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Submersed
My name is Olivia Sharpe. I live in glitzy Las Vegas at the top of the Sharpe Hotel and Casino, shut away from the world just the way I like it.
Five years ago, the first and only time I gave myself to a man, something terrible happened. Since then, I’ve remained isolated where no one can hurt me. Recently, in a moment of weakness, of desperate loneliness, I called someone. Some call him gigolo, others call him an escort, rent-boy, or a male prostitute. I call him Dillon.
I had only meant to paint him, to capture his tan muscled physique, those chiseled features, that captivating smile on canvas. However, what started out as one call turned into two, into three…then everything changed.
Five years ago, the first and only time I gave myself to a man, something terrible happened. Since then, I’ve remained isolated where no one can hurt me. Recently, in a moment of weakness, of desperate loneliness, I called someone. Some call him gigolo, others call him an escort, rent-boy, or a male prostitute. I call him Dillon.
I had only meant to paint him, to capture his tan muscled physique, those chiseled features, that captivating smile on canvas. However, what started out as one call turned into two, into three…then everything changed.
195 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 16, 2012
2 people are currently reading
900 people want to read
About the author
Claire Embry
16 books4 followersClaire Embry enjoys writing about nice guys who are a little bit naughty and the women who love them. She married the love of her life (a nice guy, of course) when she was still a teenager, and they’ve enjoyed a child-free happily-ever-after ever since. Sign up for her newsletter here.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 21, 2014
I was really excited to read this book. I liked the whole concept of a girl with a tragic past hiding in her condo because she suffered something horrific. Olivia needs to go to a charity even that is hosted by her father. Not wanting to worry her dad anymore that she never interacts with people, she looks up a male escort on the internet for date. This way she does not have to interact any more than she has to. She just needs to get through the night. However, what Olivia does not expect is the handsome and charismatic escort, Dillon.
Dillon was very likable. He just seemed so down to earth. I can’t think of any other words to describe this guy. I think he brought out the best in Olivia. Almost god sent. He made her laugh, he made her feel comfortable, he was kind and he brought no drama to her life. He did not judge.
I think what happened to Olivia that made her close herself off from society, happens to a lot of girls. I just think that many are just too afraid to admit it. It may not seem like something that drastic, but I think I can see how it can really mess up with someone feeling safe.
I was glad to hear from the author that there is going to be a sequel, because I do not like the way it ended at all. If there was not going to be a sequel, I was going to give it 3 stars. It was very matter of fact kind of ending. I don’t know how else to say it without giving it away. I am wondering about something in the book, but not sure if I want it answered.
I am glad I read it. I cannot pass a book with a gigolo in it. *smiley face with a wink* I will be checking out more books by this author.
March 20, 2013
4.5 stars!
I'm glad that the ratings did not sway my decision to read this book. I absolutely loved it! The characters were great! Olivia and Dillon had great chemistry and the plot was interesting. Olivia suffers from extreme anxiety due to difficult things in her past and the story is the journey she goes through to overcome it. I actually enjoyed the ending because it wasn't what you expected it to be. Don't get me wrong, I love happily ever after endings but this ending gave a little twist which was a welcomed surprise. There were a few funny parts which was nice and the sexual tension between the Dillon and Olivia was hot!
"Dillon had that type of confidence I wished I could bottle up and take a swig of from time to time."
I'm glad that the ratings did not sway my decision to read this book. I absolutely loved it! The characters were great! Olivia and Dillon had great chemistry and the plot was interesting. Olivia suffers from extreme anxiety due to difficult things in her past and the story is the journey she goes through to overcome it. I actually enjoyed the ending because it wasn't what you expected it to be. Don't get me wrong, I love happily ever after endings but this ending gave a little twist which was a welcomed surprise. There were a few funny parts which was nice and the sexual tension between the Dillon and Olivia was hot!
"Dillon had that type of confidence I wished I could bottle up and take a swig of from time to time."
October 5, 2013
This was a great story to me. Olivia is agoraphobic and lives isolated in her apartment where she basically only sees staff and her father. Because of a situation in her past, she`s afraid of what others will think about her and thinks their laughter must be invariably directed at her ridiculousness. That`s when she meets Dillon, a gigolo, and through each other they start to believe in their worth and capability.
Although the book was a great read throughout, to me the end was its top mark. I was afraid that in the end, she`d just change from being insecure to come to depend on Dillon`s support. But Olivia comes to gradually grow more self-confident and leave her shell, Dillon or no Dillon, and I just loved it.
Although the book was a great read throughout, to me the end was its top mark. I was afraid that in the end, she`d just change from being insecure to come to depend on Dillon`s support. But Olivia comes to gradually grow more self-confident and leave her shell, Dillon or no Dillon, and I just loved it.
October 4, 2025
2017 = 3 stars
2022 = 2 stars / skim read to write review
PLOT: Olivia is a young woman living alone in a penthouse in Las Vegas. She has agoraphobia because of a past event. When she needs a date for a charity event, she hires Dillon, a male escort. She hires him several times, but they don't have sex until near the end. Over time, they begin to develop genuine feelings for each other.
My Main Issues: There was no realism, no feelings were evoked, and my initial interest didn't last long.
☹ Other Problems:
🔻The writing was pretty good, but the story lacks depth. I never felt connected to the characters or cared what happened to them.
🔻 The reasons for Olivia continuing to hire Dillon seemed contrived. She starts going to charity events, when she rarely went to them before. She needed Dillon to model for a painting, when she never used models before.
