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When One Door Opens
Logan Sellers's parole officer has issued three stay sober, stay employed, and stay out of trouble. At first Logan thought those three simple rules would be easy to follow. But that was before he accepted a side job assisting his boss's housebound agoraphobic nephew, Caleb.
Caleb is deceptively normal for a guy who hasn't left his apartment in three years, and his friendly, caring personality tugs on heartstrings Logan didn't know he had. But hitting on his boss's nephew is asking to be unemployed. Logan has enough problems with booze on every corner and a supervisor trying to jump into his bed. He doesn't need to work out how to free Caleb from the anxiety that keeps him in his apartment; he needs to keep his nose clean, attend his AA meetings, and make a fresh start-"alone."
If only his heart would get with the program.
Caleb is deceptively normal for a guy who hasn't left his apartment in three years, and his friendly, caring personality tugs on heartstrings Logan didn't know he had. But hitting on his boss's nephew is asking to be unemployed. Logan has enough problems with booze on every corner and a supervisor trying to jump into his bed. He doesn't need to work out how to free Caleb from the anxiety that keeps him in his apartment; he needs to keep his nose clean, attend his AA meetings, and make a fresh start-"alone."
If only his heart would get with the program.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 28, 2012
14 people are currently reading
939 people want to read
About the author
J.D. Ruskin
3 books80 followersJD Ruskin writes character-driven romance stories about complicated and a little screwed-up men. She believes in happily ever after endings, but she's not afraid to make the boys work for it. She enjoys writing and reading stories with juicy plots, memorable characters, and smoking hot encounters. When not writing, she has a passion for traveling, photography, and graphic design.
You can also find her online on
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
June 22, 2018
Posted at Shelf Inflicted
I think I may have a mild case of agoraphobia. The last time I experienced a little panic attack was several years ago while I was in Poland. I wanted to go to church and light candles for my close family and friends who passed away while there was no mass in session. But no, my husband’s parents insisted we attend mass. Even though we arrived 5 minutes before mass started, there was a line of people starting to form just outside the door. All the pews and most of the seats were occupied, but we did find just enough room somewhere in the middle. Once we were seated, I let go of that breath I’d been holding. When mass was over and everyone got up to leave, I gradually inched my way to the door until the sea of people was no longer moving. Even with my husband and his parents standing right behind me, I felt totally vulnerable. What if a fire started? What if people got trampled or suffocated? What if someone noticed my flushed cheeks? Suddenly I felt faint and broke out into a sweat. I had a wild urge to start screaming and pushing the people standing in front of me in order to get the crowd moving. We eventually got out and I took many invigorating breaths of cold air. My mother-in-law realized she left her scarf behind and looked in my direction. I shook my head and told her she was on her own. No way was I going back in there.
Caleb’s problem is so much worse. He hasn’t left his apartment in three years, not even when the radiator broke or when he fell in the shower and seriously injured himself. I never really thought about how dangerous this affliction can be until after spending time with Caleb and feeling his fears and anxiety.
Logan has his own issues to deal with. A woman comes on to Logan at a bar and her jealous boyfriend takes a swing at him. Fueled by alcohol and rage, Logan pummels the guy who took a swing at him into the ground along with injuring three unfortunate patrons who tried to restrain him, one of them his best friend, Michael. For that stunt, he spent a year in prison. Now he’s on parole, attending anger management classes and AA meetings. Logan works as a package handler and is trying hard to avoid the temptations of alcohol. A relationship is the last thing he needs, but when he starts his part-time job delivering packages to his boss’ nephew, Caleb, Logan’s resolve begins to crumble.
Caleb is blond, cute, and has a good heart. In spite of his affliction, Caleb is a very strong character. He has a successful web design and editing business and is determined to maintain his independence even if he is unable to leave his apartment. Caleb and Logan are really good together and both are willing to work hard to help each other stay strong as they confront their issues. I loved their humorous banter and their growing connection. The sex scenes were light and infrequent, and though I loved the fact that the emphasis was on the developing relationship, I would have liked to see more buildup of sexual tension. At times, their sex seemed brief and perfunctory. Caleb’s agoraphobia was handled sensitively and felt authentic. I found his progress, struggles and setbacks believable. There is no simple cure and the road to recovery continues to be bumpy. Logan’s struggles were also believable, but I would have liked to see a glimpse of his past and how he came to struggle with alcohol. Much was made of his height, physical strength and dominant behavior, and little of his vulnerable side.
There are lots of wonderful and fully-developed secondary characters. Harrison Klass, the floor manager, and Caleb’s uncle is a man with secrets, guilt and regrets, but he wants what’s best for Caleb. John Dabb is Logan’s parole officer with a penchant for M&M’s and secrets of his own. Stacy is Logan’s AA sponsor and was instrumental in helping him find the right meeting. There was Min and her grandfather of Meng’s Market, who fulfilled Caleb’s grocery orders and the friendly old woman who lives across from Caleb. And there was Logan’s best friend Michael who demonstrated his investigative skills, but got such short shrift in this story.
So why ruin this story with a tiresome, loathsome, one-dimensional villain like Karen Foster? Karen is Logan’s supervisor and the kind of woman everyone loves to hate. She’s a liar, manipulator and a thief who uses sex to further her agenda and makes Logan’s and Caleb’s lives difficult. I know she was there to provide an opportunity for Logan to manage his anger, but I could have done without her and her machinations which did absolutely nothing to enhance the plot. Then again I might have enjoyed this subplot if Karen were a different sort of character.
This is a very well written and cleanly edited story. Despite its flaws, I thoroughly enjoyed it and hope to see more of Caleb and Logan.
I think I may have a mild case of agoraphobia. The last time I experienced a little panic attack was several years ago while I was in Poland. I wanted to go to church and light candles for my close family and friends who passed away while there was no mass in session. But no, my husband’s parents insisted we attend mass. Even though we arrived 5 minutes before mass started, there was a line of people starting to form just outside the door. All the pews and most of the seats were occupied, but we did find just enough room somewhere in the middle. Once we were seated, I let go of that breath I’d been holding. When mass was over and everyone got up to leave, I gradually inched my way to the door until the sea of people was no longer moving. Even with my husband and his parents standing right behind me, I felt totally vulnerable. What if a fire started? What if people got trampled or suffocated? What if someone noticed my flushed cheeks? Suddenly I felt faint and broke out into a sweat. I had a wild urge to start screaming and pushing the people standing in front of me in order to get the crowd moving. We eventually got out and I took many invigorating breaths of cold air. My mother-in-law realized she left her scarf behind and looked in my direction. I shook my head and told her she was on her own. No way was I going back in there.
Caleb’s problem is so much worse. He hasn’t left his apartment in three years, not even when the radiator broke or when he fell in the shower and seriously injured himself. I never really thought about how dangerous this affliction can be until after spending time with Caleb and feeling his fears and anxiety.
Logan has his own issues to deal with. A woman comes on to Logan at a bar and her jealous boyfriend takes a swing at him. Fueled by alcohol and rage, Logan pummels the guy who took a swing at him into the ground along with injuring three unfortunate patrons who tried to restrain him, one of them his best friend, Michael. For that stunt, he spent a year in prison. Now he’s on parole, attending anger management classes and AA meetings. Logan works as a package handler and is trying hard to avoid the temptations of alcohol. A relationship is the last thing he needs, but when he starts his part-time job delivering packages to his boss’ nephew, Caleb, Logan’s resolve begins to crumble.
Caleb is blond, cute, and has a good heart. In spite of his affliction, Caleb is a very strong character. He has a successful web design and editing business and is determined to maintain his independence even if he is unable to leave his apartment. Caleb and Logan are really good together and both are willing to work hard to help each other stay strong as they confront their issues. I loved their humorous banter and their growing connection. The sex scenes were light and infrequent, and though I loved the fact that the emphasis was on the developing relationship, I would have liked to see more buildup of sexual tension. At times, their sex seemed brief and perfunctory. Caleb’s agoraphobia was handled sensitively and felt authentic. I found his progress, struggles and setbacks believable. There is no simple cure and the road to recovery continues to be bumpy. Logan’s struggles were also believable, but I would have liked to see a glimpse of his past and how he came to struggle with alcohol. Much was made of his height, physical strength and dominant behavior, and little of his vulnerable side.
