hides behind his blank face and coldness. Starting helping out at a clinic for abused young men and women, forces his past to come forth and it doesn't help that he's attracted to Drew, owner of said clinic, who is also straight. Drew makes him feel like no other has ever made him do and Drew has his own past that he's struggling with. Can both of them battle their demons and see a future?
“I want you so fucking much. I’m ready to explode. I don’t know why, and I don’t care. I’ve wanted you for what seems like forever, and tonight I’m not letting you go until I make you mine. And, baby, you will be mine, make no mistake about it.�
Overall, the story, as I said, had real potential. However, I struggled with liking the main character, Drew for most of the book. He I had expected a whole lot from, but actually got the opposite.
‘With a fierceness he didn’t know she possessed, Nana grabbed his arm. “I’m worried after our talk he might do something bad to himself. You think I’m too old that I don’t understand the ways of the world. I know he’s a homosexual, gay. Why should that matter to me? But something’s not right with him. He’s a very depressed man. Promise me after dinner you’ll go check on him. For me?�
Although there was nothing less he’d rather do than play babysitter to Asher Davis, he agreed, because he’d do anything for his grandmother.�
<---- SELFISH! Where's that guy everyone is saying is so selfless and kind? Here Nana is worrying her heart out of Ash, because she sees what others don't; he's got so many horrible demons to battle ALONE, and Drew thinks of it as BABYSITTING?! He's a owner of a clinic for abused young men and women, yet he doesn't want to help Ash? Selfless my ass.
“I want it all.� He shocked himself, hardly recognizing his own strangled voice, distorted by desire, need and fear.
Ash stared up at Drew, eyes wide and diamond bright.
“Let’s go to bed, baby.�
And when Ash smiled, Drew knew right then his heart would be broken if this man left him in the end.
I also hated Jordan, Drew's gay best friend. I want to smack him so hard that he'll see the mark for days. A more judgmental man you would have to look long for. He's so mean to Ash, just because he made a pass at him YEARS ago. HE DOESN'T EVEN KNOW HIM!! Arrrgh, I get so damn mad! Nana was awesome though! She's the kindest, fiercest person you can meet! She's so adorable and is Ash's biggest supporter. I loved her. She didn't judge, like other character did. Ash though, made the book worth reading. I adored him. My heart broke for him and I just wanted to protect him. Him and Nana made this book good enough to enjoy it. I was also disappointed at the build up after Ash and Drew got together. The book was good until that point, and after that it was kinda boring, still cute though, but boring. I also want another book with Ash.
He wanted Ash. He cared. Lying here with this man, listening to him open his heart, made him realize how much he cared for and wanted Asher Davis. He swept the hair off Ash’s brow and kissed him. “I think you might be worth everything to me.�
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (A) Contemporary Romance (M/M)
Series: - Series (Standalone?), Book One
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Asher Davis.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Unsure.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Sure.
Will I read this again in the future? - No.
Rating - 3 stars.
July 17, 2017
$0.99 on Amazon 7/17/17
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3.5*
This book was high in emotions and angst. There were events that took place in both MC lives that were heartbreaking. They both have issues they need to overcome from their past and both are quite lonely in life.
Drew lost his parents in a car accident and has been silently dealing with guilt from it considering they were visiting him after he expressed how lonely he was and how much he missed them. Drew has two really great best friends, a sister he's close to, and a grandmother he adores, but he's lonely. He's never found someone that has made him feel complete. He has once again found himself in a failing relationship but this time it's made worse because he married her. During their divorce proceedings is where he meets his future, Ash.
Ash has a troubled past were he was abused and traumatized by his foster father. When he was 18 he ran away leaving behind his two younger foster brothers. He has worked hard and is now a very well off lawyer. Ever since he became financially able to he's been searching for his brothers. He feels an extremely large amount of guilt for leaving them behind and his way of dealing with it is to punish himself. I won't say how he does it because I feel it will give too much away. Ash is very much alone and lonely. He doesn't have any friends besides Peter and even he is kept at an arms length. He doesn't do relationships and has many conquests. But one look at Drew and his whole world changes.
There are many struggles these two men go through to be together. Mostly it's within themselves. But with Drew fresh out of a marriage and never being with a man has his family and friends a little hesitant to believe that him and Ash are serious. It doesn't help that Ash pursued one of Drew's best friends in the past and he has nothing but negative feelings towards Ash and is constantly in Drew's ear listing all the reasons why Ash is a bad idea. Drew doesn't listen and wants Ash. But Ash is hard to claim since he doesn't know how to open up. He's been a lone wolf for so long that he's scared of letting anyone close enough to see his scars and just how messed up he truly is. So they try to be friends. It works for awhile. But things happen that throw them together again and emotions run high and they just can't keep denying themselves the other one.
These men have a very deep emotional connection that was very sweet to read about.
I loved the clinic and the work that Drew, Ash, Drew's best friends and sister were doing. It's inspiring for sure.
I really liked the grandmother as well.
What I didn't care for was all the crying and the cheese. So.Much.Cheese. Maybe it's just me cause even though I love a good romance I really can't stand all the mushy crap that comes with it. I'm just not that girl. It makes me roll my eyes while reading and when I witness it in person it makes feel very uncomfortable to the point I want to laugh which makes it awkward. LOL
Happy reading, dolls! xx
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3.5*
This book was high in emotions and angst. There were events that took place in both MC lives that were heartbreaking. They both have issues they need to overcome from their past and both are quite lonely in life.
Drew lost his parents in a car accident and has been silently dealing with guilt from it considering they were visiting him after he expressed how lonely he was and how much he missed them. Drew has two really great best friends, a sister he's close to, and a grandmother he adores, but he's lonely. He's never found someone that has made him feel complete. He has once again found himself in a failing relationship but this time it's made worse because he married her. During their divorce proceedings is where he meets his future, Ash.
Ash has a troubled past were he was abused and traumatized by his foster father. When he was 18 he ran away leaving behind his two younger foster brothers. He has worked hard and is now a very well off lawyer. Ever since he became financially able to he's been searching for his brothers. He feels an extremely large amount of guilt for leaving them behind and his way of dealing with it is to punish himself. I won't say how he does it because I feel it will give too much away. Ash is very much alone and lonely. He doesn't have any friends besides Peter and even he is kept at an arms length. He doesn't do relationships and has many conquests. But one look at Drew and his whole world changes.
