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Deaf Hearts #1
Kiss-Fist
Sound interesting? The author thinks so too! Kiss-Fist is Book 1 of the Deaf Hearts romance series.
8 pages, Audible Audio
First published September 12, 2025
834 people are currently reading
1586 people want to read
About the author
Cora Rose
45 books2,730 followersCora Rose loves any kind of romance and consumes way too many books each year. She currently lives in the U.S. and spends her days daydreaming about the characters inside her head.
You can email her at CoraRoseRomance@gmail.com or visit her website at www.coraroseromance.com
You can email her at CoraRoseRomance@gmail.com or visit her website at www.coraroseromance.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 538 reviews
September 9, 2025
I can feel how desperate he is for it, for me. He has to know how much I want this. We are a Deaf man and a hearing one, barely able to communicate beyond the physical. And fuck, this is so physical.
College professor Robbie meets personal trainer Thom when he starts going to the gym to get in shape. The two seem like complete opposites at first- Thom is athletic and muscular, while Robbie is scrawny and out of shape. Thom's insecure about his learning disability and ADHD, and doesn't think anyone with Robbie's academic credentials would want to date a gym-bro. Robbie is Deaf and has said he would never date a hearing person. They struggle to communicate because Robbie isn't the best at lipreading, and Thom's dyslexia makes it difficult for him to read and write text. Despite their communication and cultural challenges, the two are immediately attracted to each other. But will their differences eventually tear them apart? Kiss-Fist is an opposites-attract romance. It reminded me of those videos on social media where a family gets a puppy (Thom) for their grumpy senior dog (Robbie). Although it takes time for them to become friends, eventually the puppy wins the senior dog over and they become inseparable.
Game over. I like him. And every rule I’d ever set for myself is officially broken.
Honestly, I was somewhat disappointed in this book. To be fair, there were so many cute moments and the last 20% got quite good. Ultimately, however, I wanted so much more in terms of plot and characterization. As this is book 1 in a series, there were many characters to introduce, and we can see various future pairings start to form already. Unfortunately there was very little plot and character development related to Robbie and Thom specifically, aside from their communication challenges. Thankfully Thom was very motivated to learn ASL, and had a natural talent for languages. However they knew next to nothing about each other and mainly interacted at the gym and with groups of their friends and family members. They never got to know each other outside of bed. There was more chemistry between side-character Leaf and his groundhog nemesis Michael than the two MCs. I wanted to like the book and like I said there were a ton of great moments, but ultimately it didn't deliver on the romance for me. The two fell into this insta-lust connection, but never really became compelling characters outside of their personal challenges. With Robbie in particular, it felt like his predominant character trait was being Deaf. I would've preferred to read about a character who happened to be Deaf, but it wasn't his entire personality.
Secondly, this is a bit of a pet peeve of mine, but 2 acronyms are used in the book that were unfamiliar to me (CODA and CI). I was able to figure them out contextually, but I always appreciate it when they are defined earlier in the book, and then I'm completely fine if they're abbreviated from then on.
Fuck, he’s so precious. He’s the last man in the world I expected to fall for, but here I am, practically head over heels. I can’t get enough of him, and it’s in this moment I know I’m willing to compromise on things I never have before. For him. Only for him. Because he’s entirely worth it.
Rating: 3
Angst: 2/5
Steam: 2/5
I received an advance copy of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
September 20, 2025
I honestly don’t understand the good ratings for this book. I guess taste really is subjective, but…
Robbie is deaf—and that’s basically all you’ll hear him talk about. Don’t get me wrong, the world can be awful for deaf people (or anyone with limitations, really), but I highly doubt deaf people spend 24/7 obsessing over being deaf.
And here’s why: from 6th to 9th grade, I went to school with deaf students. We were actually taught how to communicate with them in class. They showed us the essentials, and there was even an optional class on Fridays to learn more. I made a few friends that way—one of them I’m still close to today. And guess what she doesn’t obsess over?
Being deaf. She just wants to be treated as normal as possible. She’s about to get married, she’s amazing with kids, she’s a top student—she’s so much more than “the girl who can’t hear.”
What really got on my nerves in this book (besides that) was how thirsty both main characters were. Like… get a glass of water, please. From the very first page, every single touch had them ready to go. “He touched my waist—I was hard.” “He touched my leg—I was hard.” Over and over, since chapter one. Honestly, a teenager has more self-control than these supposed grown men.
Robbie is deaf—and that’s basically all you’ll hear him talk about. Don’t get me wrong, the world can be awful for deaf people (or anyone with limitations, really), but I highly doubt deaf people spend 24/7 obsessing over being deaf.
And here’s why: from 6th to 9th grade, I went to school with deaf students. We were actually taught how to communicate with them in class. They showed us the essentials, and there was even an optional class on Fridays to learn more. I made a few friends that way—one of them I’m still close to today. And guess what she doesn’t obsess over?
Being deaf. She just wants to be treated as normal as possible. She’s about to get married, she’s amazing with kids, she’s a top student—she’s so much more than “the girl who can’t hear.”
What really got on my nerves in this book (besides that) was how thirsty both main characters were. Like… get a glass of water, please. From the very first page, every single touch had them ready to go. “He touched my waist—I was hard.” “He touched my leg—I was hard.” Over and over, since chapter one. Honestly, a teenager has more self-control than these supposed grown men.
