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Total Immersion
Evan Stanton is in over his head. Injured from a fall on campus, he’s let his boyfriend talk him into a senior year total immersion trip—two weeks abroad—only his boyfriend ends up dumping him shortly before takeoff. Evan gets on the plane anyway, but he’s lost his hope and added to his pain.
Chris Bale decided to spend his senior year of college clearing his head after breaking up with the girl he's dated since high school. He finds himself on a flight to Istanbul next to a surly kid with piercings and guyliner who couldn't be more his opposite. They strike up a friendship anyway, and as they make their way across a foreign land, Bale realizes he’s too immersed in Evan to let go.
(Part of the Dreamspinner Press "Mended" 2014 Daily Dose Anthology)
Chris Bale decided to spend his senior year of college clearing his head after breaking up with the girl he's dated since high school. He finds himself on a flight to Istanbul next to a surly kid with piercings and guyliner who couldn't be more his opposite. They strike up a friendship anyway, and as they make their way across a foreign land, Bale realizes he’s too immersed in Evan to let go.
(Part of the Dreamspinner Press "Mended" 2014 Daily Dose Anthology)
83 pages, ebook
First published May 31, 2014
7 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
Ellis Carrington
14 books125 followersEllis Carrington was born after the Christmas of 2010 when she was gifted a Kindle and discovered the gay romance category on Amazon that same day. Sometimes her heroes are human and sometimes they aren’t, because angels and vampires deserve love too. Her favorite things are great friends, great music, and books that make her forget the outside world.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
dnf
June 26, 2019Well, this one lasted all of about two minutes. At 2% the 1st person narrative slips into 3rd person for a sentence. I can only wonder what other sloppy, inexcusably careless errors await in the remaining 98%. I double-checked my Amazon orders to verify it was a freebie, because if I'd paid money for it I was going to be deeply pissed at myself. I have better things to do with my life than put up with this kind of crap.
December 11, 2014
2.5 stars
*sigh* … maybe I was in the wrong mood but the best way to describe this story is, well, dry.
I was looking forward to something fun happening during the trip because romance on a holiday seems fun to read. However, I never felt connected with these characters. The dual perspectives from Evan and Bale were too similar for me to able to distinctly separate them. In fact, a few times I thought I was reading Evan’s perspective only to realize it was Bale’s.
I am trying to find something that might make me give this story 3 stars (which is my standard for a so-so read). but the truth is, I got bored quick, and if this wasn’t meant for the blog to review, I would’ve DNF it early on. It was at most a MEH read, and no real tension that hooked me to the story. I skimmed through this and by the end, it was already forgotten.
At least kudos for the setting – hey, it was in Istambul!! – and one scene involving a vibrator that was quite fun and made me smile. All in all, it was probably the combination of my mood and the lack of chemistry between myself and the characters. It might be my issue but I still stand on my opinion that I couldn’t really recommend this if you want to have a memorable read.
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
*sigh* … maybe I was in the wrong mood but the best way to describe this story is, well, dry.
I was looking forward to something fun happening during the trip because romance on a holiday seems fun to read. However, I never felt connected with these characters. The dual perspectives from Evan and Bale were too similar for me to able to distinctly separate them. In fact, a few times I thought I was reading Evan’s perspective only to realize it was Bale’s.
I am trying to find something that might make me give this story 3 stars (which is my standard for a so-so read). but the truth is, I got bored quick, and if this wasn’t meant for the blog to review, I would’ve DNF it early on. It was at most a MEH read, and no real tension that hooked me to the story. I skimmed through this and by the end, it was already forgotten.
At least kudos for the setting – hey, it was in Istambul!! – and one scene involving a vibrator that was quite fun and made me smile. All in all, it was probably the combination of my mood and the lack of chemistry between myself and the characters. It might be my issue but I still stand on my opinion that I couldn’t really recommend this if you want to have a memorable read.
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
September 7, 2016
*shurgs*
This was all right. But it didn't rock my world.
