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After #1
Afterburn
Knitted together by our hurt and hope.
Santa Barbara firefighter Liam Knight is king of the one-night stand. Dylan, the gorgeous twink working in the craft store below his apartment, is supposed to be just that: a hookup. But Liam wants to protect Dylan from anyone taking advantage of him, and it fuels the spark growing between them.
Dylan Waters is poised to fall hard—and not just for hunky Liam from his knitting PTSD support group. He’s juggling jobs, a college transfer, and panic attacks that his mother’s alternative medicine won’t fix. He can help others, but he’s never managed to accept help himself.
They’re both hiding from their pasts, but the closer they grow, the less room there is to run. When it all goes up in smoke, can they save each other—and the relationship that could make them both believe in love?
Afterburn is the first book in the After series, which explores mental health challenges with gentle humor and heart while hunky firefighters turn up the heat. It can be enjoyed on its own, and promises a happily-ever-after.
Santa Barbara firefighter Liam Knight is king of the one-night stand. Dylan, the gorgeous twink working in the craft store below his apartment, is supposed to be just that: a hookup. But Liam wants to protect Dylan from anyone taking advantage of him, and it fuels the spark growing between them.
Dylan Waters is poised to fall hard—and not just for hunky Liam from his knitting PTSD support group. He’s juggling jobs, a college transfer, and panic attacks that his mother’s alternative medicine won’t fix. He can help others, but he’s never managed to accept help himself.
They’re both hiding from their pasts, but the closer they grow, the less room there is to run. When it all goes up in smoke, can they save each other—and the relationship that could make them both believe in love?
Afterburn is the first book in the After series, which explores mental health challenges with gentle humor and heart while hunky firefighters turn up the heat. It can be enjoyed on its own, and promises a happily-ever-after.
244 pages, ebook
First published July 26, 2016
166 people are currently reading
444 people want to read
About the author
E. Davies
130 books724 followersE. Davies writes feel-good, low-angst romance that never fades to black when the going gets good! Born in Canada, after 16 moves and counting, Ed has finally put down roots in north London.
He emerges from his writing nest to coo over fuzzy animals, flee from cute guys, dance through the streets with his chosen family, put together fierce looks, and—most of all—befriend local flowers.
Newsletter: edaviesbooks.com/subscribe
Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/edavies
He emerges from his writing nest to coo over fuzzy animals, flee from cute guys, dance through the streets with his chosen family, put together fierce looks, and—most of all—befriend local flowers.
Newsletter: edaviesbooks.com/subscribe
Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/edavies
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
August 29, 2016
Afterburn was better edited than many KU books I've read recently, but I couldn't get into the story.
The MCs weren't well developed. Both were in denial about their respective issues and acted more like teens vs. grown men. Their conversations felt scripted and shallow. Despite the potential for some healing/comfort, the plot dragged.
I started skimming around the 50 percent mark. Even the epilogue was uninspired.
Same old recycled crap.
The MCs weren't well developed. Both were in denial about their respective issues and acted more like teens vs. grown men. Their conversations felt scripted and shallow. Despite the potential for some healing/comfort, the plot dragged.
I started skimming around the 50 percent mark. Even the epilogue was uninspired.
Same old recycled crap.
dnf-not-4-me
August 12, 2016After 5 days of trying and reaching 65%, I decided to give up on this one. It is another standard formulaic M/M KU book with a story we've read multiple times only with different character professions and names.
High ratings on Amazon show just how unreliable Amazon reviews can be.
I keep reading them, hoping for a diamond in the rough, but this one failed that test.
High ratings on Amazon show just how unreliable Amazon reviews can be.
I keep reading them, hoping for a diamond in the rough, but this one failed that test.
September 9, 2016
There were a couple instances in this book where it would appear E. Davies forgot a previous scene had been removed, so later references to it made no sense...
"'Do you often order delivery pizza?' Liam's eyes were sparkling. 'From boys in crop tops?' 'Oh my God,' Dylan groaned as the memory of that hunk leaning in his doorway and giving him the once-over popped back into his head that easily."
So the problem here is, I don't recall any pizza delivery guy scene at all, much less one where the delivery guy leered at either MC.
"'What do you mean, bring pie or look up?'"
Huh? After analyzing it for a bit, I think I know what it means. I think.