September 15, 2025
I've read many a Cora Rose book, but never an E.M. Lindsey book before....well I think I just might have to check out more of her work after reading this.
Honestly it can be so up and down with Cora Rose's solo work, but she shines when she does co-author work. The other author takes the good in Cora Rose's writing and uplifts it with their own writing. A lot of the...weaker parts of her writing, I'll say, get a boost or get helped/eliminated/worked on for the better with a writing partner.
I was so invested in this from the start, and I absolutely adored both Robbie and Thom, they were the absolute sweetest together.
Thom was my favorite too, he was the sweetiest cutie patootie sweetie pie babykins! He was just so earnest and kind and willing to do what it took to make this man he was crushing for so hard, and then later on falling for, happy.
And he had his own insecurities, as he has severe ADHD and Dyslexia, but Robbie never makes him feel like shit for those neurodivergencies.
Robbie is a bit less sunshine-y, a bit more cantankerous, a bit more grumpy and set in his ways, but he's a kind, sweet guy underneath it all. As a man who has been deaf all his life, and has had to deal with hearing people, being in the hearing world, all his life, he's learned what works for himself and what doesn't.
A big one of his rules is to never date a hearing person - as he's tried it in the past and had it not work out - but when his friends encourage him to work out, just a small step in some changes to better his life that he so desperately wants, he gives in and goes.
Only the only deaf personal trainer at this gym had to take 6 months off when his mother died, and that leaves no other deaf people...only hearing.
In comes Thom, co-owner with his brother of the gym, who has trouble reading and writing due to his disability, while Robbie is a professor at the local community college, and Thom is hearing where Robbie isnt. But Thom's dyslexia - and ADHD - make him understand Robbie in a way perhaps a lot of hearing people wouldn't. He understands feeling left out of things, he understand being judged - and judged harshly a lot of the time - for not be able to do the 'norm' that society expects of everyone.
Another big thing - Thom starts to try and learn ASL for Robbie. He even signs up for a class at said community college.
It's more than anyone has ever done for Robbie.
Of course, they're wildly attracted to each other as well, and Thom is drool-worthy, but it's more than just attraction. They can't stay away from each other soon enough, despite all of Robbie's personal rules on dating, and despite Thom wanting to be professional and not sleep with a client.
But the chemistry cannot be ignored, and them together is explosive. I absolutely loved them together, and their chemistry was off the charts good. Their sex scenes were SO so hot and sexy and passionate.
I absolutely loved the utilization of the "someone catches them in the act" trope as well. I am a sucker for that trope and this did not disappoint with that scene.
This also touches on problems a hearing and deaf person would have in a relationship, but handles them beautifully. It isn't smooth sailing for these two in the least, but they try. They want to try, they want to be together bad enough to try for each other.
There's a scene where Robbie understandably goes off on Thom for something, but also at the same time Thom is new to all this and he's learning, and he never does anything with bad intentions, and he deserves second chances, but Robbie soon after realizes that and then calmly explains where he was coming from, and they're able to communicate so well after that.
There's also some slight drama with one of Robbie's friends, Rome - he was definitely an asshole, but we learn he has some relationship trauma that he is projecting onto Robbie and Thom, especially Thom - but Robbie is there to reassure Thom how much he wants him and only him, and Thom has insecurities, but they aren't so bad that he stops believing Robbie's words or his feelings for him.
It was just beautiful to read, and their love story was amazing. I just loved every minute of this.
I definitely can't wait for more in this series - definitely interested to learn more about Leaf and what's got him losing his mind over a groundhog lol - and I definitely see Rome someday getting his own book, perhaps redeeming himself as well (him apologizing to Thom at the end was a step in the right direction). I would love for his romance to be him falling for a hearing guy and it going right this time.
So I absolutely can't wait for more and I am hooked on this series and will be checking out more E.M. Lindsey in the future as well.
Until then! 😎
Honestly it can be so up and down with Cora Rose's solo work, but she shines when she does co-author work. The other author takes the good in Cora Rose's writing and uplifts it with their own writing. A lot of the...weaker parts of her writing, I'll say, get a boost or get helped/eliminated/worked on for the better with a writing partner.
I was so invested in this from the start, and I absolutely adored both Robbie and Thom, they were the absolute sweetest together.
Thom was my favorite too, he was the sweetiest cutie patootie sweetie pie babykins! He was just so earnest and kind and willing to do what it took to make this man he was crushing for so hard, and then later on falling for, happy.
And he had his own insecurities, as he has severe ADHD and Dyslexia, but Robbie never makes him feel like shit for those neurodivergencies.
Robbie is a bit less sunshine-y, a bit more cantankerous, a bit more grumpy and set in his ways, but he's a kind, sweet guy underneath it all. As a man who has been deaf all his life, and has had to deal with hearing people, being in the hearing world, all his life, he's learned what works for himself and what doesn't.
A big one of his rules is to never date a hearing person - as he's tried it in the past and had it not work out - but when his friends encourage him to work out, just a small step in some changes to better his life that he so desperately wants, he gives in and goes.
Only the only deaf personal trainer at this gym had to take 6 months off when his mother died, and that leaves no other deaf people...only hearing.
In comes Thom, co-owner with his brother of the gym, who has trouble reading and writing due to his disability, while Robbie is a professor at the local community college, and Thom is hearing where Robbie isnt. But Thom's dyslexia - and ADHD - make him understand Robbie in a way perhaps a lot of hearing people wouldn't. He understands feeling left out of things, he understand being judged - and judged harshly a lot of the time - for not be able to do the 'norm' that society expects of everyone.