Two college seniors meet on a plane heading to a summer program in Turkey and end up bunking together. Evan is the tough guy with tats and piercings who's in a great deal of pain from an accident he had a few months earlier and who was just dumped by his long-term boyfriend. Bale is the preppy one who wants to help Evan with his pain and who just broke up with his girlfriend.
But this isn't a GFY. I don't think. Bale's sexuality was kind of thinly sketched. Probably he's bi. Maybe.
Evan is morose. We're kind of led to believe Evan's pain might be psychological because his ex was a dipshit. The pain miraculously lessens when Bale gives Ev a blowjob.
The guys were friends, and Bale is always putting his arms around Evan, then there's this totally random blowjob. I mean, blowjobs are hot, right? But this one didn't belong.
The book is told from both of the guys' POVs, but the voices sounded almost exactly the same. Both MCs read really young, like high school, not college, seniors. The move from friendship to relationship was super fast; there were a couple steamy scenes, nothing memorable. There was no real plot or tension or angst (a small misunderstanding at the end that weirdly happens off page). This wasn't terrible. It was cute, a quick read, but forgettable.
This was all right. But it didn't rock my world.
Two college seniors meet on a plane heading to a summer program in Turkey and end up bunking together. Evan is the tough guy with tats and piercings who's in a great deal of pain from an accident he had a few months earlier and who was just dumped by his long-term boyfriend. Bale is the preppy one who wants to help Evan with his pain and who just broke up with his girlfriend.
But this isn't a GFY. I don't think. Bale's sexuality was kind of thinly sketched. Probably he's bi. Maybe.
Evan is morose. We're kind of led to believe Evan's pain might be psychological because his ex was a dipshit. The pain miraculously lessens when Bale gives Ev a blowjob.
The guys were friends, and Bale is always putting his arms around Evan, then there's this totally random blowjob. I mean, blowjobs are hot, right? But this one didn't belong.
The book is told from both of the guys' POVs, but the voices sounded almost exactly the same. Both MCs read really young, like high school, not college, seniors. The move from friendship to relationship was super fast; there were a couple steamy scenes, nothing memorable. There was no real plot or tension or angst (a small misunderstanding at the end that weirdly happens off page). This wasn't terrible. It was cute, a quick read, but forgettable.
August 6, 2016
The true test of any relationship is when the love is just as strong in bad times as it is in good. Unfortunately, Evan Stanton didn't have that kind of bond with his boyfriend. After Evan is injured in a fall, his boyfriend decides they need time apart. Discouraged, but determined not to let it stop him, Evan leaves on a journey alone, one that is destined to change his life forever.
When Evan's boyfriend dumps him, he doesn't have a contingency plan, but is determined to take the trip they had planned together. There is little wonder that Evan's condition hasn't improved considering the lack of support from his ex; how could he possibly untangle his twisted muscles and gain the strength needed to improve under such negative conditions? On the plane, he meets Bale, who almost immediately shows Evan more consideration about his disability than anyone ever has. Prone to assuming things, Evan decides that Bale is straight, which causes a lot of conflict for him. As Evan learns more about Bale, he endears himself to Evan in so many ways. Evan begins to see how special he is and his affection for the man deepens. After he discovers that Bale is not straight at all, but very available, Evan is able to embrace the sexual feelings he's tried to suppress. Evan knows that he's becoming happier and healthier as the trip goes on; he also acknowledges that Bale is a big part of the reason why. Evan's outlook becomes more positive and, even though he's hesitant, Evan wonders how he will ever get along without him.
Bale is quite a guy. He's charming in a dorky kind of way. He dresses like a preppie in kakis and button-down shirts, but is wonderfully eccentric inside. He is great at the art of distraction, usually using humor to accomplish this. His thought processes are quite odd, but he expresses them in a marvelously outlandish way. He seems to instinctively know when Evan is hurting and finds a way to make things better for him. Bale sees the pain Evan is carrying around and can't help but want to make him smile again. Bale watches out for Evan, assisting him almost before he knows he needs help, therefore avoiding embarrassment for Evan. Even though Bale nurtures Evan, he also finds ways to encourage his mobility; helping him see that he's stronger than he thinks. By the end of their trip, Bale admits how deeply he feels about Evan and how much it will hurt to let him go.
