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Patient Privilege
Dr. Erik Daniels knows how it feels to lose everything. His addiction to alcohol cost him his fiancé and his private practice, but he finally managed to regain control over his life and become a successful substance abuse counselor. He helps people regardless of their ability to pay. It isn't the dream life he had in San Francisco, but at least he has something to be proud of. Everything seems to be getting back on the right track until he meets Angel, a heroin-addicted male prostitute.
Erik not only sees a lot of himself in Angel but a great deal of potential as well. He's willing to sacrifice a lot to get Angel on the right path—but it will come at a cost to his carefully rebuilt career.
Erik not only sees a lot of himself in Angel but a great deal of potential as well. He's willing to sacrifice a lot to get Angel on the right path—but it will come at a cost to his carefully rebuilt career.
204 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 18, 2012
8 people are currently reading
308 people want to read
About the author
Allison Cassatta
42 books187 followersI am a married, 33 year old, female, with no children. By trade I am a network engineer with far too many years under my belt. My first book was published in 2010 by Kerlak Publishing, followed by a short story in 2011 through Dreamspinner Press. I don't have any formal training, I simply write what I feel. I have a vivid imagination and love building dream worlds for my readers to escape to.
I recently discovered that I am a hopeless romantic and that usually makes for some very turbulent stories. As most know, love is a mountain and at its peak there's infinite beauty, but it's best appreciated after a difficult climb... that's how I write. The world would be a boring place if we didn't have to fight a little for what we wanted, now wouldn't it.
I recently discovered that I am a hopeless romantic and that usually makes for some very turbulent stories. As most know, love is a mountain and at its peak there's infinite beauty, but it's best appreciated after a difficult climb... that's how I write. The world would be a boring place if we didn't have to fight a little for what we wanted, now wouldn't it.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
November 16, 2014
I don't know what triggered my gut-level response to this book.
Very likely it was the vulgar, obscene mind and likewise constant patter of Angel, maybe it was the sordid depiction of sex, maybe it was that when I skimmed ahead I liked the douchebag doctor even less than the vulgar junkie, IDK.
What I know though is that I really don't want to spend two or three hours in the company of two douchebaggy wimps unable to stay off drugs and alcohol having consistently coarse, bad sex. Nope.
Very likely it was the vulgar, obscene mind and likewise constant patter of Angel, maybe it was the sordid depiction of sex, maybe it was that when I skimmed ahead I liked the douchebag doctor even less than the vulgar junkie, IDK.
What I know though is that I really don't want to spend two or three hours in the company of two douchebaggy wimps unable to stay off drugs and alcohol having consistently coarse, bad sex. Nope.
November 20, 2013
Umm..I'm not sure. This is a little bit spoilerish.
Erik is a recovering alcoholic, he is also a therapist at a state run clinic. He misses and thinks about the ex, Marshall he lost due to his drinking.
Angel is a druggie and a has sex to feed his habit, he also has Jon, a young man who really loves him.
So this was why I was sort of confused..Jon loves Angel and wants to help him and Marshall is back in Erik's life and wants to make a new go of it.
But things don't quite work out that way and ( I really have to ignore the patient -doctor thing, which I can) it was more I didn't see the relationship/attraction developing between Erik and Angel. I saw it more of a rebound thing for Angel and the need for someone to take care of him and Erik needing to be a care-taker and deciding that Marshall wasn't good for him after all.
I didn't see the love or the longing as much as I saw needs that each man had that the other could fulfill. But is that enough? The epilogue sort of tries to relieve that worry, not sure it does, but it was nice to see them happy a year out, but really it seemed that Angel after 2 months was so far in to his recovery that he could move to outpatient? For Erik's sake? Idk, it didn't seem safe or healthy to me.
And for the picky people out there the MCs are both in sexual relationships with other people at the beginning of this I story. But NO cheating occurs.
ETA: this might be a bit ranty, because I was annoyed by this no end and just wanted to ignore it, but I woke up this morning still grumpy about it and decided I can't leave it without mentioning it.
This story starts and continues with Erik feeling horrible about losing Marshall and losing him b/c of his drinking. Marshall after 6 years together finally hurt and full up, kicks Erik out and Erik, stinking drunk wrecks his car and loses everything and finally enters rehab.
Then at one point in the story Erik mentions that Marshall wasn't there for him after rehab, well..you know living with an alcoholic is hard, I'm sure he had his reasons not to put Erik first after all Erik put him through. Then ..and this bugged me so much, I almost 1* it and DNF, Erik says that it was Marshall that drove him to drink. BS is all I can say to that. Take responsibility for your own behavior Erik! Marshall seems like a really nice guy and Erik saying, oh I was afraid I couldn't please him sexually and blah..he only loves me for sex. Marshall has been celibate since he kicked Erik out over a year ago, that doesn't sound like a man who uses people for sex. He put up with an alcoholic for a long time until he couldn't take it anymore and is still willing to try again. Also, Erik mentions to Angel about making amends, yet even a year after being sober and all he's mad at Marshall that he never called and asked how he was? Shouldn't Erik have called Marshall and apologized for all he put him though? Living and loving an alcoholic is NOT easy, try and remember it's not all about you Erik. Oh and Marshall was a class act when he saw Angel and Erik together..
So yeah, blaming Marshall for his drinking and all the rest just seemed like someone looking for excuses and blaming others for his illness.
Oh and he has great sex with Marshall at the beginning and remember they were together for 6 years and he was pining for him for a year and one sex scene with Angel and it's more/better/ so much deeper/connected than it ever was with Marshall. You don't have to make it better with the new guy or worse with the ex. Marshall was not the bad guy and I resented Erik making things out that way.
Ok, sorry, I don't think I've explained it well, but I was mad about that whole line of thinking.
Erik is a recovering alcoholic, he is also a therapist at a state run clinic. He misses and thinks about the ex, Marshall he lost due to his drinking.
Angel is a druggie and a has sex to feed his habit, he also has Jon, a young man who really loves him.
So this was why I was sort of confused..Jon loves Angel and wants to help him and Marshall is back in Erik's life and wants to make a new go of it.
But things don't quite work out that way and ( I really have to ignore the patient -doctor thing, which I can) it was more I didn't see the relationship/attraction developing between Erik and Angel. I saw it more of a rebound thing for Angel and the need for someone to take care of him and Erik needing to be a care-taker and deciding that Marshall wasn't good for him after all.
I didn't see the love or the longing as much as I saw needs that each man had that the other could fulfill. But is that enough? The epilogue sort of tries to relieve that worry, not sure it does, but it was nice to see them happy a year out, but really it seemed that Angel after 2 months was so far in to his recovery that he could move to outpatient? For Erik's sake? Idk, it didn't seem safe or healthy to me.
And for the picky people out there the MCs are both in sexual relationships with other people at the beginning of this I story. But NO cheating occurs.