Another big thing - Thom starts to try and learn ASL for Robbie. He even signs up for a class at said community college.
It's more than anyone has ever done for Robbie.
Of course, they're wildly attracted to each other as well, and Thom is drool-worthy, but it's more than just attraction. They can't stay away from each other soon enough, despite all of Robbie's personal rules on dating, and despite Thom wanting to be professional and not sleep with a client.
But the chemistry cannot be ignored, and them together is explosive. I absolutely loved them together, and their chemistry was off the charts good. Their sex scenes were SO so hot and sexy and passionate.
I absolutely loved the utilization of the "someone catches them in the act" trope as well. I am a sucker for that trope and this did not disappoint with that scene.
This also touches on problems a hearing and deaf person would have in a relationship, but handles them beautifully. It isn't smooth sailing for these two in the least, but they try. They want to try, they want to be together bad enough to try for each other.
There's a scene where Robbie understandably goes off on Thom for something, but also at the same time Thom is new to all this and he's learning, and he never does anything with bad intentions, and he deserves second chances, but Robbie soon after realizes that and then calmly explains where he was coming from, and they're able to communicate so well after that.
There's also some slight drama with one of Robbie's friends, Rome - he was definitely an asshole, but we learn he has some relationship trauma that he is projecting onto Robbie and Thom, especially Thom - but Robbie is there to reassure Thom how much he wants him and only him, and Thom has insecurities, but they aren't so bad that he stops believing Robbie's words or his feelings for him.
It was just beautiful to read, and their love story was amazing. I just loved every minute of this.
I definitely can't wait for more in this series - definitely interested to learn more about Leaf and what's got him losing his mind over a groundhog lol - and I definitely see Rome someday getting his own book, perhaps redeeming himself as well (him apologizing to Thom at the end was a step in the right direction). I would love for his romance to be him falling for a hearing guy and it going right this time.
So I absolutely can't wait for more and I am hooked on this series and will be checking out more E.M. Lindsey in the future as well.
Until then! 😎
September 3, 2025
I really love Kiss-Fist; it is an endearing romantic story about athletic trainer Thom and his client Robbie. They are complete opposites in personality—Thom is outwardly affectionate and friendly, while Robbie is surly and introverted. The added complication of Robbie being deaf, and Thom not knowing ASL creates many intense moments as they both find new ways to communicate, with underlying tension simmering throughout as their chemistry is evident from their first session.
Overall, this story explores many important topics while showing both characters as non-judgmental, open to learning, and honest about the obstacles their relationship will face—such as Thom's dyslexia, ADHD, and Robbie's deafness.
What I loved most is that despite these obstacles, which could have made their relationship impossible, and despite unsupportive friends and other factors, Thom and Robbie are incredibly resilient, stubborn, and determined to make it work. They are a fantastic duo that I couldn't get enough of, and watching them fight for each other made for an incredible story.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
Overall, this story explores many important topics while showing both characters as non-judgmental, open to learning, and honest about the obstacles their relationship will face—such as Thom's dyslexia, ADHD, and Robbie's deafness.
What I loved most is that despite these obstacles, which could have made their relationship impossible, and despite unsupportive friends and other factors, Thom and Robbie are incredibly resilient, stubborn, and determined to make it work. They are a fantastic duo that I couldn't get enough of, and watching them fight for each other made for an incredible story.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
October 16, 2025
3.75**** stars
Fun and heartfelt read.
***************
Deaf Hearts Series
Book 1 - Kiss-Fist - 3.75 stars
Book 2 - ILY - release 11/25
Fun and heartfelt read.
‘Why?’ He meets my gaze and holds it.
‘For you. Want to talk to you. Real talk. Long talk. Want to know you.’I don’t know why he’s speaking so much. Maybe it’s a concession. Maybe it’s because he knows—at least I hope he knows—I will never ever ask for his voice. I will never demand it. Never expect it.
***************
Deaf Hearts Series
Book 1 - Kiss-Fist - 3.75 stars
Book 2 - ILY - release 11/25
September 30, 2025
after reading several cora rose cowrites, i can confidently say that cora is the writer version of a banana.
it doesn’t matter how many other fruits you add, your smoothie will only taste like banana.
which isn’t bad or good, it’s just very cora, and it’s definitely an acquired taste.
that being said, i struggled a lot with robbie. he was mean to thom quite a few times and he barely accounted for his disability.
i get that i might be over sensitive about it, because he reminded me so much of one of my friends.
i was worried that they didn’t know each other enough for the story to actually be believable, but somewhere along the way i fell in love right along them.
it doesn’t matter how many other fruits you add, your smoothie will only taste like banana.
which isn’t bad or good, it’s just very cora, and it’s definitely an acquired taste.
that being said, i struggled a lot with robbie. he was mean to thom quite a few times and he barely accounted for his disability.
i get that i might be over sensitive about it, because he reminded me so much of one of my friends.
i was worried that they didn’t know each other enough for the story to actually be believable, but somewhere along the way i fell in love right along them.
November 7, 2025
Interesting peak into the very different, tight knit world of the deaf community.
I admit, as a “hearie”, I haven’t yet thought a lot about the things deaf people people have to deal with - probably because I don’t actually know a deaf person in real life. The only time I actually see ASL used in real life is either during some political speeches, or at some bigger concerts. And admittedly, I was confused by the latter - ASL? At concerts? Do deaf people actually hear music? How?