This is a love story about two seemingly different men who both want the same thing—someone who loves and appreciates them. What they find in each other is honesty and sincerity, something previously lacking in their other relationships. Although it may seem like a short time to fall in love, the truth is, in their concentrated stay together, they are required to take a deeper look at themselves than most couples do in years. I recommend this story to those who like quirky, damaged characters with hearts of gold, finding love in a most unlikely place under unique circumstances. Thank you, Ellis, I truly enjoyed this tale.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
When Evan's boyfriend dumps him, he doesn't have a contingency plan, but is determined to take the trip they had planned together. There is little wonder that Evan's condition hasn't improved considering the lack of support from his ex; how could he possibly untangle his twisted muscles and gain the strength needed to improve under such negative conditions? On the plane, he meets Bale, who almost immediately shows Evan more consideration about his disability than anyone ever has. Prone to assuming things, Evan decides that Bale is straight, which causes a lot of conflict for him. As Evan learns more about Bale, he endears himself to Evan in so many ways. Evan begins to see how special he is and his affection for the man deepens. After he discovers that Bale is not straight at all, but very available, Evan is able to embrace the sexual feelings he's tried to suppress. Evan knows that he's becoming happier and healthier as the trip goes on; he also acknowledges that Bale is a big part of the reason why. Evan's outlook becomes more positive and, even though he's hesitant, Evan wonders how he will ever get along without him.
Bale is quite a guy. He's charming in a dorky kind of way. He dresses like a preppie in kakis and button-down shirts, but is wonderfully eccentric inside. He is great at the art of distraction, usually using humor to accomplish this. His thought processes are quite odd, but he expresses them in a marvelously outlandish way. He seems to instinctively know when Evan is hurting and finds a way to make things better for him. Bale sees the pain Evan is carrying around and can't help but want to make him smile again. Bale watches out for Evan, assisting him almost before he knows he needs help, therefore avoiding embarrassment for Evan. Even though Bale nurtures Evan, he also finds ways to encourage his mobility; helping him see that he's stronger than he thinks. By the end of their trip, Bale admits how deeply he feels about Evan and how much it will hurt to let him go.
This is a love story about two seemingly different men who both want the same thing—someone who loves and appreciates them. What they find in each other is honesty and sincerity, something previously lacking in their other relationships. Although it may seem like a short time to fall in love, the truth is, in their concentrated stay together, they are required to take a deeper look at themselves than most couples do in years. I recommend this story to those who like quirky, damaged characters with hearts of gold, finding love in a most unlikely place under unique circumstances. Thank you, Ellis, I truly enjoyed this tale.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
June 16, 2014
'Total Immersion' is a good title for this story about two men, each looking for something different, a better type of life or relationship than they've had so far. They meet on a trip to Turkey, and by 'immersing' themselves in that experience they each learn something new, become more open, and manage to fall in love.
Evan is not in a good place at the beginning of the story. He had a bad fall, injured his back, and has never really recovered - despite the fact his doctors told him his symptoms should go away within a few weeks. Evan's real problem isn't purely physical though - it is mental. Evan's boyfriend does not react well to Evan's issues with pain and "wants time apart" instead of going on the jointly planned trip with Evan. What a crappy thing to do! Evan ends up miserable, morose, and in horrible pain.
Bale is the guy ending up next to him on the plane, and he is determined to help. He sees something in Evan that is new and different, and no matter how bad Evan's is, Bale puts up with it and tries to cheer him up. A recent split from his ex-girlfriend allows him to explore a different type of relationship (he's only so far "fooled around" with a few men), but it quickly becomes more for him.
If you like unusual settings, if you enjoy reading about men who come out of their shells - slowly and dragging their feet a little, and if you're looking for a short read that might make you smile at the characters' antics as well as some very funny situations as they travel, then you will probably like this novella.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.