The scene where Dylan visits Liam at the firehouse for the first time makes almost no sense whatsoever. The dialogue between the two of them and the rest of the firefighters was so confusing... I was just lost. I think there were sneaky references to inside jokes that the reader wasn't privy to, which... Do I need to explain why that's wrong?
Then Liam tells his captain, "'I followed your advice. I got a boyfriend now, everything's sorted out.'"
That...wasn't what his captain suggested. But okay.
"'Do you often order delivery pizza?' Liam's eyes were sparkling. 'From boys in crop tops?' 'Oh my God,' Dylan groaned as the memory of that hunk leaning in his doorway and giving him the once-over popped back into his head that easily."
So the problem here is, I don't recall any pizza delivery guy scene at all, much less one where the delivery guy leered at either MC.
"'What do you mean, bring pie or look up?'"
Huh? After analyzing it for a bit, I think I know what it means. I think.
The scene where Dylan visits Liam at the firehouse for the first time makes almost no sense whatsoever. The dialogue between the two of them and the rest of the firefighters was so confusing... I was just lost. I think there were sneaky references to inside jokes that the reader wasn't privy to, which... Do I need to explain why that's wrong?
Then Liam tells his captain, "'I followed your advice. I got a boyfriend now, everything's sorted out.'"
That...wasn't what his captain suggested. But okay.
August 8, 2016
I have previously bought and started 'Buzz' but I never finished it, because I thought the plot was ridiculous.
However this caught my attention and the price was right for an author I wasn't too sure about, and I'm glad I bought it.
This wasn't a literary masterpiece for the ages, it follows this trend in MM literature with 'sugary sweet actions, insta-lust/love and forgiveness and HEA for EVERYONE' (also the effing covers are similar in build and colors, which make them even more mainstream IMO). I do think it's awesome that LGBT literature is becoming mainstream, BUT for me it's been a while since I've stumbled over a new MM book, that I HAD to devour.
This book follows the trend, but it also surpasses the trend in more than one place.
Dylan and Liam are both 'broken' men. Liam doesn't know that he's got issues, Dylan ignores his issues.
Liam lives above the craft store where Dylan works parttime, and works as a fireman. After one of his MANY hook-ups, he's late to work, and his boss demands he goes to some kind of therapy (apparently the boss sees something in Liam's behavior, that raises some flags.)
Liam and David meet and sparks fly, BUT this is no 'normal-insta-lust/love-take-your-pants-off-now' story.
They gravitate towards each other, yes, but they talk, they text and finally they date, BEFORE any clothes are removed.
Meanwhile Liam is going to therapy AND taking it seriously.
Dylan meanwhile was raised by his (eccentric doesn't quite cover it) mother. And homeschooled .
Dylan has panic attacks in crowded places, which makes going to school to become a THERAPIST quite a challenge.
But both Liam and Dylan are trying to live normal lives. And when they start dating, things seem to settle for a bit.
Through it all though, Dylan deals with VERY low self-esteem and panic attacks, but still maintaining that he doesn't need help (quite disconcerting that he doesn't recognize that he TRULY does need help, when he's becoming a THERAPIST.)
When they finally get their full freak on, it's without a condom the first time, which made me roll my eyes (this is another terrible trend in new MM! This inherent disregard for yourself! As well as this ridiculous notion that: 'Oh, he says he's clean, then he's totally clean'. I know that it's ROMANTIC and shows trust in your partner, but this articulation that it's okay to forego the condoms because your partner tells you it's not a problem.... PUH-LEASE!!!! Show some fucking responsibility! You as authors have power over your audience, and for fucks sake; to preach responsibility is not a bad thing! Also it makes your MC's LOOK and SOUND smarter!)
Of course there is a crisis around the 70-80% mark, but it worked for the story, and showed both Liam and Dylan in a better light (after the crisis and with their solution.)
All in all this was better than other new MM books (with the purple/pink covers, two bare torsos and a fancy font).
There were some issues sure, but it could just be that I'm too god damn critical. However I don't think this is the last book by E. Davies that I will read.
However this caught my attention and the price was right for an author I wasn't too sure about, and I'm glad I bought it.
This wasn't a literary masterpiece for the ages, it follows this trend in MM literature with 'sugary sweet actions, insta-lust/love and forgiveness and HEA for EVERYONE' (also the effing covers are similar in build and colors, which make them even more mainstream IMO). I do think it's awesome that LGBT literature is becoming mainstream, BUT for me it's been a while since I've stumbled over a new MM book, that I HAD to devour.