Leave it to a mm romance to rectify that lack of knowledge 😅 do I know if the representation is accurate? Not really - but I trust that the authors did their homework, and the peak behind the curtains is so interesting, that I want to know more about it now, and I’ll do some googling of my own.
That being said - the romance was cute, but didn’t get me particularly invested. While Thom, the slightly dyslexic gym owner with ADHD, is extremely likeable, Robbie (a deaf history professor) is very prickly and sometimes a bit self righteous. I couldn’t really “feel” what they saw in each other except for “he’s extremely hot” 🤷♀️
So yeah. The romance was ok, but not heart wrenching. Everything else - including Robbie’s first attempts to get into working out and Leaf’s war with the Michael the groundhog- was well written and occasionally extremely funny.
3.5 rounded up because of the - also well done - narration by Harley Chase.
I admit, as a “hearie”, I haven’t yet thought a lot about the things deaf people people have to deal with - probably because I don’t actually know a deaf person in real life. The only time I actually see ASL used in real life is either during some political speeches, or at some bigger concerts. And admittedly, I was confused by the latter - ASL? At concerts? Do deaf people actually hear music? How?
Leave it to a mm romance to rectify that lack of knowledge 😅 do I know if the representation is accurate? Not really - but I trust that the authors did their homework, and the peak behind the curtains is so interesting, that I want to know more about it now, and I’ll do some googling of my own.
That being said - the romance was cute, but didn’t get me particularly invested. While Thom, the slightly dyslexic gym owner with ADHD, is extremely likeable, Robbie (a deaf history professor) is very prickly and sometimes a bit self righteous. I couldn’t really “feel” what they saw in each other except for “he’s extremely hot” 🤷♀️
So yeah. The romance was ok, but not heart wrenching. Everything else - including Robbie’s first attempts to get into working out and Leaf’s war with the Michael the groundhog- was well written and occasionally extremely funny.
3.5 rounded up because of the - also well done - narration by Harley Chase.
September 6, 2025
Kiss-Fist is book one in the Deaf Hearts series. This MM romance story is about Robbie and Thom.
Robbie is a grumpy, uptight, college professor. He is deaf and has a rule that he won’t date a hearing person. Thom is a gym bro trainer with a sunshine personality. He doesn’t know ASL but does know some ABC’s. Thom has dyslexia and ADHD.
These two meet when Thom takes Robbie on as a client at his gym. We see how they both are instantly attracted to each other but they try their best to resist. When they finally end up giving in, their chemistry was amazing. But can it be more than just hot hookups? Robbie and Thom face so many challenges to be together. Thom takes a class to learn ASL for Robbie and we see how Robbie is willing to break all his rules for Thom. They definitely were met with many tough moments, but Robbie and Thom were able to work through them and come out stronger.
I do have to say this felt a little like insta lust to me. I would have liked Robbie and Thom to get to know each other more outside of the bedroom before they decided to go all in. I also felt like the ending was too short and left me needing more of Robbie and Thom as a happy couple.
Overall I enjoyed this story. It was funny, sweet, spicy, and definitely emotional as well. Thom was the sweetest and just so precious. I am happy Robbie was willing to compromise on things and see that Thom was worth it. It was great to meet all the side characters and I look forward to getting more of them in this series.
I received an advanced copy of this book, and this is my honest review.
Robbie is a grumpy, uptight, college professor. He is deaf and has a rule that he won’t date a hearing person. Thom is a gym bro trainer with a sunshine personality. He doesn’t know ASL but does know some ABC’s. Thom has dyslexia and ADHD.
These two meet when Thom takes Robbie on as a client at his gym. We see how they both are instantly attracted to each other but they try their best to resist. When they finally end up giving in, their chemistry was amazing. But can it be more than just hot hookups? Robbie and Thom face so many challenges to be together. Thom takes a class to learn ASL for Robbie and we see how Robbie is willing to break all his rules for Thom. They definitely were met with many tough moments, but Robbie and Thom were able to work through them and come out stronger.
I do have to say this felt a little like insta lust to me. I would have liked Robbie and Thom to get to know each other more outside of the bedroom before they decided to go all in. I also felt like the ending was too short and left me needing more of Robbie and Thom as a happy couple.
Overall I enjoyed this story. It was funny, sweet, spicy, and definitely emotional as well. Thom was the sweetest and just so precious. I am happy Robbie was willing to compromise on things and see that Thom was worth it. It was great to meet all the side characters and I look forward to getting more of them in this series.
I received an advanced copy of this book, and this is my honest review.
September 16, 2025
A very solid read if you love crying on the airplane! (You know I do)
I really loved the sense of community this read painted for Robbie. Getting to see how tight knit and queer his group was really made the book. I live for that kind of stuff! We love to see real representation and this book did it SO well.
Robbie and Thom go through it, they have all the odds stacked against them and there are some real heartbreaking and raw moments between dating outside your culture and being in a hearing/deaf relationship. The anger felt from Robbie was SO real and poor Thom the little golden retriever just trying to do his best. I really enjoyed their conversations and getting to know them!
I wish this one was longer tbh! I feel like there is more to explore.
I really loved the sense of community this read painted for Robbie. Getting to see how tight knit and queer his group was really made the book. I live for that kind of stuff! We love to see real representation and this book did it SO well.