ETA: this might be a bit ranty, because I was annoyed by this no end and just wanted to ignore it, but I woke up this morning still grumpy about it and decided I can't leave it without mentioning it.
This story starts and continues with Erik feeling horrible about losing Marshall and losing him b/c of his drinking. Marshall after 6 years together finally hurt and full up, kicks Erik out and Erik, stinking drunk wrecks his car and loses everything and finally enters rehab.
Then at one point in the story Erik mentions that Marshall wasn't there for him after rehab, well..you know living with an alcoholic is hard, I'm sure he had his reasons not to put Erik first after all Erik put him through. Then ..and this bugged me so much, I almost 1* it and DNF, Erik says that it was Marshall that drove him to drink. BS is all I can say to that. Take responsibility for your own behavior Erik! Marshall seems like a really nice guy and Erik saying, oh I was afraid I couldn't please him sexually and blah..he only loves me for sex. Marshall has been celibate since he kicked Erik out over a year ago, that doesn't sound like a man who uses people for sex. He put up with an alcoholic for a long time until he couldn't take it anymore and is still willing to try again. Also, Erik mentions to Angel about making amends, yet even a year after being sober and all he's mad at Marshall that he never called and asked how he was? Shouldn't Erik have called Marshall and apologized for all he put him though? Living and loving an alcoholic is NOT easy, try and remember it's not all about you Erik. Oh and Marshall was a class act when he saw Angel and Erik together..
So yeah, blaming Marshall for his drinking and all the rest just seemed like someone looking for excuses and blaming others for his illness.
Oh and he has great sex with Marshall at the beginning and remember they were together for 6 years and he was pining for him for a year and one sex scene with Angel and it's more/better/ so much deeper/connected than it ever was with Marshall. You don't have to make it better with the new guy or worse with the ex. Marshall was not the bad guy and I resented Erik making things out that way.
Ok, sorry, I don't think I've explained it well, but I was mad about that whole line of thinking.
September 12, 2012
Patient Privilege is the convergence of two separate stories, the first about a young man named Angel who works as a hustler and lives on the street and the second about a young doctor, Erik, who specializes in chemical addictions. Erik is an addict himself, a recovering alcoholic. His own addiction cost him his relationship with his long term partner, and after a year of sobriety, he's struggling to mend the shattered relationship. Angel is a runaway who was rejected by his family when he came out as gay. After he became addicted to heroin, his only obsession is getting high.
The principal characters meet when Angel overdoses and is brought into the emergency room. The good doctor Erik works with the patient, and as his recovery progresses, the two develop feelings for each other which cross the boundaries of doctor-patient ethics.
I have to admit that I cringed when I realized that the doctor was allowing himself to fall in love with his patient. For the first half of the book I really wanted Erik to reconcile with his partner, and I wanted Angel to develop a meaningful relationship with his boyfriend Jon (who loved him so intensely). I think that perhaps the theme of the story is that often love is unpredictable. We do not necessarily fall for the person we are SUPPOSED to.
The other heartbreaking thing about the story was that I cared as much about Jon as I did Angel. In fact, I can honestly say I liked Jon a hell of a lot more than Angel. He was a wonderful person, and it kind of irked me that he was just forgotten. I'm hoping there will be a follow-up story about him and his journey.
As for Erik and Angel, they got their happy ending, and for this I'm pleased. The strengths of the book include the gritty, realistic depiction of the life of a street hustler, the touching love scenes, and the arc of the main character Angel. I went from hating him to loving him, and as the author peeled back the layers, I saw into his heart. It was beautiful.
Still not sure how I feel about the ethical issue, but I think the fact that the story caused me to contemplate these questions is a testament to the power of the story itself. It was a well-written, thought-provoking work, and I'm anxious for more.
The principal characters meet when Angel overdoses and is brought into the emergency room. The good doctor Erik works with the patient, and as his recovery progresses, the two develop feelings for each other which cross the boundaries of doctor-patient ethics.
I have to admit that I cringed when I realized that the doctor was allowing himself to fall in love with his patient. For the first half of the book I really wanted Erik to reconcile with his partner, and I wanted Angel to develop a meaningful relationship with his boyfriend Jon (who loved him so intensely). I think that perhaps the theme of the story is that often love is unpredictable. We do not necessarily fall for the person we are SUPPOSED to.
The other heartbreaking thing about the story was that I cared as much about Jon as I did Angel. In fact, I can honestly say I liked Jon a hell of a lot more than Angel. He was a wonderful person, and it kind of irked me that he was just forgotten. I'm hoping there will be a follow-up story about him and his journey.
As for Erik and Angel, they got their happy ending, and for this I'm pleased. The strengths of the book include the gritty, realistic depiction of the life of a street hustler, the touching love scenes, and the arc of the main character Angel. I went from hating him to loving him, and as the author peeled back the layers, I saw into his heart. It was beautiful.
Still not sure how I feel about the ethical issue, but I think the fact that the story caused me to contemplate these questions is a testament to the power of the story itself. It was a well-written, thought-provoking work, and I'm anxious for more.
Want to read
November 24, 2014@dreamspinners: For one hour (until 9 PM EST), Patient Privilege by @allisoncassatta is free! #tweetaway http://t.co/2qf3h3CCV3
August 28, 2012
I'm so happy there's another book that's gonna make it to my fave list. It's so well written that I was totally engrossed in the story since the moment I've started reading it.
I could easily identify with characters, especially with Angel, and I felt almost overwhelmed with all the emotions there (in a good way, well, if you count shaking and sometimes almost crying good:)
I have to also appreciate that the reason which led Angel to drugs . I think many authors tend to follow this as an easy way to make you sympathize with MC or just feel more emotionally attached. This story and its writing is just able to do it even without that kind of crutch.
I could easily identify with characters, especially with Angel, and I felt almost overwhelmed with all the emotions there (in a good way, well, if you count shaking and sometimes almost crying good:)
I have to also appreciate that the reason which led Angel to drugs . I think many authors tend to follow this as an easy way to make you sympathize with MC or just feel more emotionally attached. This story and its writing is just able to do it even without that kind of crutch.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2012
This was a beautiful story of one drug addicted young man that hits rock bottom but finds the man to help him come back to life.
My heart broke for Angel the first time he said he needed help. I actually teared up. It was so touching. His best friend Jon was so sweet and worked so hard to help him.
The story was full of emotion. Even if the relationship was not supposed to happen, I was pulling for Angel and Erik.
There was a good epilogue as well.
My heart broke for Angel the first time he said he needed help. I actually teared up. It was so touching. His best friend Jon was so sweet and worked so hard to help him.
The story was full of emotion. Even if the relationship was not supposed to happen, I was pulling for Angel and Erik.
There was a good epilogue as well.