This book follows the trend, but it also surpasses the trend in more than one place.
Dylan and Liam are both 'broken' men. Liam doesn't know that he's got issues, Dylan ignores his issues.
Liam lives above the craft store where Dylan works parttime, and works as a fireman. After one of his MANY hook-ups, he's late to work, and his boss demands he goes to some kind of therapy (apparently the boss sees something in Liam's behavior, that raises some flags.)
Liam and David meet and sparks fly, BUT this is no 'normal-insta-lust/love-take-your-pants-off-now' story.
They gravitate towards each other, yes, but they talk, they text and finally they date, BEFORE any clothes are removed.
Meanwhile Liam is going to therapy AND taking it seriously.
Dylan meanwhile was raised by his (eccentric doesn't quite cover it) mother. And homeschooled .
Dylan has panic attacks in crowded places, which makes going to school to become a THERAPIST quite a challenge.
But both Liam and Dylan are trying to live normal lives. And when they start dating, things seem to settle for a bit.
Through it all though, Dylan deals with VERY low self-esteem and panic attacks, but still maintaining that he doesn't need help (quite disconcerting that he doesn't recognize that he TRULY does need help, when he's becoming a THERAPIST.)
When they finally get their full freak on, it's without a condom the first time, which made me roll my eyes (this is another terrible trend in new MM! This inherent disregard for yourself! As well as this ridiculous notion that: 'Oh, he says he's clean, then he's totally clean'. I know that it's ROMANTIC and shows trust in your partner, but this articulation that it's okay to forego the condoms because your partner tells you it's not a problem.... PUH-LEASE!!!! Show some fucking responsibility! You as authors have power over your audience, and for fucks sake; to preach responsibility is not a bad thing! Also it makes your MC's LOOK and SOUND smarter!)
Of course there is a crisis around the 70-80% mark, but it worked for the story, and showed both Liam and Dylan in a better light (after the crisis and with their solution.)
All in all this was better than other new MM books (with the purple/pink covers, two bare torsos and a fancy font).
There were some issues sure, but it could just be that I'm too god damn critical. However I don't think this is the last book by E. Davies that I will read.
August 12, 2016
I gave up at 45%. I just can't get back into it when I have been skimming for the last 10% of the book.
February 10, 2021
You can tell that this is one of this author's earlier books. A lot of the things I love about his writing wasn't there and it all felt a little overly dramatic and messy.
June 17, 2023
I'm fond of firefighter MCs so I picked this up and yes, Liam is a likeable hero. 😊 This is a slowburn, hurt/comfort story between Liam and Dylan who are both suffering from PTSD. Not too hard to read emotion-wise but a bit slow-paced. A good amount of therapy discussion and support group, and plenty of on-page flashbacks (for those who find this triggering).
It's a nice change to witness two men who chose to date first before engaging in sex, both testing the waters when it comes to their limitations and triggers. Overall, a good story to read.
It's a nice change to witness two men who chose to date first before engaging in sex, both testing the waters when it comes to their limitations and triggers. Overall, a good story to read.
Want to read
January 4, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/4/2021)! 🎁
August 2, 2016
Sweet Story of Personal Success
For all that the summary screams, “I’m full of angst and drama,” this book really is fairly light throughout. Both Liam and Dylan have emotionally traumatizing pasts that adversely affect their present. Can they learn to walk solely in the present, or will the afterburn of their pasts tear apart their future?
I enjoyed walking through my first E. Davies book. Dylan is a hot mess, flashing back left and right and falling apart on a moment’s notice. Liam is more stable mentally, but still with issues that even he isn’t aware of. I loved that Dylan works in a craft shop and that there is a knitting circle of all these stereotypical tough guys who use it as an opportunity for therapy. Talk about blowing perceptions right out of the water!
This is a slow burn (pardon the pun) book. There are only two fully intimate scenes, and the first one doesn’t happen until you’re more than halfway through. It helps to really focus the story on the two men rather than just their physical attraction to one another. That said, it is abundantly clear how much they want each other through strong chemistry, and that phase of getting to know one another is beautifully displayed.
The plot is straightforward, and the peripheral characters are few but really help to develop the world in which the story takes place. The character growth of the two mains is tremendous, and the ending is adorable. This is a solid four star read. Pick it up and give it a try. You’ll be glad you did!