There are many struggles these two men go through to be together. Mostly it's within themselves. But with Drew fresh out of a marriage and never being with a man has his family and friends a little hesitant to believe that him and Ash are serious. It doesn't help that Ash pursued one of Drew's best friends in the past and he has nothing but negative feelings towards Ash and is constantly in Drew's ear listing all the reasons why Ash is a bad idea. Drew doesn't listen and wants Ash. But Ash is hard to claim since he doesn't know how to open up. He's been a lone wolf for so long that he's scared of letting anyone close enough to see his scars and just how messed up he truly is. So they try to be friends. It works for awhile. But things happen that throw them together again and emotions run high and they just can't keep denying themselves the other one.
These men have a very deep emotional connection that was very sweet to read about.
I loved the clinic and the work that Drew, Ash, Drew's best friends and sister were doing. It's inspiring for sure.
I really liked the grandmother as well.
What I didn't care for was all the crying and the cheese. So.Much.Cheese. Maybe it's just me cause even though I love a good romance I really can't stand all the mushy crap that comes with it. I'm just not that girl. It makes me roll my eyes while reading and when I witness it in person it makes feel very uncomfortable to the point I want to laugh which makes it awkward. LOL
Happy reading, dolls! xx
August 2, 2022
I really liked this book! There was a lot going on (and I don't want to spoil anything) and a lot of things that could have bothered me, but it all came together and worked for me.
Both men have issues, especially Asher. Past abuse and guilt over those that he left behind when he left the foster care system have caused him to shut down emotionally. Drew is getting divorced and is also consumed by guilt. When Ash gets involved with the clinic that Drew and his friends are starting to help abused teens, he sees a side of Ash that doesn't match up to the player image. The two men begin a shaky friendship that eventually leads to an even shakier physical relationship. There are so many ups and downs, but the two slowly begin to open up and Ash forms an interesting relationship with Drew's beloved (and completely awesome) grandmother.
The book is full of drama, angst, some childish behavior, meddling friends and lots of up and down emotions, but when the two men were really together it was all worth it. While not a cliff hanger, there are plenty of story lines left open. I'm really looking forward to the next book.
Both men have issues, especially Asher. Past abuse and guilt over those that he left behind when he left the foster care system have caused him to shut down emotionally. Drew is getting divorced and is also consumed by guilt. When Ash gets involved with the clinic that Drew and his friends are starting to help abused teens, he sees a side of Ash that doesn't match up to the player image. The two men begin a shaky friendship that eventually leads to an even shakier physical relationship. There are so many ups and downs, but the two slowly begin to open up and Ash forms an interesting relationship with Drew's beloved (and completely awesome) grandmother.
The book is full of drama, angst, some childish behavior, meddling friends and lots of up and down emotions, but when the two men were really together it was all worth it. While not a cliff hanger, there are plenty of story lines left open. I'm really looking forward to the next book.
February 23, 2017
***4 Stars***
Feel the future, live it, and embrace who you are. Accept that you are needed, wanted, and loved.
What can I say about this book? There are a bunch of things that I can tick off on a list as to why this book shouldn't have worked for me....but you know what....it did! And the best way I can explain it is that something in the writing just had "it" for me. An addicting quality that drew me in easily.
I've read plenty of books that had all the right ingredients; endearing characters, great plot, good writing, etc...But for some reason I just never felt a spark. However, this book hooked me and had me connected to the characters from the very beginning. If it weren't for sleep, I probably would have read it in one sitting.
Now don't get me wrong, this book is in need of some serious editing. The dialogue is CHEESY...we're talking a big ol' block of cheddar...the transitions are choppy, the flow is awkward at times, and there's a bit too much redundancy...but again, I don't care, somehow it doesn't bother me as much as it should.
Drew was an adorable "hold up, I might be gay" character. He's kind of my favorite type...the one who really doesn't care. There's no inner monologue of introspection or deep reflection of "what does this mean?" He just followed his heart and that was that.
"I never thought I'd want to be with a man, but when I stopped thinking with my head and let go with my heart, there wasn't anyplace I wanted to be more than there with you last night."
Asher...what can I say? I love me an asshole. He was crass, rude, arrogant, pushy and downright huggable. His entire facade is a mask to hide the damaged and scarred man underneath. A man that somehow cracks open with Drew's touch. His backstory was heartbreaking, but didn't wholly define him. Even if he couldn't let go of his past, he still managed to find a way to rise above it and pay it forward.
The steam....no complaints there....the steam was great!
The cast of secondary characters were fantastic! Especially Drew's grandmother, Esther. She was the sage voice of reason when too many emotions began to cloud judgment.
I probably would have rated this higher if it weren't for two things that I, unfortunately, just simply couldn't overlook.
1. Jordan. Umm, yeah..I don't understand what his deal was. There's absolutely no reason for how far his hate of Asher went. His anger-filled rants were just plain ol' mean. His reasoning behind his mistrust made sense, but he just took it too far.
2. The drama at the end. I'm not sure if it was added as shock value, or a way to set up the second book (there could have been at least a dozen other ways to do that), but this didn't feel authentic to the story at all. And frankly, it weighs the book down in an unnecessary way.
So there you have it. My rambling review.
March 19, 2017
Oh lord that was intense. I devoured this book and read it from beginning to end. Did I like Ash and his smarmy attitude? Nope not really ....BUT it all made sense - the" I'll get you before you get me" vibe. Drew on the other hand was patient, warm and kind however he was a real pushover and needed to step up and be his own man. This was a real journey & discovery of life for these MCs and their family and friends and this honesty resonated with me. Yes there were moments of frustration and annoyance but for me these guys clicked - I think I just admired their ability to work through it all. Everyone deserves peace eventually �
August 4, 2019
Five brutal heart breaking stars
Oh Felice Stevens you know how to wrench every bit of emotion from someone. This book is brutal and heart breaking but it's also uplifting and heart warming.
It's about pain and loss, joy and hope, second chances at life and new beginnings. It's about finding family and learning how to let yourself be loved.
Asher and Drew are a magnificent pairing, both men bowing under the weight of their past, both men capable of bearing the weight of the other's fears.
That I could get teary about what happens to one of the secondary characters is testimony to the world building skills of the author.
Oh Felice Stevens you know how to wrench every bit of emotion from someone. This book is brutal and heart breaking but it's also uplifting and heart warming.
It's about pain and loss, joy and hope, second chances at life and new beginnings. It's about finding family and learning how to let yourself be loved.
Asher and Drew are a magnificent pairing, both men bowing under the weight of their past, both men capable of bearing the weight of the other's fears.
That I could get teary about what happens to one of the secondary characters is testimony to the world building skills of the author.
December 13, 2019
Reread/listen 12/11/19 - 12/12/19 & Upped to full 5. I enjoyed it just as much or more the 2nd time around. No ands, ifs, or buts.
I decided to revisit this, and the subsequent books, before reading , as a refresher, and I'm so glad I did. I wanted to be invited to Esther's (Drew's grandmother) on a Sunday, have some latkes and a chat at her kitchen table. I regretted my harsh thoughts about Jordan. Overall I loved being swept away in Drew & Ashe's almost epic romance, I was happy to revel in the sheer romanticism of a love story between regular, albeit successful, New Yorkers. Not a billionaire in sight.
***
***4.5*** / First read 8/1/17 - 8/3/17
This was the perfect blend of an issues book, first time gay, and hurt/comfort. If you're in the mood for a redemption story this is the ticket and the audio by was fantastic. Also, being a native, I'm a sucker for NYC based stories that are well told within a recognizable geography.
When Dr. Drew Klein goes to sign the papers to finalize his divorce he meets the man who will turn his life inside out and set him on a path to happiness he never imagined. For Asher Davis, successful attorney, man-about-town, and all around manwhore, the good doctor is at first just a pretty face and perhaps a challenge. However Drew asks Ash to volunteer his services at a clinic he's starting for at-risk underprivileged youths, particularly LGBTQ,, and that's all she wrote.
During the course of almost a year Ash becomes ever more involved, sometimes kicking and screaming, with Drew's causes, close circle of friends, and family, causing the hard shell he'd encased himself in to begin to crack and finally shed altogether. It turns out that Ash comes from a pretty harrowing background, complete with foster care, abuse, and self harm, so fair warning for those who are triggered. I liked that the relationship developed over time and that Drew and Ash got to know each other and about each other outside of hot and heavy desire. The progression from attraction to friends to lust to love is nicely done and there are no "aha" magical moments but rather a cumulative effect of everyday experiences thus making the HEA believable and true.
Theres lots to like here: good people living their lives and trying to do good, good friends who stand by you even when you don't want them there, and unshakable family love. Yes it is a big dose of sweet but not saccharine. Drew is not a saint, just a good guy trying to find his way, helping out where he can but sometimes screwing up majorly and Ash is a man trying to overcome a bad childhood with varying degrees of success.
The other characters are nicely fleshed out and there's a good set-up for future books in the series.
I decided to revisit this, and the subsequent books, before reading , as a refresher, and I'm so glad I did. I wanted to be invited to Esther's (Drew's grandmother) on a Sunday, have some latkes and a chat at her kitchen table. I regretted my harsh thoughts about Jordan. Overall I loved being swept away in Drew & Ashe's almost epic romance, I was happy to revel in the sheer romanticism of a love story between regular, albeit successful, New Yorkers. Not a billionaire in sight.
***
***4.5*** / First read 8/1/17 - 8/3/17
This was the perfect blend of an issues book, first time gay, and hurt/comfort. If you're in the mood for a redemption story this is the ticket and the audio by was fantastic. Also, being a native, I'm a sucker for NYC based stories that are well told within a recognizable geography.
When Dr. Drew Klein goes to sign the papers to finalize his divorce he meets the man who will turn his life inside out and set him on a path to happiness he never imagined. For Asher Davis, successful attorney, man-about-town, and all around manwhore, the good doctor is at first just a pretty face and perhaps a challenge. However Drew asks Ash to volunteer his services at a clinic he's starting for at-risk underprivileged youths, particularly LGBTQ,, and that's all she wrote.
During the course of almost a year Ash becomes ever more involved, sometimes kicking and screaming, with Drew's causes, close circle of friends, and family, causing the hard shell he'd encased himself in to begin to crack and finally shed altogether. It turns out that Ash comes from a pretty harrowing background, complete with foster care, abuse, and self harm, so fair warning for those who are triggered. I liked that the relationship developed over time and that Drew and Ash got to know each other and about each other outside of hot and heavy desire. The progression from attraction to friends to lust to love is nicely done and there are no "aha" magical moments but rather a cumulative effect of everyday experiences thus making the HEA believable and true.
Theres lots to like here: good people living their lives and trying to do good, good friends who stand by you even when you don't want them there, and unshakable family love. Yes it is a big dose of sweet but not saccharine. Drew is not a saint, just a good guy trying to find his way, helping out where he can but sometimes screwing up majorly and Ash is a man trying to overcome a bad childhood with varying degrees of success.
The other characters are nicely fleshed out and there's a good set-up for future books in the series.
May 18, 2018
***The following review contains spoilers, proceed with caution.
It was like the author had a spreadsheet full with bullet points of what the MC's had to talk about, which is fine. Every author should have a plan. That's not the problem.
But between those talking points there wasn't any transition. Sometimes they jumped from topic to topic.
It felt forced and very fabricated to me.
There were so many time skips. Days/weeks/months missing. And not just that, but there were these little scenes, for example they were at the office one minute, and two sentences later they were already home. Like it actually took one minute to get home? Really? Ever heard of traffic?
Or for Ash it took only one short paragraph to take a shower and he was already back in the bedroom, gazing at Drew.
Also in one chapter the author stated that Keith could die any day on the job (he's a police officer), and
Or when Ash and Drew were talking the first time about Ash needing to find his brothers, and look at that, isn't that the investigator calling just then. What a coincidence.
These scenes were like little premonitions. Why did I had to be warned so blatantly what’s gonna happen?
I loved the concept of this book. GFY and hurt/comfort is my vice.
But this story was messy.
The characters weren’t very likable to me either.
Ash and Drew where so hot and cold with each other, which usually works for me, but they changed their minds constantly, and sometimes in the span of an hour. It was annoying.
The gunfight scene at the end was ridiculously done. What grown-ass man goes after two "kids" (we don’t actually know how old they are, in this regard it would have been important to state that, but I think they were 18), after they harassed his grandma, and busted the window on his house with a brick. What the hell he thought he could achieve by confronting them?
And I know there are neighborhoods, where kids could be thugs, with guns, all macho-like, but it just wasn’t believable for me. :(
Introducing a very likeable secondary character, even if he doesn’t have a big role and I rolled my eyes so hard, that was a wee bit too theatrical for me.
All in all I wanted to give it 3 stars, but seeing all the negatives written down now, I can only give 2. There was very little I liked about this book.
It was like the author had a spreadsheet full with bullet points of what the MC's had to talk about, which is fine. Every author should have a plan. That's not the problem.