Robbie and Thom go through it, they have all the odds stacked against them and there are some real heartbreaking and raw moments between dating outside your culture and being in a hearing/deaf relationship. The anger felt from Robbie was SO real and poor Thom the little golden retriever just trying to do his best. I really enjoyed their conversations and getting to know them!
I wish this one was longer tbh! I feel like there is more to explore.
August 31, 2025
Absolutely LOVED this one! I was so excited when I saw that Cora Rose and E.M. Lindsey were collaborating, and it’s everything I was hoping for. Kiss Fist was such a sweet, hilarious read that had me swooning and also laughing out loud. I’m hoping for so many of the side characters to get their own books because I loved them all!
November 13, 2025
Tiene muchas cosas de 'Full service' de Cora y 'Tameron' de Lindsey pero mucho más tierno y loco haha
November 30, 2025
"I’ve turned into a despicable slut of a man. And truth be told, I love it. I want this to be my new profession. Screw being a professor. I want to be Thom’s slut."
2.25 ⭐️
I don’t think Cora Rose as an author is for me and that makes me sad. So many people love their work, but most of the time I’m either indifferent or hating myself for pulling up a book that has an interesting plot by them only to be disappointed that the book is literally just sex scene after sex scene, with horny as fuck people who need to get that shit looked at, with a sprinkle towards the end of character development. AND the epilogue is just another excuse to throw in another fucking sex scene.
It annoys the fuck out of me that these books have interesting story beats and characters I can get into, even if they can only fucking think with their cocks half the time and sometimes are 2 beats only, while others are very well developed and likeable, but we don’t get to see them thrive because for me these books are written sex first, then they stitch it together with the plot that barely exists and it just frustrates the fuck out of me.
I bought the audiobook so I sat through it because hey, the last like 6 or 7 chapters I really liked, until it ended and I got an epilogue that was just a sex scene, which is not worth my fucking time at all.
I am sorry for sounding so stuck up or whatever. I love fucking sex, I love reading about dudes getting fucked this way and that way, but there has to be some sort of fucking story for me to actually want to read it, and I think it’s time for me to put CORA ROSE on my DO NOT READ LIST and let those who actually find these books entertaining have their day in the sun and shine bright.
I hate bringing down their overall star rating with my sad pathetic 1, 2, and 3s because I personally can’t connect with what this author is throwing out there in the world. It’s a ME problem for sure. So just skip my review.
2.25 ⭐️
I don’t think Cora Rose as an author is for me and that makes me sad. So many people love their work, but most of the time I’m either indifferent or hating myself for pulling up a book that has an interesting plot by them only to be disappointed that the book is literally just sex scene after sex scene, with horny as fuck people who need to get that shit looked at, with a sprinkle towards the end of character development. AND the epilogue is just another excuse to throw in another fucking sex scene.
It annoys the fuck out of me that these books have interesting story beats and characters I can get into, even if they can only fucking think with their cocks half the time and sometimes are 2 beats only, while others are very well developed and likeable, but we don’t get to see them thrive because for me these books are written sex first, then they stitch it together with the plot that barely exists and it just frustrates the fuck out of me.
I bought the audiobook so I sat through it because hey, the last like 6 or 7 chapters I really liked, until it ended and I got an epilogue that was just a sex scene, which is not worth my fucking time at all.
I am sorry for sounding so stuck up or whatever. I love fucking sex, I love reading about dudes getting fucked this way and that way, but there has to be some sort of fucking story for me to actually want to read it, and I think it’s time for me to put CORA ROSE on my DO NOT READ LIST and let those who actually find these books entertaining have their day in the sun and shine bright.
I hate bringing down their overall star rating with my sad pathetic 1, 2, and 3s because I personally can’t connect with what this author is throwing out there in the world. It’s a ME problem for sure. So just skip my review.
September 15, 2025
I had a hard time with this story unfortunately.
I’m not Deaf, and I can’t speak to the Deaf representation in this book, but what I can speak to is how much of an asshole the MC was. I think there’s a difference between being grumpy and being a dick, and he was way closer to the latter. I also thought the hearing MC was a bit of a one-note downer. I get he had insecurities but it almost seemed like his insecurities were his only personality traits.
My biggest issue here though is the romance. I didn’t buy it. We’re just sort of told these two fall in love but it happens almost instantly after very little interaction with one another. Y’all fucked once and you’re in love? I genuinely felt like I was missing chapters that built up the relationship to get to that point.
2.5⭐️
I’m not Deaf, and I can’t speak to the Deaf representation in this book, but what I can speak to is how much of an asshole the MC was. I think there’s a difference between being grumpy and being a dick, and he was way closer to the latter. I also thought the hearing MC was a bit of a one-note downer. I get he had insecurities but it almost seemed like his insecurities were his only personality traits.
My biggest issue here though is the romance. I didn’t buy it. We’re just sort of told these two fall in love but it happens almost instantly after very little interaction with one another. Y’all fucked once and you’re in love? I genuinely felt like I was missing chapters that built up the relationship to get to that point.
2.5⭐️
September 17, 2025
Zany, Slutty, Cheeky, Rude, Crass. And a whole lot of adorable.
So cute in it's ridiculousness 🤣
I was in tears laughing being caught off guard. Joyous reading.
And also, a beautiful love story and a gorgeous, enlightening introduction to the deaf world. So many things to learn about the culture. I thoroughly enjoyed this.