A review copy of Afterburn was provided by the author, E. Davies, for an honest review.
For all that the summary screams, “I’m full of angst and drama,” this book really is fairly light throughout. Both Liam and Dylan have emotionally traumatizing pasts that adversely affect their present. Can they learn to walk solely in the present, or will the afterburn of their pasts tear apart their future?
I enjoyed walking through my first E. Davies book. Dylan is a hot mess, flashing back left and right and falling apart on a moment’s notice. Liam is more stable mentally, but still with issues that even he isn’t aware of. I loved that Dylan works in a craft shop and that there is a knitting circle of all these stereotypical tough guys who use it as an opportunity for therapy. Talk about blowing perceptions right out of the water!
This is a slow burn (pardon the pun) book. There are only two fully intimate scenes, and the first one doesn’t happen until you’re more than halfway through. It helps to really focus the story on the two men rather than just their physical attraction to one another. That said, it is abundantly clear how much they want each other through strong chemistry, and that phase of getting to know one another is beautifully displayed.
The plot is straightforward, and the peripheral characters are few but really help to develop the world in which the story takes place. The character growth of the two mains is tremendous, and the ending is adorable. This is a solid four star read. Pick it up and give it a try. You’ll be glad you did!
A review copy of Afterburn was provided by the author, E. Davies, for an honest review.
August 9, 2016
KU-ing :-). True rating: 2.5 stars. I wanted to give it at least 3 stars, but couldn't. Bummer. Was into the story until 50%, then I just started skimming and getting, well, bored :-/. I was really prepared to like this and it was headed in the right direction in the beginning but it completely lost me. This turned from 'good' to 'just okay', for me. Like I said, bummer. I AM going to keep an eye out for Chris's story though - hopefully it'll be a way more exciting one :-)!
August 16, 2016
This book is not worth the time you have to put in to get through it. No es bueno!!!!
August 8, 2019
A bit different from the other books I've read in this genre, mostly because it kind of reads like a story about overcoming and dealing with a traumatic past, and the characters just happens to be gay. I appreciated that.
August 6, 2016
****4 You’re worth the world Stars****
This story has all of the feels, all the emotions! It is a sweet love story between Dylan and Liam. But this is so much more than just a love story! It tackles what some people still consider a difficult subject, mental illness. Both Dylan and Liam have triggers from past traumatic experiences that make it difficult for each of them to love another. Liam is a firefighter, Dylan is a college student, and works 2 part time jobs. Their friendship is wrought with sexual tension, and the first half of the book is leading up to their first steamy encounter. But that is when Mr. Davies gets creative and sends them on a roller coaster of events that almost destroys them. I loved that the story delved into how they learned to cope with their mental illnesses and what helped them.
A couple quotes I loved while reading this delightful love story.
That hideous plaid shirt and khaki shorts? Worse yet, socks and sandals? Definitely straight.
Not only is he a total sweetheart, he’s a hero… but not one of the guys who thinks of himself that way.
1-click Afterburn and prepare yourself for a sweet, yet insightful journey of young love.
****ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review****
This story has all of the feels, all the emotions! It is a sweet love story between Dylan and Liam. But this is so much more than just a love story! It tackles what some people still consider a difficult subject, mental illness. Both Dylan and Liam have triggers from past traumatic experiences that make it difficult for each of them to love another. Liam is a firefighter, Dylan is a college student, and works 2 part time jobs. Their friendship is wrought with sexual tension, and the first half of the book is leading up to their first steamy encounter. But that is when Mr. Davies gets creative and sends them on a roller coaster of events that almost destroys them. I loved that the story delved into how they learned to cope with their mental illnesses and what helped them.
A couple quotes I loved while reading this delightful love story.
That hideous plaid shirt and khaki shorts? Worse yet, socks and sandals? Definitely straight.
Not only is he a total sweetheart, he’s a hero… but not one of the guys who thinks of himself that way.
1-click Afterburn and prepare yourself for a sweet, yet insightful journey of young love.
****ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review****
dnf
August 9, 2016Oh my god! This was so boring.
October 4, 2016
Book: Afterburn
Author: E. Davies
Rating: 4.50 stars
First I want to say what I loved most from this story what the opposites of these two characters. One is big and muscular, the other slender and sleek, one knows about his mental health issues but refuses to acknowledge he needs therapy, the other doesn’t realize his actions are the cause of a deeper trauma from his past.