Evan is not in a good place at the beginning of the story. He had a bad fall, injured his back, and has never really recovered - despite the fact his doctors told him his symptoms should go away within a few weeks. Evan's real problem isn't purely physical though - it is mental. Evan's boyfriend does not react well to Evan's issues with pain and "wants time apart" instead of going on the jointly planned trip with Evan. What a crappy thing to do! Evan ends up miserable, morose, and in horrible pain.
Bale is the guy ending up next to him on the plane, and he is determined to help. He sees something in Evan that is new and different, and no matter how bad Evan's is, Bale puts up with it and tries to cheer him up. A recent split from his ex-girlfriend allows him to explore a different type of relationship (he's only so far "fooled around" with a few men), but it quickly becomes more for him.
If you like unusual settings, if you enjoy reading about men who come out of their shells - slowly and dragging their feet a little, and if you're looking for a short read that might make you smile at the characters' antics as well as some very funny situations as they travel, then you will probably like this novella.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.
June 13, 2014
So Turkey is by far my most favorite place in the world I have visited yet. Istanbul and Haghia Sophia alone are worth the trip. The balloon ride over Cappadocia at sunrise is something I'll never forget. Ephesus. Bodrum. Canakkale. The beauty of Pamukkale and the hot springs. The churches at Goreme. The underground city at Derinkuyu. The Baklavaterias (what we named the places that only serve variations of Baklava) - many within steps of the Topkapi palace where it may have originated ;) All wonderful memories that were brought back to me reading this story.
Everything is VERY intense when traveling so far from home being immersed in another culture and soaking in the warmth of the people whose country you are visiting. I will admit that like Evan and Bale I was ready for something other than Turkish food at the end of two weeks - I mean I never eat the same kind of food at home for two solids weeks ;) But the pide and the kebabs and the lamb are wonderful :) Can't say I would try the Raki again - I hate licorice!
This is a sweet (but not sappy) story of two guys on a college trip who end up friends and then some. Evan has been suffering from injuries he got in a fall and his boyfriend has just broken up with him as he's leaving for the trip they were both supposed to be take. Bale ends up being his roommate and he's got an ex-girlfriend so Evan assumes he's straight. After an embarrassing incident at security in Montreal, Evan confesses that his boyfriend was supposed to take the trip but that he's been dumped. Bale takes Evan on and tries to help him out and watch out for him.
Turns out maybe Bale isn't quite as straight at Even thinks :)
Everything is VERY intense when traveling so far from home being immersed in another culture and soaking in the warmth of the people whose country you are visiting. I will admit that like Evan and Bale I was ready for something other than Turkish food at the end of two weeks - I mean I never eat the same kind of food at home for two solids weeks ;) But the pide and the kebabs and the lamb are wonderful :) Can't say I would try the Raki again - I hate licorice!
This is a sweet (but not sappy) story of two guys on a college trip who end up friends and then some. Evan has been suffering from injuries he got in a fall and his boyfriend has just broken up with him as he's leaving for the trip they were both supposed to be take. Bale ends up being his roommate and he's got an ex-girlfriend so Evan assumes he's straight. After an embarrassing incident at security in Montreal, Evan confesses that his boyfriend was supposed to take the trip but that he's been dumped. Bale takes Evan on and tries to help him out and watch out for him.
Turns out maybe Bale isn't quite as straight at Even thinks :)
dnf
September 18, 2022Kindle-Sort-ReRead
Meh.. 9% and I've had enough. Irritating.
Meh.. 9% and I've had enough. Irritating.
September 30, 2016
I really liked these two MC's together and could have used more to this story. Not as erotic as I'd anticipated but their journey to falling in love is tender and loving; which is very satisfying in its own way. Not heavy with angst or trouble. Just a pleasant and even flow to a HEA. Overall, well worth having read.
July 1, 2014
Well, this was my first foray into the stylings of Ellis Carrington, and I can officially say I have found a new author I adore. I will be reading her entire back catalogue when time permits, as this author has such a profoundly beautiful way with words. It’s always amazing to find an author that speaks to all your likes this way, and the general flow and descriptiveness of her prose had me salivating over this story from the get-go.