🔻Olivia is an amazing artist, but there's no mention of any training or education. She becomes successful instantly with little effort. She claims she has to support herself financially, even though her father is a billionaire. She even owns her own island! 🙄
🔻One bad experience with a guy, caused Olivia to have severe anxiety and agoraphobia for 5 years. In the end, without any therapy or help of any kind, she's magically healed and able to live life normally. Just from having sex with Dillon.
🔻The disappointing sex scenes were also skimmed.
🔻Dillon was barely known or understood. He's two-dimensional, rather than a fully fleshed-out man. He felt like a plot device used to help Olivia overcome her issues, and start living again.
🔻The ending is abrupt. Readers are left without a clue as to where the relationship stands, or even if there IS a relationship. Book two was never released, likely because this one didn't do well.
2022 = 2 stars / skim read to write review
PLOT: Olivia is a young woman living alone in a penthouse in Las Vegas. She has agoraphobia because of a past event. When she needs a date for a charity event, she hires Dillon, a male escort. She hires him several times, but they don't have sex until near the end. Over time, they begin to develop genuine feelings for each other.
My Main Issues: There was no realism, no feelings were evoked, and my initial interest didn't last long.
☹ Other Problems:
🔻The writing was pretty good, but the story lacks depth. I never felt connected to the characters or cared what happened to them.
🔻 The reasons for Olivia continuing to hire Dillon seemed contrived. She starts going to charity events, when she rarely went to them before. She needed Dillon to model for a painting, when she never used models before.
🔻Olivia is an amazing artist, but there's no mention of any training or education. She becomes successful instantly with little effort. She claims she has to support herself financially, even though her father is a billionaire. She even owns her own island! 🙄
🔻One bad experience with a guy, caused Olivia to have severe anxiety and agoraphobia for 5 years. In the end, without any therapy or help of any kind, she's magically healed and able to live life normally. Just from having sex with Dillon.
🔻The disappointing sex scenes were also skimmed.
🔻Dillon was barely known or understood. He's two-dimensional, rather than a fully fleshed-out man. He felt like a plot device used to help Olivia overcome her issues, and start living again.
🔻The ending is abrupt. Readers are left without a clue as to where the relationship stands, or even if there IS a relationship. Book two was never released, likely because this one didn't do well.
May 8, 2013
Dillon;
free screen capture software
Dillon is one of the sweetest heros ever. He's perfect. His personality, his attitude. Just great. Loved this story.
free screen capture software
Dillon is one of the sweetest heros ever. He's perfect. His personality, his attitude. Just great. Loved this story.
December 3, 2012
I really enjoyed this book so much, but I was very disappointed in the abrupt ending. I wish we knew what will happen with Dillon and Olivia, it was very ambiguous. I still highly recommend this. It was very enjoyable.
June 26, 2014
I need more!!!
April 22, 2013
Really liked this book. Great storyline and characters. Would highly recommend.
January 1, 2020
Where is the rest of this book. Did Dillon and Olivia have a HEA? How is it that Dillon kept taking money for seeing Olivia but didnt' stop until he was able to save enough money to start his own business? If he was starting to have feelings for her shouldn't he have stop taking payments? This was an interesting story but not sure it taking this route was the right way to get past your insecurities.
August 15, 2023
Submerse yourself...
A private island in the South Pacific
A man who specializes in sexual healing
A woman drowning in the past
Come on in...the water's warm.
Take the plunge and discover what you've been missing.
-Clothing optional-
A private island in the South Pacific
A man who specializes in sexual healing
A woman drowning in the past
Come on in...the water's warm.
Take the plunge and discover what you've been missing.
-Clothing optional-
September 13, 2017
Kind of bland. I didn't really feel the characters.
April 6, 2021
Cute but unrealistic
December 7, 2014
I actually really enjoyed the book, it was a bit different but not in a bad way. The ending was not what I was expecting it to be. Still the same outcome that I was expecting but the whole book was ended in a different WAY than what I was expecting... does that make sense? Well, regardless.
I really liked the book and I think you guys should read it, it's worth it.
I really liked the book and I think you guys should read it, it's worth it.
May 7, 2016
Rather abrupt ending; I would've loved to read more about the relationship between Dillon and Olivia, especially since he was the one pulling her out of her shell. The last 20 pages felt rushed and I at least expected to read some more about Dillon and how the relationship between them unfolds.
Other than that, I absolutely loved Dillon! Such a sweet character!
Other than that, I absolutely loved Dillon! Such a sweet character!
February 5, 2013
The story line was good but where's the rest? You could have gotten so much more story out of this! If i wanted to make up my own endings i would write a book myself. I think the author had a great story going but left it short.
June 22, 2013
The ending kind of disappointed me but I like the thought that every book doesn't have to be about finding love or someone to marry and live happily ever after kind of end. It's an easy read and well-written. ;)
November 16, 2012
2.5-3 stars
January 1, 2013
Didn't like the ending
April 9, 2013
Story was too short but I loved it...very indie!
April 14, 2013
I really enjoyed this book, but the ending was to abrupt. I needed a little more closure to their relationship. It leaves me with too many questions.
Read
May 13, 2013in my mind i'm gonna go with the fact that her and Dillion continued to see each other :)
December 21, 2013
Ok.... I intended to give it a 4 Star until i read the ending. The ending can't be more abrupt?
What a pity as it is a very good story but have to spoil the book with such an ending.
What a pity as it is a very good story but have to spoil the book with such an ending.
June 6, 2015
This was a great book. A must read.
no-dnf-zzz-avoid
May 4, 2016DNF
March 1, 2013
4 1/2 stars. liked both characters!!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews