What do you think?
Rate this book
In Too Deep #1
In Too Deep
At first glance, Cade and Aiden hardly seem like a match made in heaven. Their worlds couldn’t be further apart. Cade is quiet, serious, and determined to succeed; Aiden's a party-loving frat boy. Cade comes from a rough home and worked hard to get the scholarships that make it possible for him to attend college; Aiden's had it all thrown in his lap by supportive, kind, and wealthy parents. Cade wants nothing to do with Aiden, but from the moment they meet, Aiden is determined to find a way to bring their different worlds together. Aiden manages to persuade Cade he’s a decent guy, and a tentative friendship becomes much more. But a trip to Aiden's family cottage puts Cade in the path of a ghost from his past, and a dark secret he never expected to face again. Cade did what he had to do to escape his dead-end life, but now he sees he didn’t leave it as far behind him as he thought.
234 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2014
52 people are currently reading
796 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
December 4, 2014
2 stars. DNF @47%. Review posted December 4, 2014. Me before reading In Too Deep:
Me while reading In Too Deep:
Cade:
What kind of bread do you want?
Aiden:
*flashes his golden boy smile*
What would you recommend?
Cade:
There’s a line behind you, sir. Choose your cold cuts or move please.
Aiden:
*flashes yet another golden boy smile*
I take the cheese bread with turkey and bacon, avocado, lettuce, tomatoes and mayonnaise. Thank you.
Cade:
*mumbles something unintelligible under his breath*
There. Now you really have to move. There’s a line behind you.
Aiden:
*golden boy smiles sheepishly*
I don’t mean to be stalkery but I have a fetish for guys with strong hands and long fingers. Honestly, I like your fingers.
Baba: Bro, just because you mention the term stalk, stalking and stalkery one too many times doesn’t make you any less stalkery. *grumbles* *irritating morons*
Cade:
Why are you still here?
Aiden:
If you don’t want to come to my frat party then we could be friends. Just friends? Please?
Cade:
I don’t have time for parties or friends or anything else. I’m busy all the time.
Aiden:
*golden boy smiles (again)*
You’re busy all the time doing what exactly?
Cade:
Well, I’m just busy. I study for hours on end. And I work. I need to pay my bills, right?
Aiden:
Right, bro. I’d like to be your friend. Can we be friends please?
Cade:
I’m busy studying. Again, I don’t have any free time. No, we cannot be friends.
Aiden:
*golden boy smiles (again)*
Bro, you need to take time off once in a while and have some fun. Can we be friends?
Cade:
Are you deaf? Read my lips: I said I don’t have time for friends. I don’t need friends. Move. There’s a line behind you.
Aiden:
*golden boy smiles again (though demurely this time round)*
I don’t mean to be stalkery but I’ll be back tomorrow. Honestly, I don’t mean to be intrusive either…but…bro, why are you so grumpy? Can we be friends?
Cade:
What the heck is wrong with you? I said move. Better yet, zip it first and buzz off! BTW, the lettuce is going to wither.
Aiden:
*shuffles to a table* *looks longingly at Cade* *makes puppy dog eyes* *is heartbroken* yadda yadda yadda
Rinse repeat. Rinse repeat. Rinse repeat.
Bro, one word of advice…or…let’s make it a couple more. You’re act is effin’ desperate, intrusive, unappealing, annoying and I’m beyond frustrated and pissed off with this constant ‘I want to be your friend, No, I don’t want to be your friend, What kind of sandwich do you want?’ back and forth. And a friendly word to Cade: You did act like an uptight, bitchy virgin but you’re familiar ?? And what happened when you gave Aiden that awkward kiss? Whew. How shocking. Though you don't have to respond. I'm pretty sure that you're going to tell me that you are Anyway, I don't care if I'm right or wrong. It's a complete pest.
I do love Kate Sherwood’s work but In Too Deep was a serious case of frustration. It’s safe to say that I didn’t like anything about this story. As it was, I wanted to smack the MCs and found myself rolling my eyes at their dialogue. All the smiles of the sweet golden boy who was obviously perfect and very stalkery (oops, that would kinda put a damper on his perfect personality), the grinning, the put on happiness, Aiden's desperate pushiness, Cade’s mulishness, and the pathological italic-itis made my blood boil in my veins and my BP shoot through the roof. Frankly, I just think I’m too old for this kind of exasperating crap. Thank you very much. Movin’ on.
Me while reading In Too Deep:
Cade:
What kind of bread do you want?
Aiden:
*flashes his golden boy smile*
What would you recommend?
Cade:
There’s a line behind you, sir. Choose your cold cuts or move please.
Aiden:
*flashes yet another golden boy smile*
I take the cheese bread with turkey and bacon, avocado, lettuce, tomatoes and mayonnaise. Thank you.
Cade:
*mumbles something unintelligible under his breath*
There. Now you really have to move. There’s a line behind you.
Aiden:
*golden boy smiles sheepishly*
I don’t mean to be stalkery but I have a fetish for guys with strong hands and long fingers. Honestly, I like your fingers.
Baba: Bro, just because you mention the term stalk, stalking and stalkery one too many times doesn’t make you any less stalkery. *grumbles* *irritating morons*
Cade:
Why are you still here?
Aiden:
If you don’t want to come to my frat party then we could be friends. Just friends? Please?
Cade:
I don’t have time for parties or friends or anything else. I’m busy all the time.
Aiden:
*golden boy smiles (again)*
You’re busy all the time doing what exactly?
Cade:
Well, I’m just busy. I study for hours on end. And I work. I need to pay my bills, right?
Aiden:
Right, bro. I’d like to be your friend. Can we be friends please?
Cade:
I’m busy studying. Again, I don’t have any free time. No, we cannot be friends.
Aiden:
*golden boy smiles (again)*
Bro, you need to take time off once in a while and have some fun. Can we be friends?
Cade:
Are you deaf? Read my lips: I said I don’t have time for friends. I don’t need friends. Move. There’s a line behind you.
Aiden:
*golden boy smiles again (though demurely this time round)*
I don’t mean to be stalkery but I’ll be back tomorrow. Honestly, I don’t mean to be intrusive either…but…bro, why are you so grumpy? Can we be friends?
Cade:
What the heck is wrong with you? I said move. Better yet, zip it first and buzz off! BTW, the lettuce is going to wither.
Aiden:
*shuffles to a table* *looks longingly at Cade* *makes puppy dog eyes* *is heartbroken* yadda yadda yadda
Rinse repeat. Rinse repeat. Rinse repeat.
Bro, one word of advice…or…let’s make it a couple more. You’re act is effin’ desperate, intrusive, unappealing, annoying and I’m beyond frustrated and pissed off with this constant ‘I want to be your friend, No, I don’t want to be your friend, What kind of sandwich do you want?’ back and forth. And a friendly word to Cade: You did act like an uptight, bitchy virgin but you’re familiar ?? And what happened when you gave Aiden that awkward kiss? Whew. How shocking. Though you don't have to respond. I'm pretty sure that you're going to tell me that you are Anyway, I don't care if I'm right or wrong. It's a complete pest.
I do love Kate Sherwood’s work but In Too Deep was a serious case of frustration. It’s safe to say that I didn’t like anything about this story. As it was, I wanted to smack the MCs and found myself rolling my eyes at their dialogue. All the smiles of the sweet golden boy who was obviously perfect and very stalkery (oops, that would kinda put a damper on his perfect personality), the grinning, the put on happiness, Aiden's desperate pushiness, Cade’s mulishness, and the pathological italic-itis made my blood boil in my veins and my BP shoot through the roof. Frankly, I just think I’m too old for this kind of exasperating crap. Thank you very much. Movin’ on.