In a dual narrative between Evan and Bale, this story unfurled a wonderful instant connection between the broken hearted, and broken bodied Evan, and the big hearted, caring Bale. What was originally a slow burning attraction blossomed into a fiery love story on the pages of this short instalment in Dreamspinner’s “Mended” Anthology, set against a back drop of a college-organized vacation. The settings were awesomely described, clearly a lot of research going into the setting, and the extravagant locations served to provide a romantic backdrop as the two men stoked the fires of their new romance.
Evan’s pain was sad to read, but was completely acceptable under the care of Bale, a man who took the broken individual in his hands and helped him along every step of their journey, pushing and spurring him on through the pain he was feeling after the accident that had left him feeling broken and rejected. With Bale’s help, Evan began to manage his pain in more effective ways than to drown it in pills and drink. Together, the two MC’s managed to form a complete duo, one I was rooting for, whilst finding out more and more about the past relationships that had led them to each other.
I don’t want to give too much away on this story. I sent out a mass recommendation to all the reviewers on this site this morning, because I was so moved and awed by this short tale of new love under a hot foreign sky. It is not every day you find a little gem like this one, and the changing locations and alternating narratives gave a very wide scope of involvement to the reader, introducing them into the minds and hearts of our two wonderfully complicated and brilliantly designed MCs.
So without further ado, I would like to award 5 stars to this story; one of the best anthology reads I have had the pleasure of reviewing in all my time at The Novel Approach. It is with great excitement that I recommend this read to anyone viewing this review, and with humble thanks to the author, I would like to comment that this story inspired me to totally immerse myself back into the genre, and kickstart my writing as well. 5 stars, people. Get your copy now.
In a dual narrative between Evan and Bale, this story unfurled a wonderful instant connection between the broken hearted, and broken bodied Evan, and the big hearted, caring Bale. What was originally a slow burning attraction blossomed into a fiery love story on the pages of this short instalment in Dreamspinner’s “Mended” Anthology, set against a back drop of a college-organized vacation. The settings were awesomely described, clearly a lot of research going into the setting, and the extravagant locations served to provide a romantic backdrop as the two men stoked the fires of their new romance.
Evan’s pain was sad to read, but was completely acceptable under the care of Bale, a man who took the broken individual in his hands and helped him along every step of their journey, pushing and spurring him on through the pain he was feeling after the accident that had left him feeling broken and rejected. With Bale’s help, Evan began to manage his pain in more effective ways than to drown it in pills and drink. Together, the two MC’s managed to form a complete duo, one I was rooting for, whilst finding out more and more about the past relationships that had led them to each other.
I don’t want to give too much away on this story. I sent out a mass recommendation to all the reviewers on this site this morning, because I was so moved and awed by this short tale of new love under a hot foreign sky. It is not every day you find a little gem like this one, and the changing locations and alternating narratives gave a very wide scope of involvement to the reader, introducing them into the minds and hearts of our two wonderfully complicated and brilliantly designed MCs.
So without further ado, I would like to award 5 stars to this story; one of the best anthology reads I have had the pleasure of reviewing in all my time at The Novel Approach. It is with great excitement that I recommend this read to anyone viewing this review, and with humble thanks to the author, I would like to comment that this story inspired me to totally immerse myself back into the genre, and kickstart my writing as well. 5 stars, people. Get your copy now.
June 30, 2014
A cute and fun short story about two guys who journey to Turkey on a class trip over their college summer break. Evan Stanton and Chris Bale meet as seatmates onboard the plane. Evan has just been jilted, by a text from his lover, Josh, who arranged the trip and should have been with him. Bale is there to enjoy himself, having recently broken up with this girlfriend, and he’s looking forward to an overseas adventure before finishing school and starting work as an accountant.