Want to read
August 5, 2016Free DSP Tweetaway until 9PM (Eastern)11/11/14 : http://t.co/2qf3h3CCV3
May 11, 2018
**3 stars**
This is a story about two men on different paths in life, both with substance abuse histories. I liked the idea of the book. I liked the characters. Their stories were, however, so under told it was very disappointing.
The first half of the book was about Eric and his past and Angel and his best friend, Jon. Eric's past included an ex that recently wanted to get back into Eric's life. I could really have cared less about him and his relationship with Eric. Jon, however, was a very interesting and well thought out character up until the end. (?)
The coming together of Eric and Angel was very quick. There was no build up. There were no feelings of investment for the characters as a couple. i actually felt more invested in Angel and Jon than I did of Angel and Eric.
This story TRIED to be a taboo love story, while NOT being taboo and I felt the author limited her story because of this. I felt she made sure their relationship was kept out of the unethical realm to the point she really did the story a disservice. Of course the relationship between doctor and patient is unethical and taboo. However, if the author felt uncomfortable with that, she should have at least had the characters develop more of an emotional, if not physical, bond. Or...not bring up the idea of patient/doc relationship AT ALL. But, there was nothing. There really wasn't that much contact between the two MCs, PERIOD, much LESS physical.
The last 1/3 of the story was abrupt, things fell into place and we never heard about Jon again. Even the epilogue was unsatisfactory and bland. Yes, there was a HEA, but it was just too contrived.
This is a story about two men on different paths in life, both with substance abuse histories. I liked the idea of the book. I liked the characters. Their stories were, however, so under told it was very disappointing.
The first half of the book was about Eric and his past and Angel and his best friend, Jon. Eric's past included an ex that recently wanted to get back into Eric's life. I could really have cared less about him and his relationship with Eric. Jon, however, was a very interesting and well thought out character up until the end. (?)
The coming together of Eric and Angel was very quick. There was no build up. There were no feelings of investment for the characters as a couple. i actually felt more invested in Angel and Jon than I did of Angel and Eric.
This story TRIED to be a taboo love story, while NOT being taboo and I felt the author limited her story because of this. I felt she made sure their relationship was kept out of the unethical realm to the point she really did the story a disservice. Of course the relationship between doctor and patient is unethical and taboo. However, if the author felt uncomfortable with that, she should have at least had the characters develop more of an emotional, if not physical, bond. Or...not bring up the idea of patient/doc relationship AT ALL. But, there was nothing. There really wasn't that much contact between the two MCs, PERIOD, much LESS physical.
The last 1/3 of the story was abrupt, things fell into place and we never heard about Jon again. Even the epilogue was unsatisfactory and bland. Yes, there was a HEA, but it was just too contrived.
May 9, 2016
4.5 stars
I have about twenty reviews to write today so I'm just going to paste my notes here. Maybe I'll turn them into an actual review at some point.
The fact that the facility claims that folks "rarely come back" is ridiculous. I don't care how good their staff is or how innovative the treatment, once an addict is back on his/her own
Angel's a dick.
Angel does not "need to know that Jon will do anything for him". That's not healthy for Jon. That's co-dependence.
$300 is a lot for a back alley blow job. (I refuse to answer as to how I know this but it's not nearly as interesting as you think.)
In many ways, this story broke my heart along with those of two important chars. I hate love triangles and this was a quadrangle.
Too much sex although it's hot.
Not supposed to touch patients. That's how allegations happen.
You don't hear a phone slam. Once the line is disconnected, which happens the second the phone starts to slam down, you don't hear anything. This is a huge pet peeve of mine in books.
He could have lost his license not just for the reasons he is worred but also for . I have a friend who went through this situation and she lost her license.
There's a reason AA says not to get involved with someone until you've been sober a year.
Despite all this, I really enjoyed it 4.5 stars rounded down because I have a serious problem with the violation of the doctor/patient trust, especially when it concerns someone as vulnerable as a recovering addict.
I have about twenty reviews to write today so I'm just going to paste my notes here. Maybe I'll turn them into an actual review at some point.
The fact that the facility claims that folks "rarely come back" is ridiculous. I don't care how good their staff is or how innovative the treatment, once an addict is back on his/her own
Angel's a dick.
Angel does not "need to know that Jon will do anything for him". That's not healthy for Jon. That's co-dependence.
$300 is a lot for a back alley blow job. (I refuse to answer as to how I know this but it's not nearly as interesting as you think.)
In many ways, this story broke my heart along with those of two important chars. I hate love triangles and this was a quadrangle.
Too much sex although it's hot.
Not supposed to touch patients. That's how allegations happen.
You don't hear a phone slam. Once the line is disconnected, which happens the second the phone starts to slam down, you don't hear anything. This is a huge pet peeve of mine in books.
He could have lost his license not just for the reasons he is worred but also for . I have a friend who went through this situation and she lost her license.
There's a reason AA says not to get involved with someone until you've been sober a year.
Despite all this, I really enjoyed it 4.5 stars rounded down because I have a serious problem with the violation of the doctor/patient trust, especially when it concerns someone as vulnerable as a recovering addict.
August 22, 2012
I was engaged throughout this book and wanted to find out how it ended, but by the time it was over, I didn't know how to feel. I think there were just too many relationships, and I ended up not knowing who to root for by the end. When that happens to me as a reader, I find it difficult to connect with the MCs and I lose interest in the ultimate outcome. I think I just prefer one love interest. But I did enjoy the book overall.
August 23, 2012
When I started to read this book I was immediately drawn in and did not want to put it down. From cover to cover I sat there with my phone in my hand on the plane and could not put it down. Angel and Erik were so captivating it felt like I was experiencing what they were going through. I cannot say enough good things about this book without giving anything away. Allison did a wonderful job and I highly recommend this book!
January 7, 2013
While I have no problems rating this book, I find it difficult to write a review that will reflect the vast range of emotions experienced while reading it.
First of all, I highly discourage anyone from reading too many reviews before diving into this book. I made a mistake and struggled throughout the book trying to be objective. Make your own opinions, choose a character to root for or a one to be angry with. There are no simple characters. All of them are complex and all of them play a major role in each others' lives.
Secondly, albeit it's nearly impossible not to think about the ethical side of their relationship, for the sole purpose of the story line I preferred to turn a blind eye and concentrate on the characters and their development.
And finally, this has to be the first time when I questioned the need and possibility of a 'happily ever after' for the main couple. Up until the the end of the last chapter it wasn't a love story for me. It was a story of two people who needed each other for similar reasons, but could not have fallen in love in a time period assigned by the author. Thankfully, there is an epilogue which will tie up the loose ends and turn it into a real love story.
First of all, I highly discourage anyone from reading too many reviews before diving into this book. I made a mistake and struggled throughout the book trying to be objective. Make your own opinions, choose a character to root for or a one to be angry with. There are no simple characters. All of them are complex and all of them play a major role in each others' lives.