But between those talking points there wasn't any transition. Sometimes they jumped from topic to topic.
It felt forced and very fabricated to me.
There were so many time skips. Days/weeks/months missing. And not just that, but there were these little scenes, for example they were at the office one minute, and two sentences later they were already home. Like it actually took one minute to get home? Really? Ever heard of traffic?
Or for Ash it took only one short paragraph to take a shower and he was already back in the bedroom, gazing at Drew.
Also in one chapter the author stated that Keith could die any day on the job (he's a police officer), and
Or when Ash and Drew were talking the first time about Ash needing to find his brothers, and look at that, isn't that the investigator calling just then. What a coincidence.
These scenes were like little premonitions. Why did I had to be warned so blatantly what’s gonna happen?
I loved the concept of this book. GFY and hurt/comfort is my vice.
But this story was messy.
The characters weren’t very likable to me either.
Ash and Drew where so hot and cold with each other, which usually works for me, but they changed their minds constantly, and sometimes in the span of an hour. It was annoying.
The gunfight scene at the end was ridiculously done. What grown-ass man goes after two "kids" (we don’t actually know how old they are, in this regard it would have been important to state that, but I think they were 18), after they harassed his grandma, and busted the window on his house with a brick. What the hell he thought he could achieve by confronting them?
And I know there are neighborhoods, where kids could be thugs, with guns, all macho-like, but it just wasn’t believable for me. :(
Introducing a very likeable secondary character, even if he doesn’t have a big role and I rolled my eyes so hard, that was a wee bit too theatrical for me.
All in all I wanted to give it 3 stars, but seeing all the negatives written down now, I can only give 2. There was very little I liked about this book.
October 17, 2019
Incredible story telling by Felice Stevens !!
Deeply thought-filled characters, emotional and heartfelt feelings, and well done M/M hot sexiness, wow !!
Life is complicated and we all have issues. It's how we deal with them and who we surround ourselves with that matters. Honesty, understanding, patience, compassion, acceptance and true love are all here to enjoy.
Realistic characters and a heart wrenching tale are so vividly written and will hold your attention to the end. I loved Asher and Drew, each separately and then together. The others people in their lives are so wonderful also, even if Jordan remains negative, it felt so real.
Asher and Drew each have issues, each a different upbringing, and they have to work out those issues, let go, be open and honest to let new hopes, new desires, and new love in. I really enjoyed the journey.
Love this author's writing.
Highly recommend. ENJOY !!!
=============
Deeply thought-filled characters, emotional and heartfelt feelings, and well done M/M hot sexiness, wow !!
Life is complicated and we all have issues. It's how we deal with them and who we surround ourselves with that matters. Honesty, understanding, patience, compassion, acceptance and true love are all here to enjoy.
Realistic characters and a heart wrenching tale are so vividly written and will hold your attention to the end. I loved Asher and Drew, each separately and then together. The others people in their lives are so wonderful also, even if Jordan remains negative, it felt so real.
Asher and Drew each have issues, each a different upbringing, and they have to work out those issues, let go, be open and honest to let new hopes, new desires, and new love in. I really enjoyed the journey.
Love this author's writing.
Highly recommend. ENJOY !!!
=============
May 7, 2020
There's no secret that I loved and enjoyed Felice writing style. Loved her first book.
But this one was very angsty for me, especially at the ending. I was crying like a baby, and questioning, why??? Whyyy?????
I think chapter 26 shouldn't have to be there, it's like a bummer for me.
I mean, c'mon...why did Drew so stupid like that?
I love the slow burn between Ash and Drew. The whole story was great.
But I wish I never read chapter 26. It was a big disappointment for me though
Don't worry about the heroes , they have their HEA, but still...
Read the bonus scene
But this one was very angsty for me, especially at the ending. I was crying like a baby, and questioning, why??? Whyyy?????
I think chapter 26 shouldn't have to be there, it's like a bummer for me.
I mean, c'mon...why did Drew so stupid like that?
I love the slow burn between Ash and Drew. The whole story was great.
But I wish I never read chapter 26. It was a big disappointment for me though
Don't worry about the heroes , they have their HEA, but still...
Read the bonus scene
April 2, 2017
DNF @36%
I love the idea of the plot. But the telling of it is very choppy. I often felt like I was missing big chunks out of a scene because the characters would about-face with no apparent reason.
The characters themselves were very one-dimensional. I didn't get to know them because I was told about them instead of introduced to them and shown their character by the things they do or say or think.
I understood what the author tried to do with this plot. Again, I loved the idea. But the execution needs a lot of polish.
The honest truth is that I'm a hard-ass when it comes to the books I read. I literally have thousands of books I want to read, with more coming out every day. I don't have time or patience to spend on a book not done well. Regardless of whether the book was inexpensive or free, my limited free-time is valuable to me. I want to spend it reading well written, well edited, well thought-out plots.
I'm rating this one, even though I'm not finishing it. 2 stars because it is a good plot with writing that needs polishing.
I love the idea of the plot. But the telling of it is very choppy. I often felt like I was missing big chunks out of a scene because the characters would about-face with no apparent reason.
The characters themselves were very one-dimensional. I didn't get to know them because I was told about them instead of introduced to them and shown their character by the things they do or say or think.
I understood what the author tried to do with this plot. Again, I loved the idea. But the execution needs a lot of polish.
The honest truth is that I'm a hard-ass when it comes to the books I read. I literally have thousands of books I want to read, with more coming out every day. I don't have time or patience to spend on a book not done well. Regardless of whether the book was inexpensive or free, my limited free-time is valuable to me. I want to spend it reading well written, well edited, well thought-out plots.
I'm rating this one, even though I'm not finishing it. 2 stars because it is a good plot with writing that needs polishing.
December 1, 2014
4.5 stars
Damn...this one broke my heart...but put it back together:)Well i do not have much to say other that i love the author's work and she is becoming my new auto buy.
What i would really like to add is that this book had so many interesting secondary characters: Luke and Brandon ( i seriously felt an unfinished story there) and even Jordan.I really,really, REALLY hope that the author gives them and us the story they deserve.
Damn...this one broke my heart...but put it back together:)Well i do not have much to say other that i love the author's work and she is becoming my new auto buy.
What i would really like to add is that this book had so many interesting secondary characters: Luke and Brandon ( i seriously felt an unfinished story there) and even Jordan.I really,really, REALLY hope that the author gives them and us the story they deserve.