Bale is extremely personable and very concerned when he finds out that Evan is still suffering the aftereffects of a fall down the stairs six months before. His back and hip pain have never been alleviated, despite physical therapy and assurances that they will eventually heal. Bale likes Evan, even when he’s being “Mr. Crankypants”, and he’s also starting to be sexually attracted to Evan, though Evan remains clueless. Evan, on the other hand, hasn’t been interested in sex with anyone, including his ex-boyfriend Josh, since before the accident. Between his meds and his pain, his libido is limp, that is, until Bale. He’s starting to get stirrings at the most inappropriate times, and his heart is starting to react to Bale’s kindness and solicitude about his injury.
When Bale acts on his attraction, instead of being happy, Evan withdraws. He’s worried that he’ll be Bale’s first “see if I might be gay” fling, and he doesn’t want to get involved in that. When the two finally start to communicate, despite a few backslides and interference from Josh, they begin the real journey—the journey to their HEA.
I recommend this to M/M romance lovers who’d like a nice beach read or a quick pick-me-up on a cold winter night. 3.5 stars rounded up 'cause it was so sweet.
Note: This book was provided to me by the publisher through Hearts on Fire Reviews in exchange for an impartial review.
Bale is extremely personable and very concerned when he finds out that Evan is still suffering the aftereffects of a fall down the stairs six months before. His back and hip pain have never been alleviated, despite physical therapy and assurances that they will eventually heal. Bale likes Evan, even when he’s being “Mr. Crankypants”, and he’s also starting to be sexually attracted to Evan, though Evan remains clueless. Evan, on the other hand, hasn’t been interested in sex with anyone, including his ex-boyfriend Josh, since before the accident. Between his meds and his pain, his libido is limp, that is, until Bale. He’s starting to get stirrings at the most inappropriate times, and his heart is starting to react to Bale’s kindness and solicitude about his injury.
When Bale acts on his attraction, instead of being happy, Evan withdraws. He’s worried that he’ll be Bale’s first “see if I might be gay” fling, and he doesn’t want to get involved in that. When the two finally start to communicate, despite a few backslides and interference from Josh, they begin the real journey—the journey to their HEA.
I recommend this to M/M romance lovers who’d like a nice beach read or a quick pick-me-up on a cold winter night. 3.5 stars rounded up 'cause it was so sweet.
Note: This book was provided to me by the publisher through Hearts on Fire Reviews in exchange for an impartial review.
June 9, 2014
Want to fall in love with two people falling in love? This is a relatively short story so it focuses strictly on our couple Evan and Bale (The Dark Knight, you will get this reference when you read the story) and told from both of their POVs.
Even has been in constant pain since an accident and it has taken a toll on him physically and emotionally. He feels hopeless and is completely thrown for a loop when he meets his total opposite Bale. Bale is a nice happy go lucky kind of guy and just a little confused about his sexuality, but it doesn't he can roll with the punches with the best of them.
I loved watching Bale slowly and carefully pull Evan from the dark place he has gone, and Evan's reluctance and fear to hope again. Both guys have a wicked sense of humor so the story doesn't get too heavy.
This was a sweet romance with a HEA. Want a nice summer read by the pool (or if it is winter, by the fireplace) then give this one a go.
fun quote: "...I would no longer be a party to the evil schlong-cream negotiations."
Even has been in constant pain since an accident and it has taken a toll on him physically and emotionally. He feels hopeless and is completely thrown for a loop when he meets his total opposite Bale. Bale is a nice happy go lucky kind of guy and just a little confused about his sexuality, but it doesn't he can roll with the punches with the best of them.
I loved watching Bale slowly and carefully pull Evan from the dark place he has gone, and Evan's reluctance and fear to hope again. Both guys have a wicked sense of humor so the story doesn't get too heavy.
This was a sweet romance with a HEA. Want a nice summer read by the pool (or if it is winter, by the fireplace) then give this one a go.
fun quote: "...I would no longer be a party to the evil schlong-cream negotiations."
June 9, 2014
A very enjoyable story that worked on many levels:
First, the characters travelling through Turkey and Greece in a student group made for an interesting background. There was enough sight seeing to feel like you were yourself in those foreign countries. I've never been to either of those places, but I could easily imagine them through the descriptions given.