There are lots of wonderful and fully-developed secondary characters. Harrison Klass, the floor manager, and Caleb’s uncle is a man with secrets, guilt and regrets, but he wants what’s best for Caleb. John Dabb is Logan’s parole officer with a penchant for M&M’s and secrets of his own. Stacy is Logan’s AA sponsor and was instrumental in helping him find the right meeting. There was Min and her grandfather of Meng’s Market, who fulfilled Caleb’s grocery orders and the friendly old woman who lives across from Caleb. And there was Logan’s best friend Michael who demonstrated his investigative skills, but got such short shrift in this story.
So why ruin this story with a tiresome, loathsome, one-dimensional villain like Karen Foster? Karen is Logan’s supervisor and the kind of woman everyone loves to hate. She’s a liar, manipulator and a thief who uses sex to further her agenda and makes Logan’s and Caleb’s lives difficult. I know she was there to provide an opportunity for Logan to manage his anger, but I could have done without her and her machinations which did absolutely nothing to enhance the plot. Then again I might have enjoyed this subplot if Karen were a different sort of character.
This is a very well written and cleanly edited story. Despite its flaws, I thoroughly enjoyed it and hope to see more of Caleb and Logan.
December 31, 2012
3.75 stars
Logan a recovering alcoholic and ex-con on parole, needs extra cash he's barely making enough to live on with his current factory job. So he isn't too fussed in accepting another job on the side taking care of the managers nephew who is agoraphobic. Caleb's condition has worsened over the last 3 years ever since his mother's death, he hasn't budged from the building and only steps out the apartment on rare occasions . I was sceptical and wondered why on earth his Uncle would trust an ex-con with the care of his nephew even Logan wonders. Guilt, shame misguided love all factor into it.
Caleb even though scared to death of their first meet, has a spunky personality the retorts are quick and cute. Loved Logan musing to himself about the scarily clean apartment " What does the little neat freak do? Wash his trash before hiding it away in a cabinet?". A gradual awareness and friendship is building, Logan badgers and uses every trick in the book to help Caleb feel more secure, he doesn't belittle or treat him like a freak. What got to me the most was being able to see and feel how scary, debilitating and life threatening Agoraphobia is, Caleb has a few close calls it could easily drive one crazy. Caleb is about to have his first outing on the roof, Logan's talking sex and distracting him, all in good fun which helps relax him somewhat. It's only the beginning and by no means a cure there are setbacks for both of them and compromises to be made.
I liked Logan he's not cured of his alcoholism it's there every day tempting him so he continues to attend AA meetings and his PO is keeping close tabs on him for good reason. Caleb is wonderful, he needs cuddles and lots of love and yep I had a huge soft spot for him. I could totally see him in those tight sweatpants that Logan and everyone else kept perving on, Logan solves this by retrieving a pair of scissors heh! A few tiny niggles and peeves which I ignored. It was good for me and the no fast easy cure was a plus.
Logan a recovering alcoholic and ex-con on parole, needs extra cash he's barely making enough to live on with his current factory job. So he isn't too fussed in accepting another job on the side taking care of the managers nephew who is agoraphobic. Caleb's condition has worsened over the last 3 years ever since his mother's death, he hasn't budged from the building and only steps out the apartment on rare occasions . I was sceptical and wondered why on earth his Uncle would trust an ex-con with the care of his nephew even Logan wonders. Guilt, shame misguided love all factor into it.
Caleb even though scared to death of their first meet, has a spunky personality the retorts are quick and cute. Loved Logan musing to himself about the scarily clean apartment " What does the little neat freak do? Wash his trash before hiding it away in a cabinet?". A gradual awareness and friendship is building, Logan badgers and uses every trick in the book to help Caleb feel more secure, he doesn't belittle or treat him like a freak. What got to me the most was being able to see and feel how scary, debilitating and life threatening Agoraphobia is, Caleb has a few close calls it could easily drive one crazy. Caleb is about to have his first outing on the roof, Logan's talking sex and distracting him, all in good fun which helps relax him somewhat. It's only the beginning and by no means a cure there are setbacks for both of them and compromises to be made.
I liked Logan he's not cured of his alcoholism it's there every day tempting him so he continues to attend AA meetings and his PO is keeping close tabs on him for good reason. Caleb is wonderful, he needs cuddles and lots of love and yep I had a huge soft spot for him. I could totally see him in those tight sweatpants that Logan and everyone else kept perving on, Logan solves this by retrieving a pair of scissors heh! A few tiny niggles and peeves which I ignored. It was good for me and the no fast easy cure was a plus.
January 11, 2013
This is a more sweet than angsty story about two guys whose lives are circumscribed by their pasts. Logan is a recovering alcoholic who is on parole after a violent bar fight that sent him to prison. He's working a dead-end job when his manager offers him a chance to earn a little extra money. All he has to do is deliver items to the manager's nephew Caleb, and use the opportunity to check on Caleb, who is confined to his apartment by crippling agoraphobia. Both men are lonely, trying to keep from drowning in their obsessions, and gay. As they become friends, and then more, they support each other in making the first strides forward into a more satisfying life.
The attraction between the guys has a nice arc. They don't just jump into bed, although once they get there things move fast. Caleb's condition is well-portrayed and both guys are sympathetic characters. The story occasionally strays into over-familiar territory, but on the whole is a nice easy read with some main characters I came to care about, and a plot that manages not to veer too far into either the melodramatic or the saccharine. This is a good debut book, and I will look forward to others from this writer.
The attraction between the guys has a nice arc. They don't just jump into bed, although once they get there things move fast. Caleb's condition is well-portrayed and both guys are sympathetic characters. The story occasionally strays into over-familiar territory, but on the whole is a nice easy read with some main characters I came to care about, and a plot that manages not to veer too far into either the melodramatic or the saccharine. This is a good debut book, and I will look forward to others from this writer.
September 24, 2024
Despite the potentially angsty premise, this was mostly a feel-good story - with some heartbreakingly sad moments and some scorching hot scenes - that would probably be in my top ten comfort reads if I were the type to reread books.
To sum everything up, it was hot, sweet, tender, a touch angsty, lovable and extremely frustrating during that giant clusterfuck about halfway through where everyone suddenly turned TSTL and made me want to slap the shit out of them. This is the kind of situation that usually makes me want to throw my ereader to the wall, but this time I actually had a lot of fun. It was a bit like watching a movie: I was emotionally invested, but I was also internally laughing my ass off in a “What the fuck are you doing, you idiot?” kinda way.
It sounds terribly cheesy, but this was actually a wonderfully narrated journey of recovery and redemption. I loved seeing these twobroken men open their hearts to love [gosh, Nina, for real?] total whack jobs [okay, that's mean] guys fall in love in a way that was pretty different from what is portrayed in the usual romance novel. Aside from the fact that both Logan and Caleb were hugely hung up on their personal issues - alcoholism and agoraphobia - their falling in love was a no-fuss, relatively uncomplicated affair. The ILYs were not looked at through a magnifying glass, examined and angsted over and cried upon; by the time they uttered the three magic words, it was already pretty clear that they were truly madly deeply in lurve - to them and to the reader.
Also, this was supremely sexay. It wasn't particularly focused on the sex, but for some reason it worked for me. Okay, that sounds like I jerked off to it.
My mind is unusually dirty these days... might be due to my hot emotional romance with Viv.
But I digress.
I did have a little problem with Logan in the beginning, and it was precisely because of sex-related matters. Basically, in the first, say, 15% he thinks with his dick. He jerks off thinking of Caleb after just one meeting, during which the poor guy was scared like a newborn rabbit, so I got kind of freaked out there for a bit. But it's okay, because, as I said, this is a journey of redemption! (Gah.)
I'm pretty much done here, since I'm dead tired and can't seem to manage to string something more coherent together.
Warmly recommended.
To sum everything up, it was hot, sweet, tender, a touch angsty, lovable and extremely frustrating during that giant clusterfuck about halfway through where everyone suddenly turned TSTL and made me want to slap the shit out of them. This is the kind of situation that usually makes me want to throw my ereader to the wall, but this time I actually had a lot of fun. It was a bit like watching a movie: I was emotionally invested, but I was also internally laughing my ass off in a “What the fuck are you doing, you idiot?” kinda way.