September 23, 2015
I honestly LOVED this book.
Making his way through life all the way to college for Cade could only be described as awful.
He's had to make difficult choices and do a few unsavory things to make college a possibility, so he's decided to focus entirely on his studies and earn a life as far removed from his upbringing as possible.
No distractions allowed. Period. He refuses to go through that past hell only to waste his one, single opportunity for a better life. Not. Gonna. Happen.
Cade:
But Cade and Aiden are perfect for one another, when Cade (and his past) aren't getting in the way.
I loved Aiden's skills of pursuit in this book, which nearly bordered on stalking Cade, but not really, in my opinion. He just *really* liked the guy and was persistent. Extremely, extremely persistent.
Aiden:
Plus, Aiden is one blurting motherfucker, Which. I. LOVE., so of course I want him to win his man's jaded little battered and bruised heart.
[For example, when Aiden finally says he'll back off, then Cade can't stop himself from 'accidentally' kissing him...]Blurters are like unicorns filled with chocolate in my world. So yes, please!
“Okay. It’s interesting that you did that as soon as I said I wasn’t going to pursue you anymore. Like maybe you didn’t like the idea of giving up entirely. And it would really be more flattering if you didn’t look so much like you’re about to puke. Or maybe like you got hit in the balls. Which, of course, can often lead to puking, so I guess maybe that’s what you look like. It’d be more flattering if you didn’t look like you got hit in the balls.”
He waited for Cade, smiled encouragingly, then added, “Of course, talking about balls makes this sound almost sexual, but I’m definitely not seeing anything in your expression that makes me think you’re having sexy thoughts. If I’m wrong about that, you should let me know. Absolutely. I could help you with that. But we’d also have to work a bit on your facial expressions, because if this is your turned-on face, I really, really don’t want to see your O-face.”
Cade's parent's were fucking awful and I loved that he was able to escape their orbit, even if he had to blackmail them to do what they should have more than willingly done in the first place. Lazy, leeching bastards, charading as what very loosely could be called parents.
And when Cade's shady, but necessary, past comes a' callin' during a visit to Aiden's parents' lake house, I loved how Cade finally came clean to Aiden and told the villain, "Fuck you and fuck NO, asshole!" Even if finally taking back his self-worth from an abusive prick may have cost him his happiness, Aiden.
But people underestimate Aiden all the time, including Cade, only seeing him as the shiny, happy golden boy. And Aiden's confession of who he really is inside, how he feels deep down? Well, it's extremely touching and heart-felt.
“If someone’s golden on the surface, and then you burrow through and don’t run into something else? It’s not because they’re solid gold, Cade! It’s because they’re hollow! Or shallow… I don’t know, pick your metaphor. But the point is, they’re not real people! No one is golden all the way through!”So we do get our well-deserved HEA and all ends right with the world.
“Not even you?”
"The golden part of me? That’s the surface. For sure. I’m shiny and happy and easy to get along with. Whatever. That’s my surface. And then? Yeah. Hollow. No depth, no core, nothing real inside me. Just emptiness.” His grip on Cade’s hands tightened almost painfully. “Until you. And now you’re inside me. You’re my core. If anyone cares enough to burrow through the shiny outside? They’d find you, Cade.”
His voice was soft, now, his smile tentative but tender. “So, no. I don’t care if you’re grumpy. I mean, I’d rather you weren’t, because it can’t be much fun for you to be grumpy. But for me? You’re inside me. You’re part of me. You are what you are, and I love you for it.”
** Warning: The angst is OFF THE CHARTS in this story, so if you aren't a fan, pass. But I really enjoyed it, a lot. These is Amy Lane levels of angst, folks, so be prepared.
5 *what-kind-of-bread?* stars for this angstacularly satisfying read.
---------------------------------------
My copy of the book was provided by the publisher for a fair, unbiased review.
January 24, 2021
2.5 stars
It's me not the book. This has got so many rave reviews.
Another book that has been sleeping in my kindle for years, I finally read it. Yay!💃 Unfortunately it was disappointing.
The story was meh, Aiden the good rich boy and Cade the poor smart boy. I really wanted to feel sorry for Cade but he was an ass to Aiden throughout the whole book.
I kept looking for whatever light or good thing Aiden saw in him, I couldn't find it.
It's me not the book. This has got so many rave reviews.
Another book that has been sleeping in my kindle for years, I finally read it. Yay!💃 Unfortunately it was disappointing.
The story was meh, Aiden the good rich boy and Cade the poor smart boy. I really wanted to feel sorry for Cade but he was an ass to Aiden throughout the whole book.
I kept looking for whatever light or good thing Aiden saw in him, I couldn't find it.
November 26, 2018
Audio - 4.25 stars. As much as like K.C. Kelly and his voice, I don't think he was the best choice for this story. There's a maturity to his voice that doesn't really fit college aged characters. It took awhile, but I eventually got used to it.
Story - 4.5 stars
Story - 4.5 stars
March 16, 2016
2.5 stars
I made a decision to re-read the short story, In Over His Head, before I started the novel, because I thought it would make me remember things more clearly (I suck in details!).
Unfortunately, I don't know if that was the right decision ... because I ended up comparing this novel with the short story. Because of that, I felt rather conflicted in reviewing this. I just couldn't separate the two and there were things I liked better in the short story, things that I felt slightly ruined when I read the novel.
So this review, is basically NOT a review. It will be my comparing the two, it will be VERY SPOILER-Y, and it will be all over the place. Thus, I put everything under spoiler tag... you've been warned
So you see, the way I experienced this story was by way of having the short story in mind. I enjoyed the short story but the novel was a let down. I knew I wanted a prequel/sequel to the short story but now I felt that maybe it was a wrong wish. Because of that, I could only give it 2.5-stars.
I made a decision to re-read the short story, In Over His Head, before I started the novel, because I thought it would make me remember things more clearly (I suck in details!).
Unfortunately, I don't know if that was the right decision ... because I ended up comparing this novel with the short story. Because of that, I felt rather conflicted in reviewing this. I just couldn't separate the two and there were things I liked better in the short story, things that I felt slightly ruined when I read the novel.
So this review, is basically NOT a review. It will be my comparing the two, it will be VERY SPOILER-Y, and it will be all over the place. Thus, I put everything under spoiler tag... you've been warned
So you see, the way I experienced this story was by way of having the short story in mind. I enjoyed the short story but the novel was a let down. I knew I wanted a prequel/sequel to the short story but now I felt that maybe it was a wrong wish. Because of that, I could only give it 2.5-stars.
December 28, 2014
I had read the short story that composes the middle of this book when it came out, but I don't think that detracted from my enjoyment. (There is an unexpected reveal in there, but it's not essential for it to be a surprise.) This is the story of Cade, son of unemployed alcoholic parents, who is determined not to be like them. He's going to hunker down and get through college no matter what it takes.
Aiden is the golden boy, from money and a loving home, a frat guy with no solid life plans. But he has a warm, open heart and he really wants to befriend Cade. And more.
I enjoyed the contrast between the guys. I loved some of Aiden's OTT antics as he tried to wedge a chink in Cade's solitary defensive wall. The back story worked for me. I did feel like the book ended too soon. There was a lot revealed over a short period, and saying "Oh, now that's all clear" didn't seem like enough to be a solid ending. I wanted the angst and ups and downs of really working past what should have been some lingering issues. Plus there were some real world consequences hinted at that might have been a hard thing to follow through with. But it was, as always with this author, well written, enjoyable, with characters I cared about although not quite as deeply as some others of hers. (With Dan of Dark Horse still the heart-ripping best.)