Read
April 3, 2017I'm calling this at 41%. DNF.
There are just too many things that are inconsistent. Plus, I still can't stand Ash.
No rating, but if I was, so far it's a two star read for me.
There are just too many things that are inconsistent. Plus, I still can't stand Ash.
No rating, but if I was, so far it's a two star read for me.
February 19, 2021
I enjoyed this coming out, hurt/comfort, enemies to lovers romance. Kale Williams does a lovely job with these characters, and keeps the whole thing rolling at a nice pace. Made for a very nice audiobook.
shelved holiday: Hanukkah
shelved holiday: Hanukkah
June 26, 2017
So, I don't know, but for the most part, this didn't do it for me. For me, there was just something missing.
For the most part, I enjoyed it and was into it, and at times Ash and Drew did make me feel things, especially the first half of the book - which is interesting, as they don't sleep together until like 60%, but a lot of the sex scenes did nothing for me -- actually none of them did anything for me. I actually felt more when they were in denial and resisting each other, but the sex was so...porn like. In out, in out, and it was always over so quickly. I actually skimmed the last sex scene, and immediately forgot what I read after I finished it. There was no heat or passion with these two in bed. It was like a caricature of passion, without it actually being there.
And this is small, but I while I love the use of "baby" as an endearment, Ash started using it for Drew immediately once they started sleeping together, and their first sexual encounter before they admitted any feelings, and it felt out of place, and then by the end the overabundance of him calling Drew 'baby' started to grate on me.
There wasn't a lot of believability in this. The characters, for the most part, felt like stereotypes, without a lot of complexity. Even the minor characters like the kid Stevie that comes in Drew's clinic, we barely got enough of him to see more than a stereotype. Not saying I didn't feel for him or that I disliked him, just that there wasn't a lot of complexity to him either.
Plus, the blurb made it seem like the clinic would play a much larger part in this story, and it didn't until the end.
But anyway, as much as I felt for Ash, he was pretty stereotypical. And I'm not saying he couldn't be stoic and closed off and unemotional - horrible shit happened to him, so I get that that - but the whole "there's no such thing as love, that's why I sleep around, keep it casual, never let anyone close" and "drinking away the pain" was so...overused. I've seen that a billion times with characters with tragic pasts, and there was nothing more to Ash for a while until he "let down his walls" to let Drew in, and I feel like there's more to people who have tragic pasts than that. Also, the asshole veneer as well....of course Ash had to be horrible to everyone to push them away, because of what happened to him. It felt like a checklist of the archetype for the "tragic character with a tragic past" and he hit every check mark on the list. There was nothing to set Ash apart from any other character with the same kind of past, I felt.
And Drew...damn, was he judgmental, and pretty high and mighty for a long while. Ash was an asshole to Drew at times, yes, but Drew could be worse, I thought. I ultimately liked Drew, but that annoyed me about him.
And don't get me started on the side character of Jordan, whose book is the next one - after this one, I don't think I will read. I know something bad happened with Jordan in this book and I felt for him, but he was just so unbearable. Like, even after Drew had fallen for Ash, and Drew kept telling him over and over to let him make his own decisions and so on, he wouldn't listen. He was the worst. I'm sure his book redeems him or whatever, but I'm just not interested.
Don't think that there isn't anything likable about this book though, because there is. I'm still giving this three stars because it was enjoyable at times, and Ash and Drew were interesting together, more in the first half than the second, but they were still cute when they got together (just more in a romantic sense. Their sex scenes were so bland and uninteresting...).
I did love Drew's grandmother, though - even though she was a tad to perfect, like the matriarch that is firm with her grandchildren and loved ones and takes no shit but loving at the same time - and she was a bright spot in the story, and I particularly liked the close relationship she and Ash formed. Their bond was cute and special. Like the mother Ash never got to have.
So overall? I'm not sure what to say. Because this wasn't bad, it wasn't unenjoyable, it was entertaining at times - but just...there was so much that didn't work for me at the same time. I don't know, maybe you guys would like it more than me, maybe what bothered me won't bother others. If what I talked about that bothered me doesn't bother others, then I would give this a chance. If it does, then...I dunno...I don't think you'll love it, so read at your own risk *shrug*
For the most part, I enjoyed it and was into it, and at times Ash and Drew did make me feel things, especially the first half of the book - which is interesting, as they don't sleep together until like 60%, but a lot of the sex scenes did nothing for me -- actually none of them did anything for me. I actually felt more when they were in denial and resisting each other, but the sex was so...porn like. In out, in out, and it was always over so quickly. I actually skimmed the last sex scene, and immediately forgot what I read after I finished it. There was no heat or passion with these two in bed. It was like a caricature of passion, without it actually being there.
And this is small, but I while I love the use of "baby" as an endearment, Ash started using it for Drew immediately once they started sleeping together, and their first sexual encounter before they admitted any feelings, and it felt out of place, and then by the end the overabundance of him calling Drew 'baby' started to grate on me.
There wasn't a lot of believability in this. The characters, for the most part, felt like stereotypes, without a lot of complexity. Even the minor characters like the kid Stevie that comes in Drew's clinic, we barely got enough of him to see more than a stereotype. Not saying I didn't feel for him or that I disliked him, just that there wasn't a lot of complexity to him either.
Plus, the blurb made it seem like the clinic would play a much larger part in this story, and it didn't until the end.
But anyway, as much as I felt for Ash, he was pretty stereotypical. And I'm not saying he couldn't be stoic and closed off and unemotional - horrible shit happened to him, so I get that that - but the whole "there's no such thing as love, that's why I sleep around, keep it casual, never let anyone close" and "drinking away the pain" was so...overused. I've seen that a billion times with characters with tragic pasts, and there was nothing more to Ash for a while until he "let down his walls" to let Drew in, and I feel like there's more to people who have tragic pasts than that. Also, the asshole veneer as well....of course Ash had to be horrible to everyone to push them away, because of what happened to him. It felt like a checklist of the archetype for the "tragic character with a tragic past" and he hit every check mark on the list. There was nothing to set Ash apart from any other character with the same kind of past, I felt.
And Drew...damn, was he judgmental, and pretty high and mighty for a long while. Ash was an asshole to Drew at times, yes, but Drew could be worse, I thought. I ultimately liked Drew, but that annoyed me about him.
And don't get me started on the side character of Jordan, whose book is the next one - after this one, I don't think I will read. I know something bad happened with Jordan in this book and I felt for him, but he was just so unbearable. Like, even after Drew had fallen for Ash, and Drew kept telling him over and over to let him make his own decisions and so on, he wouldn't listen. He was the worst. I'm sure his book redeems him or whatever, but I'm just not interested.