It sounds terribly cheesy, but this was actually a wonderfully narrated journey of recovery and redemption. I loved seeing these two
Also, this was supremely sexay. It wasn't particularly focused on the sex, but for some reason it worked for me. Okay, that sounds like I jerked off to it.
My mind is unusually dirty these days... might be due to my hot emotional romance with Viv.
But I digress.
I did have a little problem with Logan in the beginning, and it was precisely because of sex-related matters. Basically, in the first, say, 15% he thinks with his dick. He jerks off thinking of Caleb after just one meeting, during which the poor guy was scared like a newborn rabbit, so I got kind of freaked out there for a bit. But it's okay, because, as I said, this is a journey of redemption! (Gah.)
I'm pretty much done here, since I'm dead tired and can't seem to manage to string something more coherent together.
Warmly recommended.
December 30, 2012
3.5 stars
I agree with some of the things Vio said, and Mandy said, and Arthur said...
Despite featuring two of my major pet peeves and one minor one (minor, because it hadn't been turned into a major one for me yet. If I encountered this more frequently, it could be another major pet peever *grin*). The story was quite solid, as a debut. I did enjoy the fact that it dealt with issues that hadn't been commonly touched in this genre. An ex-alcoholic (who was a mean drunk, which landed him in prison for a year) and a housebound agoraphobic.
I thought the portrayal of both characters were quite realistic as well. Logan (the ex-con) kept written as coming to AA meetings and anger management class, and there were scenes of him fighting the lure of the bottle. While Caleb (the agoraphobic) didn't get immediately cure by love, even when he felt that attraction towards Logan, his mind still messed him up, and he still had panic attacks through out the book. There was also a journey for them to get to the better state of mind and being, one step at a time. I also though their banters were quite enjoyable.
HOWEVER, like Mandy, I didn't get as emotionally affected by these characters as I should. And like Arthur, I felt that there was time the scenes written didn't really improve the storyline () or that some of the things Caleb experienced to "heal" himself was a bit overboard (). I would prefer Logan's best friend, Michael, to come earlier in the book, and it would be nice to see a scene or two with him (and Logan) at one of the Al-Anon meetings.
I would still like to check the next book of this author, should she release a sophomore title.
I agree with some of the things Vio said, and Mandy said, and Arthur said...
Despite featuring two of my major pet peeves and one minor one (minor, because it hadn't been turned into a major one for me yet. If I encountered this more frequently, it could be another major pet peever *grin*). The story was quite solid, as a debut. I did enjoy the fact that it dealt with issues that hadn't been commonly touched in this genre. An ex-alcoholic (who was a mean drunk, which landed him in prison for a year) and a housebound agoraphobic.
I thought the portrayal of both characters were quite realistic as well. Logan (the ex-con) kept written as coming to AA meetings and anger management class, and there were scenes of him fighting the lure of the bottle. While Caleb (the agoraphobic) didn't get immediately cure by love, even when he felt that attraction towards Logan, his mind still messed him up, and he still had panic attacks through out the book. There was also a journey for them to get to the better state of mind and being, one step at a time. I also though their banters were quite enjoyable.
HOWEVER, like Mandy, I didn't get as emotionally affected by these characters as I should. And like Arthur, I felt that there was time the scenes written didn't really improve the storyline () or that some of the things Caleb experienced to "heal" himself was a bit overboard (). I would prefer Logan's best friend, Michael, to come earlier in the book, and it would be nice to see a scene or two with him (and Logan) at one of the Al-Anon meetings.
I would still like to check the next book of this author, should she release a sophomore title.
September 16, 2014
3-3.5 STARS
Logan knows how is to lose everything and start over. He’s an ex-con on parole. As a condition of his parole, he must have a steady job, so he works as a package handler. Being a recovering alcoholic is not easy for him. He’s struggling to stay sober every day, but he wants a second chance, so he’s attending AA meetings and also anger management classes. Logan needs more money to survive, so when his boss offers him a part-time job, he accepts it. His new job is to take care of Caleb, his boss’s nephew who is agoraphobic. Twice a week he must take care of Caleb’s mail and every couple of weeks he must pick up groceries for him.
Caleb has a severe form of agoraphobia. Since his mother died three years ago, he didn’t left his apartment. Evan with this illness, Caleb wants to take care of himself; he‘s a web designer, working only from home. He never talked with a therapist or another agoraphobic, living in his apartment like a prisoner. He feels that nobody can understand him.
Logan and Caleb become friends, feeling somehow connected from the beginning. Logan is attracted to Caleb, but he must stay away if he wants to keep his job. Caleb is attracted to Logan too, but he’s too shy to try anything. He doesn’t want Logan’s pity. He’s afraid of rejection. They start to know each other better, Caleb sharing with Logan some things about his mental illness and some things about his past. They try to help each other and give each other strength, especially when they become more than friends.
First thing first, I really liked the premise – an ex-con and an agoraphobic.
The main characters were likeable. I liked both Logan and Caleb – how sweet and caring they are, how supportive and patient are with each other. I really admired both of them, Logan for his determination to stay without booze and Caleb for his determination to be independent. I really liked the fact that Logan doesn’t treat Caleb like someone who have a mental illness and I enjoyed the banter between them.
However I can’t say I felt too much the connection between those two or that I felt connected in some way with them.
I didn’t understand why the story needed so many secondary characters, because in some way, some of them complicated the story.
My main problem with this one was the plot. It was too much. At some point there’s too much going on in Logan and Caleb’s lives. And the fact that everything felt rushed didn’t help. The ending was also rushed and for me it didn’t seemed to be an ending...It was more like the ending of a chapter...
Overall, I only liked this one!
Logan knows how is to lose everything and start over. He’s an ex-con on parole. As a condition of his parole, he must have a steady job, so he works as a package handler. Being a recovering alcoholic is not easy for him. He’s struggling to stay sober every day, but he wants a second chance, so he’s attending AA meetings and also anger management classes. Logan needs more money to survive, so when his boss offers him a part-time job, he accepts it. His new job is to take care of Caleb, his boss’s nephew who is agoraphobic. Twice a week he must take care of Caleb’s mail and every couple of weeks he must pick up groceries for him.
Caleb has a severe form of agoraphobia. Since his mother died three years ago, he didn’t left his apartment. Evan with this illness, Caleb wants to take care of himself; he‘s a web designer, working only from home. He never talked with a therapist or another agoraphobic, living in his apartment like a prisoner. He feels that nobody can understand him.
Logan and Caleb become friends, feeling somehow connected from the beginning. Logan is attracted to Caleb, but he must stay away if he wants to keep his job. Caleb is attracted to Logan too, but he’s too shy to try anything. He doesn’t want Logan’s pity. He’s afraid of rejection. They start to know each other better, Caleb sharing with Logan some things about his mental illness and some things about his past. They try to help each other and give each other strength, especially when they become more than friends.
First thing first, I really liked the premise – an ex-con and an agoraphobic.
The main characters were likeable. I liked both Logan and Caleb – how sweet and caring they are, how supportive and patient are with each other. I really admired both of them, Logan for his determination to stay without booze and Caleb for his determination to be independent. I really liked the fact that Logan doesn’t treat Caleb like someone who have a mental illness and I enjoyed the banter between them.
However I can’t say I felt too much the connection between those two or that I felt connected in some way with them.
I didn’t understand why the story needed so many secondary characters, because in some way, some of them complicated the story.
My main problem with this one was the plot. It was too much. At some point there’s too much going on in Logan and Caleb’s lives. And the fact that everything felt rushed didn’t help. The ending was also rushed and for me it didn’t seemed to be an ending...It was more like the ending of a chapter...
Overall, I only liked this one!
September 1, 2016
So boring that I DNF-ed at 90%.
This book might be one of those cases where the e-book outshines the audiobook. This book is pretty universally liked by my friends, and the premise sounded really interesting to me. An agoraphobic dating an alcoholic ex-con? Sign me up! However, this book draaaaged on and on and, in the end, I couldn't listen for one more dull minute.
Normally, the narrator for this book, K.C. Kelly, is a sure thing. I ADORED his narration of Brute and really enjoyed Love, Like Water, but for some reason I didn't love his voice with these two characters. He has a slow, deep, atmospheric reading voice that is very well suited for fantasy and also worked well with cowboys, but didn't really mesh for the characters in this one. It wasn't a bad narration, but it didn't enhance the story.
