Suffocate

Senses #8

by Xavier Neal

ER Nurse, Luke Hart, is known for his desire to take care of others and his need to be in control at all times. However, Stuart Ducane knows exactly which buttons to push to make sure Luke relinquishes both. When the chance comes for them to take their delicate friendship that's coated in secret desires to the next level, the timing isn't convenient and neither are the circumstances. Will Luke and Stuart finally get the relationship they both need or will their secrets rip them apart, leaving them alone to suffocate?

A Senses Series Novel

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Romance

ebook

First published April 1, 2015

About the author

I'm USA TODAY Bestselling Romance Author who has published over ninety works to date.

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The Free:
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Reviews

[Judith · Rating 5 out of 5]

*** LOVED THIS ONE,DEFINITELY MY FAVOURITE!! ***

EIGHTH BOOK IN SERIES AND THE ONE I'VE BEEN DYING TO READ AND IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT !!

Yes EIGHTH book and my interest in this series hasn't wavered once...JUST BRILLIANT !!

AT LAST LUKE AND STUART'S STORY

LUKE



STUART



So Luke and Stuart have been skirting around each other this whole series and I just KNEW I was going to love their story....

Both Gay,although Stuart has not come out to his parents,although they have their suspicions.
One night Stuart makes a terrible mistake with life changing results,something he should have told Luke but didn't and of course the truth comes out in the end...

Luke,oh Luke I just ADORED him,an ER Nurse,A bit nerdy,always putting others first and does Knitting when STRESSED,he is an amazing character.These two were so right together,the sex scenes were perfect,hot and STEAMY and just the right amount in the book and totally NOT overdone...

This series has been just perfect and it's tantamount to the writing that not once have I got bored.This Author has a great talent ,her main characters,through their inner dialogue,'talk' to the reader..it's unique but totally BRILLIANT.

I have really enjoyed these wonderful characters and if you like fun,sexy stories with a bit of Angst and an Author with a wicked sense of humour,I cannot RECOMMEND HIGHLY ENOUGH !!!

[Wendys Wycked Words · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this short story. I haven't read the other books in this series, so it can be read as a stand alone. Sweet with a right amount of steam. It is a bit ott and unbelievable at times, but hey...I read to escape real life ;)

4 stars :)

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Huh. With the high rating I was expecting something truly extraordinary. I really only read M/M books so I haven't read the rest of the series so I admit I didn't have the whole back story. However, this did read like a m/f author venturing into the "taboo" (as one reviewer put it) world of man on man action. *snort* Believe me, none of what these guys did was anywhere near what most of us would consider taboo. Shame that! A lot of secrets and miscommunication and of course, treating each other like crap. Oh, and the "I love you"s kinda came out of nowhere. It was cute though.

[Lissa Smith Reads'~A Bookaholics Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rated
5 Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kindle Unlimited Read

[Teresa Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this awesome series
Intense emotional beautiful love story of Luke and Stuart
Ready for more

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luke and Stuart have been dancing around each other for the last couple of years. Luke wants Stuart something fierce, but doesn't want to be another notch on his bed post. Stuart wants Luke like he's never wanted anyone else, but his past mistakes are holding him back.

You can only hold back passion for so long before it finally consumes you. When it finally consumes Luke and Stuart, the pages catch fire!

These two are so perfect for each other, but can they make this work past just the physical need they have for each other?

Will Stuart give in and tell Luke what's going on, what mistakes he's made? Or will he wait until it's to late, and Stuart loses the one thing that's ever made him happy?

I'm not going to lie, I love me a great M/M book! I love the raw desire between the men, and Xavier captures that perfectly.

I can't wait to see what she has in store for Dean. I have a feeling he is going to be just as difficult as Logan was. Like Father like Son, right?

**ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review**

[Nicole Marie Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Luke and Stuart! I so was curious what the reason these two weren’t together and this is not at all what I saw being the case! I loved seeing these two figure themselves out and not let their lives keep themselves away from what they deserved.

[FromTheLab · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wasn't that enamored with this book and I think that much of this is due to the story being quite short so I didn't feel that I got to know the characters well enough. I haven't read any of the earlier books in this series so that might be why I felt that these characters seemed a little flat and one dimensional.

Also I had a strong dislike to the whole cast of secondary characters. I get that they were all supposed to have such great 'banter' and but really it just came across as mean much of the time. Maxx and Erin seemed like mean girls in many of their interactions with Luke and everyone seemed to be bullying each other under guise of 'family'. Hmmmm.... I'm not so keen on reading the earlier books in this series but this may have improved my feelings towards the wider cast.