Secondly, albeit it's nearly impossible not to think about the ethical side of their relationship, for the sole purpose of the story line I preferred to turn a blind eye and concentrate on the characters and their development.
And finally, this has to be the first time when I questioned the need and possibility of a 'happily ever after' for the main couple. Up until the the end of the last chapter it wasn't a love story for me. It was a story of two people who needed each other for similar reasons, but could not have fallen in love in a time period assigned by the author. Thankfully, there is an epilogue which will tie up the loose ends and turn it into a real love story.
August 18, 2012
This is a great story about second chances and a true example of how our hearts and minds can twist and turn us into places we never meant to go and that sometimes our first instinct is not always the right one. Passionate, complicated (in a good way), and endearing, this story is by turn both heart-wrenching and heart-warming. Enjoy. :-)
February 18, 2018
its good, pushing ethics and complicated.
I guess I will have more to say when I get my head around it.
I guess I will have more to say when I get my head around it.
September 4, 2012
I think this suffered from too many characters and not enough exploration. I didn't really connect with any of the characters. Jon was the one I felt anything for and he got his happy ending so I'm kind of 'meh' about the others.
The main couple I didn't like at all. There was no chemistry and it didn't feel like a real relationship had formed. Erik abused his position of power and he seemed almost obsessed with Angel, and Angel came across as a classic case of transference rather than a man falling in love. And I didn't give a crap about Marshall.
(And tbh, Erik came across as really skeevy and by the end, was making my skin crawl.)
Putting aside the 'romance' plot, this book gets a lot better. The agony of addiction and recovery was written thoughtfully and Chris' story broke my heart.
The main couple I didn't like at all. There was no chemistry and it didn't feel like a real relationship had formed. Erik abused his position of power and he seemed almost obsessed with Angel, and Angel came across as a classic case of transference rather than a man falling in love. And I didn't give a crap about Marshall.
(And tbh, Erik came across as really skeevy and by the end, was making my skin crawl.)
Putting aside the 'romance' plot, this book gets a lot better. The agony of addiction and recovery was written thoughtfully and Chris' story broke my heart.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 22, 2012
My favorite story so far!!! Once again Allison brings real life situation's to the world. Another m/m book. You can never go wrong. I love the covers for her books, amazing job as always Allison. I enjoy the character's i fell in love with Angel!!! Allison really brings out the love between same sex partner's and i love her for doing so!!!! A must read!!!!
December 5, 2012
I liked this book better than the first Allison Cassatta that I read, Sin #1. I do like her writing style and her characters seemed to come alive on the computer screen. I may have not liked the other one because I could not get into the mc's. This book was emotionally wrenching. I did love it but I don't think I will re-read it.
April 21, 2019
I never like giving bad reviews, but every once in a while, I just like to express my opinion. When I read the synopsis of this book, I thought, 'Yay, sounds just what I like,'. The problem was not in the idea for this novel, but more in the execution. You see, I read this book because a great author co-wrote a novel with Cassetta (hey Kade B- u rock) and I really liked it. So I was a bit disappointed with the solo work.
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT:
We went from 'I miss you' to 'I love you' too quickly for the Doctor and his ex. There was little to no back story on why they broke up, and the character of the ex became very flat.
Jon- the gorgeous dancer with a heart of gold. Ok, we wanted him to not be in love with our MC, because we wanted the MC to hook-up with the Doctor. However, going from heart clenching love to, 'hey, were great friends' was too easy.
MC and the Doctor-I love a redemption story, in fact, most of my best reads are all about redeeming the tortured souls of hot guys. But, instead of giving the reader a slow burn of delicious build-up, it went something like this-
'I'm tortured and angry that my back-up guy moved on, but it's Ok because I'm all better and ready to have forever-after with the Doc'. There was no showing the love, just telling.
'Love' was spoken far too often and quickly all over this book. For a short read, the word 'love' appeared as much as an Anne Rice novel (not the good ones neither).
Don't get me wrong, it takes dedication and bravery to write something for others to read, and I applaud anyone with the kahones to do so. Just not my cup of tea.
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT:
We went from 'I miss you' to 'I love you' too quickly for the Doctor and his ex. There was little to no back story on why they broke up, and the character of the ex became very flat.
Jon- the gorgeous dancer with a heart of gold. Ok, we wanted him to not be in love with our MC, because we wanted the MC to hook-up with the Doctor. However, going from heart clenching love to, 'hey, were great friends' was too easy.
MC and the Doctor-I love a redemption story, in fact, most of my best reads are all about redeeming the tortured souls of hot guys. But, instead of giving the reader a slow burn of delicious build-up, it went something like this-
'I'm tortured and angry that my back-up guy moved on, but it's Ok because I'm all better and ready to have forever-after with the Doc'. There was no showing the love, just telling.
'Love' was spoken far too often and quickly all over this book. For a short read, the word 'love' appeared as much as an Anne Rice novel (not the good ones neither).
Don't get me wrong, it takes dedication and bravery to write something for others to read, and I applaud anyone with the kahones to do so. Just not my cup of tea.
July 24, 2018
Dr. Erik Daniels lost almost everything when he hit rock bottom as a result of his addiction. And while he wishes that hadn't been the case, he has found a way to channel that into working with others who are suffering from issues with substance use. When he comes across Angel one night at the ER, he is determined to get him help no matter what it takes. Around the same time, Erik's ex Marshall shows up in his life, wanting to see if they can give things another go. While Erik is convinced at first that Marshall is exactly what he needs, more time spent with Angel makes him wonder if going backward is really the best direction to go. And when Angel makes his own feelings about Erik known, everything turns upside down in a way that just might feel more right than Erik imagined.
Things move quickly in this story, but it doesn't feel rushed. There is a complexity of the characters situations that I felt could have been explored in more depth, but that may just be because I have my own perspective as someone who has dated someone with a substance use disorder who refused to get help. There are many layers there that appear to go unexplored. But it is an easy and interesting read, and worth picking up if you need something that isn't too heavy.
Things move quickly in this story, but it doesn't feel rushed. There is a complexity of the characters situations that I felt could have been explored in more depth, but that may just be because I have my own perspective as someone who has dated someone with a substance use disorder who refused to get help. There are many layers there that appear to go unexplored. But it is an easy and interesting read, and worth picking up if you need something that isn't too heavy.
January 8, 2018
I was concerned because I am in the healthcare field, and for a Psychiatrist to become to become emotionally and sexually involved with a client is something that would lead to the Doctor to lose his privileges as a Psychiatrist. I enjoyed the story line but this is something which I could not accept in the writer's style.
February 15, 2018
Loved this story
Addiction a hard. Getting clean is harder. I'm this story we meet Erik, and Angel. Try to work their way through life. A well written story, with, a wonderful storyline. That's why I have this book 5 stars.
Addiction a hard. Getting clean is harder. I'm this story we meet Erik, and Angel. Try to work their way through life. A well written story, with, a wonderful storyline. That's why I have this book 5 stars.