Dylan is a college student, intern, and part-time worker and each one of these things play a major part in his life. These aren’t just things he does they are part of who he is and wants to become. Due to a past assault he is terrified of crowds. I know some people who read this story had issues with the fact that Dylan knows about his issues but as a guy studying to be an Art Therapist is anti-therapy for himself but I would like to add there are reasons for his problem with therapy, many of them really. Ones, that as someone who went through therapy and knows of people close to me that have problems but refuse to go to therapy, I believe are completely real and believable. As the saying goes doctors make the worst patients. I actually think watching him struggle through his issues while seeing Liam recognize and work on his was amazing.
Through the craft store that Dylan works at we get to meet firefighter Liam Knight. There is this immediate attraction between them which is slowly built throughout the story. Liam gets in trouble at work and his boss wants him to go to therapy. Liam of course says fine but knows there is nothing wrong with him. So what he is horny all the time and gets a rush out of hooking up, that is not a bad thing. Right? Liam’s journey is actually very different than Dylan's but runs parallel because his path of fixing his issues is what causes Dylan to see his differently. I think of Liam as this secret romantic and big softy. He loves the school tours at the firehouse and he loves showing Dylan he is worth everything.
There was a slow pace to the story but that is one thing I couldn’t see being any other way. There is so much with each of these men that needs to be worked on separately and together that there was no way to make it go faster. I think that Mr. Davies addressed each issue with the full attention it needed and I personally would’ve been disappointed if the mental health issues these two men faced were rushed through and not given proper work through. Dylan’s mom and their relationship also play a big part in Dylan’s story one that plays a huge part in Dylan’s past and present.
There were many things I liked about this story and really very little that I didn’t. There were some lines that went right over my head but not a big enough thing to take me out of the story. Although this story deals with mental health issues it is rather low angst. I recommend this story if you are in the mood for a slow build romance and a mental health journey handled remarkably well.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://diversereader.blogspot.com/*
Author: E. Davies
Rating: 4.50 stars
First I want to say what I loved most from this story what the opposites of these two characters. One is big and muscular, the other slender and sleek, one knows about his mental health issues but refuses to acknowledge he needs therapy, the other doesn’t realize his actions are the cause of a deeper trauma from his past.
Dylan is a college student, intern, and part-time worker and each one of these things play a major part in his life. These aren’t just things he does they are part of who he is and wants to become. Due to a past assault he is terrified of crowds. I know some people who read this story had issues with the fact that Dylan knows about his issues but as a guy studying to be an Art Therapist is anti-therapy for himself but I would like to add there are reasons for his problem with therapy, many of them really. Ones, that as someone who went through therapy and knows of people close to me that have problems but refuse to go to therapy, I believe are completely real and believable. As the saying goes doctors make the worst patients. I actually think watching him struggle through his issues while seeing Liam recognize and work on his was amazing.
Through the craft store that Dylan works at we get to meet firefighter Liam Knight. There is this immediate attraction between them which is slowly built throughout the story. Liam gets in trouble at work and his boss wants him to go to therapy. Liam of course says fine but knows there is nothing wrong with him. So what he is horny all the time and gets a rush out of hooking up, that is not a bad thing. Right? Liam’s journey is actually very different than Dylan's but runs parallel because his path of fixing his issues is what causes Dylan to see his differently. I think of Liam as this secret romantic and big softy. He loves the school tours at the firehouse and he loves showing Dylan he is worth everything.
There was a slow pace to the story but that is one thing I couldn’t see being any other way. There is so much with each of these men that needs to be worked on separately and together that there was no way to make it go faster. I think that Mr. Davies addressed each issue with the full attention it needed and I personally would’ve been disappointed if the mental health issues these two men faced were rushed through and not given proper work through. Dylan’s mom and their relationship also play a big part in Dylan’s story one that plays a huge part in Dylan’s past and present.
There were many things I liked about this story and really very little that I didn’t. There were some lines that went right over my head but not a big enough thing to take me out of the story. Although this story deals with mental health issues it is rather low angst. I recommend this story if you are in the mood for a slow build romance and a mental health journey handled remarkably well.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://diversereader.blogspot.com/*
October 14, 2017
3.5 Stars!
I was a little reluctant to start this series at it seemed a little darker in terms of the characters' issues, however, this book and others turned out to be uplifting tales about loving each other imperfections and struggles and all.