I did not like the 'evil homophobic pregnant lady' and the almost pantomime villain quality of her interactions with Stuart. Plus the resolution of all this 'drama' was resolved with such a lazy plot device I nearly gave up reading there and then! Also don't get me started on the 'insta-family'! Sigh!

Don't even get me started on the inner dialogues that were so distracting that they made it hard to follow the (mediocre) story line in each scene. These sections were formatted in the centre of page in bold italics and were massive paragraphs that came out of no where and interrupted the scenes.

Overall, this book fell flat and I feel like it was an M/M romance written by an author who has only ever written M/F romances previously. The sex scenes were poor and lacked build up (and prep!).

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars!!!

I was given this book to read in turn for an honest review!!!

Luke and Stuart have wanted each other for over a year, when neither can deny their attraction any longer they give in to temptation. Stuart knows he will break Luke’s heart; he knows they can never be a couple, if only he could stay away. Will Stuart’s secret destroy the relationship he and Luke have or will it bring them closer together?

OMG Holy Hotness! Xavier Neal did not disappoint with Luke’s story. I had been really looking forward to this book; I felt Luke had one hell of a story to tell. This book is HOT, emotional, arousing and moving; proving yet again how close the Senses family truly are. Suffocate has a few surprises ones you will not see coming! I love how the characters in the Senses series talk to you like you’re their best friend, living every moment right along with them. I will be sad to see the Senses series end, I can’t wait for Dean’s story. I only hope Xavier Neal will surprise us in the future with more from this awesome family.

If you have loved the Senses series so far you will absolutely love Luke’s story. If you enjoy reading contemporary, hot, romances with suspense and humour you will love the Senses series by Xavier Neal.

[Christa]

DNF 34%

[Casey · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25ish stars. the books are all too short and too much is crammed in them, I love how they all intertwine and you get to see all the other characters as they grow together

[Tami czenkus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I SO looked forward to getting my hands on Luke and Stuart's story since I first saw them in the beginning of this series. Throughout this series we saw bits and pieces of their story start to unfold and I was glued to those bits.
Stuart and Luke are drawn to each other in a way that defies reason but Luke has placed too much on his own shoulders to make sure his family is taken care he put his own love life on hold. Stuart is a wild child looking for love in all the wrong places, one drunk night of bad decisions has him hiding his attraction until tragedy strikes.
The emotions that were ripped out of me were crazy intense and I may have wanted to throw my kindle a few time, but once again Xavier Neal makes it all ok in the end.

[Donna Purcell Zappone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know I've said this in the previous reviews for these books buuut I love this series. I feel like I'm a voyeur looking at the family. Or maybe I'm stalking them? Yeah that's it.
This book had lots of emotions attached to it. Love, hate (Sara), happy( Sara and Alexander fir different reasobs. You'll see) , laughter ( Logan) and finally anxiety(Maxx ).
Luke finally gets his book and say. We find out why no one is allowed to sit on his bed.
We find out why he won't have a relationship. Why he chose nursing. And many other questions that have been asked.
I think it's my favorite!!

[Sybil Pun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well I took the plunged and I loved it!!!

I tried not too read all of these side stories until I was done with Maxx and Logan's story but little sneaky, miss sneaky MS. Neal found a way to enter twine all of the books that reading one alone will prompt you to read the previous one so you can follow the trend, specially Maxx goes into labor there, but we will not know what she has until Dean's story 😤😤😤
Now the only story you could really skipped and or read as a standalone is Tony's story, but it was still entwine some how because "it's family over anything...always"

[Jenn Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so in love with this book! Luke has held a special place in my heart since the beginning of this series. He's the caretaker, the big brother, the father figure, he's everything that everyone needs. His heart is amazing! He's so determined to be there for everyone else, it's hard for him to enjoy himself. But wowza his sparks with Stuart... perfect! Stuart is struggling, pulled in two different directions and I enjoyed that journey. The story is full of spice, heart and wrapped up so well I couldn't put it down! Great!!

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yesssss, Luke!

Luke took care of everyone else in their little family, and finally he allowed himself to fall in love and let someone take care of him. Loved this book! Xavier did an excellent job keeping it sexy, loving and tasteful. Good book! On to the next!