Now on to the story itself. I usually love a slow burn, angsty romance, but here it took FOREVER for anything interesting to happen. I also didn't mesh well with the characters. I hated the over-the-top character of the bitter, man-whore, evil woman character from work, and the MCs felt flat for me. In terms of Caleb's agoraphobia, the treatment for it felt like a cop-out. It was all too convenient and too easy. I'd recently read an excellent book with an agoraphobic as the MC (Curio) and that was much more enjoyable, so I couldn't help compare the two books a little bit.
While this audiobook wasn't bad, I didn't particularly like it either. It was blah-central and I'm sure I won't remember it in a few weeks.
*Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
December 30, 2012
It's nice, interesting set up. The execution, however, is a bit too crowded. So many things happening, and some of them do not really move the story forward .
One that keeps me wondering:
I am happy that the story with Foster didn't go overboard. Caleb did what a rational person would do, instead of those characters in typical romance book. I command the author for not going through cheap route to create angst.
One that keeps me wondering:
I am happy that the story with Foster didn't go overboard. Caleb did what a rational person would do, instead of those characters in typical romance book. I command the author for not going through cheap route to create angst.
August 28, 2014
I loved Logan and Caleb. And this book had me gripped from the first page. The story itself was really interesting and I found myself unable to put it down until I had it finished. I was a bit skeptical but I didn't need to be. It was one of the sweetest books I have read in a long time.
The story was kind of different for me. An ex-criminal who has a drink problem (Logan) is asked by his boss to look after the boss's nephew. And the nephew (Caleb) is afraid to leave the house due to agoraphobia. It all develops from there and their relationship begins as a friendship with mutual attraction. And then it develops.
I really loved Logan. He was a sweet character who just needed a second chance. And he was getting it after a struggle. I found him to be really interesting and I loved him instantly. There were some parts I wanted to give him a nice big hug and comfort him. He really had very little self esteem. Which was similar to Caleb who was almost the same in that are. They both believed the other deserved better.
Caleb was just a sweetheart. I felt so sorry for him with the way some people treated him. And then the loss of his mother on top of that. It all just made him really afraid. I was so glad he and Logan ended up with a HEA.
Overall I would really recommend this book to anyone who likes sweet characters and a nice interesting story. :)
The story was kind of different for me. An ex-criminal who has a drink problem (Logan) is asked by his boss to look after the boss's nephew. And the nephew (Caleb) is afraid to leave the house due to agoraphobia. It all develops from there and their relationship begins as a friendship with mutual attraction. And then it develops.
I really loved Logan. He was a sweet character who just needed a second chance. And he was getting it after a struggle. I found him to be really interesting and I loved him instantly. There were some parts I wanted to give him a nice big hug and comfort him. He really had very little self esteem. Which was similar to Caleb who was almost the same in that are. They both believed the other deserved better.
Caleb was just a sweetheart. I felt so sorry for him with the way some people treated him. And then the loss of his mother on top of that. It all just made him really afraid. I was so glad he and Logan ended up with a HEA.
Overall I would really recommend this book to anyone who likes sweet characters and a nice interesting story. :)
February 26, 2013
It was a very compelling story, the way both MCs were struggling with their problems was written in a very gripping way. Nevertheless, over the time it somehow lost it's steam. What will stay with me is the striking way of bringing across the layers of alcoholism - on the surface functioning rather well, but underneath the lure of the bottle almost always present. Very gripping, indeed.
On top of that the development of the relationship between both challenged men, how they worked to overcome their handicaps to be worthy of the other one, the whole writing of the story was just perfect. That made this book a very positive read.
My only niggle - yes, I have one of those again, sorry - would be that the storyline with the Foster woman was rather inexplicable.
On top of that the development of the relationship between both challenged men, how they worked to overcome their handicaps to be worthy of the other one, the whole writing of the story was just perfect. That made this book a very positive read.
My only niggle - yes, I have one of those again, sorry - would be that the storyline with the Foster woman was rather inexplicable.
July 7, 2023
Rating: 3.5 stars (rounded down)
I really enjoyed this but it fell a bit short due to a lack of conflict. It contained so many things I love - a character driven narrative, it heavily focused on the MCs and their romance, and the side characters played important roles in the MCs lives and the romance. Unfortunately, I felt there was a significant lack of conflict or drama, which made the entire thing feel bland. Everything went a bit too smoothly for the MCs and their romance, which was too bad because there was plenty of opportunity to add more bumps in.
One of the things I liked is that the side characters all had interesting connections to Logan, Caleb or both of them. The author cleverly used these connections to give the side characters important roles in the story and it also allowed multiple plotlines to become intertwined. Normally having an action/suspense plotline in a mental health romance doesn't work for me because it takes attention away from the mental health issues and the romance. But in this case, having every character play an important role in the theft plotline meant it was interesting and allowed the focus of the story to stay on Caleb and Logan's romance. I loved how that entire arc was plotted!
I also liked that Caleb's anxiety issues (panic attacks, agoraphobia) and Logan's alcoholism recovery and felon status were the main focus throughout the story. It was great seeing how hard the MCs worked on their respective issues and how hard it was to balance the work they needed to do with their other responsibilities such as employment and family issues. I also liked that the main message was that Caleb and Logan were responsible for their own journeys. They could support each other and lean on each other when times got tough, but they couldn't rely on each other as crutches and they couldn't do the work on behalf of the other person.
Unfortunately, the one thing I didn't enjoy was the lack of significant conflict, which resulted in the story feeling bland. The theft plotline added some suspense but the author always stopped well short of creating a real sense of danger for either MC so this never felt as intense as it could have been. I spent the story wondering if the thief would face any punishment instead of worrying over the thief actually hurting Caleb or Logan in a meaningful way. I wish the author would have pumped up the sense of danger a bit more and have the thief impact the MCs lives in a bigger way. For example, I would have loved it if the thief had set Logan up to fail a major parole condition or if the thief had seriously threatened Caleb's life (the smoke bomb was scary but it wasn't life threatening and anyway, the smoke bomb happened in the past so it doesn't count).
Connected to that - I wish Logan and Caleb had faced a few more setbacks in their journeys. Caleb did have but most of it was skipped over in favor of focusing on Logan's POV and he wasn't present during it. I wish that event had led to bigger issues and that Logan had been involved in more of it. I get that it was realistic that Logan would listen to Caleb's uncle and leave him alone for the entire weekend after not being able to contact him on Friday and that Logan wouldn't be allowed to get updates about Caleb at the hospital. But I wanted the situation to include more angst and have a more significant impact on the overall story. As it was, the event is pretty much glossed over and then there's a time skip to when Caleb has his cast taken off and it's like the event never happened. In general, Caleb's progress regarding his fight against his anxiety and agoraphobia seemed to be much easier than I was hoping it would be. He progresses very quickly and doesn't have significant setbacks.
As for Logan, the guy has one near slip-up when but other than that, his setbacks are extremely minor and mostly consist of him feeling uncomfortable when he comes across an activity or place where he used to drink (ex. drinking beer while watching sports, picking up pop from the liquor store etc). This might have been realistic but it got boring after a while. Like with Caleb, I would have loved for Logan to experience more significant bumps in his sobriety journey, which would have added more conflict. But to give the author credit, I love how that little bottle of booze was used throughout the story! It was obvious what would happen but I still loved how it ended up connecting with Caleb's anxiety issues.
I also have to echo what some readers have said where they commented about Logan being Mr. Perfect when it comes to his interactions with Caleb. I get that Logan's bad guy image was mostly a result of him being a mean drunk and that's not who he is when he's sober but I wanted him to be a bit rougher around the edges. He accepted all of Caleb's quirks immediately, he seemed to understand how to interact with Caleb right away and he always seemed to know what to say and do. Like with the pacing of his alcoholism recovery, I wish things had progressed a bit slower and that there would have been more hiccups along the road for the MCs. Due to the abovementioned issues, the story felt a bit bland, which was unfortunate because it had all the ingredients to be really great.