Second, the alternating narration between Evan and Bale gave the reader a chance to see the story from both points of view. That device doesn't always work well, but here I think it was the perfect choice.
Thirdly, the couple had chemistry, but also the different feelings and situations they were living felt real.
I liked this a lot and I'm sure others will appreciate it too.
First, the characters travelling through Turkey and Greece in a student group made for an interesting background. There was enough sight seeing to feel like you were yourself in those foreign countries. I've never been to either of those places, but I could easily imagine them through the descriptions given.
Second, the alternating narration between Evan and Bale gave the reader a chance to see the story from both points of view. That device doesn't always work well, but here I think it was the perfect choice.
Thirdly, the couple had chemistry, but also the different feelings and situations they were living felt real.
I liked this a lot and I'm sure others will appreciate it too.
February 17, 2019
It’s OK
An odd little story line with two characters feeling different types of pain, one physical and the other emotional. Somehow, Bale and Evan mange to find common ground and a possible future.
An odd little story line with two characters feeling different types of pain, one physical and the other emotional. Somehow, Bale and Evan mange to find common ground and a possible future.
November 12, 2018
My only issue with this story is that it's not long enough! I want to read more about Evan and Bale! They have big changes coming up, it wasn't enough! Gah!
December 26, 2019
Cute YA story
Cute story...figuring what you want out of life and who you’d like to share that experience with you. That’s the short story of Evan and Bale.
Cute story...figuring what you want out of life and who you’d like to share that experience with you. That’s the short story of Evan and Bale.
July 8, 2014
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Total Immersion is a lovely story of starting over and healing. I loved Evan and Bale’s story. From the beginning the friendship built between the guys is the strong foundation for the eventual relationship. Their story is a slow burn, weeks of friendship that builds and kindles the fire between them. When they meet, Bale makes Evan a sort of project. Evan thinks Bale is a rebound attraction so he tries to ignore it and see the pushy guy as a friend. I really like these guys. Evan is very cynical and a bit broken, both physically and emotionally. The break up with his boyfriend was inevitable, especially after his accident. When this story begins, Evan is his injury. He’s a bit depressed and gives into to his pain. Bale is a breath of fresh air. He’s a light in Evan’s world that he hasn’t had in a long time. I love these guys individually as well as in a relationship.
Read Crissy's review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Total Immersion is a lovely story of starting over and healing. I loved Evan and Bale’s story. From the beginning the friendship built between the guys is the strong foundation for the eventual relationship. Their story is a slow burn, weeks of friendship that builds and kindles the fire between them. When they meet, Bale makes Evan a sort of project. Evan thinks Bale is a rebound attraction so he tries to ignore it and see the pushy guy as a friend. I really like these guys. Evan is very cynical and a bit broken, both physically and emotionally. The break up with his boyfriend was inevitable, especially after his accident. When this story begins, Evan is his injury. He’s a bit depressed and gives into to his pain. Bale is a breath of fresh air. He’s a light in Evan’s world that he hasn’t had in a long time. I love these guys individually as well as in a relationship.
Read Crissy's review in its entirety here.
July 26, 2014
A couple of college seniors on a two-week summer tour of Europe discover that not only do opposites attract, but human kindness and loyalty go a long way to making an immersive romance into a solid base for a potential lasting relationship.
Although Evan Stanton isn't one hundred percent cured after he slipped on steps going to class (which forced him into physical therapy), he still agrees to go abroad because his boyfriend wants to. When Evan gets to the airport with his backpack, he's stunned to receive an email dumping him.
Rather than give up on the trip, the gothic Evan guts up and gets on the transatlantic flight where he meets preppy Chris Bale whose cheerful disposition hacks away at Evan's tendency to brood.
This is a cute novella with one very glaring flaw. It's apparent why Evan might be attracted to Chris. Chris is the ray of sunshine Evan needs to keep him going on the trip. When Evan's back is killing him and they have a ways to walk, Chris plies him with questions and silly Jeopardy!-like quizzes to divert his attention.