[Tricia Mccoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good

I'm not big on MM stories. But aside from the sexual scenes the story line was awesome! Luke is a caretaker who puts everyone ahead of himself. Stuart is a sweet heart who made a mistake and now has to deal with the consequences, but in the end they have their family.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

I love how each story has all the characters intertwined. Xavier Neal is definitely a new favorite of mine. Loved it

[~Misty~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luke and Stuart

Finally!!! Yes I said finally. I have bee. Waiting to see if these two would ever get together. So happy to see how it all happened!

[Christie72 (Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fellow readers, I know I sound like a broken record, but Xavier Neal has done it again! Another fantastic read! Finally, we get Luke's story! There has always been an intense attraction between Luke and Stuart. I was never sure in the previous books if something had happened between the two. Xavier is great at giving us juicy little tidbits that pique your interest throughout her books that keep you wanting more. As in all her previous books, none of the couples ever have an easy road to romance, but all the bumps and twists make their HEA's so worth it.

Luke has always been one of my favorite characters. He's the glue that holds the family of friends together. He's the person who always takes care of everyone else but himself. Finally, he may have someone who will take care of him. I was let in on a secret Luke has kept about his mother that just proves the depth of love this man has, especially for his sister....beautiful! It made me love him more. Stuart just needs to get his life in order, but can he? He's keeping a secret that could blow his newfound relationship to smithereens, yet if he just tells Luke, things could be so good!

Suffocate was my first M/M romance, so I wasn't sure what to expect, although I've heard great things. And, I shouldn't have worried in Xavier's capable and talented hands, it far exceeded my expectations. It was sexy and sweet, filled with lots of love. The world would be a better place with more Lukes in them. And, we are getting closer to a baby's birth....YAY!!!! Looking forward to the next one!!!!!

***Read and reviewed for Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews***

****A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review****

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Was Provided A ARC By The Author

Luke Hart has always been the one to be their for his family. The one constant that they can lean on. The one to take care of anyone that needs it. He has rules. Rules he likes to follow, they make his life easy. He wont break them, and he wont break them for any guy. But when the ruggedly handsome Stuart, stepped into his life, those rules started to change a little.

Stuart Ducane, is a man who knows what he wants and goes after it. And Luke is someone he wants. Someone he could see spending his life with. But secrets, and past mistakes may stand in the way of him showing Luke his true feelings.

After so long of Luke and Stuart, dancing around one another with their feelings and strong physical attraction, they start to explore what a life together could be like.

With their friends and family in their corners, these two men learn that they will have to trust, and open their hearts all the way, if they want a future as a couple.

The senses series is a book series I'll keep close.

Friends, love, sex, secrets, tears, laughs, it has it all.

But most of all it has a group of people, who love with their whole heart, no matter race, sexuality, blood, or upbringing. And that makes for a beautiful book series, with amazing characters.

[Jennifer Lessard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the eighth book in this series and once again Xavier Neal has knocked it out of the park. This book was dedicated to Luke and Stuart's story. Of course all the rest of the "family" is also mentioned and active throughout this book but it features Luke and Stuart who have been circling each other for quite some time. Both have feelings for each other but act just like Logan and Maxx did. Afraid to actually act on those feeling. Afraid of getting their hearts broken. It amazes me that after 8 books, all featuring the same group of people, and each book is informative, dramatic, intriguing and heartfelt. Ms. Neal never fails to bring out all the best in her characters and adds just what each book needs to the story-line to keep her readers glued to the book until the final page is turned! I am just as excited to start the ninth book, Mollify, as I was to start the second book in the series. That right there is the sign of an award-winning, best-selling author! Ms. Neal, thank you for sharing your amazing gift with us. I can't wait to read Mollify and to also delve into your other series Havoc or any of you other work.

[Andrea Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


Ladies get ready to see a whole new side of Luke. Believe me when I say you are going to see him in a new light. Luke has always been a mystery to me. We all know how anal he can be, but he is loyal to the bone when it comes to the people he loves. He actually is kind of perfect. He would be the best boyfriend ever. Other than his anal food obsession, which would drive me crazy!! If you have read the other Senses book you already know about Stuart's little baby problem and how he has to keep it a secret. But, it's a lot more complicated than it seems. And, he has some messed up parents that wants to control him. I absolutely love Stuart though. He is sexy, smart, funny as hell, and has a soft spot. But when Luke and Stuart get together, there are some serious sizzling sex scenes, and they are well written for everyone to enjoy. I really can't wait for you to read this story. Luke and Stuart go through a lot, and you pray that everything will work out when it seems like the universe is against them.