So cute in it's ridiculousness 🤣
I was in tears laughing being caught off guard. Joyous reading.
And also, a beautiful love story and a gorgeous, enlightening introduction to the deaf world. So many things to learn about the culture. I thoroughly enjoyed this.
dnf
January 22, 2026DNF 36%
Not the book’s fault. I’m just not feeling it. While EM Lindsey is known for her great disability rep, after reading so many of her works, the characters are starting to blend all together. I feel like I’ve read this already, and I’d rather read something that doesn’t feel that way.
Not the book’s fault. I’m just not feeling it. While EM Lindsey is known for her great disability rep, after reading so many of her works, the characters are starting to blend all together. I feel like I’ve read this already, and I’d rather read something that doesn’t feel that way.
September 20, 2025
Too fluffy for me. Felt like I’m reading YA most of the time. I wish Cora Rose wrote this purely on her own.
September 20, 2025
Robbie’s entire personality is being an asshole /:
September 12, 2025
Kiss-Fist by E.M. Lindsey and Cora Rose is book 1 in the Deaf Hearts series. I absolutely loved this story between Robbie, a deaf professor, and Thom, a trainer who struggles with dyslexia and ADHD. These two meet when Thom begins to train Robbie at his gym. Robbie has always said that he would never date a hearing man, however, there is just something about Thom. I adored Thom. How sweet, kind, and endearing he was. He wanted to be what Robbie needed. His willingness to learn how to be a part of Robbie’s world was everything. Robbie could never doubt how much Thom cared about him. It was all right there. I initially was angry at Rome, but after the revelations near the end, I’m hopeful we will get his story. He needs someone who will remind him what love really is. I couldn’t believe that I actually felt bad for him. Oh, and Leaf, Denver, and Robbie’s brothers were all interesting characters too. I look forward to whoever’s story comes next!
I received an ARC from the author for my honest review.
I received an ARC from the author for my honest review.
September 18, 2025
I… I’m confused.
The first 40% was great (if we ignore the continuity errors). The banter was good, the characters loveable, the Deaf, ADHD, and dyslexic representation are all excellent, I was having a good time.
Then around 50% there’s, what I consider, a really big, glaringly obvious, continuity error and from there it was like the book fell apart. The second half was choppy to the point I could believe one author wrote one chapter, the other author the next, and they never talked about it. I can’t understand how the book went from a well told story to a series of random events. And then it just ends?!! Like BAM here’s the epilogue…
I was going to give this 3 stars but I’ve talked myself into 2. The second half needed a lot more work to make this passable, it’s genuinely like there are several pages, or even chapters, missing. And it’s such a shame because the exploration of dyslexia, learning ASL, and immersing yourself into Deaf culture as a hearing person was really unique and clearly had a lot of care put into it.
The first 40% was great (if we ignore the continuity errors). The banter was good, the characters loveable, the Deaf, ADHD, and dyslexic representation are all excellent, I was having a good time.
Then around 50% there’s, what I consider, a really big, glaringly obvious, continuity error and from there it was like the book fell apart. The second half was choppy to the point I could believe one author wrote one chapter, the other author the next, and they never talked about it. I can’t understand how the book went from a well told story to a series of random events. And then it just ends?!! Like BAM here’s the epilogue…
I was going to give this 3 stars but I’ve talked myself into 2. The second half needed a lot more work to make this passable, it’s genuinely like there are several pages, or even chapters, missing. And it’s such a shame because the exploration of dyslexia, learning ASL, and immersing yourself into Deaf culture as a hearing person was really unique and clearly had a lot of care put into it.
October 27, 2025
robbie x thom omg
no bc i wasn’t ready. i was prepared to fall in love with usually one mc, but not two truly special and pure mcs who compliment each other so perfectly. robbie is a deaf college professor, adamant he’s not going to find someone who not only loves him for him but is also understanding of his needs, he doesn’t date people who aren’t deaf and within his small community he’s fed up, he’s had enough of the lack of connection and chemistry and every day fooling around — incoming, our sweet big built angel baby himbo thom, he owns the gym robbie begins training at and chemistry immediately ignites.
these boys are truly angels in their own ways, thom begins learning ASL to be able to communicate with robbie, even with his own personal learning struggles and difficulties. honestly he gives book boyf of the year, bc that commitment? insane. he’s a real one. thom out here putting all these other men to shame.
as stated before, i wasn’t ready for the emotions they made me feel and tears were shed in some truly vulnerable moments between both mcs. gahhh i fear i will need more and more of this series and without a doubt this is a five star read for me.
no bc i wasn’t ready. i was prepared to fall in love with usually one mc, but not two truly special and pure mcs who compliment each other so perfectly. robbie is a deaf college professor, adamant he’s not going to find someone who not only loves him for him but is also understanding of his needs, he doesn’t date people who aren’t deaf and within his small community he’s fed up, he’s had enough of the lack of connection and chemistry and every day fooling around — incoming, our sweet big built angel baby himbo thom, he owns the gym robbie begins training at and chemistry immediately ignites.
these boys are truly angels in their own ways, thom begins learning ASL to be able to communicate with robbie, even with his own personal learning struggles and difficulties. honestly he gives book boyf of the year, bc that commitment? insane. he’s a real one. thom out here putting all these other men to shame.
as stated before, i wasn’t ready for the emotions they made me feel and tears were shed in some truly vulnerable moments between both mcs. gahhh i fear i will need more and more of this series and without a doubt this is a five star read for me.