January 27, 2015
Blurb
Dr Erik Daniels hasn't had it easy. After losing love and fighting addiction, he becomes a successful substance abuse counselor and helps people regardless of their insurance or ability to pay. It isn't the dream life he had in San Francisco, but at least he has something to be proud of. Everything seems to be getting back on the right track until Angel, a heroin-addicted male prostitute, crosses his path. Erik not only sees a lot of himself in Angel, but a lot of potential as well. He quickly realizes he's willing to sacrifice a lot to get him on the right path--but is he willing to jeopardize his career?
Review
Erik Daniels is a rehab counselor who got into the profession after succumbing to his own alcohol addiction, which ruined his career and his relationship with Marshall, several years ago. Now, he’s working in a run-down rehab clinic but feels great about his life. He meets Angel and Jon in the hospital after almost losing a different patient and can’t get the young couple out of his mind.
Angel is a heroin addict and a rent boy who is loved by Jon. Jon pushes and pushes to get Angel into rehab but Angel doesn’t think he’s worth it or that the clean life is worth it. Finally, with Erik’s help, Angel agrees.
Things are complex though. Angel doesn’t love Jon. Jon loves Angel. Angel pushes Jon away and so Jon finds a new “love”. Angel is crushed so Angel turns to Erik for love.
And… Erik loved Marshall but Marshall pushed Erik away when Erik hit rock bottom and went into rehab. Now, suddenly, several years later, Marshall returns wanting Erik back, and Erik sort of wants Marshall back, but fears Marshall’s not good for Erik’s recovery. Marshall pushes for a relationship, so Erik and Marshall start a long-distance fling, then Marshall pushes Erik to move back to San Francisco, but Erik resists. Meanwhile, Erik falls for Angel but knows it’s unprofessional and maybe wrong, but Erik can’t resist. Until, finally, Angel and Erik end up together.
Phew, that’s a lot of drama!
There were parts of this book I really loved: the writing, the theme, the MCs, and even the secondary characters. I thought Allison Cassatta did a great job creating believable characters and a rich environment for them to interact in. She’s got a lovely writing style that flows well and is easy to follow and it was easy to become immersed in her story.
But… there was a lot I didn’t like: First, I didn’t feel comfortable with Erik and Angel’s love story. It felt too co-dependent and very unhealthy for Angel (who never even reclaimed his real name for Pete’s sake. Erik is still calling him Angel (not Luke, his given name) at the end of the book, without an explanation as to why. If he’d said something like, “I feel more like Angel than Luke so I’m keeping it” I’d have understood, but it’s just kind of left there, unexplained.
Second, Angel is too young (emotionally – not in years) for Erik and Erik is not in a good place to become his lover. I was willing to let the Doctor/Patient thing go IF, and that’s a big IF, it was explained and justified. I don’t feel it was. The end, where the two get together, is just too rushed for that to be overlooked as a real, significant, hurdle.
Third, I never liked Angel’s reasons for any of his actions. I didn’t get why he chose to live on the streets, I didn’t get where he fell in love with Erik, I didn’t get why he was so devastated when Jon did what he was told and found someone else. Sure, I get that he was a proud young guy who was rejected at home, but it seems he gave up trying to find his way with little effort and didn’t ever come back to a healthy place where I felt he had a chance at long term sobriety.
Fourth, I really didn’t like that most of the on page sex and relationship stuff was between the MCs and their secondary characters (Jon and Marshall) and not with each other. Those relationships really felt unsettled, especially between Marshall and Erik. I definitely agree that Marshall and Jon were not the right men for Angel and Erik but I didn’t feel we got enough time with Erik and Angel as a couple to feel good about their relationship. Erik and Angel were left feeling very co-dependent on each other and it didn’t feel healthy, even at the end.
I think if the story’d been a bit longer I’d have felt better about things. Maybe it was because the story ends with Erik and Angel hooking up and then the epilogue, a year later, tells us of the couple’s successes. If I’d read more about that time I’d have a better connection to that success. The ending just felt rushed.
So – overall I have to give this story a 3 of 5 hearts instead of the 4 or 4.5 that I was leaning towards in the beginning because I just didn’t feel good about the ending – even though I loved that they seemed so happy together at the end.
Dr Erik Daniels hasn't had it easy. After losing love and fighting addiction, he becomes a successful substance abuse counselor and helps people regardless of their insurance or ability to pay. It isn't the dream life he had in San Francisco, but at least he has something to be proud of. Everything seems to be getting back on the right track until Angel, a heroin-addicted male prostitute, crosses his path. Erik not only sees a lot of himself in Angel, but a lot of potential as well. He quickly realizes he's willing to sacrifice a lot to get him on the right path--but is he willing to jeopardize his career?
Review
Erik Daniels is a rehab counselor who got into the profession after succumbing to his own alcohol addiction, which ruined his career and his relationship with Marshall, several years ago. Now, he’s working in a run-down rehab clinic but feels great about his life. He meets Angel and Jon in the hospital after almost losing a different patient and can’t get the young couple out of his mind.
Angel is a heroin addict and a rent boy who is loved by Jon. Jon pushes and pushes to get Angel into rehab but Angel doesn’t think he’s worth it or that the clean life is worth it. Finally, with Erik’s help, Angel agrees.
Things are complex though. Angel doesn’t love Jon. Jon loves Angel. Angel pushes Jon away and so Jon finds a new “love”. Angel is crushed so Angel turns to Erik for love.
And… Erik loved Marshall but Marshall pushed Erik away when Erik hit rock bottom and went into rehab. Now, suddenly, several years later, Marshall returns wanting Erik back, and Erik sort of wants Marshall back, but fears Marshall’s not good for Erik’s recovery. Marshall pushes for a relationship, so Erik and Marshall start a long-distance fling, then Marshall pushes Erik to move back to San Francisco, but Erik resists. Meanwhile, Erik falls for Angel but knows it’s unprofessional and maybe wrong, but Erik can’t resist. Until, finally, Angel and Erik end up together.
Phew, that’s a lot of drama!
There were parts of this book I really loved: the writing, the theme, the MCs, and even the secondary characters. I thought Allison Cassatta did a great job creating believable characters and a rich environment for them to interact in. She’s got a lovely writing style that flows well and is easy to follow and it was easy to become immersed in her story.
But… there was a lot I didn’t like: First, I didn’t feel comfortable with Erik and Angel’s love story. It felt too co-dependent and very unhealthy for Angel (who never even reclaimed his real name for Pete’s sake. Erik is still calling him Angel (not Luke, his given name) at the end of the book, without an explanation as to why. If he’d said something like, “I feel more like Angel than Luke so I’m keeping it” I’d have understood, but it’s just kind of left there, unexplained.
Second, Angel is too young (emotionally – not in years) for Erik and Erik is not in a good place to become his lover. I was willing to let the Doctor/Patient thing go IF, and that’s a big IF, it was explained and justified. I don’t feel it was. The end, where the two get together, is just too rushed for that to be overlooked as a real, significant, hurdle.
Third, I never liked Angel’s reasons for any of his actions. I didn’t get why he chose to live on the streets, I didn’t get where he fell in love with Erik, I didn’t get why he was so devastated when Jon did what he was told and found someone else. Sure, I get that he was a proud young guy who was rejected at home, but it seems he gave up trying to find his way with little effort and didn’t ever come back to a healthy place where I felt he had a chance at long term sobriety.
Fourth, I really didn’t like that most of the on page sex and relationship stuff was between the MCs and their secondary characters (Jon and Marshall) and not with each other. Those relationships really felt unsettled, especially between Marshall and Erik. I definitely agree that Marshall and Jon were not the right men for Angel and Erik but I didn’t feel we got enough time with Erik and Angel as a couple to feel good about their relationship. Erik and Angel were left feeling very co-dependent on each other and it didn’t feel healthy, even at the end.
I think if the story’d been a bit longer I’d have felt better about things. Maybe it was because the story ends with Erik and Angel hooking up and then the epilogue, a year later, tells us of the couple’s successes. If I’d read more about that time I’d have a better connection to that success. The ending just felt rushed.
So – overall I have to give this story a 3 of 5 hearts instead of the 4 or 4.5 that I was leaning towards in the beginning because I just didn’t feel good about the ending – even though I loved that they seemed so happy together at the end.
September 30, 2012
A great book from a new author for me proved to be worth the risk. While frustrating at times, Allison Cassatta kept me engaged until the very end of this lovely novel and I am thankful for the experience.
Although this story is essentially about Angel and Erik Daniels, it doesn’t start out that way. Erik is a doctor who had to say goodbye to his former career and partner, Marshall, when he relied on the bottle too much. Now he’s in a different town, sober and with a new life. Angel on the other hand has only known drugs and prostitution since the age of fifteen when he first left home. He has a best friend, Jon, who helps him go on just by being there, but Angel doesn’t see much of a future and carries enough of anger inside to shut out the rest of the world.
Ending in a hospital after an accident, Angel is persuaded to go to rehab and things change.
I was bothered by quite a few things in this book despite liking it very much. It happens sometimes that the characters and situations take paths I’m not comfortable with or for which I would just rather strangle them. I felt similar with this book.
I’ve found that too much attention was given to the former relationships, for both main characters, with a lot of jumps between those relationships being perfect and then unhealthy. It lacked consistency and I had trouble taking it seriously. Time jumps with Angel's rehab cut out the repetitive process of him detoxing and getting a handle of his body and mind again, true, but it also cut on the time spent between him and Daniels. I needed that connecting factor, the introduction into mutual recognition of the attraction between them. But instead there was only a vague sense of appeal and affection from Daniels side, while Angel was disappointed by Jon moving on in one moment and kissing Daniels in the next without any sort of hints that he actually found the man interesting. The development after that was nice and well explained, but it happened too far in the book to have the same impact it would have had sooner.
I enjoyed the whole subject of drug withdrawal, where no details were skimmed and the author gave the addiction the time it deserved. Angel was someone who was defined by his need for a very long time, and just kicking all that aside in a few pages would have been unrealistic. Overall the subject was treated well and I liked the fact that the author did some type of research to make this book better.
Being one of those who actually wanted Erick and Angel together, I was somewhat annoyed with Jon and Marshall. One wanted something he obviously couldn't get but swore he would always be there. I don't know how much time needs to pass for that first visit during rehab, but it seemed awfully fast for Jon to just go back on his word. Marshall was a strange character, someone who left his loved one during the worst of time. I do understand that he wanted to end the destructive relationship, but Erick needed him then, and as someone who has been Marshall’s partner for so many years, I think he deserved at least the support of friendship. It seemed kind of bold on his part to just come back after a year and wish for a different outcome of his decision. But then again, Marshall was a conflicting character during the whole book. Because at moments he was so good I rooted for him, then he was somewhat of a self-centered bastard, then even Erik thought bad of him, only to end it all on a happy note where I was surprised by Marshall’s courteous behavior.
Erik frustrated me at times because he felt to me like a coward and tended to hide from his problems at times when he really needed to face them. I thought Angel deserved better and in general Angel was my favorite character in the whole story. I wished there was more about him and more chapters from his POV.
So with this long review, I give this book three and a half stars, because the author kept the focus on the subject, led it to where it needed to go and while doing all that, gave us some wonderful characters and a bit of a different twist on the way love finds its way to people’s hearts.
Although this story is essentially about Angel and Erik Daniels, it doesn’t start out that way. Erik is a doctor who had to say goodbye to his former career and partner, Marshall, when he relied on the bottle too much. Now he’s in a different town, sober and with a new life. Angel on the other hand has only known drugs and prostitution since the age of fifteen when he first left home. He has a best friend, Jon, who helps him go on just by being there, but Angel doesn’t see much of a future and carries enough of anger inside to shut out the rest of the world.
Ending in a hospital after an accident, Angel is persuaded to go to rehab and things change.
I was bothered by quite a few things in this book despite liking it very much. It happens sometimes that the characters and situations take paths I’m not comfortable with or for which I would just rather strangle them. I felt similar with this book.
I’ve found that too much attention was given to the former relationships, for both main characters, with a lot of jumps between those relationships being perfect and then unhealthy. It lacked consistency and I had trouble taking it seriously. Time jumps with Angel's rehab cut out the repetitive process of him detoxing and getting a handle of his body and mind again, true, but it also cut on the time spent between him and Daniels. I needed that connecting factor, the introduction into mutual recognition of the attraction between them. But instead there was only a vague sense of appeal and affection from Daniels side, while Angel was disappointed by Jon moving on in one moment and kissing Daniels in the next without any sort of hints that he actually found the man interesting. The development after that was nice and well explained, but it happened too far in the book to have the same impact it would have had sooner.
I enjoyed the whole subject of drug withdrawal, where no details were skimmed and the author gave the addiction the time it deserved. Angel was someone who was defined by his need for a very long time, and just kicking all that aside in a few pages would have been unrealistic. Overall the subject was treated well and I liked the fact that the author did some type of research to make this book better.
Being one of those who actually wanted Erick and Angel together, I was somewhat annoyed with Jon and Marshall. One wanted something he obviously couldn't get but swore he would always be there. I don't know how much time needs to pass for that first visit during rehab, but it seemed awfully fast for Jon to just go back on his word. Marshall was a strange character, someone who left his loved one during the worst of time. I do understand that he wanted to end the destructive relationship, but Erick needed him then, and as someone who has been Marshall’s partner for so many years, I think he deserved at least the support of friendship. It seemed kind of bold on his part to just come back after a year and wish for a different outcome of his decision. But then again, Marshall was a conflicting character during the whole book. Because at moments he was so good I rooted for him, then he was somewhat of a self-centered bastard, then even Erik thought bad of him, only to end it all on a happy note where I was surprised by Marshall’s courteous behavior.