Liam is a firefighter who isn't doing well well but doesn't really know it. I like how the book deals with the hypersexual aspect of PTSD and how for once the hero gets therapy.
Dylan has his own struggles with panic. They meet and starting dating and it is a lovely journey in a great setting in Santa Barbara.
I was a little reluctant to start this series at it seemed a little darker in terms of the characters' issues, however, this book and others turned out to be uplifting tales about loving each other imperfections and struggles and all.
Liam is a firefighter who isn't doing well well but doesn't really know it. I like how the book deals with the hypersexual aspect of PTSD and how for once the hero gets therapy.
Dylan has his own struggles with panic. They meet and starting dating and it is a lovely journey in a great setting in Santa Barbara.
March 19, 2021
3.5 stars.
This book was like a warm hug on a cold day. It had a couple battling individual traumas and dealing with them the best they knew how. It had a hot firefighter that met his match and a psych major trying to understand his anxiety. Who ever thought knitting was a way to deal with trauma? Not me! But I loved getting to see the various ways that people can choose to heal from the hurts they have suffered. It was funny and sweet but somehow more. I loved this start to the series and will be back for more.
This book was like a warm hug on a cold day. It had a couple battling individual traumas and dealing with them the best they knew how. It had a hot firefighter that met his match and a psych major trying to understand his anxiety. Who ever thought knitting was a way to deal with trauma? Not me! But I loved getting to see the various ways that people can choose to heal from the hurts they have suffered. It was funny and sweet but somehow more. I loved this start to the series and will be back for more.
August 7, 2016
**)Allowing the past to ruin the future
.•.•*) .•*)is like allowing the flames of the sun
(.• (.•`*to be extinguished. -- CEE BROWN(AUG. 6, 2016)
I have read E. Davies's books before. This was unlike any I had ever read from him. It was full of angst, and feels and left a resounding message. It is never to late to ask for help. It is never to late to say I was wrong.
Liam Knight was lost. A firefighter who was fighting his own demons with no means of stopping until it almost cost him his career...again. His supervisor issued a warning: get help or else. Meeting Dylan Waters turned out to be the best help he could find. Anxiety-ridden Dylan has had a tough life. With a hippy mother who believed in alternative medicine she tried to continuously force on him, Dylan still had moments where he freezes in crowds due to bullying in his earlier days. He's getting better, or so he thinks. Even though Dylan is working part time in a therapist office, while getting his degree in art therapy, he refuses help. Yet he is quick to point Liam in that direction.
How do two guys suffering from different degrees of PTSD enter into a relationship and survive? It took a bit of creativity on E. Davies' part because truthfully, this was had disaster written all over it. But, our author took a gentle soul like Liam, and paired him with a sweet, helpful man like Dylan and made a combination that's saccharine and needful. Oh, and he threw in some needlepoint. Say what?
I enjoyed the writing style, and thought provoking words. It was good to see both men fighting their demons and coming out better on the other side. And what made it real was that both accepted that help WAS needed and they got there with help from one another.
ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Cee from Alpha Book Club
.•.•*) .•*)is like allowing the flames of the sun
(.• (.•`*to be extinguished. -- CEE BROWN(AUG. 6, 2016)
I have read E. Davies's books before. This was unlike any I had ever read from him. It was full of angst, and feels and left a resounding message. It is never to late to ask for help. It is never to late to say I was wrong.
Liam Knight was lost. A firefighter who was fighting his own demons with no means of stopping until it almost cost him his career...again. His supervisor issued a warning: get help or else. Meeting Dylan Waters turned out to be the best help he could find. Anxiety-ridden Dylan has had a tough life. With a hippy mother who believed in alternative medicine she tried to continuously force on him, Dylan still had moments where he freezes in crowds due to bullying in his earlier days. He's getting better, or so he thinks. Even though Dylan is working part time in a therapist office, while getting his degree in art therapy, he refuses help. Yet he is quick to point Liam in that direction.
How do two guys suffering from different degrees of PTSD enter into a relationship and survive? It took a bit of creativity on E. Davies' part because truthfully, this was had disaster written all over it. But, our author took a gentle soul like Liam, and paired him with a sweet, helpful man like Dylan and made a combination that's saccharine and needful. Oh, and he threw in some needlepoint. Say what?
I enjoyed the writing style, and thought provoking words. It was good to see both men fighting their demons and coming out better on the other side. And what made it real was that both accepted that help WAS needed and they got there with help from one another.
ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Cee from Alpha Book Club
January 30, 2021
It's a good book, it deals with important topics like PSTD, but I haven't been able to fully empathize with the characters. The story, especially Liam's, seemed rushed and with some missing pieces. The love story is sweet and it has a HEA but I expected a litle more depth.
February 12, 2020
PLEASE READ MY RATING SYSTEM!!!
To my ratings:
A 3,5* is clicked with a 4* but in review marked as 3,5*:
5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-Away-book like ‘Jesse's Smile’ or ‘Joey’ from Angelique Jurd, ‘Save the the kids’ series
from EM Leya, ‘Love’s Tethered Heart’ from C.L. Etta or ‘Liberty’ from Seth King),
it's like an A+
4* - very good and will be often reread and is a WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises (like most of Andrew Grey books and Davidson Kings 'Haven Hart'-series)
it's like an A
3,5* - a really good book, which will be reread a few times (most romances where you can enjoy for relaxing and during waiting times in
hospitals). I can recommend them definitively!
It's like an B+
3* - it could be more then a one-time-reader (2-3 times a year),
it's like a B
2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time-reader (I wouldn't recommend it heartily, but it was ok)
It's like a C-, D
1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (too many mistakes, not nice plot, illogical, so an absolute NO-GO). It's like failure in the
whole line, dismissed, repeat the class
To my ratings:
A 3,5* is clicked with a 4* but in review marked as 3,5*:
5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-Away-book like ‘Jesse's Smile’ or ‘Joey’ from Angelique Jurd, ‘Save the the kids’ series
from EM Leya, ‘Love’s Tethered Heart’ from C.L. Etta or ‘Liberty’ from Seth King),
it's like an A+
4* - very good and will be often reread and is a WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises (like most of Andrew Grey books and Davidson Kings 'Haven Hart'-series)
it's like an A
3,5* - a really good book, which will be reread a few times (most romances where you can enjoy for relaxing and during waiting times in
hospitals). I can recommend them definitively!
It's like an B+
3* - it could be more then a one-time-reader (2-3 times a year),
it's like a B
2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time-reader (I wouldn't recommend it heartily, but it was ok)
It's like a C-, D
1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (too many mistakes, not nice plot, illogical, so an absolute NO-GO). It's like failure in the
whole line, dismissed, repeat the class
January 6, 2021
So the blurb is just plain wrong compared to the book. And I expected Liam to be a player that grew a conscious but instead it's Liam being fluffy and we are told he does hook ups but it never happens.
I also assumed there would be plenty of angst in it, but unlike Dylan's anxiety, it was lacking in the book for the reader.
I will spoil something about Liam because it's important I felt. He is diagnosed with hypersexuality, but his character doesn't act as someone that needs it to cope. He doesn't hook up with anyone for weeks after talking to Dylan a couple of times.
Any crossing the line on his part doesn't happen so really his problems have no impact on the story because his reactions are so bland.
I don't mean to be harsh but I dislike when a blurb misleads the reader.
Along with the fact that some of it doesn't make sense, conversations happen that have no context and left me confused, as if something was missing.
I finished the book but I don't feel it's a good take on mental health as the author intended it to be.
I also assumed there would be plenty of angst in it, but unlike Dylan's anxiety, it was lacking in the book for the reader.
I will spoil something about Liam because it's important I felt. He is diagnosed with hypersexuality, but his character doesn't act as someone that needs it to cope. He doesn't hook up with anyone for weeks after talking to Dylan a couple of times.
Any crossing the line on his part doesn't happen so really his problems have no impact on the story because his reactions are so bland.
I don't mean to be harsh but I dislike when a blurb misleads the reader.
Along with the fact that some of it doesn't make sense, conversations happen that have no context and left me confused, as if something was missing.
I finished the book but I don't feel it's a good take on mental health as the author intended it to be.
December 7, 2022
This is an older book and I think that probably says alot about it.
Admirable attempts to dive into trauma (sexual assault and bullying) in relation to the two main characters. I just didn’t think it went far enough particularly with how each were impacted and what each were doing or had done to address the issues. I didn’t feel like one of the characters behaviours were consistent with the diagnoses either …. I expected him to be tougher and more indiscriminate given the synopsis.
This one promises a great deal but for mind it didn’t quite deliver.
Admirable attempts to dive into trauma (sexual assault and bullying) in relation to the two main characters. I just didn’t think it went far enough particularly with how each were impacted and what each were doing or had done to address the issues. I didn’t feel like one of the characters behaviours were consistent with the diagnoses either …. I expected him to be tougher and more indiscriminate given the synopsis.
This one promises a great deal but for mind it didn’t quite deliver.
May 25, 2021
Brilliant
I loved this book as it portrayed having PTSD in ways many people don’t think of. Everyone understands those who work in the Armed Forces or those in emergency services can suffer from this condition but as shown in this story it can manifest from other events. Of course in showing the realities of dealing with this condition it could possibly be a trigger, so please read the blurb well. Can’t wait to read Afterglo Xx
I loved this book as it portrayed having PTSD in ways many people don’t think of. Everyone understands those who work in the Armed Forces or those in emergency services can suffer from this condition but as shown in this story it can manifest from other events. Of course in showing the realities of dealing with this condition it could possibly be a trigger, so please read the blurb well. Can’t wait to read Afterglo Xx
January 20, 2017
Awesome read. I was attracted to these characters and wanted to know more about them from page one. Not sure if it's a series per-say but I see where it can lead off with supporting characters from this one. This is a real story and the situations feel like they could happen, how we think and process ourselves when we start a new relationship. Can't wait for the next.
June 26, 2017
Well done
I liked this story. I enjoyed the characters and I liked that they had realistic problems and acted like real people, but I also feel like it wouldn't hurt to have some stronger feelings really emote from the pages. I felt like their feelings could have been amplified at times. This is still a good book and you should check it out.
Now to read the rest of the trilogy.
I liked this story. I enjoyed the characters and I liked that they had realistic problems and acted like real people, but I also feel like it wouldn't hurt to have some stronger feelings really emote from the pages. I felt like their feelings could have been amplified at times. This is still a good book and you should check it out.
Now to read the rest of the trilogy.
February 17, 2021
Not the best written book that I've read recently but I liked it.
I adore Liam but he did discover his PTSD issue really quickly whereas poor Dylan is still struggling to manage his issues.
Not your typical couple or route of hook up but it was an easy read and is currently free to download.
I enjoyed it
I adore Liam but he did discover his PTSD issue really quickly whereas poor Dylan is still struggling to manage his issues.
Not your typical couple or route of hook up but it was an easy read and is currently free to download.
I enjoyed it
July 7, 2021
Never be afraid to ask for help.
Trying to find love and trying to find help can be a journey through hell and fire if you fear the flames all around you. Reaching out for a hand to guide you is one of the most important tool's in fighting the fires of love . Love = a heart and a hand. ( Never be afraid to ask for help. )
Trying to find love and trying to find help can be a journey through hell and fire if you fear the flames all around you. Reaching out for a hand to guide you is one of the most important tool's in fighting the fires of love . Love = a heart and a hand. ( Never be afraid to ask for help. )
December 8, 2021
Oh to be loved unconditionally
Loved this so much. Not what I expected but was so much more. PTSD can affect so many more than service people and this story exemplified this. Avoid if you are triggered by childhood assaults. Gives us hope that there can be light at the end of the tunnel! Can’t wait for the next in this series.
Loved this so much. Not what I expected but was so much more. PTSD can affect so many more than service people and this story exemplified this. Avoid if you are triggered by childhood assaults. Gives us hope that there can be light at the end of the tunnel! Can’t wait for the next in this series.
June 29, 2022
Knitting can bring you into love.
Dylan being withdrawn when surrounded by crowds and having anxiety attacks is a wreck. Berries to solve his problem on his own. Liam's problems arise from having nonsatisfying hook-ups and with being a firefighter PTSD, has to get the helps he needs. Liam and Dylan find each other and help each other with there problems.
Dylan being withdrawn when surrounded by crowds and having anxiety attacks is a wreck. Berries to solve his problem on his own. Liam's problems arise from having nonsatisfying hook-ups and with being a firefighter PTSD, has to get the helps he needs. Liam and Dylan find each other and help each other with there problems.
August 31, 2023
it could have used one more draft before the final book. it felt inconsistent and the characters didn't make much sense too me. sometimes they felt ooc. i can't get over dylan studying psych, wanting to become a therapist but absolutely refusing to go to therapy. idk the romance was somewhat cute and for the most part i was either annoyed or bored. not for me :)
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