[Amy Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first M/M book that I've read and it is easily one of my favorite books this year! Xavier Neal you have blown me away! Such a beautiful, authentic love story! A story that anyone could relate to. There was love, joy, pain and at times the story even made me cry. I totally adore Stuart and Luke. I'm so glad that they got their story and what a beautiful story it was. They both are perfect and totally deserve each other. I loved how the rest of the Senses Series crew all became a part of their story and truly showed what a strong family unit they all are especially at the end of their story. This book kept me on the edge of my seat as I was flipping the pages feeling my heart in my throat as I knew what I wanted to happen but not sure if it would. This story was absolutely perfect in every single way from the drama to the happy times because the drama brought them to their HEA and it couldn't of ended in a better way. Well done Xavier on yet another amazing story to add to your treasure trove of them!

[AussieMum]

Note to self-STOP DOWNLOADING FREE BOOKS!!!

I feel bad but I have to be honest...I hated this. I'm not rating it.

It's written in 1st person POV, present tense- which drives me crazy on a good day. To me it read more like a script than a coherent novel- and the ending...OMG. Worst,most overused plot twist to wrap things up ever.

Maybe I've been spoiled by the likes of Ella Frank, Keira Andrews, N.R. Walker, Riley Hart, Avon Gale, Megan Ericksonto name just a handful.

[Lisa Welch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now I’m not one for reading Man on Man action, but after reading the rest of the series and falling in love with Luke and his caring, protective nature I had to read this book and was not disappointed, as it’s so well written and such a heart breaking story, to think that the bigoted nature of some parents can stop a child from been happy and finding true love, Stuart has everything to lose but loves Luke with all his heart, he’s been blackmailed by a one nightstand woman who his parents want him to marry and return to the fold, he can’t it’s not him. But if he doesn’t comply he will lose his child for ever. The strong pull he has to wards Luke means he can’t stop, Luke has become less of a control freak and more of a throw it to the wind guy where Stuart is involved, this story ends up really happy in the end, but such a heart breaking way to get there, well written and totally in awe how Xavier did this well done.

[Cathy Guadagnino dotson · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG best M/M romance ever

I so love the sexy gay ER Nurse Luke. Every girl needs a best friend like Luke Hart.
From the moment Luke laid on eyes on Stuart Ducane there has been an attraction. They push each others buttons in more ways than one. But they have a chemistry.
Stuart has a secret, that may or may not ruin everything with Luke. Will they have a chance.
Through out this series we see all of our favorites Logan, Maxx, Erin, CJ, Tony, Lex and the kid. One big dysfunctional family with a baby on the way to.


Xavier captivates her audience with this series.

I never kiss and tell so you are going to have to one click to see what happens. Xavier is and amazing talented author that gives you some sexy men and great women to keep them in line.

[Riza · Rating 5 out of 5]

5.5 STARS!

SUFFOCATE is a part of the Senses Series but it can be read as a stand alone too.
I have to really give credit to Xavier Neal for pulling this M/M story really well. I just couldn't think of any other story for LUKE.
I have read a few M/M books but what makes this book different is that beyond the taboo is a great story—it has heart, it is raw and very emotional, you can feel the characters emotion through you and well you can't just fight a kind of love like that.
You will find a different Luke in this book and all because he FALL in love.
This story have an interesting twists and well, i just adore their "complicated" family. *Review to be continued *

[Stephanie Christensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

holy moly this was the hottest same sex book I have ever read!!


luke is a er nurse an hes never really been the relationship type he always gives them up when they want more of him and less of his family..but luke knows that his family needs him more. so when luke wants stuart he wants more from stuart but stuart seems to be a hit quit type of guy..stuart wants luke just as bad, but stuarts pass is keeping him from what he truly wants..but when stuarts past comes at luke full force, will it tear them apart? or will luke finally get his hea too? will stuart get wverything he wants plus luke? or will he to pick and choose luke or his future?

[╰⊱♥⊱╮ღ꧁Kathy,Ahmazing Book Faerie꧂ღ╭⊱♥≺ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This serial just doesn't get old!

Luke Hart, one of the original "clan" our favorite ER nurse, and stress knitter gets his own story and HEA with Stuart Ducane.
The boys have been pussy footing around for months now, and Tony just isn't sure where they're headed. Stuart finally takes matters into his own hands, but is it going to be better or make things worse for him.
Stuart has a secret, that his closet friends don't know about,and unfortunately it means he can't have his cake and eat it too. As much as he wants Luke to be a part of his life, he needs to have his secret in his life too.

Great M/M read in this very pleasing serial.