Don't think that there isn't anything likable about this book though, because there is. I'm still giving this three stars because it was enjoyable at times, and Ash and Drew were interesting together, more in the first half than the second, but they were still cute when they got together (just more in a romantic sense. Their sex scenes were so bland and uninteresting...).
I did love Drew's grandmother, though - even though she was a tad to perfect, like the matriarch that is firm with her grandchildren and loved ones and takes no shit but loving at the same time - and she was a bright spot in the story, and I particularly liked the close relationship she and Ash formed. Their bond was cute and special. Like the mother Ash never got to have.
So overall? I'm not sure what to say. Because this wasn't bad, it wasn't unenjoyable, it was entertaining at times - but just...there was so much that didn't work for me at the same time. I don't know, maybe you guys would like it more than me, maybe what bothered me won't bother others. If what I talked about that bothered me doesn't bother others, then I would give this a chance. If it does, then...I dunno...I don't think you'll love it, so read at your own risk *shrug*
November 14, 2016
What pain lurks under the surface�
A smiling face can hide so much as not everyone wears their pain where others can easily see. Emotions may come out in different ways � in actions and roads not taken. Even an a**hole may not be what he seems.
Asher Davis and Drew Klein are both professional and sexy, successful and confident. On the surface they are very different (please see a**hole comment earlier) yet little do they realize they also share feelings of pain and loneliness, of grief and guilt. They both have problems with relationships, or the lack of a long-lasting, meaningful one. If fate allows, that just might change.
“The man was a notorious tomcat, a living, breathing erection on demand…�
Ash was the player and Drew was looking for long-term. Needless to say, neither thought the other was going to work out but their chemistry and attraction couldn’t be ignored. They fought, they pushed back, they argued, and they hurt each other. And in between, they loved.
Brought together by a joint venture, and a grandmother I wanted to adopt for myself, Ash and Drew were tortured souls winding their way through their pain the best ways they knew how. Their journey was plagued with conflicted emotions and full of more obstacles than two people deserve.
“You’re a goddamn mess. One moment you’re decent, kind and caring—the next you’re a cruel, hurtful bastard.�
Emotions ruled them and not all decisions were the right ones. When they finally realized they deserved more, I was right there with them in their tears and joys. The pain of abuse. The struggle to heal and move forward. This story was filled with love in all its permutations. There was compassion and empathy for others and, finally, for themselves.
That ending?!?! Seriously?!?! This author made me cry (again!) but through it all, as always, she made me feel so much. I can’t wait (sniffles) for the next in the series! I’m not worried, I have lots of tissue. ~ Diane, 4 Stars
A smiling face can hide so much as not everyone wears their pain where others can easily see. Emotions may come out in different ways � in actions and roads not taken. Even an a**hole may not be what he seems.
Asher Davis and Drew Klein are both professional and sexy, successful and confident. On the surface they are very different (please see a**hole comment earlier) yet little do they realize they also share feelings of pain and loneliness, of grief and guilt. They both have problems with relationships, or the lack of a long-lasting, meaningful one. If fate allows, that just might change.
“The man was a notorious tomcat, a living, breathing erection on demand…�
Ash was the player and Drew was looking for long-term. Needless to say, neither thought the other was going to work out but their chemistry and attraction couldn’t be ignored. They fought, they pushed back, they argued, and they hurt each other. And in between, they loved.
Brought together by a joint venture, and a grandmother I wanted to adopt for myself, Ash and Drew were tortured souls winding their way through their pain the best ways they knew how. Their journey was plagued with conflicted emotions and full of more obstacles than two people deserve.
“You’re a goddamn mess. One moment you’re decent, kind and caring—the next you’re a cruel, hurtful bastard.�
Emotions ruled them and not all decisions were the right ones. When they finally realized they deserved more, I was right there with them in their tears and joys. The pain of abuse. The struggle to heal and move forward. This story was filled with love in all its permutations. There was compassion and empathy for others and, finally, for themselves.
That ending?!?! Seriously?!?! This author made me cry (again!) but through it all, as always, she made me feel so much. I can’t wait (sniffles) for the next in the series! I’m not worried, I have lots of tissue. ~ Diane, 4 Stars
April 23, 2020
3.5 🌟🌟🌟� presto la recensione
April 30, 2022
The book had lots of angst and the story is deep on so many different levels. I didn't care for the way some of the secondary characters took over Drew's life like he was 10-years old, and the way they treated Asher in spite of them knowing Drew's feelings for him. I really wished the book could have ended differently. It took a lot away from Drew and Asher's happiness not to mention it produced heart stopping moments for the reader. In spite of all that, I did very much enjoy the book, especially Drew's grandmother. I will diffidently go on the book 2 in the series.
November 29, 2014
I would have scored this book a solid 5 if the plot line was more concise.It was just all over the place.A police man & a couple of lawyers were aware that a minor was being sexually & physically abused daily yet this was allowed to continue resulting in other major events occurring in the book.
One of the male leads in the book had suffered major abuse himself years ago & as a result self mutilated himself because he felt guilt over leaving his fellow foster brothers to undergo the same torture that he himself had endured.Did he not leave Stevie to face a similar fate nightly.Why did this not result in more cutting?More guilt?
When he later finds his foster brothers now grown how can he even say "forgive me I did not know better" when at one point in the book he actually drives the minor home to experience further abuse.Now is that not aiding & abetting a crime?
I would have expected him to at least have stopped the abuse currently experienced by a minor in the book.But no the abuse was allowed to continue throughout the entire novel.Should he have not broken the silence being an adult now?Did he not learn anything from his past?Why did he not report his foster parents when he turned 18?
Now for a book based on past sins,redemption,absolution allowing this to happen does not sit well with me.I loved Rescued & I'm just disappointed with the actions of many of the characters including the ravings of an irrational Jordan which was an unnecessary side plot.I will read further books by this author if plot lines are tighter & the intelligence of the reader is taken into consideration
One of the male leads in the book had suffered major abuse himself years ago & as a result self mutilated himself because he felt guilt over leaving his fellow foster brothers to undergo the same torture that he himself had endured.Did he not leave Stevie to face a similar fate nightly.Why did this not result in more cutting?More guilt?
When he later finds his foster brothers now grown how can he even say "forgive me I did not know better" when at one point in the book he actually drives the minor home to experience further abuse.Now is that not aiding & abetting a crime?