Aiden is the golden boy, from money and a loving home, a frat guy with no solid life plans. But he has a warm, open heart and he really wants to befriend Cade. And more.
I enjoyed the contrast between the guys. I loved some of Aiden's OTT antics as he tried to wedge a chink in Cade's solitary defensive wall. The back story worked for me. I did feel like the book ended too soon. There was a lot revealed over a short period, and saying "Oh, now that's all clear" didn't seem like enough to be a solid ending. I wanted the angst and ups and downs of really working past what should have been some lingering issues. Plus there were some real world consequences hinted at that might have been a hard thing to follow through with. But it was, as always with this author, well written, enjoyable, with characters I cared about although not quite as deeply as some others of hers. (With Dan of Dark Horse still the heart-ripping best.)
October 10, 2016
Entre las 3 y las 4 estrellas. 3 porque me quedo con la sensación de que falta algo, quizás a la hora de dibujar el personaje de Aiden tan perfecto, pero cuatro estrellas porque me ha tenido pegada al libro desde la página una.
Historia de college con el chico perfecto y el chico con problemas, pero que se desvía un poco en la evolución y se aleja de lo que tenemos demasiado visto ya en otros libros. Mucho angst, pero mucho momento tierno también. A los personajes quizás les falta un poco a la hora de pintarlos, sobre todo al chico perfecto, pero el comienzo es muy bueno y se ve cómo se enamoran igual que lo es el final cuando ves cómo se cimenta esa relación. La parte central patina un poco, mientras que hay situaciones en las que la autora se ha detenido quizás demasiado en las descripciones, ha habido otras en las que ha corrido demasiado y solo da una pincelada, por lo que el libro queda un poco desequilibrado
Pero, con sus faltas, la historia es bonita, entretenida y me ha hecho pasar un rato estupendo. Anotar que el hecho de que sea sobre College y NA ayuda ;).
Historia de college con el chico perfecto y el chico con problemas, pero que se desvía un poco en la evolución y se aleja de lo que tenemos demasiado visto ya en otros libros. Mucho angst, pero mucho momento tierno también. A los personajes quizás les falta un poco a la hora de pintarlos, sobre todo al chico perfecto, pero el comienzo es muy bueno y se ve cómo se enamoran igual que lo es el final cuando ves cómo se cimenta esa relación. La parte central patina un poco, mientras que hay situaciones en las que la autora se ha detenido quizás demasiado en las descripciones, ha habido otras en las que ha corrido demasiado y solo da una pincelada, por lo que el libro queda un poco desequilibrado
Pero, con sus faltas, la historia es bonita, entretenida y me ha hecho pasar un rato estupendo. Anotar que el hecho de que sea sobre College y NA ayuda ;).
January 27, 2016
Since having read In Over His Head I was really looking forward to read the whole story about Cade and Aidan. And I really loved it. Kate Sherwood was able to create extremely catchy main characters, she got me to suffer with them, to hope with them and to cry with them.
Aidan is coming from a wealthy family and he is used to get what he wants. The moment he lays eyes on Cade in the school cafeteria, he isn't able to get the sweet, but very shy boy out of his mind. He tries to engage him in a conversation, but he soon has to face, that it isn't easy to approach Cade.
Cade has learned the way that not all parents aren't as supportive as Aidan's family. His parents aren't willing to pay for his studies, being focused only on alcohol without thinking about their child's future. Cade had to fend for himself and he was willing to do whatever it took to get to school. And he isn't willing to risk his grades in order to pass time with Aidan.
Luckily, Aidan is very persistent. He wants Cade and he isn't about to give up. I loved Aidan and the way he tried to reach his goal. He was super institent, even a bit on the stalkerish side, but it was all so very cute, that I really wanted him to succeed. He always says what he thinkgs and I loved his sometimes totally confusing monologues.
And of course my heart was breaking for Cade. Nobody should have to go to such lenghts to have access to education. Suddenly forced to face the demons of his past, he isn't only struggling to keep his memories at bay, but he also has to fear for his relationship with Aidan, the only thing that really means something to him apart from school.
In Too Deep is a very emtional slow burn story with quite a high angst level. I enjoyed the story, but I have to admit that I liked certain turns better in the short story and I was a bit disappointed when they didn't happen in the same way.
I haven't read many Sherwood stories yet, but I will definitly read some more books by this author. I can highly recommend this one! 4 stars!
Aidan is coming from a wealthy family and he is used to get what he wants. The moment he lays eyes on Cade in the school cafeteria, he isn't able to get the sweet, but very shy boy out of his mind. He tries to engage him in a conversation, but he soon has to face, that it isn't easy to approach Cade.
Cade has learned the way that not all parents aren't as supportive as Aidan's family. His parents aren't willing to pay for his studies, being focused only on alcohol without thinking about their child's future. Cade had to fend for himself and he was willing to do whatever it took to get to school. And he isn't willing to risk his grades in order to pass time with Aidan.
Luckily, Aidan is very persistent. He wants Cade and he isn't about to give up. I loved Aidan and the way he tried to reach his goal. He was super institent, even a bit on the stalkerish side, but it was all so very cute, that I really wanted him to succeed. He always says what he thinkgs and I loved his sometimes totally confusing monologues.
And of course my heart was breaking for Cade. Nobody should have to go to such lenghts to have access to education. Suddenly forced to face the demons of his past, he isn't only struggling to keep his memories at bay, but he also has to fear for his relationship with Aidan, the only thing that really means something to him apart from school.
In Too Deep is a very emtional slow burn story with quite a high angst level. I enjoyed the story, but I have to admit that I liked certain turns better in the short story and I was a bit disappointed when they didn't happen in the same way.
I haven't read many Sherwood stories yet, but I will definitly read some more books by this author. I can highly recommend this one! 4 stars!
December 5, 2014
I enjoyed this one. However, I think I would have enjoyed it more if I hadn’t just read In Over His Head. I knew that In Too Deep was based on the characters from that short story, so I assumed I should read it first. But I really wish I hadn't.
In Too Deep starts with how Cade and Aiden met. I loved this part of the story. Aiden is just too cute for words. He just inserted himself into Cade’s life and wouldn’t give him any option other than to fall in love with him. Okay, so this was the first 70% of the book. Then we get to their trip to the cottage, which I had already read in In Over His Head. So I started skimming that section, then realized it wasn’t a reprint of the short story, it had been re-written. The storyline changed completely. The outcome, the resolution of conflict, all different. And it wasn’t bad, I just think it would have been better if I didn’t have the other version so fresh in my head, KWIM?
Anyway, I really did like this book and plan to read more from Kate Sherwood.
(And kudos to whomever designed the cover. That is exactly how I pictured Cade and Aiden!)
In Too Deep starts with how Cade and Aiden met. I loved this part of the story. Aiden is just too cute for words. He just inserted himself into Cade’s life and wouldn’t give him any option other than to fall in love with him. Okay, so this was the first 70% of the book. Then we get to their trip to the cottage, which I had already read in In Over His Head. So I started skimming that section, then realized it wasn’t a reprint of the short story, it had been re-written. The storyline changed completely. The outcome, the resolution of conflict, all different. And it wasn’t bad, I just think it would have been better if I didn’t have the other version so fresh in my head, KWIM?
Anyway, I really did like this book and plan to read more from Kate Sherwood.
(And kudos to whomever designed the cover. That is exactly how I pictured Cade and Aiden!)
November 29, 2014
So, I already know what’s up with Cade and Aidan since I’ve read and reviewed the free short story, In Over His Head, that it is based on. Written for the Goodreads Love is Always Write 2012 event, that one is a brief chapter out of these guy’s story. I gave it five stars, I liked it that much: “…a tightly written, well-paced, atmospheric short story about how secrets can eat away at a relationship.”