Read the rest of the review at All About Romance: http://www.likesbooks.com/cgi-bin/boo...
Although Evan Stanton isn't one hundred percent cured after he slipped on steps going to class (which forced him into physical therapy), he still agrees to go abroad because his boyfriend wants to. When Evan gets to the airport with his backpack, he's stunned to receive an email dumping him.
Rather than give up on the trip, the gothic Evan guts up and gets on the transatlantic flight where he meets preppy Chris Bale whose cheerful disposition hacks away at Evan's tendency to brood.
This is a cute novella with one very glaring flaw. It's apparent why Evan might be attracted to Chris. Chris is the ray of sunshine Evan needs to keep him going on the trip. When Evan's back is killing him and they have a ways to walk, Chris plies him with questions and silly Jeopardy!-like quizzes to divert his attention.
Read the rest of the review at All About Romance: http://www.likesbooks.com/cgi-bin/boo...
August 10, 2016
This short story was lots of fun. I think it might be the first romance I've read set in Istanbul so a plus there for originality!
This is the story of poor Evan who starts a tour to Turkey feeling pretty down. He's just been dumped by his boyfriend plus he has chronic pain from an injury months before. Enter, Bale, the perfect guy to befriend him and become is room-mate. Bale has broken up with is girlfriend and takes Evan under his wing.
It was a sweet story with moments of humour and some little surprises from straight-boy Bale who's not afraid to jump into a sexual relationship with Evan.
3.5 stars
This is the story of poor Evan who starts a tour to Turkey feeling pretty down. He's just been dumped by his boyfriend plus he has chronic pain from an injury months before. Enter, Bale, the perfect guy to befriend him and become is room-mate. Bale has broken up with is girlfriend and takes Evan under his wing.
It was a sweet story with moments of humour and some little surprises from straight-boy Bale who's not afraid to jump into a sexual relationship with Evan.
3.5 stars
March 14, 2017
4.5*
Total Immersion was one of the most anticipated Mended stories for me and has become a favorite. I just really liked both Evan and Chris. I liked that they weren’t trying to make more out of their situation than was there. I like that they just started off having fun and ended seeing where the fun could go. I have to admit, the visual of Evan in his bad boy guylinered glory wasn’t a bad one ;)
Find the Full review at Prism Book Alliance http://www.prismbookalliance.com/?pos...
Total Immersion was one of the most anticipated Mended stories for me and has become a favorite. I just really liked both Evan and Chris. I liked that they weren’t trying to make more out of their situation than was there. I like that they just started off having fun and ended seeing where the fun could go. I have to admit, the visual of Evan in his bad boy guylinered glory wasn’t a bad one ;)
Find the Full review at Prism Book Alliance http://www.prismbookalliance.com/?pos...
May 18, 2015
3.5 rounded up. I really like Ellis's stuff. She has an easy way with words, and her stuff is a pleasure to read.
The story was pretty decent. Quick, pretty light. Two college kids on the same trip abroad meet on the plane and become friends. One has chronic pain problems, and the other helps him. They room together and hang out during the trip. Fairly easy story about two guys getting to know each other and falling for one another over the course of a couple of weeks.
The story was pretty decent. Quick, pretty light. Two college kids on the same trip abroad meet on the plane and become friends. One has chronic pain problems, and the other helps him. They room together and hang out during the trip. Fairly easy story about two guys getting to know each other and falling for one another over the course of a couple of weeks.
June 18, 2014
Even though New Adult is my least favorite romance genre I rather liked this short novella. The khaki wearing lead was a surprise as was how he related to the other lead. Yes it's short and the ending had forced drama but I still enjoyed this story a lot.
November 2, 2014
I really wish there was more. I wanted to know what happened when they got back and how their relationship turned out. 3.5 stars.
December 20, 2014
I thought this was a very entertaining read...loved it
June 11, 2015
3,5 stars
September 11, 2016
3.5 stars
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