Erik frustrated me at times because he felt to me like a coward and tended to hide from his problems at times when he really needed to face them. I thought Angel deserved better and in general Angel was my favorite character in the whole story. I wished there was more about him and more chapters from his POV.
So with this long review, I give this book three and a half stars, because the author kept the focus on the subject, led it to where it needed to go and while doing all that, gave us some wonderful characters and a bit of a different twist on the way love finds its way to people’s hearts.
December 8, 2014
4 star review by Lily
Dr Erik Daniels is a recovering alcoholic who is working as a substance abuse therapist at a rehabilitation clinic. At the same time he is still dealing with his emotional trauma regarding his past alcohol abuse.
Angel ran away from home when he was in his teens due to his father’s reaction to his disclosure that he was gay. When Erik finds Angel in the ER following an accidental heroin overdose he discovers that Angel is an addict who is paying for his habit through prostitution. Erik is drawn towards Angel, and his friend Jon, and he makes a personal commitment to help both of them. I guess this is how Erik’s counter-transference issues started. He was emotionally caught up in Angel’s issues to the point he was going an extra mile for Angel and his friend. The way he wanted to fix Angel and help Jon made sense to me, especially when Erik’s ex-partner comes back into the picture. It seemed as though Erik saw a bit of himself in Angel and a bit of his ex in Jon.
Reading the story from Erik’s perspective was very powerful for me. He was absolutely battling with his ethical issues as a therapist versus his attraction towards Angel. I guess the crunching point was when he became sexually aware of Angel. This part in the story made me feel a sense of dread because I was able to imagine some of the possible consequences for Erik. It was written in a very straightforward manner, no emotional chitter-chatter or fluff. It was simply about Erik crossing the professional boundaries and plunging himself into dangerous territory. Wow, just wow!
Although at times the story seemed weighted down in dialogue the focus remained on Erik and Angel’s journey of recovery. I loved how the writer did not shy away from writing a romance with a patient/therapist relationship and the story felt real to me.
This was no “usual” sensuous romance story because of the initial nature of Erik and Angel’s relationship. As a result, the end was surprising to me. But the epilogue made it clear that these two were meant to be together despite the rocky start of their relationship. The ultimate romantic in me really liked how the writer concluded Erik and Angel’s story. It was tactful, peaceful and romantic.
This is a very refreshing and powerful story, which I shall read again in the future.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
Dr Erik Daniels is a recovering alcoholic who is working as a substance abuse therapist at a rehabilitation clinic. At the same time he is still dealing with his emotional trauma regarding his past alcohol abuse.
Angel ran away from home when he was in his teens due to his father’s reaction to his disclosure that he was gay. When Erik finds Angel in the ER following an accidental heroin overdose he discovers that Angel is an addict who is paying for his habit through prostitution. Erik is drawn towards Angel, and his friend Jon, and he makes a personal commitment to help both of them. I guess this is how Erik’s counter-transference issues started. He was emotionally caught up in Angel’s issues to the point he was going an extra mile for Angel and his friend. The way he wanted to fix Angel and help Jon made sense to me, especially when Erik’s ex-partner comes back into the picture. It seemed as though Erik saw a bit of himself in Angel and a bit of his ex in Jon.
Reading the story from Erik’s perspective was very powerful for me. He was absolutely battling with his ethical issues as a therapist versus his attraction towards Angel. I guess the crunching point was when he became sexually aware of Angel. This part in the story made me feel a sense of dread because I was able to imagine some of the possible consequences for Erik. It was written in a very straightforward manner, no emotional chitter-chatter or fluff. It was simply about Erik crossing the professional boundaries and plunging himself into dangerous territory. Wow, just wow!
Although at times the story seemed weighted down in dialogue the focus remained on Erik and Angel’s journey of recovery. I loved how the writer did not shy away from writing a romance with a patient/therapist relationship and the story felt real to me.
This was no “usual” sensuous romance story because of the initial nature of Erik and Angel’s relationship. As a result, the end was surprising to me. But the epilogue made it clear that these two were meant to be together despite the rocky start of their relationship. The ultimate romantic in me really liked how the writer concluded Erik and Angel’s story. It was tactful, peaceful and romantic.
This is a very refreshing and powerful story, which I shall read again in the future.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
January 29, 2015
Genre M/M Contemporary Romance
MC1 Erik Daniels
MC2 Angel
Storyline
Erik is a recovering alcoholic who lost everything - his job, his home, his lover - when he made the choice to get in his car while impaired & then wrecked that car. He now works in a state run treatment center for addiction, trying to help others. He often thinks about & misses his ex. About a year after the breakup, he gets a call from the ex asking him to meet for lunch & they end up having sex again. Marshall (the ex) suggests that maybe they can think about getting back together as he's not over Erik either. In the meantime, while Erik is dealing with the drama of one his patients being taken as a ward of the state, another young man is brought into the ER for an overdose. Erik simply cannot ignore someone so obviously in need so he works to help the victim & his distraught friend. The young man skips out on the ER but after using again, decides he really doesn't want to die & calls Erik to seek treatment. Erik pulls strings & gets Angel admitted into his clinic.
Conflict
Erik is conflicted by his desire to get back with Marshall & his newly developing feelings for Angel, however he knows that a relationship with Angel is NOT ethical. And he only has 90 days to get Angel through the treatment he so desperately needs.
My Thoughts
IMO it is difficult to take an addict who is basically homeless & sells sex to get his next fix and then uses the person who most loves him and make that person into a likable character. It is quite difficult to redeem that character because in most instances (in the real world, especially with heroin addicts) the addict will relapse after treatment until they eventually OD and die. I don't know that I would find anything redeemable or likable about a real addict. Unless that addict had been sober for a really long time. But this is fiction & I'm not always looking for realism in my fiction. IMHO this author was able to take this unlikable character & turn him around; give him some redeemable qualities. I would really like some follow-up on what happened with Jon. Maybe a sequel? Maybe a sequel for Marshall as well, because he really could have been quite the dickhead after the way Erik treated him & he was really gracious & kind. I think he deserves to have a HEA as well.
MC1 Erik Daniels
MC2 Angel
Storyline
Erik is a recovering alcoholic who lost everything - his job, his home, his lover - when he made the choice to get in his car while impaired & then wrecked that car. He now works in a state run treatment center for addiction, trying to help others. He often thinks about & misses his ex. About a year after the breakup, he gets a call from the ex asking him to meet for lunch & they end up having sex again. Marshall (the ex) suggests that maybe they can think about getting back together as he's not over Erik either. In the meantime, while Erik is dealing with the drama of one his patients being taken as a ward of the state, another young man is brought into the ER for an overdose. Erik simply cannot ignore someone so obviously in need so he works to help the victim & his distraught friend. The young man skips out on the ER but after using again, decides he really doesn't want to die & calls Erik to seek treatment. Erik pulls strings & gets Angel admitted into his clinic.