I really enjoyed this but it fell a bit short due to a lack of conflict. It contained so many things I love - a character driven narrative, it heavily focused on the MCs and their romance, and the side characters played important roles in the MCs lives and the romance. Unfortunately, I felt there was a significant lack of conflict or drama, which made the entire thing feel bland. Everything went a bit too smoothly for the MCs and their romance, which was too bad because there was plenty of opportunity to add more bumps in.
One of the things I liked is that the side characters all had interesting connections to Logan, Caleb or both of them. The author cleverly used these connections to give the side characters important roles in the story and it also allowed multiple plotlines to become intertwined. Normally having an action/suspense plotline in a mental health romance doesn't work for me because it takes attention away from the mental health issues and the romance. But in this case, having every character play an important role in the theft plotline meant it was interesting and allowed the focus of the story to stay on Caleb and Logan's romance. I loved how that entire arc was plotted!
I also liked that Caleb's anxiety issues (panic attacks, agoraphobia) and Logan's alcoholism recovery and felon status were the main focus throughout the story. It was great seeing how hard the MCs worked on their respective issues and how hard it was to balance the work they needed to do with their other responsibilities such as employment and family issues. I also liked that the main message was that Caleb and Logan were responsible for their own journeys. They could support each other and lean on each other when times got tough, but they couldn't rely on each other as crutches and they couldn't do the work on behalf of the other person.
Unfortunately, the one thing I didn't enjoy was the lack of significant conflict, which resulted in the story feeling bland. The theft plotline added some suspense but the author always stopped well short of creating a real sense of danger for either MC so this never felt as intense as it could have been. I spent the story wondering if the thief would face any punishment instead of worrying over the thief actually hurting Caleb or Logan in a meaningful way. I wish the author would have pumped up the sense of danger a bit more and have the thief impact the MCs lives in a bigger way. For example, I would have loved it if the thief had set Logan up to fail a major parole condition or if the thief had seriously threatened Caleb's life (the smoke bomb was scary but it wasn't life threatening and anyway, the smoke bomb happened in the past so it doesn't count).
Connected to that - I wish Logan and Caleb had faced a few more setbacks in their journeys. Caleb did have but most of it was skipped over in favor of focusing on Logan's POV and he wasn't present during it. I wish that event had led to bigger issues and that Logan had been involved in more of it. I get that it was realistic that Logan would listen to Caleb's uncle and leave him alone for the entire weekend after not being able to contact him on Friday and that Logan wouldn't be allowed to get updates about Caleb at the hospital. But I wanted the situation to include more angst and have a more significant impact on the overall story. As it was, the event is pretty much glossed over and then there's a time skip to when Caleb has his cast taken off and it's like the event never happened. In general, Caleb's progress regarding his fight against his anxiety and agoraphobia seemed to be much easier than I was hoping it would be. He progresses very quickly and doesn't have significant setbacks.
As for Logan, the guy has one near slip-up when but other than that, his setbacks are extremely minor and mostly consist of him feeling uncomfortable when he comes across an activity or place where he used to drink (ex. drinking beer while watching sports, picking up pop from the liquor store etc). This might have been realistic but it got boring after a while. Like with Caleb, I would have loved for Logan to experience more significant bumps in his sobriety journey, which would have added more conflict. But to give the author credit, I love how that little bottle of booze was used throughout the story! It was obvious what would happen but I still loved how it ended up connecting with Caleb's anxiety issues.
I also have to echo what some readers have said where they commented about Logan being Mr. Perfect when it comes to his interactions with Caleb. I get that Logan's bad guy image was mostly a result of him being a mean drunk and that's not who he is when he's sober but I wanted him to be a bit rougher around the edges. He accepted all of Caleb's quirks immediately, he seemed to understand how to interact with Caleb right away and he always seemed to know what to say and do. Like with the pacing of his alcoholism recovery, I wish things had progressed a bit slower and that there would have been more hiccups along the road for the MCs. Due to the abovementioned issues, the story felt a bit bland, which was unfortunate because it had all the ingredients to be really great.
March 5, 2018
3.5 stars
The strong point of this book is also the one thing that made it just average in my eyes.
On one hand, I appreciated the lack of drama despite the serious issues and difficult circumstances both MCs faced. On the other hand, everything was just a little too easy.
Logan has an amazing parole officer, when he meets Caleb they immediately click and it takes very little effort on Logan’s part to make Caleb leave his apartment that first and second time.
Caleb does eventually get therapy and I’m not saying his anxiety and agoraphobia weren’t believable, on the contrary. I just don’t buy that, after spending three years too afraid to go further than his neighbor’s flat, he would be okay going to the grocery store without any sort of medication or previous therapy, just because Logan was distracting him with dirty talk.
Every other potential stumbling block was treated pretty much the same, everything resolved with a couple of sentences and in the end this story made for a nice read, but nothing more.
Although I have to say that Caleb was very refreshing.
The strong point of this book is also the one thing that made it just average in my eyes.
On one hand, I appreciated the lack of drama despite the serious issues and difficult circumstances both MCs faced. On the other hand, everything was just a little too easy.
Logan has an amazing parole officer, when he meets Caleb they immediately click and it takes very little effort on Logan’s part to make Caleb leave his apartment that first and second time.
Caleb does eventually get therapy and I’m not saying his anxiety and agoraphobia weren’t believable, on the contrary. I just don’t buy that, after spending three years too afraid to go further than his neighbor’s flat, he would be okay going to the grocery store without any sort of medication or previous therapy, just because Logan was distracting him with dirty talk.
Every other potential stumbling block was treated pretty much the same, everything resolved with a couple of sentences and in the end this story made for a nice read, but nothing more.
Although I have to say that Caleb was very refreshing.
January 24, 2013
These guys broke my heart!!
Caleb the agoraphobic and Logan the alcoholic were both so broken and incomplete without each other. I came very close to crying a one point...almost. Even with the few pretty sad moments the story was really sweet and uplifting.
4 stars because the crime plot got a little crazy and I think it took away from the main story. Which should have been about Logan and Caleb healing each other and not dealing with a petty interference.
Caleb the agoraphobic and Logan the alcoholic were both so broken and incomplete without each other. I came very close to crying a one point...almost. Even with the few pretty sad moments the story was really sweet and uplifting.
4 stars because the crime plot got a little crazy and I think it took away from the main story. Which should have been about Logan and Caleb healing each other and not dealing with a petty interference.
January 5, 2013
I really, really liked this story. Both guys have serious issues to work through and major obstacle's to overcome, but Caleb and Logan are so worth it. I loved both of these guys and watching them strive to become better men, for themselves as well as for their partners, was very heartwarming.
March 24, 2021
3.5
This was my first book by J.D. Ruskin and I liked it.
The story is very character driven, there's some drama but no angst,and the writing flowed nicely. In all I have no major complaints and I've enjoyed the story - looking forward to reading more by this author.
This was my first book by J.D. Ruskin and I liked it.
The story is very character driven, there's some drama but no angst,and the writing flowed nicely. In all I have no major complaints and I've enjoyed the story - looking forward to reading more by this author.
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January 15, 2013
"Don't freak out." Words I came to love through the course of reading this book.
I thought this book was utterly charming. The two MC's, Logan and Caleb, were endearing. And the secondary characters were all fully developed.
Logan is an ex con sentenced to three years for assault. He has served one, and is released with stipulations to meet his parole conditions - he work at his allocated job, see his parole offcer once a week, stay clean, go to anger management classes, and AA meetings. Logan's boss, Harrison Klass, offers him $100 off the books to make a mail drop, grocery run, and a ten minute conversation twice a week to his nephew, Caleb, who suffers agorophobia and social phobia.
Long story short Logan falls for Caleb, Caleb for Logan. But there's a whole lot more to the story than that. Both men feel they aren't good enough for the other because they both have difficult problems. And they are big problems - phobias are so irrational but so very real and debilitating for the sufferer. Not easy for the partner either. Alcoholism is a bitch as you are always an alcoholic, just a practising or non-practisising one. It's always with you. J D Ruskin made sure that point was known. Logan battles with his desire for alcohol on a daily basis. The ease of obtaining it and how it's temptingly everywhere - from a ball game to a meal and everything in between. Caleb is such a prisoner of his constant fears that he would rather suffer hypothermia, injury, or fire than leave his home. So both men have conditions that take a lot of hard work to overcome or cope with. It also takes an understanding partner to work through these things with you. I liked the way these two men were there for one another. Mostly it was Logan helping Caleb. Logan was still coming to grips with what it means to be an alcoholic. By the end an event occurs that makes him open up fully to Caleb and helps Logan come to terms with what he has to do to move forward more and more. Caleb makes him want to be a better man. Logan helps Caleb do things he wouldn't do before he came along. Fear of loss is a powerful motivating factor.