So, I was anxious to see if this more developed version would work out as well.
Cade and Aidan are undergrads at Purdue and, man, these guys couldn’t be more different. Cade is the dark and closed-off loner to Aidan’s sunny extrovert. Cade works in the cafeteria to earn money to pay for school, while Aidan-- with all his friends and money at his fingertips-- wants for nothing. Except Cade.
Aidan wants Cade. He pursues him relentlessly. Why? It’s not clear, because Cade goes out of his way to be antisocial, bordering on rude. He constantly rebuffs Aidan’s efforts at friendship.
The short story doesn’t give us Cade and Aidan’s early relationship whereas, here, we see the courtship. We have to guess about just what it is that attracts Aidan. Maybe Cade’s looks or his mysterious bad-boy, loner demeanor? Whatever it is, Aidan is determined. Even when he witnesses this exchange while Cade is working in the cafeteria…
Paul, Cade’s freshman-year roommate, nodded back, “Hi.” He tried a bright smile. “Still determined to be antisocial, huh?”
(Cade) “What kind of bread do you want?”
(Paul) “There’s no one behind me in line, Cade. Can you not take a second to talk?”
(Cade) “About what?” Me being antisocial? You want me to be more social about my antisocialness?”
While it would be really easy to dislike Cade for all that unfriendly behavior, the author lets us see where it comes from, how he’s had to build walls to protect himself. His backstory is full of loneliness and fear and shame and desperation. It just made my heart hurt, learning about Cade.
But, never fear. The golden boy, Aidan St. John, with all his privilege and opportunity, only wants to pour his sunny sweetness all over Cade. He’s determined. Somehow he sees inside the that lost boy, recognizing Cade's need.
But… for all that he has, Aiden is in need too…
“I’m shiny and happy and easy to get along with. Whatever. That’s my surface. And then? Yeah. Hollow. No depth, no core, nothing real inside me. Just emptiness… Until you… you’re inside me…”
There is a glimmer of scary darkness there in Aidan that doesn’t get fully explored in the story, but I suspect that would take a whole other book.
So, reading this, you know there has to be a crossroads-- will there be a breaking point for Cade? If he gives in to Aidan, can it all last? How can a nothing person like him deserve a golden boy like Aidan?
So how does this longer work hold up to that shorter story? I like both, but for different reasons.
I really liked the emotional punch of the short story. It just felt more atmospheric and there was a tenseness that built up nicely… we’re dropped into Cade and Aidan’s relationship, we know they are very much in love, but there’s that sense of something not quite right. What was going on with Cade was more of a mystery. His secrets and his discomfort were played out nicely there..
With this longer version, it’s made clear why Cade shuts himself off and away from social interaction. I liked getting to know him better, but that atmospheric stuff is lost here. Also, Aiden really comes on strong in this longer version… it’s riskier. He’s not a stalker but he comes close to being a bit overdone in his pursuit of Cade.
I loved the short story, In Over His Head, for how well crafted it was. In Too Deep gives us more of an indication that Cade and Aidan are in a strong, solid place. My advice is… read both, but maybe read the short first.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher/author in exchange for an honest review.
March 12, 2015
Have you ever read a story and wanted more? Wanted to know what happened before and after the parts you read? For me, that was exactly what happened when I read the short story In Over His Head where I met and fell in love with Aiden St. John and Cade Martin. They were amazing and though I loved them I wanted to see how they got together and what happened after that trip to the family cabin. Well, Ms. Sherwood must have known this and she gave me exactly what I wanted. Exactly what I wanted.
This was so different and yet so familiar. I know what happens at some point in the story but this felt so fresh and new. Meeting Cade and Aiden before they are Cade and Aiden as a couple was one big angsty swoon fest. Getting Cade’s POV first was great, we know why he is so reserved and what his goals are even thought the golden boy that is Aiden slowly gets under his skin. Cade’s struggle to not want Aiden was frustrating, but so damn sweet.
And then there is Aiden. Good lord I love Aiden, everything about him. He wants Cade and tries so damn hard to give Cade everything including the space he demands but Aiden can’t stay away, until he has no choice. Ugh. The boys killed me with the angst and their budding relationship was a delightful slow burn. The small steps they took as friends was adorable and then the night when things move forward? It turned me into a big puddle of goo right at my desk and I decided work was less important than reading where this would go and when I would get to the story I’d read before.
These two, I adored them with the short that inspired this story but I fell so hard for them with this. It was so damn good to see them become a couple and that whole exchange by the stairs with them in tuxedoes and Cade touching his shoulder while he stared at Aiden? Unf to that. I totally agree with Aiden, it was one of the hottest things I’d ever seen.
But the angst, the hidden secret I know Cade has before he even mentions it kept my stomach in knots. Each time Cade gets closer to Aiden I know the drama that has to happen and I don’t want it to, not now when they are getting comfortable and falling for one another but… ugh.
Reading this was a new experience for me, it was almost like reading a prequel to a story and yet, it wasn’t. Like I said before, this story was new and fresh and still the same but… I just loved it. I loved it and it was all that I could have asked for. It was more than I expected. I still felt all that Cade fretted over losing but this time, it was so deeply emotional because I knew all that he gave to get to where he was with Aiden. The time at the cabin? Blah. So completely fucked up and so completely surreal. Just so damn good.
In Too Deep it can be read as a stand alone, you do not need to read In Over His Head to enjoy it at all. But for me, it was a special treat having read it, knowing about Cade and Aiden and getting what I wanted when it was done. I couldn’t be happier and more satisfied with this story.
This was so different and yet so familiar. I know what happens at some point in the story but this felt so fresh and new. Meeting Cade and Aiden before they are Cade and Aiden as a couple was one big angsty swoon fest. Getting Cade’s POV first was great, we know why he is so reserved and what his goals are even thought the golden boy that is Aiden slowly gets under his skin. Cade’s struggle to not want Aiden was frustrating, but so damn sweet.
And then there is Aiden. Good lord I love Aiden, everything about him. He wants Cade and tries so damn hard to give Cade everything including the space he demands but Aiden can’t stay away, until he has no choice. Ugh. The boys killed me with the angst and their budding relationship was a delightful slow burn. The small steps they took as friends was adorable and then the night when things move forward? It turned me into a big puddle of goo right at my desk and I decided work was less important than reading where this would go and when I would get to the story I’d read before.
These two, I adored them with the short that inspired this story but I fell so hard for them with this. It was so damn good to see them become a couple and that whole exchange by the stairs with them in tuxedoes and Cade touching his shoulder while he stared at Aiden? Unf to that. I totally agree with Aiden, it was one of the hottest things I’d ever seen.
But the angst, the hidden secret I know Cade has before he even mentions it kept my stomach in knots. Each time Cade gets closer to Aiden I know the drama that has to happen and I don’t want it to, not now when they are getting comfortable and falling for one another but… ugh.
Reading this was a new experience for me, it was almost like reading a prequel to a story and yet, it wasn’t. Like I said before, this story was new and fresh and still the same but… I just loved it. I loved it and it was all that I could have asked for. It was more than I expected. I still felt all that Cade fretted over losing but this time, it was so deeply emotional because I knew all that he gave to get to where he was with Aiden. The time at the cabin? Blah. So completely fucked up and so completely surreal. Just so damn good.
In Too Deep it can be read as a stand alone, you do not need to read In Over His Head to enjoy it at all. But for me, it was a special treat having read it, knowing about Cade and Aiden and getting what I wanted when it was done. I couldn’t be happier and more satisfied with this story.