Conflict
Erik is conflicted by his desire to get back with Marshall & his newly developing feelings for Angel, however he knows that a relationship with Angel is NOT ethical. And he only has 90 days to get Angel through the treatment he so desperately needs.
My Thoughts
IMO it is difficult to take an addict who is basically homeless & sells sex to get his next fix and then uses the person who most loves him and make that person into a likable character. It is quite difficult to redeem that character because in most instances (in the real world, especially with heroin addicts) the addict will relapse after treatment until they eventually OD and die. I don't know that I would find anything redeemable or likable about a real addict. Unless that addict had been sober for a really long time. But this is fiction & I'm not always looking for realism in my fiction. IMHO this author was able to take this unlikable character & turn him around; give him some redeemable qualities. I would really like some follow-up on what happened with Jon. Maybe a sequel? Maybe a sequel for Marshall as well, because he really could have been quite the dickhead after the way Erik treated him & he was really gracious & kind. I think he deserves to have a HEA as well.
November 15, 2014
A story of two men, almost a decade apart in age, that carry similar pasts. It’s only when their paths cross that their futures align and give them both a second chance at happiness. But it’s not all moonlight and roses. People will be hurt and trusts broken as these two men help each other heal.
Erik Daniels is a struggling substance abuse counselor. A recovering alcoholic, he pushed away the man he loved before hitting rock bottom. Now he works a job he loves helping young men in similar situations as he was just a few years ago, trying to get clean and get their lives back. When a patient is brought into the ER after a heroin overdose, Erik is drawn into his world with on overbearing need to help him get clean.
Angel ran away from home after his father rejected him when Angel told him he was gay. Living from one alley way hook up to another does nothing for his self esteem, but it does keep his veins full of the substance that is slowly killing him. His best friend and wanna be boyfriend Jon, along with the help of Dr Daniels, convinces Angel to go to rehab and get clean. Angel runs away, more than once, falls off the wagon, loses his boyfriend and his dignity... but he gains a trust he has never felt before in his life. An attraction to the one man that pushed him when no one else could, Erik.
While there were a few things that happened in this story that either made me roll my eyes or sigh unhappily, overall I enjoyed it. I most enjoyed the way Cassatta wrote it almost like two different stories in the beginning, giving the reader a look into the life of each man separately, then bringing them together and then ending with a look into their lives together. Erik’s struggle with being the man he thought he needed to be and reconciling that with the man he is was so well conveyed that I felt his turmoil. And poor Angel, all he wants is to be loved and while Jon loves him, Angel also needs to be directed and motivated to an extent, which only Erik can do.
This wasn’t a love story per say, more of a story about two men that had to find themselves before they found each other, the love they found was just a bonus. I definitely recommend this read.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Erik Daniels is a struggling substance abuse counselor. A recovering alcoholic, he pushed away the man he loved before hitting rock bottom. Now he works a job he loves helping young men in similar situations as he was just a few years ago, trying to get clean and get their lives back. When a patient is brought into the ER after a heroin overdose, Erik is drawn into his world with on overbearing need to help him get clean.
Angel ran away from home after his father rejected him when Angel told him he was gay. Living from one alley way hook up to another does nothing for his self esteem, but it does keep his veins full of the substance that is slowly killing him. His best friend and wanna be boyfriend Jon, along with the help of Dr Daniels, convinces Angel to go to rehab and get clean. Angel runs away, more than once, falls off the wagon, loses his boyfriend and his dignity... but he gains a trust he has never felt before in his life. An attraction to the one man that pushed him when no one else could, Erik.
While there were a few things that happened in this story that either made me roll my eyes or sigh unhappily, overall I enjoyed it. I most enjoyed the way Cassatta wrote it almost like two different stories in the beginning, giving the reader a look into the life of each man separately, then bringing them together and then ending with a look into their lives together. Erik’s struggle with being the man he thought he needed to be and reconciling that with the man he is was so well conveyed that I felt his turmoil. And poor Angel, all he wants is to be loved and while Jon loves him, Angel also needs to be directed and motivated to an extent, which only Erik can do.
This wasn’t a love story per say, more of a story about two men that had to find themselves before they found each other, the love they found was just a bonus. I definitely recommend this read.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
May 12, 2016
Hmmm. This was tough. I have to say that I had some problem with the ethics of the situation. Angel is Eric's patient at the rehab facility. While Eric does struggle with crossing that line, he does. The author does try to set it up as a "you can't help who you love" situation and I totally get that but I still felt vaguely uncomfortable with the way it played out. Could just be that I work in healthcare so I am sensitive to this sort of situation. So this begins as the story of two couples - Eric and his ex, Marshall and Angel and Jon. I didn't quite understand why Eric felt the way he did about Marshall. Frankly I was rooting for them to sort out their relationship. I also didn't completely buy Jon's switch. I also needed more in Angel's head about how he felt about Eric rather than BOOM - kiss. If I had gotten some sort of inner musings about his potential feelings for Eric I would have felt better about how it played out but didn't. So had numerous issues with this. Wanted to love it....
November 21, 2012
okay, first off Alli, you know what I did whilst reading this, so you already know I love it! ;)
Review: okay, I want more! I feel like I couldn't connect with ALL (IE Jon) the characters that well in such a short time.
I loved how I thought I predicted who would be with who, however you sent me a twist and I loved that, that is probably why i couldn't put the book down. My emotions were all over the place in this book and I love when a book had the ability to do that. Make me cry, laugh, get angry or horny. I thought it was awesome how Erik related so much to Angel, that's where their real connection was. Once Erik realized how talented the kid was, he started to realize his feelings. Then, when he thought he lost him, I was blown away by his reaction to it. I'm glad Erik realized what led him to drink and how even though he truly still loved Marshall, that relationship was his ruin..
Review: okay, I want more! I feel like I couldn't connect with ALL (IE Jon) the characters that well in such a short time.
I loved how I thought I predicted who would be with who, however you sent me a twist and I loved that, that is probably why i couldn't put the book down. My emotions were all over the place in this book and I love when a book had the ability to do that. Make me cry, laugh, get angry or horny. I thought it was awesome how Erik related so much to Angel, that's where their real connection was. Once Erik realized how talented the kid was, he started to realize his feelings. Then, when he thought he lost him, I was blown away by his reaction to it. I'm glad Erik realized what led him to drink and how even though he truly still loved Marshall, that relationship was his ruin..
February 5, 2013
It really is a good story. I have a couple of issues though. The beginning and middle were great however at one point when things start to happen I looked at the page number and realized I was almost finished. The story is wrapped up by the end, I just wished there had been more.
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