Given the subject matter, When One Door Opens is never bogged down in misery. It's sweet and humorous. Logan's LGBT AA meeting is so funny and his sponsor, Stacey, is a great character. All the members are quirky. Likewise when they manage to go out together to a movie that whole scene at the theatre made me laugh.
Both characters are really likeable but I just adored 6'7" Logan. He had a way about him that was gorgeous and his jealous growls, protectiveness and kind-hearted way around Caleb just stole my heart. Caleb is a sweety, and I just wanted to jump into the Kindle and help him.
The sex is light-on. When it occurs it is well written but never long. There is an erotic undercurrent thoughout, particularly when the guys are around each other. Mostly it's courtesy of knowing what Logan feels about Caleb. Oh, and I liked the phone sex scene, mmmm.
There is a pain-in-the-arse female character in the book. She is well written - I wanted her hit by a frying pan. Thankfully that wasn't a major part of the story but it ramped the tension up and helped lend an edge. There are other little stories going on - John Dabb, the PO, Harrison Klass, Caleb's uncle and Logan's boss, and Michael, Logan's one-time best friend, are all interesting.
The only thing that let this book down for me was the ending. It's a happy enough but it was abrupt and felt uncertain and rushed.
When One Door Opens is a very good read. It is engaging, it tackles tricky subjects with plenty of sensitivity, and it's nice and easy to read. I really recommend this book with much confidence to those liking something with thought provoking isses, that is humorous, sweet, romantic and sexy.
I thought this book was utterly charming. The two MC's, Logan and Caleb, were endearing. And the secondary characters were all fully developed.
Logan is an ex con sentenced to three years for assault. He has served one, and is released with stipulations to meet his parole conditions - he work at his allocated job, see his parole offcer once a week, stay clean, go to anger management classes, and AA meetings. Logan's boss, Harrison Klass, offers him $100 off the books to make a mail drop, grocery run, and a ten minute conversation twice a week to his nephew, Caleb, who suffers agorophobia and social phobia.
Long story short Logan falls for Caleb, Caleb for Logan. But there's a whole lot more to the story than that. Both men feel they aren't good enough for the other because they both have difficult problems. And they are big problems - phobias are so irrational but so very real and debilitating for the sufferer. Not easy for the partner either. Alcoholism is a bitch as you are always an alcoholic, just a practising or non-practisising one. It's always with you. J D Ruskin made sure that point was known. Logan battles with his desire for alcohol on a daily basis. The ease of obtaining it and how it's temptingly everywhere - from a ball game to a meal and everything in between. Caleb is such a prisoner of his constant fears that he would rather suffer hypothermia, injury, or fire than leave his home. So both men have conditions that take a lot of hard work to overcome or cope with. It also takes an understanding partner to work through these things with you. I liked the way these two men were there for one another. Mostly it was Logan helping Caleb. Logan was still coming to grips with what it means to be an alcoholic. By the end an event occurs that makes him open up fully to Caleb and helps Logan come to terms with what he has to do to move forward more and more. Caleb makes him want to be a better man. Logan helps Caleb do things he wouldn't do before he came along. Fear of loss is a powerful motivating factor.
Given the subject matter, When One Door Opens is never bogged down in misery. It's sweet and humorous. Logan's LGBT AA meeting is so funny and his sponsor, Stacey, is a great character. All the members are quirky. Likewise when they manage to go out together to a movie that whole scene at the theatre made me laugh.
Both characters are really likeable but I just adored 6'7" Logan. He had a way about him that was gorgeous and his jealous growls, protectiveness and kind-hearted way around Caleb just stole my heart. Caleb is a sweety, and I just wanted to jump into the Kindle and help him.
The sex is light-on. When it occurs it is well written but never long. There is an erotic undercurrent thoughout, particularly when the guys are around each other. Mostly it's courtesy of knowing what Logan feels about Caleb. Oh, and I liked the phone sex scene, mmmm.
There is a pain-in-the-arse female character in the book. She is well written - I wanted her hit by a frying pan. Thankfully that wasn't a major part of the story but it ramped the tension up and helped lend an edge. There are other little stories going on - John Dabb, the PO, Harrison Klass, Caleb's uncle and Logan's boss, and Michael, Logan's one-time best friend, are all interesting.
The only thing that let this book down for me was the ending. It's a happy enough but it was abrupt and felt uncertain and rushed.
When One Door Opens is a very good read. It is engaging, it tackles tricky subjects with plenty of sensitivity, and it's nice and easy to read. I really recommend this book with much confidence to those liking something with thought provoking isses, that is humorous, sweet, romantic and sexy.
April 30, 2013
I enjoyed this a lot. Both Caleb and Logan were likable characters and they each had issues that made them more relatable and real. Their issues were a part of their characters and therefor had the appropriate amount of face-time but weren't overpowering to the story. I felt like both the alcoholism and the agoraphobia were handled realistically and taken seriously. Neither of them got a quick fix, (Although I did feel like Caleb progressed a little quickly .) and even at the end they were both still working on themselves.
A lot of people had issue with Karen Foster and her role. I obviously didn't like her either, but I guess because of all the comments I was expecting her to have a larger role and therefore her presence in the story didn't piss me off as much. She wasn't exactly necessary either though. They had their own inner obstacles to overcome so I didn't really feel like the story needed an outside obstacle as well. While I was glad that she didn't cause too many problems and that resolution with respect to this side-plot came rather easily, it made it all the more irrelevant. I don't feel like she moved the plot along or caused the characters to grow at all.
There were some great side characters like John Dabb and Mrs. Simons, and Even Uncle Harrison who meant well and played a flawed but important role. I'd love to get a second book about these guys or even a short with love for Dabb (maybe a May-December with Daniel, the neighbor!), although once they mentioned his fanny pack I figured that wouldn't happen. :)
A lot of people had issue with Karen Foster and her role. I obviously didn't like her either, but I guess because of all the comments I was expecting her to have a larger role and therefore her presence in the story didn't piss me off as much. She wasn't exactly necessary either though. They had their own inner obstacles to overcome so I didn't really feel like the story needed an outside obstacle as well. While I was glad that she didn't cause too many problems and that resolution with respect to this side-plot came rather easily, it made it all the more irrelevant. I don't feel like she moved the plot along or caused the characters to grow at all.
There were some great side characters like John Dabb and Mrs. Simons, and Even Uncle Harrison who meant well and played a flawed but important role. I'd love to get a second book about these guys or even a short with love for Dabb (maybe a May-December with Daniel, the neighbor!), although once they mentioned his fanny pack I figured that wouldn't happen. :)
January 8, 2013
4.5 Stars
Really great story about an ex-con and a guy who struggles with being an agoraphobic.
JD did a phenomenal job of pulling the reader in right away. The pacing was great- you get right into the thick of things without alot of wasted words or throw away scenes. Caleb and Logan on their own have very interesting stories but together...I just loved them.
There were a few other stories happening inside the main story, which were interesting and really added to the overall interest of the book.
Overall, I really enjoyed it. Can't wait to read more by this author.
Really great story about an ex-con and a guy who struggles with being an agoraphobic.
JD did a phenomenal job of pulling the reader in right away. The pacing was great- you get right into the thick of things without alot of wasted words or throw away scenes. Caleb and Logan on their own have very interesting stories but together...I just loved them.
There were a few other stories happening inside the main story, which were interesting and really added to the overall interest of the book.
Overall, I really enjoyed it. Can't wait to read more by this author.
June 17, 2015
I wanted to like this one more, but it was just a wee bit too shallow to really blow my skirt up. Enjoyable and sweet, but not the emotional powerhouse I was hoping for.
September 13, 2018
Get the audible! This book is so worth it in audio. I loved the characters and I didn't feel like they were too martyr-ish. A lot of struggle - and real one's.