June 13, 2016
Reread June 2016 and upgraded to 4-1/2 stars. Beautifully told story of Aiden and Cade - definitely glad I reread this!
September 20, 2015
This was my first Kate Sherwood and it won't be my last. I loved the narration and I enjoyed the story immensely. It worked well as an audio book - I 'read' it a while ago (well a coup[le of weeks, but with the amount of books I get through, if I don't review immediately I can't do it justice). I do know that I really enjoyed it though.
August 15, 2024
3.5 stars
A lot of college-age m/m books are the same. This isn't. Cade & Aiden's slow one-step-forward, two-steps-back to love is mesmerising. Cade is the character with depth, but Aiden's slower journey to maturity is no less interesting. I haven't read anything by Kate Sherwood I haven't admired and enjoyed.
Small structural caveat. Most of the book is about Cade & Aiden coming together and while there are no dramatic plot turns to disrupt this, Sherwood is excellent on showing why smaller incidents are significant. But it's clear that Cade's past will eventually become important; when the sword does fall, I think it comes too late and is resolved too easily. Sadist that I am, I wanted Cade to be on the rack earlier. It's as if the book had been walking along inviting the reader to admire the fall of every leaf along the path, then suddenly we're into the equivalent of a car chase for the last few chapters.
A lot of college-age m/m books are the same. This isn't. Cade & Aiden's slow one-step-forward, two-steps-back to love is mesmerising. Cade is the character with depth, but Aiden's slower journey to maturity is no less interesting. I haven't read anything by Kate Sherwood I haven't admired and enjoyed.
Small structural caveat. Most of the book is about Cade & Aiden coming together and while there are no dramatic plot turns to disrupt this, Sherwood is excellent on showing why smaller incidents are significant. But it's clear that Cade's past will eventually become important; when the sword does fall, I think it comes too late and is resolved too easily. Sadist that I am, I wanted Cade to be on the rack earlier. It's as if the book had been walking along inviting the reader to admire the fall of every leaf along the path, then suddenly we're into the equivalent of a car chase for the last few chapters.
August 10, 2024
This is the extended version of the short story, "In Over His Head". It's also where we first met Aiden and Cade. Since I read the short story first, I was anxious to see how these boys’ relationship began, grew, healed, and flourished. If you have not read, "In Over His Head", then I suggest that you don’t, since the entire story is here without losing the big reveal that is exposed in the short story.
Aiden and Cade were about as opposite as two people could ever be. one was rich and one was poor...one introvert and one extrovert, one popular one lonely, one set of amazing parents and one set of loser parents, the list goes on and on. You wonder how it was even possible for two such different people to meet, let alone form any kind of a relationship, but with much work and determination Aiden and Cade give love a chance.
Most of the story is spent watching Aiden come up with creative ways to get Cade to notice him. He has to have a ton of self-confidence to take that much initial rejection. It was humorous as well as sad. Aiden was such a great guy, and it didn’t matter what anybody thought...but it mattered a great deal to Cade. Cade's parents were alcoholics, non-working parents who spent more time trying to hold Cade back than allowing him to move up and out of the dirt and poverty that he was born into. Learning how Cade got himself into college was an eye opener for Aiden. For Aiden, college was handed to him, just like his car and his credit card. It was just there and expected. Cade didn’t have that and struggled allowing Aiden to know just how different they were. When they finally move forward, you are just so grateful and happy to see that Cade is able to get beyond his past and create a life with Aiden. But, be prepared because after all that, it goes downhill fast.
I didn’t like Aiden's mother, not even after she finally came around at the end. The ending is basically the story that takes place "In Over His Head". That would be the main reason I would recommend not reading the short story first. The story is filled with emotions and drama, both good and bad, and triumph over tragedy. A great read with a little darkness before the sun finally shines.
Aiden and Cade were about as opposite as two people could ever be. one was rich and one was poor...one introvert and one extrovert, one popular one lonely, one set of amazing parents and one set of loser parents, the list goes on and on. You wonder how it was even possible for two such different people to meet, let alone form any kind of a relationship, but with much work and determination Aiden and Cade give love a chance.
Most of the story is spent watching Aiden come up with creative ways to get Cade to notice him. He has to have a ton of self-confidence to take that much initial rejection. It was humorous as well as sad. Aiden was such a great guy, and it didn’t matter what anybody thought...but it mattered a great deal to Cade. Cade's parents were alcoholics, non-working parents who spent more time trying to hold Cade back than allowing him to move up and out of the dirt and poverty that he was born into. Learning how Cade got himself into college was an eye opener for Aiden. For Aiden, college was handed to him, just like his car and his credit card. It was just there and expected. Cade didn’t have that and struggled allowing Aiden to know just how different they were. When they finally move forward, you are just so grateful and happy to see that Cade is able to get beyond his past and create a life with Aiden. But, be prepared because after all that, it goes downhill fast.
I didn’t like Aiden's mother, not even after she finally came around at the end. The ending is basically the story that takes place "In Over His Head". That would be the main reason I would recommend not reading the short story first. The story is filled with emotions and drama, both good and bad, and triumph over tragedy. A great read with a little darkness before the sun finally shines.
June 10, 2015
***one spoiler towards the end of the review, but it was necessary for my rant***
The book is composed of three parts, the first two are worth 5 DELICIOUS STARS!! but the last part *ugh!!* gets only 2 stars, therefore the rating above.
Now, as I said I loooooved the first two parts of this book, it was like I was like eating a big pile of delicious candy, while lying on a fluffy candy bed in a candy house in a world made of candy!!
All because of Aidan who was so funny, engaging, witty and wonderful! The way he pursued Cade it was relentless, bordering on stalking but in such a sweet and forthcoming way I wanted to climb in the book and squish him!
I mean seriously, he is so endearing and cute that if it was me, Aiden could have been butt ugly and I still would have gone out with him; just for the way he was making you feel, like you're the most important person on this earth.
Needless to say, that Cade can't resist Aiden forever and they get together. At first everything is good but then they start having difficulties, since Cade is really introvert and very focused on his studies since he worked really hard to put himself through college. Which brings me to Cade big fat secret (which we know about from the beginning of the book). To get the money for college (since his parents are drunks and won't help) he was a prostitute for 8 months.
We now get to part three of the book that annoyed me to no end. Why? Because Aiden was a little shit!!! Yeah, you heard me. He reacted so poorly when he found out about Cade being a prostitute.
Umm.. EXCUSE ME!!!! Just because someone used to be a prostitute DOES NOT MEAN that they should sleep with their significant other right away. If they want to wait, they HAVE THE FUCKING RIGHT to wait! Being an ex prostitute does not mean one can't say NO!! So Aiden you are AN IDIOT!!!
What? WHAAAAAAT? So, the person you're supposed to love tells you things in his life were so difficult he had to resort to prostitution and you yell at him?Ask him how many customers? WHO GIVES A FUCK? That's not the freaking point!! You should comfort him, or at least accept it and move on.. God! People don't resort to this type of life for fun.. And the he asks if he enjoyed it? Well I should hope so! If it was that bad that you had to do it, it should at least be ok, right? It shouldn't be that bad. It's like the oldest job in the world. Why should we judge? I just don't get it. Anyway.. I could rant about this for hours but I'm gonna stop.
I was very disappointed in Aiden's reaction, so that's why I'm not giving the book 5 stars.
It all worked out good in the end, Aiden apologized (not enough IMO, but he was sweet so I'll forgive him too:P)
That's about it.
Smooches!
The book is composed of three parts, the first two are worth 5 DELICIOUS STARS!! but the last part *ugh!!* gets only 2 stars, therefore the rating above.