I would have expected him to at least have stopped the abuse currently experienced by a minor in the book.But no the abuse was allowed to continue throughout the entire novel.Should he have not broken the silence being an adult now?Did he not learn anything from his past?Why did he not report his foster parents when he turned 18?
Now for a book based on past sins,redemption,absolution allowing this to happen does not sit well with me.I loved Rescued & I'm just disappointed with the actions of many of the characters including the ravings of an irrational Jordan which was an unnecessary side plot.I will read further books by this author if plot lines are tighter & the intelligence of the reader is taken into consideration
June 13, 2015
2.5 stars.
What's the point of this book. I dislike both guys. I have the sequel if it's not good. This author is going on my Author I Don't Fawk With List.
Okay I think I got book 1 & 2 on sale somewhere. I don't think this author and I get along well. It started off with a lot of potential and then Asher turned into Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. 90% of his actions were uncalled for. I did not see what Drew found interesting at all. Now I like damaged calls like the next person, and sure Asher was damaged but not once did I see him try to help himself. He is selfish, and I'm a firm believer you can't help a person who does not want to be helped. It won't work. I got so sick of Asher woe is me behavior. It was over done. The whole GFY attempt with Drew did not work for me either. There was no transition from straight to gay to me.
I just think this fell flat, it was too wordy as well. I did like certain things, like the clinic. I thought that it was a brilliant idea. I really like Esther as well.
What's the point of this book. I dislike both guys. I have the sequel if it's not good. This author is going on my Author I Don't Fawk With List.
Okay I think I got book 1 & 2 on sale somewhere. I don't think this author and I get along well. It started off with a lot of potential and then Asher turned into Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. 90% of his actions were uncalled for. I did not see what Drew found interesting at all. Now I like damaged calls like the next person, and sure Asher was damaged but not once did I see him try to help himself. He is selfish, and I'm a firm believer you can't help a person who does not want to be helped. It won't work. I got so sick of Asher woe is me behavior. It was over done. The whole GFY attempt with Drew did not work for me either. There was no transition from straight to gay to me.
I just think this fell flat, it was too wordy as well. I did like certain things, like the clinic. I thought that it was a brilliant idea. I really like Esther as well.
July 1, 2018
A very enjoyable MM romance that shows the outside persona often covers up a soft, maybe damaged, lovable inside.
Asher was abused as a child and after he escaped he wanted two things: success and to find his foster brothers who he had to leave behind. He doesn't believe in love or relationships -- until he meets Drew.
Drew is a sweetheart, a doctor, and apparently straight. But Drew is exactly what Asher needs - Drew and his grandmother, whom Asher falls in love with.
I read book three a while ago and I was happy to get to finally read this one as much of the setup for a final reunion of the foster boys is in this story. It's well done, and for those who love GFY, though it's not called that anymore, this one will satisfy. It's also got some scorching sex scenes and great characters.
Spoiler:
Asher was abused as a child and after he escaped he wanted two things: success and to find his foster brothers who he had to leave behind. He doesn't believe in love or relationships -- until he meets Drew.
Drew is a sweetheart, a doctor, and apparently straight. But Drew is exactly what Asher needs - Drew and his grandmother, whom Asher falls in love with.
I read book three a while ago and I was happy to get to finally read this one as much of the setup for a final reunion of the foster boys is in this story. It's well done, and for those who love GFY, though it's not called that anymore, this one will satisfy. It's also got some scorching sex scenes and great characters.
Spoiler:
June 2, 2015
Well written hurt/comfort read. Loved Drew and Ash (omg... he is so broken, what he went through made me so sad and angry).
Now on to the second book of the series, it's Jordan-the-prick and Luke's story.
December 4, 2019
My goodness I wish I read this sooner even though it took me to find Asher a moving character he did find redemption but Jordy a secondary character was really the one who needed to be redeemed and I am sorry it came at the price of the death of his boyfriend. I loved Drew's Nana a holocaust survivor full of love and wisdom.
December 2, 2014
ARGH! How in the fork am I going to rate this one? Felice Stevens, if you are reading this, don't mind my ramblings. They are just that. I'm gonna have to talk this one out.
So, Stevens is not a new author to me. I adored and after I read this blurb, I KNEW it wasn't going to be anything like that cutesy book. I was right. Holy smokes.
Ash. You were kind of a prick, but I understood. There was never a point in this story where I didn't like you. I DID want to hear more. I wanted to talk things out more. Sooner? I know you lived a tough life, but there comes a point when you have to trust. I know, I know. Easier said than done. The relationship you formed with Esther? LOVED! Holy sheep. How these two got on was incredible. The relationships you formed with Stevie, hit me right in the feels.
Drew. Man. You were the one I had an issue with. I'm not exactly sure why. Maybe because you were a doormat for so long? Maybe because you KNEW what you wanted and went and got something else. You seemed so wishy washy with your friendship with Ash. Like you knew he was a scared cat and needed to tread lightly, but you ran away like you were scared yourself. I think if you pushed a little harder in the beginning you could have been happy. Oh and by the way, I HATE the name "Rachy". Are you kidding me?! UGH! Oh and you draw the wrong conclusions about Ash too much. Trust goes both ways. I wanted to smack you upside the head one too many times. However, I adored your relationship with your Nana. She's a sweet lady.
Everyone else? Cool friends. Minus Jordan. You're a prick. I hate overbearing friends and you are one.
HUGE HUGE HUGE Spoiler
Also, I tagged this as a cliffie because WTF!
I WANT MORE!
So, Stevens is not a new author to me. I adored and after I read this blurb, I KNEW it wasn't going to be anything like that cutesy book. I was right. Holy smokes.
Ash. You were kind of a prick, but I understood. There was never a point in this story where I didn't like you. I DID want to hear more. I wanted to talk things out more. Sooner? I know you lived a tough life, but there comes a point when you have to trust. I know, I know. Easier said than done. The relationship you formed with Esther? LOVED! Holy sheep. How these two got on was incredible. The relationships you formed with Stevie, hit me right in the feels.
Drew. Man. You were the one I had an issue with. I'm not exactly sure why. Maybe because you were a doormat for so long? Maybe because you KNEW what you wanted and went and got something else. You seemed so wishy washy with your friendship with Ash. Like you knew he was a scared cat and needed to tread lightly, but you ran away like you were scared yourself. I think if you pushed a little harder in the beginning you could have been happy. Oh and by the way, I HATE the name "Rachy". Are you kidding me?! UGH! Oh and you draw the wrong conclusions about Ash too much. Trust goes both ways. I wanted to smack you upside the head one too many times. However, I adored your relationship with your Nana. She's a sweet lady.