June 14, 2018
Audiobook review3,5 stars
I really liked this book, the characters and the plot. I love second chance stories, and reading about people overcoming their fears and When One Door Opens brought that to me.
Two men, both deeply troubled, one former alcoholic recently out on parole and the other severely agoraphobic prone to debilitating panic attacks. Their friendship, let alone romance shouldn't work but it does. When they meet there's an immediate but reluctant attraction from both sides and after a few mishaps an unlikely friendship develops between these two men.
Logan is one year sober, out on parole and working hard to stay that way. But having a supervisor out to get him, isn't helping matters. Especially since she seems to go to any lengths necessary to get what she wants. Add in a special assignment from the Boss to check up on his agoraphobic nephew and Logan is in for a challenge.
Caleb hasn't left his building in three years. The only visitors are his uncle, the man delivering his groceries and once in a while his elderly neighbour. Only the new delivery guy isn't as easy to fool or chase away as the previous one was and soon they start to form a tentative friendship.
I loved how there were no judgements about Caleb's disabilities or about Logan's incarceration or alcoholism. They're never excused or glossed over, they are facts but it doesn't define neither Caleb nor Logan, who they are at the core. Sure they struggle and stumble, but that's part of being human, being alive. It added credibility to their story.
Caleb and Logan were good together. I liked how Logan tried to help Caleb slowly coming out of his shell. To start being a part of the world again and in doing so starting to put someone else first before himself. They worked well together as a couple and got each other and the other's insecurities instinctively.
This might have been the my first K.C. Kelly narration and I have to say he did a really good job with it. His voices were distinct and it was easy to follow along. My only problem is that his narration was a bit too slow. I'm an impatient reader so this didn't fit me all too well. I also recognise this is on me and my own preferences.
When One Door Opens is a slow burn and quiet romance. It's filled with hope and second chances and to never stop fighting for what you want or what's right.
Highly recommended!
A copy of this book was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
December 29, 2012
This review was originally written for MM Good Book Reviews and can also be found there.
This is JD Ruskin’s first book and she certainly opened with a bang. Characters with issues, a compelling story line and excellent writing will most certainly push When One Door Opens to the top of many reading lists.
Logan is fresh out of prison, finally sober and holding a job. It’s only part time, but hey, everyone has to start somewhere. He’s still at that phase when every superior’s question makes his breath catch and every awkward situation makes him crave a beer, but he’s taking it day by day and doing better than he had in years. Then his boss asks him to deliver groceries and check on his nephew Caleb as another part time job, and all that hard acquired control starts slipping away with a simple sight of too tight sweats.
Caleb is a whole different story, innocent, somewhat naïve, gorgeous and agoraphobic. He hasn’t left his apartment for three years and doesn’t react well to change. But there is something about the ex-con giant who makes him laugh and tries his best to make Caleb happy.
When One Door Opens was a slow paced story, gradually developing the relationship between the two main characters, letting them fight their battles with staying sober and obeying the rules for Logan and making a simple trip to the store for Caleb without having a panic attack.
Their interactions were so fun I could have read about them for hours, but it was their flaws as well as the tension between the two studs that kept my attention and eventually kept me thinking about this book long after it was read.
The main conflict was subdued as well, there but not the harsh focus as one might expect and it suited the story well, letting the reader stay intent on what was important, without broken trust but with all the explicit details the characters’ situations involved.
This is the one I will recommend, for everyone who likes imperfect characters and needs a comfortable book to relax to. It was a first, but I sincerely hope it’s not the last we’ll see of JD Ruskin.
This is JD Ruskin’s first book and she certainly opened with a bang. Characters with issues, a compelling story line and excellent writing will most certainly push When One Door Opens to the top of many reading lists.
Logan is fresh out of prison, finally sober and holding a job. It’s only part time, but hey, everyone has to start somewhere. He’s still at that phase when every superior’s question makes his breath catch and every awkward situation makes him crave a beer, but he’s taking it day by day and doing better than he had in years. Then his boss asks him to deliver groceries and check on his nephew Caleb as another part time job, and all that hard acquired control starts slipping away with a simple sight of too tight sweats.
Caleb is a whole different story, innocent, somewhat naïve, gorgeous and agoraphobic. He hasn’t left his apartment for three years and doesn’t react well to change. But there is something about the ex-con giant who makes him laugh and tries his best to make Caleb happy.
When One Door Opens was a slow paced story, gradually developing the relationship between the two main characters, letting them fight their battles with staying sober and obeying the rules for Logan and making a simple trip to the store for Caleb without having a panic attack.
Their interactions were so fun I could have read about them for hours, but it was their flaws as well as the tension between the two studs that kept my attention and eventually kept me thinking about this book long after it was read.
The main conflict was subdued as well, there but not the harsh focus as one might expect and it suited the story well, letting the reader stay intent on what was important, without broken trust but with all the explicit details the characters’ situations involved.
This is the one I will recommend, for everyone who likes imperfect characters and needs a comfortable book to relax to. It was a first, but I sincerely hope it’s not the last we’ll see of JD Ruskin.
January 10, 2013
Agoraphobia is no laughing matter. I’ve been there, sweeties, and it’s unpleasant as hell. Trying to explain that fear, and the panic attacks that generally accompany it, to family and friends is impossible. Most of the time, they don’t understand it. Most of the time, they have no idea how to help. Most of the time, they can’t help.
Ruskin gets it right. While reading, I found myself reliving those awful days when I couldn’t leave my apartment. Don’t worry, darlings. I’ve long since shed that terror and am living a normal life. Like Caleb, I had someone who loved me no matter what and he helped me start on the road to recovery, which I, being the brazen bitch I am, managed to complete.
Reading this book made me uncomfortable at times, Caleb’s paralysis was written so vividly, but I loved the story so much, and the main characters were so easy to relate to, I didn’t let it stop me. I wanted to see how Caleb got better.
After some terrifying experiences, and with Logan’s help and that of other caring souls, Caleb starts to turn things around. His attempts to get well will have you rooting for him!
Logan is just as compelling a character. He has his own demons to wrestle. Putting these two together was inspired. With a fine supporting cast of characters, this one will have you staying up until all hours to finish it.
Oh, you’re going to enjoy this one, lovies. This is one book I’ll read again.
Reviewed by: Red Licorice
Ruskin gets it right. While reading, I found myself reliving those awful days when I couldn’t leave my apartment. Don’t worry, darlings. I’ve long since shed that terror and am living a normal life. Like Caleb, I had someone who loved me no matter what and he helped me start on the road to recovery, which I, being the brazen bitch I am, managed to complete.
Reading this book made me uncomfortable at times, Caleb’s paralysis was written so vividly, but I loved the story so much, and the main characters were so easy to relate to, I didn’t let it stop me. I wanted to see how Caleb got better.
After some terrifying experiences, and with Logan’s help and that of other caring souls, Caleb starts to turn things around. His attempts to get well will have you rooting for him!
Logan is just as compelling a character. He has his own demons to wrestle. Putting these two together was inspired. With a fine supporting cast of characters, this one will have you staying up until all hours to finish it.
Oh, you’re going to enjoy this one, lovies. This is one book I’ll read again.
Reviewed by: Red Licorice
January 8, 2013
Good story. I liked it. There were cute moments and romantic moments. I liked Caleb sneaking his hand under the poncho at the baseball game. As much as I read the first 2/3 quickly because I was caught up in it; the last third was a struggle. Might be my lack of real time to devote to reading. I DID enjoy it, but I guess I didn’t feel Logan’s struggle to stay sober and out of trouble as I would have liked. And the plot felt predictable at times. I got Caleb’s side of things though. I thought his character was great! REALLY liked Caleb.
Favorite line: “Pretending the past didn’t happen is a surefire way of reliving it.”
I also found “He then spent ten years gathering his thoughts,” rather amusing for some reason.
So if you want a good read, with a nice romance with an agoraphobic, lol, then this is your ticket ;) Caleb is worth reading it ;)
Favorite line: “Pretending the past didn’t happen is a surefire way of reliving it.”
I also found “He then spent ten years gathering his thoughts,” rather amusing for some reason.