Now, as I said I loooooved the first two parts of this book, it was like I was like eating a big pile of delicious candy, while lying on a fluffy candy bed in a candy house in a world made of candy!!
All because of Aidan who was so funny, engaging, witty and wonderful! The way he pursued Cade it was relentless, bordering on stalking but in such a sweet and forthcoming way I wanted to climb in the book and squish him!
"For the record, I’m not stalking you anymore.” - Aiden
“What?” - Cade
“If you don’t want me to know where you live because you think I’m stalking you? You don’t have to worry. I mean, I still see you a lot, but that’s because you make good sandwiches. It’s not stalking, it’s lunch. And then that time at the library, yeah, that was a bit stalkery, but I quit as soon as you said you weren’t interested. Just sandwiches since then. And tonight, I was driving by and I saw you. That’s all. It would have been weird not to stop, right? So that wasn’t stalking, it was a coincidence.”He smiled a little.“Or possibly fate.” - Aiden
“Okay, possibly I’m getting stalkery again. Like, sexually harassing you. We had all this sensitivity training stuff at the frat last month, and I had a bit of trouble converting some of it to the gay context, but I get that it would be annoying to have someone coming on to you all the time when you only want to be friends. In my defense, you did just kiss me, and you didn’t ask for explicit verbal consent before that happened. So I don’t think we’re exactly following the rules, here.”
“I don’t feel harassed,” Cade replied. “But I don’t think I’m going to call you and suggest we make out.”
“We could skip right past that stage and go straight to the sex, if you like.”
“I appreciate the options. I have to go now.”
“Okay. And just for the record… if you see my car driving past your house a few times tomorrow, that’s not because I’m stalking you. I might happen to have business in the neighborhood.”
I mean seriously, he is so endearing and cute that if it was me, Aiden could have been butt ugly and I still would have gone out with him; just for the way he was making you feel, like you're the most important person on this earth.
Needless to say, that Cade can't resist Aiden forever and they get together. At first everything is good but then they start having difficulties, since Cade is really introvert and very focused on his studies since he worked really hard to put himself through college. Which brings me to Cade big fat secret (which we know about from the beginning of the book). To get the money for college (since his parents are drunks and won't help) he was a prostitute for 8 months.
We now get to part three of the book that annoyed me to no end. Why? Because Aiden was a little shit!!! Yeah, you heard me. He reacted so poorly when he found out about Cade being a prostitute.
“I thought you were a virgin. When I first met you, and you were so serious. I mean, you made me wait for months, and the whole time you were a
fucking pro?”
Umm.. EXCUSE ME!!!! Just because someone used to be a prostitute DOES NOT MEAN that they should sleep with their significant other right away. If they want to wait, they HAVE THE FUCKING RIGHT to wait! Being an ex prostitute does not mean one can't say NO!! So Aiden you are AN IDIOT!!!
"Jesus Christ, Cade, you had the nerve to get jealous about my boyfriends? You were upset because I’d been in my shower with other guys before you? How many fucking guys have you been with, Cade?” [..]. “Seriously. You’re smart enough to do the math, right? Eight months of it? Did you go out every night, or take weekends off? Was it just one guy a night, or a few? How many were repeat customers? How many guys have you fucked?”[..]“Did you have favorites? Did you get off on it, Cade? Did they make you come? "
What? WHAAAAAAT? So, the person you're supposed to love tells you things in his life were so difficult he had to resort to prostitution and you yell at him?Ask him how many customers? WHO GIVES A FUCK? That's not the freaking point!! You should comfort him, or at least accept it and move on.. God! People don't resort to this type of life for fun.. And the he asks if he enjoyed it? Well I should hope so! If it was that bad that you had to do it, it should at least be ok, right? It shouldn't be that bad. It's like the oldest job in the world. Why should we judge? I just don't get it. Anyway.. I could rant about this for hours but I'm gonna stop.
I was very disappointed in Aiden's reaction, so that's why I'm not giving the book 5 stars.
It all worked out good in the end, Aiden apologized (not enough IMO, but he was sweet so I'll forgive him too:P)
That's about it.
Smooches!
July 2, 2017
Понравилось. Правда, меня чуть удар не хватил в конце третьей части! Нельзя же так с бедным эмоциональным читателем! Я ведь и "да ну нах такое читать" могу сказать, и бросить могу...
Благо там все хорошо кончилось, даже, пожалуй, слишком хорошо. Как-то не до конца поверилось в сказку, ну да ладно.
Благо там все хорошо кончилось, даже, пожалуй, слишком хорошо. Как-то не до конца поверилось в сказку, ну да ладно.
December 17, 2014
This story captured my attention immediately and I was completely immersed until the very end. I read the entire book in one day. I adored both of the main characters, Cade and Aiden, but *whispering* I loved Cade most of all, being the underdog in this story. Cade earned my love.
Aiden is charming, witty and sweet and it was certainly a pleasure to watch this college boy throw himself out there in order to win Cade’s attention. But it’s really Cade, and his heartbreaking story, that captures the Reader’s heart. They had a rocky start though, with Aiden trying to get Cade’s attention at the campus cafeteria’s sandwich bar where he worked. At first, I wanted to throttle Cade for his steadfast refusal to acknowledge Aiden’s advances. Then I wanted to throttle Aiden for being so forceful and determined with Cade. Case in point, when Cade finally grudgingly agrees to walk with Aiden at lunchtime from one library to another library, Aiden goes somewhat endearingly overboard with the meal. An adorable scene follows - I definitely enjoyed this book – it was full of wit, charm, angst, drama and love. If you are looking for an intense love-story with a happy ending, then you should absolutely check this out! I am thrilled to have discovered a new-to-me author and I look forward to working my way through her repertoire.
Please check out my full review at:
http://itsaboutthebook.com/2014/12/16...
Aiden is charming, witty and sweet and it was certainly a pleasure to watch this college boy throw himself out there in order to win Cade’s attention. But it’s really Cade, and his heartbreaking story, that captures the Reader’s heart. They had a rocky start though, with Aiden trying to get Cade’s attention at the campus cafeteria’s sandwich bar where he worked. At first, I wanted to throttle Cade for his steadfast refusal to acknowledge Aiden’s advances. Then I wanted to throttle Aiden for being so forceful and determined with Cade. Case in point, when Cade finally grudgingly agrees to walk with Aiden at lunchtime from one library to another library, Aiden goes somewhat endearingly overboard with the meal. An adorable scene follows - I definitely enjoyed this book – it was full of wit, charm, angst, drama and love. If you are looking for an intense love-story with a happy ending, then you should absolutely check this out! I am thrilled to have discovered a new-to-me author and I look forward to working my way through her repertoire.
Please check out my full review at:
http://itsaboutthebook.com/2014/12/16...
back-burner-for-now
December 18, 2014I am going to hold off on this one for a few days. I got a little spooked by some reviews and would to read a few more before committing to this one.
December 6, 2014
A longer length reworking of Kate's short freebie story 'In Over His Head' which I loved. More detailed review to follow when I've got the old brain cells working. 4 stars.
May 23, 2020
4 stars audio and story
May 19, 2022
In Too Deep is how I wanted Of Human Bondage to turn out when I first read about a Phillip and his wayward Mildred as a fifteen year old in love with love. This is a reread for me. Oddly, I could not remember much about the novel except how certain scenes had made me feel. But I really needed a sea I could dive "in too deep" and for a day or so not come up for air.
This is a love story of two college-aged boys who could not be any farther from the other's side of the economic tracks. But sometimes I just want Love to show its powers, ignoring what parents want or don't want for their sons. Sometimes I just want to be swept away by a slow-burn tale so gratifying I forget to play Wordle or pay the bills.
Cade and Aiden have done it again for me. It probably won't be the last.