Read
October 2, 2025DNF I just couldn’t get into this book. I mean I would have loved to know how old Robbie was in this. For a professor I couldn’t believe their first connection, I mean he pops woody every time they meet. The storyline didnt match with what was happening. Pass
October 11, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! I listened to the audiobook. Harley Chase did a wonderful job narrating. It was funny, sweet, emotional, and extremely hot. Off the charts HOT.
I loved the inclusion of a deaf MC. A lot of hearing people, like myself, need more education about deaf culture. This book provided some of that, and hopefully, people will continue to learn so the world becomes more inclusive.
I can't wait to read the next book!
I loved the inclusion of a deaf MC. A lot of hearing people, like myself, need more education about deaf culture. This book provided some of that, and hopefully, people will continue to learn so the world becomes more inclusive.
I can't wait to read the next book!
September 14, 2025
4.5 stars
October 11, 2025
Thom is officially the sweetest golden retriever bf ever and must be protected at all costs. And Robbie is absolutely hilarious in the first half with his battles at the gym, which were so relatable (minus the Thom-induced boners lol). Seeing their relationship blossom was so amazing. I can’t wait to see whose book will be next! I need to know more about Leaf’s war with Michael 😂
I learned so much about Deaf culture from this book, but I know there is a lot more to learn. This has inspired me to start learning ASL and more about Deaf culture. As someone working in healthcare, specifically with children, I want to make sure I can at least communicate the basics with them like I try to with my Spanish speaking patients!
** I received an ARC copy of this book and this is my honest review **
I learned so much about Deaf culture from this book, but I know there is a lot more to learn. This has inspired me to start learning ASL and more about Deaf culture. As someone working in healthcare, specifically with children, I want to make sure I can at least communicate the basics with them like I try to with my Spanish speaking patients!
** I received an ARC copy of this book and this is my honest review **
September 14, 2025
4.5 stars
***ARC Review***
This is my honest and voluntary review.
This is the first book in the Deaf Hearts series by E.M. Lindsey and Cora Rose (though there is a delightful prequel novella called the Deaf Chef by E.M. Lindsey). Robbie and Thom are opposites. Thom is sunshine personified and Robbie is rather grumpy. Robbie is a professor at the community college in town (who dislikes exercise), while Thom and his brother co-own a local gym. Robbie is Deaf and has rules about dating hearing people. (Thom is a hearing person).
On the surface, it seems like these two people aren’t compatible, but gosh are they so right for one another. The connection between Thom and Robbie is palpable. Thom softens Robbie and brings out his tender side. Thom is incredibly pure hearted and protective of Robbie. Plus their chemistry is off the charts! Robbie’s family and friends are delightful, except for one character named Rome. He brings a lot of external conflict to the pair.
I really enjoyed the pacing of this story. There’s humor, heat, and heart. Thom gives off golden retriever vibes and is endearing as he initiates learning ASL for Robbie. Rose and Lindsey write in a way that flows effortlessly. This is a captivating story with a cast of lovable characters. I appreciate the support and care of Robbie’s family in this story. They are pure joy, which is a nice comparison to the upbringing Thom had.
Robbie and Thom will warm your heart as they journey towards their hard earned HEA. I appreciate the layers of representation in this book as well, and am very excited to see what else the series brings. I especially need to know more about Leaf, because wow, is he intriguing!
***ARC Review***
This is my honest and voluntary review.
This is the first book in the Deaf Hearts series by E.M. Lindsey and Cora Rose (though there is a delightful prequel novella called the Deaf Chef by E.M. Lindsey). Robbie and Thom are opposites. Thom is sunshine personified and Robbie is rather grumpy. Robbie is a professor at the community college in town (who dislikes exercise), while Thom and his brother co-own a local gym. Robbie is Deaf and has rules about dating hearing people. (Thom is a hearing person).
On the surface, it seems like these two people aren’t compatible, but gosh are they so right for one another. The connection between Thom and Robbie is palpable. Thom softens Robbie and brings out his tender side. Thom is incredibly pure hearted and protective of Robbie. Plus their chemistry is off the charts! Robbie’s family and friends are delightful, except for one character named Rome. He brings a lot of external conflict to the pair.
I really enjoyed the pacing of this story. There’s humor, heat, and heart. Thom gives off golden retriever vibes and is endearing as he initiates learning ASL for Robbie. Rose and Lindsey write in a way that flows effortlessly. This is a captivating story with a cast of lovable characters. I appreciate the support and care of Robbie’s family in this story. They are pure joy, which is a nice comparison to the upbringing Thom had.
Robbie and Thom will warm your heart as they journey towards their hard earned HEA. I appreciate the layers of representation in this book as well, and am very excited to see what else the series brings. I especially need to know more about Leaf, because wow, is he intriguing!
November 14, 2025
This book was such a fun, refreshing read! My only crib was the lack of proper description I hate it when it happens in books — I’m the kind of reader who needs to picture the characters in my head, and when there’s no proper details about their looks or exact age, it drives me a little nuts. Thom had a few details — the backward cap, tattoos and a big, solid build — but that image on the book didn’t really match the description, he was supposed to be big and bulky with tick fingers but the image is of a lean muscular guy so that also bugged me. And Robbie? I had to rake my brain to piece together what he looked like. Still, once I let that go, the story itself totally won me over.