Everyone else? Cool friends. Minus Jordan. You're a prick. I hate overbearing friends and you are one.
HUGE HUGE HUGE Spoiler
Also, I tagged this as a cliffie because WTF!
I WANT MORE!
May 22, 2017
Trotz einer grauenvollen Kindheit und Jugend, die durch Mißbrauch und Mißhandlungen geprägt war, hat der Anwalt Asher Davis den beruflichen Erfolg geschafft. Doch er ist ein einsamer und unterkühlter Mann, der niemand wirklich an sich heranlässt. Einzig ein früherer Mitstudent � Peter � ist so etwas wie sein Freund. Peter, der ein wenig von Ashers problematischer Jugend weiss, bringt Asher mit Drew zusammen. Dieser plant nach seiner Scheidung � bei der Asher die Gegenseite vertritt � eine Klinik für sozial benachteiligte und mißbrauchte Kinder einzurichten. Hilfe bekommt Drew dabei von seinem Kollegen Jordan, dessen Lebensgefährten Keith und von Drews Schwester Rachel, sowie seinem Jugendfreund Michael.
Obwohl Asher nicht unbedingt als Menschenfreund gilt, braucht es kaum Überredung um ihn an Board zu holen. Denn tief unter der eisigen Schale ist Asher ein guter Kerl. Es braucht jedoch sehr lange diesen guten Menschen zu finden. Drew hingegen ist ein offener und freundlicher Mensch. Als Schönheitschirurg hat er ein gutes Einkommen und er hat auch Freunde und eine Familie die ihn liebt. Doch er ist allein. Obwohl er niemals homoerotische Tendenzen verspürt hat, fühlt er sich jedoch von dem arroganten und undurchsichtigen Asher angezogen. Trotz der Warnungen von Jordan, der Asher von länger kennt, zieht es ihn immer wieder zu Asher und irgendwie werden sie doch Freunde.
Obwohl Jordan Asher noch immer mißtraut und ihn auch nicht mag, klappt die Zusammenarbeit in der Klinik und Asher freundet sich mit einem Jungen an, dem es in seiner Pflegefamilie nicht gut ergeht. Doch ausgerechnet diese Freundschaft wird ungeahnte Gefahren für die Klinik und die Gruppe um Drew mit sich bringen.
A Walk Through Fire ist keine leichte Kost. Asher ist eine extrem schwierige und komplexe Persönlichkeit, die es dem Leser nicht wirklich leicht macht. Doch seine Geschichte ist auch extrem und traumatisch. Für dieses Buch empfehle ich viele Taschentücher bereit zu legen. Auch Drew hat mit seiner Vergangenheit und � wie man später erfährt � mit den Schuldgefühlen, die mit dem Tod seiner Eltern zu tun haben, zu kämpfen. Beide Protagonisten sind jedoch toll herausgearbeitet und auch wenn sie oft sehr extrem reagieren, kann man ihre Beweggründe verstehen.
Auch das Umfeld hat die Autorin sehr interessant und liebenswert gestaltet. Vor allem Drews Großmutter ist eine großartige Frau, die es versteht ihre Jungs in die richtige Richtung zu schubbsen. Jedoch muss man sich am Ende von einer liebgewonnen Person verabschieden. Das Ende der Geschichte es unglaublich emotional, dramatisch, tragisch und traurig geschrieben. Klar, es gibt ein Happy End � trotzdem. Ich habe Rotz und Wasser geheult. Für dieses Buch gibt es eine uneingeschränkte Leseempfehlung
Obwohl Asher nicht unbedingt als Menschenfreund gilt, braucht es kaum Überredung um ihn an Board zu holen. Denn tief unter der eisigen Schale ist Asher ein guter Kerl. Es braucht jedoch sehr lange diesen guten Menschen zu finden. Drew hingegen ist ein offener und freundlicher Mensch. Als Schönheitschirurg hat er ein gutes Einkommen und er hat auch Freunde und eine Familie die ihn liebt. Doch er ist allein. Obwohl er niemals homoerotische Tendenzen verspürt hat, fühlt er sich jedoch von dem arroganten und undurchsichtigen Asher angezogen. Trotz der Warnungen von Jordan, der Asher von länger kennt, zieht es ihn immer wieder zu Asher und irgendwie werden sie doch Freunde.
Obwohl Jordan Asher noch immer mißtraut und ihn auch nicht mag, klappt die Zusammenarbeit in der Klinik und Asher freundet sich mit einem Jungen an, dem es in seiner Pflegefamilie nicht gut ergeht. Doch ausgerechnet diese Freundschaft wird ungeahnte Gefahren für die Klinik und die Gruppe um Drew mit sich bringen.
A Walk Through Fire ist keine leichte Kost. Asher ist eine extrem schwierige und komplexe Persönlichkeit, die es dem Leser nicht wirklich leicht macht. Doch seine Geschichte ist auch extrem und traumatisch. Für dieses Buch empfehle ich viele Taschentücher bereit zu legen. Auch Drew hat mit seiner Vergangenheit und � wie man später erfährt � mit den Schuldgefühlen, die mit dem Tod seiner Eltern zu tun haben, zu kämpfen. Beide Protagonisten sind jedoch toll herausgearbeitet und auch wenn sie oft sehr extrem reagieren, kann man ihre Beweggründe verstehen.
Auch das Umfeld hat die Autorin sehr interessant und liebenswert gestaltet. Vor allem Drews Großmutter ist eine großartige Frau, die es versteht ihre Jungs in die richtige Richtung zu schubbsen. Jedoch muss man sich am Ende von einer liebgewonnen Person verabschieden. Das Ende der Geschichte es unglaublich emotional, dramatisch, tragisch und traurig geschrieben. Klar, es gibt ein Happy End � trotzdem. Ich habe Rotz und Wasser geheult. Für dieses Buch gibt es eine uneingeschränkte Leseempfehlung
November 2, 2016
Oh my heart... I loved this book the first time around & I love it even more now revised & with new content. I still found it gut wrenching & heartbreaking .... I cried a lot :( I forgot Ash was an a**hole first when we meet him in book, it that changes throughout & I love him lots :) My heart hurts for him so much! I loved Drew right away, Nana, who wouldn't love her?! Oh & Jordan... So sad... I can't wait for rerelease of his book & the continuation of of this one!
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