This is a love story of two college-aged boys who could not be any farther from the other's side of the economic tracks. But sometimes I just want Love to show its powers, ignoring what parents want or don't want for their sons. Sometimes I just want to be swept away by a slow-burn tale so gratifying I forget to play Wordle or pay the bills.
Cade and Aiden have done it again for me. It probably won't be the last.
January 26, 2015
3.5 Stars
This is one of the times when I wish I could review the book in two parts, like the first 45% and then the other 55%, and give them different ratings... *Sigh* but I can't.
The reason of this is because I think the second half of the book was much better than the first one - the characters looked way better there. You see when the book starts we are introduced to Cade, an introvert student that works making sandwiches as a part time job so he can get some extra money to help himself through school. Then we meet Aiden, an extrovert rich kid who is used to get whatever he wants and doesn't take no for an answer... And turns out that what he wants is Cade. And this is where my problem began.
At the back of my head I *knew* that what Aiden wanted was to break down Cade's walls and get to know him better. Have the kid to open up with him and be friends, and maybe then they could have start a romantic relationship... BUT... Aiden was SO insistent. Extremely so that in my opinion it kinda bordered in obsession/harassment. I kept thinking "Dude, poor Cade, I mean he's freaked out because he's really not a people person and here comes this guy, who, granted, is hot as fuck but insist in talking with him when it obviously makes him uncomfortable"... Now, it's not that Cade didn't want to, it's that he felt uncomfortable, and THAT made me uncomfortable. So, as I read I realized that the problem wasn't that Aiden was "persistent", but the way he did it. Also, Aiden had filter problems and sometimes said things that were scary or bordered in, again, harassment - like sexual comments that sounded creepy in that context, but maybe that's just my opinion.
The thing is that by the second half of the book we have a huge change when Cade actually tells Aiden that their friendship is a No No, because he doesn't know how, so Aiden after having heard a real "no" from Cade, steps back, and it's then that Cade reacts and goes looking for Aiden after a few weeks. Aiden completely changes his attitude here. He's still a very caring person, always willing to do anything for Cade and help him however he can. He's way more patient and much less invasive, so I liked this Aiden much more.
Now, Cade. Cade is super smart and his introvert nature makes him act rather sarcastic and "mean" sometimes. Yes, he does come off as a dick every once in a while, but strangely, I liked it. I understood where he was coming from, he reacted the way he did because there was this guy who kept asking questions and trying to talk when he didn't want to. However, once Cade felt more comfortable with Aiden things changed a lot, and I liked that very much. He was still Cade, y'know, but a Cade a bit more confident.
Seeing how their relationship grew was a nice experience. Things aren't that easy for these two. Cade has a past, a difficult, ugly past that features lots of abuse, but also an increasing need to become someone. Aiden, having had a completely different life from Cade's, obviously had problems understanding, and his reaction (at least the initial one) was far from perfect but extremely expected. The thing here is how he managed things after he learns the truth about Cade's past. I think it was beautifully done, and I want to think that it's, at least to some extent, realistic. I mean, the situation was. The abuse, the pain, the fear, all of it felt realistic, so I want to think that Aiden's final reaction could be realistic too, though maybe not too common, to be honest.
This was a good book, but I do have to say that if you have problems with a person going constantly after another person and insisting and insisting and insisting to the point where actually seemed like begging isn't your thing you may reconsider this book. I know that most people weren't affected by this, but for me it was an obstacle to actually like Aiden from the beginning.
This is one of the times when I wish I could review the book in two parts, like the first 45% and then the other 55%, and give them different ratings... *Sigh* but I can't.
The reason of this is because I think the second half of the book was much better than the first one - the characters looked way better there. You see when the book starts we are introduced to Cade, an introvert student that works making sandwiches as a part time job so he can get some extra money to help himself through school. Then we meet Aiden, an extrovert rich kid who is used to get whatever he wants and doesn't take no for an answer... And turns out that what he wants is Cade. And this is where my problem began.
At the back of my head I *knew* that what Aiden wanted was to break down Cade's walls and get to know him better. Have the kid to open up with him and be friends, and maybe then they could have start a romantic relationship... BUT... Aiden was SO insistent. Extremely so that in my opinion it kinda bordered in obsession/harassment. I kept thinking "Dude, poor Cade, I mean he's freaked out because he's really not a people person and here comes this guy, who, granted, is hot as fuck but insist in talking with him when it obviously makes him uncomfortable"... Now, it's not that Cade didn't want to, it's that he felt uncomfortable, and THAT made me uncomfortable. So, as I read I realized that the problem wasn't that Aiden was "persistent", but the way he did it. Also, Aiden had filter problems and sometimes said things that were scary or bordered in, again, harassment - like sexual comments that sounded creepy in that context, but maybe that's just my opinion.
The thing is that by the second half of the book we have a huge change when Cade actually tells Aiden that their friendship is a No No, because he doesn't know how, so Aiden after having heard a real "no" from Cade, steps back, and it's then that Cade reacts and goes looking for Aiden after a few weeks. Aiden completely changes his attitude here. He's still a very caring person, always willing to do anything for Cade and help him however he can. He's way more patient and much less invasive, so I liked this Aiden much more.
Now, Cade. Cade is super smart and his introvert nature makes him act rather sarcastic and "mean" sometimes. Yes, he does come off as a dick every once in a while, but strangely, I liked it. I understood where he was coming from, he reacted the way he did because there was this guy who kept asking questions and trying to talk when he didn't want to. However, once Cade felt more comfortable with Aiden things changed a lot, and I liked that very much. He was still Cade, y'know, but a Cade a bit more confident.
Seeing how their relationship grew was a nice experience. Things aren't that easy for these two. Cade has a past, a difficult, ugly past that features lots of abuse, but also an increasing need to become someone. Aiden, having had a completely different life from Cade's, obviously had problems understanding, and his reaction (at least the initial one) was far from perfect but extremely expected. The thing here is how he managed things after he learns the truth about Cade's past. I think it was beautifully done, and I want to think that it's, at least to some extent, realistic. I mean, the situation was. The abuse, the pain, the fear, all of it felt realistic, so I want to think that Aiden's final reaction could be realistic too, though maybe not too common, to be honest.
This was a good book, but I do have to say that if you have problems with a person going constantly after another person and insisting and insisting and insisting to the point where actually seemed like begging isn't your thing you may reconsider this book. I know that most people weren't affected by this, but for me it was an obstacle to actually like Aiden from the beginning.
January 1, 2015
Well, I really liked this book, but I can't bring myself to give it four stars. Kate Sherwood has potential, but her ability to go deeper into a character's emotions and motivations is stunted, and that made this book less than what it could have been. Everything seemed rushed and glossed over. Cade comes from an emotionally abusive household....we get the surface representation of that when he confronts his parents about his grant paperwork. Cade is emotionally closed off, but we're only told why. At no point does it feel like the reader is invited into Cade's brain to see the inner workings. His abuse during his eight months of unconventional employment is never delved into with any finesse, and the reader is offered inklings of his torture via the comically twisted, almost cartoon-like visage of creepy Uncle Warren. I always feel like an author is doing a disservice to the public when they make a "bad" character out to be so outwardly readable. Warren's Snidely Whiplash impersonation at the end conveys the idea that we're somehow supposed to be able to spot evil, abusive monsters if only we look hard enough. And that only fuels shame and self-blame when someone is abused and thinks they somehow should have seen it coming.