It’s written in a lively rom-com style, not heavy or overly emotional, but still heartfelt in the right places. The concept was such a refreshing change — exploring the relationship between a hearing man and a Deaf man, with real attention to their communication, culture, and boundaries.
What I loved most was how gentle the book felt. The gym bro wasn’t your typical alpha stereotype — he was soft, sensitive, and genuinely kind. Both characters were so careful with each other, thoughtful about every emotion, and respectful of each other’s space and struggles.NGL I love a bit of angst and drama but from time to time I enjoy a smooth sailing flow.
It’s basically a green-flag romance all the way through , just two people learning to meet halfway, emotionally and literally. Sweet, funny, and feel-good.
It’s written in a lively rom-com style, not heavy or overly emotional, but still heartfelt in the right places. The concept was such a refreshing change — exploring the relationship between a hearing man and a Deaf man, with real attention to their communication, culture, and boundaries.
What I loved most was how gentle the book felt. The gym bro wasn’t your typical alpha stereotype — he was soft, sensitive, and genuinely kind. Both characters were so careful with each other, thoughtful about every emotion, and respectful of each other’s space and struggles.NGL I love a bit of angst and drama but from time to time I enjoy a smooth sailing flow.
It’s basically a green-flag romance all the way through , just two people learning to meet halfway, emotionally and literally. Sweet, funny, and feel-good.
September 22, 2025
Дуже незвичний антураж, цікаві персонажі, прекрасна мила історія…. Дуже буду чекати наступні частини
December 11, 2025
Re-read #2 completed. I’ve decided this is probably one of my favorite books of the year. I love a good low-angst, opposites attract. The way Robbie just completely loses it when he first meets Thom is fucking hilarious. The steady descent into chaos in that scene reads like a beautiful symphony to me. And the way they soften to each other as they develop feelings for one another (beyond physical attraction), was so much fun to read. And I loved learning about deaf culture that was represented in this book! Like, it makes me crave more books with disability representation (which is probably why I started a deep dive into EM’s back log after finishing this one).
Harley Chase does a fantastic job with the audiobook, I highly recommend reading it that way if it’s your thing.
As usual- all the tropes and kinks can be found in the tags below.
Harley Chase does a fantastic job with the audiobook, I highly recommend reading it that way if it’s your thing.
As usual- all the tropes and kinks can be found in the tags below.
September 7, 2025
This book is sooo cute!! Loved the push-pull of (Deaf man) Robbie not wanting to date a hearing man but being so attracted to Thom. They both just couldn’t help themselves. I was grinning throughout.
As someone who has strong ties to Deaf culture/grew up in it, I thought this was represented well though a bit over-kill in explaining things. But it makes sense for audiences who may not know and I’m glad there’s the rep.
The whole relationship develops from intense attraction and they don’t have much more than that due to the language barrier, but it develops. I even really appreciated the part about Thom having ADHD and picking up sign well. I’ve scoffed in other books when people magically learn sign quickly but I have actually met a lot of people with ADHD who do better with learning ASL for some reason. And I like that he already had some sort of baseline he was working from. It felt pretty realistic, his development.
To be honest, a lot of their connection was sexual (and there’s tons of spicy scenes) but somehow the heart wiggled into it. Their personalities just worked together and I loved it. I kept eyeballing the % of the book and seeing the end come near and I didn’t want it to end because I felt like they were just getting started!!
I think I would have liked them getting to know each other a bit more. There were some cute parts like meeting family and even some parts that got me a little emotional as they both just really wanted to try for each other - but even then I just wanted a bit more about them and what they were actually connecting over, just a bit more substance.
I really enjoyed reading this though - the writing style was good and lots of funny parts too. It gave me warm fuzzies multiple times. I’ll definitely pick up the next book but I’m hoping maybe to find more meat to the relationship next time.
Recommend for a quick, easy read that is very spicy and also really cute with a bit of laughter as well!
4/5 ⭐️
I received an advance copy of the book and have left my honest, influence-free review
As someone who has strong ties to Deaf culture/grew up in it, I thought this was represented well though a bit over-kill in explaining things. But it makes sense for audiences who may not know and I’m glad there’s the rep.
The whole relationship develops from intense attraction and they don’t have much more than that due to the language barrier, but it develops. I even really appreciated the part about Thom having ADHD and picking up sign well. I’ve scoffed in other books when people magically learn sign quickly but I have actually met a lot of people with ADHD who do better with learning ASL for some reason. And I like that he already had some sort of baseline he was working from. It felt pretty realistic, his development.
To be honest, a lot of their connection was sexual (and there’s tons of spicy scenes) but somehow the heart wiggled into it. Their personalities just worked together and I loved it. I kept eyeballing the % of the book and seeing the end come near and I didn’t want it to end because I felt like they were just getting started!!
I think I would have liked them getting to know each other a bit more. There were some cute parts like meeting family and even some parts that got me a little emotional as they both just really wanted to try for each other - but even then I just wanted a bit more about them and what they were actually connecting over, just a bit more substance.
I really enjoyed reading this though - the writing style was good and lots of funny parts too. It gave me warm fuzzies multiple times. I’ll definitely pick up the next book but I’m hoping maybe to find more meat to the relationship next time.
Recommend for a quick, easy read that is very spicy and also really cute with a bit of laughter as well!
4/5 ⭐️
I received an advance copy of the book and have left my honest, influence-free review
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