So if you want a good read, with a nice romance with an agoraphobic, lol, then this is your ticket ;) Caleb is worth reading it ;)
October 4, 2020
What do an ex-con recovering alcoholic and an agoraphobic have in common? A lot, actually. I really liked how the author focused on Logan's and Caleb's subsequent issues and how they're oddly suited to help each other. Both can understand panic and loss of control over yourself. The outlets for their panic and the way they try to regain control may be different, and even the things that drive those forces are different, but the feelings are the same. It's not a parallel I've seen in many stories, if any, and it really works here. The author gets you inside both these characters' heads and details their struggles with sympathy and care.
And while love doesn't cure Caleb - he still has panic attacks and a major set back - it does give him the hope and reinforcement he needs to start seeking recovery, first with Logan and eventually with therapy. I did feel it was a bit rushed. Caleb spends three years never once leaving his house except for the occasional trip across the hall to an elderly neighbor, and yet after a couple of months of knowing Logan, he's going outside. It would have felt more realistic to lengthen that timeline. But it's also great to see Caleb improve once he realizes he's capable of it, so it's not a major issue in the slightest.
I'd have liked a little more focus on some of the subplots too, particularly Michael, who shows up for a couple of crucial scenes and then only gets a couple of mentions later. The other major subplot with a supervisor at Logan's work was wrapped up pretty quickly and neatly too, but there's a reveal near the end that helped that make sense.
Overall, the pacing was good and Logan and Caleb both got their page time. I really liked both characters and how sweet they were with each other. Have to say though, that Dabb is a scene stealer. ;)
And while love doesn't cure Caleb - he still has panic attacks and a major set back - it does give him the hope and reinforcement he needs to start seeking recovery, first with Logan and eventually with therapy. I did feel it was a bit rushed. Caleb spends three years never once leaving his house except for the occasional trip across the hall to an elderly neighbor, and yet after a couple of months of knowing Logan, he's going outside. It would have felt more realistic to lengthen that timeline. But it's also great to see Caleb improve once he realizes he's capable of it, so it's not a major issue in the slightest.
I'd have liked a little more focus on some of the subplots too, particularly Michael, who shows up for a couple of crucial scenes and then only gets a couple of mentions later. The other major subplot with a supervisor at Logan's work was wrapped up pretty quickly and neatly too, but there's a reveal near the end that helped that make sense.
Overall, the pacing was good and Logan and Caleb both got their page time. I really liked both characters and how sweet they were with each other. Have to say though, that Dabb is a scene stealer. ;)
April 6, 2017
3.5 stars rounded up.
The story was generally OK, really. But that's just it. It was too OK...
I mean the ex-con, Logan, was more like a cuddly teddy bear (not at all a badass tough guy) and the agoraphobic, Caleb, seemed more like a sweet, geeky twink too stubborn to go out of his flat.
I was expecting some more conflict, some more emotional turmoil with those 2, seemingly damaged, heroes.
But the story was actually low on angst and not at all difficult with the MCs' choices in life. Coaxing Caleb out of his building was surprisingly easy for Logan. And Logan's behaviour was so much at odds with his external looks (a huge, bald guy) and his violent past - he was so gentle and attentive towards Caleb. He worried so much about the housebound geek that I was smiling more often than not.
All in all, it was a really good story - just not as raw and angsty as I expected. The plot is more or less flowing easily. The "backstory" and the "twist" were a bit odd to me
Anyway, if you like an easy and sweet read from time to time, go for it! I liked Logan and Caleb a lot!
Caleb:
Logan:
The story was generally OK, really. But that's just it. It was too OK...
I mean the ex-con, Logan, was more like a cuddly teddy bear (not at all a badass tough guy) and the agoraphobic, Caleb, seemed more like a sweet, geeky twink too stubborn to go out of his flat.
I was expecting some more conflict, some more emotional turmoil with those 2, seemingly damaged, heroes.
But the story was actually low on angst and not at all difficult with the MCs' choices in life. Coaxing Caleb out of his building was surprisingly easy for Logan. And Logan's behaviour was so much at odds with his external looks (a huge, bald guy) and his violent past - he was so gentle and attentive towards Caleb. He worried so much about the housebound geek that I was smiling more often than not.
All in all, it was a really good story - just not as raw and angsty as I expected. The plot is more or less flowing easily. The "backstory" and the "twist" were a bit odd to me
Anyway, if you like an easy and sweet read from time to time, go for it! I liked Logan and Caleb a lot!
Caleb:
Logan:
January 14, 2013
Logan is a recovering alcoholic and an ex con. He has been ordered (by his parole officer) to stay sober, keep a job and stay out of trouble. Caleb is the nephew of Logan's boss. He is agoraphobic and is prone to panic attacks. He has not left his apartment in three years. Logan is hired to make deliveries to Caleb. After a few visits, a relationship begins between the two men, with teach battling their own demons... Logan's alcoholism and Caleb's agoraphobia. There are also issues at the company where Logan works that are happening in the background.
This was an enjoyable read. There were a few things that I found a bit unrealistic as far as Caleb's recovery is concerned but that did not take away from my enjoyment of the story. Also, I felt that there were a few questions left unanswered. I hope the author revisits this couple some day.
Full review can be found at On Top Down Under Book Reviews.
This was an enjoyable read. There were a few things that I found a bit unrealistic as far as Caleb's recovery is concerned but that did not take away from my enjoyment of the story. Also, I felt that there were a few questions left unanswered. I hope the author revisits this couple some day.
Full review can be found at On Top Down Under Book Reviews.
January 29, 2013
When one door opens (another one closes). Regrettably I can't say I'm sorry that I've closed the cover of my Kindle on this story.
It was ok! Just ok in my opinion. The writing is good, the charcters are quite well drawn, the plot was, er, kind of there.
Logan and Caleb's story. Logan, ex convict is asked by his boss to deliver mail and pick up groceries for his agoraphobic nephew and hence the relationship begins. Sweet. The two main characters help each other with their addictions and mental illnesses.
The ending of the novel however is rushed and slightly confusing. What the hell is the character, supervisor-from-hell, Ms Karen Foster all about? I know exactly why she's there, she is the Cruella deVille of this story, but she needs more development and more story within this novel to make her more believable. She comes over as being evil for evil's sake, instead she should be there to high-light what happens when support and help are not sort for addictions and or illnesses!
It was ok! I read it.
It was ok! Just ok in my opinion. The writing is good, the charcters are quite well drawn, the plot was, er, kind of there.
Logan and Caleb's story. Logan, ex convict is asked by his boss to deliver mail and pick up groceries for his agoraphobic nephew and hence the relationship begins. Sweet. The two main characters help each other with their addictions and mental illnesses.
The ending of the novel however is rushed and slightly confusing. What the hell is the character, supervisor-from-hell, Ms Karen Foster all about? I know exactly why she's there, she is the Cruella deVille of this story, but she needs more development and more story within this novel to make her more believable. She comes over as being evil for evil's sake, instead she should be there to high-light what happens when support and help are not sort for addictions and or illnesses!
It was ok! I read it.
August 24, 2014
I am so glad I picked up this audiobook! This was a great story about a young man who has agoraphobia and the ex-con hired by his uncle to deliver his mail and groceries. Logan, the ex-con is in recovery from alcoholism and is fighting his own demons and the consequences of his addiction as he reaches out to help Caleb, the sweet young man who hasn't left his home in three years.
I loved the slow progression of their romance, the character building and the realistic depictions of both Logan's alcoholism and Caleb's agoraphobia and concurrent panic disorder. Plus, there was an underlying story of intrigue and theft at Logan's workplace, the warehouse managed by Caleb's uncle.
The narrator, KC Kelly did a great job with the voices as well, and I especially liked Logan's twang. It fit the description of his personality to a T.
I recommend this to anyone who likes a good m/m romance where two men with so many strikes against them manage to struggle through their issues to find happiness together. Very satisfying.
I loved the slow progression of their romance, the character building and the realistic depictions of both Logan's alcoholism and Caleb's agoraphobia and concurrent panic disorder. Plus, there was an underlying story of intrigue and theft at Logan's workplace, the warehouse managed by Caleb's uncle.
The narrator, KC Kelly did a great job with the voices as well, and I especially liked Logan's twang. It fit the description of his personality to a T.
I recommend this to anyone who likes a good m/m romance where two men with so many strikes against them manage to struggle through their issues to find happiness together. Very satisfying.
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