Anyway, like I said, I liked the story. Cade and Aiden were sweet for each other, and reading Aiden's enthusiasm and subsequent frustration in regards to winning Cade over was alternately humorous and heartbreaking. But again, here's where Sherwood's writing fell short for me; there was a lot of Cade resisting and a lot of Aiden insisting, and then when they finally got together, it was like it just sort of happened. When you build up that much tension for your readers, you should perhaps give them a little bit more than a french kiss and a hickey to sustain them until the next encounter. Building up that kind of pressure and not letting it explode into something at least somewhat mind-blowing is sort of a letdown.
I'd say the only thing that really saves this book from complete and total mediocrity is the humor, and that comes mostly in the form of the extroverted, hyperactive Aiden, who just can't seem to keep from babbling everything that's going on in his head. This is his reaction to a simple peck on the lips from Cade:
"'Okay. It's interesting that you did that as soon as I said I wasn't going to pursue you anymore. Like maybe you didn't like the idea of giving up entirely. And it would really be more flattering if you didn't look so much like you're about to puke. Or maybe like you got hit in the balls. Which, of course, can often lead to puking, so I guess maybe that's what you look like. It'd be more flattering if you didn't look like you got hit in the balls.' He waited for Cade, smiling encouragingly, then added, 'Of course, talking about balls makes this sound almost sexual, but I'm definitely not seeing anything in your expression that makes me think you're having sexy thoughts. If I'm wrong about that, you should let me know. Absolutely. I could help you with that. But we'd also have to work a bit on your facial expressions, because if this is your turned-on face, I really, really don't want to see your O-face.'"
More than once, I cracked up at Aiden's seemingly endless ability to talk, and when Cade once said, "OK. Stop." I laughed even harder. But it made the moments when Cade responded positively to Aiden, with either a small smile or quiet laugh, that much sweeter.
Anyway, like I said, I liked the story. Cade and Aiden were sweet for each other, and reading Aiden's enthusiasm and subsequent frustration in regards to winning Cade over was alternately humorous and heartbreaking. But again, here's where Sherwood's writing fell short for me; there was a lot of Cade resisting and a lot of Aiden insisting, and then when they finally got together, it was like it just sort of happened. When you build up that much tension for your readers, you should perhaps give them a little bit more than a french kiss and a hickey to sustain them until the next encounter. Building up that kind of pressure and not letting it explode into something at least somewhat mind-blowing is sort of a letdown.
I'd say the only thing that really saves this book from complete and total mediocrity is the humor, and that comes mostly in the form of the extroverted, hyperactive Aiden, who just can't seem to keep from babbling everything that's going on in his head. This is his reaction to a simple peck on the lips from Cade:
"'Okay. It's interesting that you did that as soon as I said I wasn't going to pursue you anymore. Like maybe you didn't like the idea of giving up entirely. And it would really be more flattering if you didn't look so much like you're about to puke. Or maybe like you got hit in the balls. Which, of course, can often lead to puking, so I guess maybe that's what you look like. It'd be more flattering if you didn't look like you got hit in the balls.' He waited for Cade, smiling encouragingly, then added, 'Of course, talking about balls makes this sound almost sexual, but I'm definitely not seeing anything in your expression that makes me think you're having sexy thoughts. If I'm wrong about that, you should let me know. Absolutely. I could help you with that. But we'd also have to work a bit on your facial expressions, because if this is your turned-on face, I really, really don't want to see your O-face.'"
More than once, I cracked up at Aiden's seemingly endless ability to talk, and when Cade once said, "OK. Stop." I laughed even harder. But it made the moments when Cade responded positively to Aiden, with either a small smile or quiet laugh, that much sweeter.
January 15, 2015
I enjoyed this story even though the relationship was kinda uneven. It seemed that for the majority of the story Aiden was having to do all the work and also having to change his natural personality in order to be with Cade. I don't think this had anything to do with them coming from different worlds. I was glad when Cade actually initiated going to Aiden and showing some interest in the relationship. From that point it seemed better and the relationship was good. I didn't like Aiden's mom, plain and simple. Her attitude or how she treated Cade just rubbed me the wrong way and then all of a sudden everything changes. Sorry, that was just a little too quick of a change. I could have done without the Warren part, but I know that was needed to create the drama and get them to the end of the story.
December 10, 2015
Overall book rating: 4.8 Stars
Audio book: Narrator - K.C. Kelly 4.5 Stars
Book cover 3.5 Stars
I loved this book!!! It went through allot of feelings reading this book.
The pain and determination in the character of Cade was so crushingly sad and I wished bad things upon parents who are self centered asshats!!!! It crushed my soul to think a parent can be so self centered and without a care in the world. The things Cade had to go through just to stay in school was just sad.
I absolutely loved the way Aiden handles Cade. I just wanted more I wanted to see the bonding between Cade and Aiden's mom developed, into a friendship so strong. I wanted to see him happy a little bit longer...
Audio book: Narrator - K.C. Kelly 4.5 Stars
Book cover 3.5 Stars
I loved this book!!! It went through allot of feelings reading this book.
The pain and determination in the character of Cade was so crushingly sad and I wished bad things upon parents who are self centered asshats!!!! It crushed my soul to think a parent can be so self centered and without a care in the world. The things Cade had to go through just to stay in school was just sad.
I absolutely loved the way Aiden handles Cade. I just wanted more I wanted to see the bonding between Cade and Aiden's mom developed, into a friendship so strong. I wanted to see him happy a little bit longer...
December 1, 2014
Kate Sherwood is easily one of my top 5 favourite authors. I enjoyed the original version of this story and I enjoyed this greatly extended version too.
So please don't think this is any sort of criticism, because I was happier than a pig in shit (sorry I love that saying), but at times this felt like some kind of alternate universe or fanfic which tells the story of what it would have been like if Dan and Evan had actually met in college.
Maybe it's because I reread the Dark Horse series not all that long ago but Cade and, to an even greater extent, Aiden share so many characteristics and mannerisms with those other two characters that the comparison seemed obvious to me.
And if THAT doesn't make you rush to read this then I don't know what will.
So please don't think this is any sort of criticism, because I was happier than a pig in shit (sorry I love that saying), but at times this felt like some kind of alternate universe or fanfic which tells the story of what it would have been like if Dan and Evan had actually met in college.
Maybe it's because I reread the Dark Horse series not all that long ago but Cade and, to an even greater extent, Aiden share so many characteristics and mannerisms with those other two characters that the comparison seemed obvious to me.
And if THAT doesn't make you rush to read this then I don't know what will.
May 25, 2016
College boys are my weakness. And even though this didn't really have the typical college boy flavor, it was still college boys which I think made up for a lot. Ultimately I liked this book a lot and I was really rooting for Aiden and Cade.
I think Aiden was way too intense, and Cade was way too cold, especially at the beginning. And I was glad I didn't have to date either of them. But they were good together and I liked their story.
I think Aiden was way too intense, and Cade was way too cold, especially at the beginning. And I was glad I didn't have to date either of them. But they were good together and I liked their story.
July 1, 2023
4.25 stars
Reading the blurb you might think this is the typical rich boy/ poor boy from different sides of the track type of story, but it isn't. The big difference is that Aiden and Cade are such wonderfully unique characters, particularly Aiden. I don't think I've seen a mc quite like Aiden in romancelandia before. I especially liked his preparations for the walking lunch date!!
Reading the blurb you might think this is the typical rich boy/ poor boy from different sides of the track type of story, but it isn't. The big difference is that Aiden and Cade are such wonderfully unique characters, particularly Aiden. I don't think I've seen a mc quite like Aiden in romancelandia before. I especially liked his preparations for the walking lunch date!!
September 4, 2016
e-book review November 2014
At first glance, Cade is oblivious! He doesn’t give Aiden the time of day, though Aiden goes out of his way to ‘run into’ Cade at the library and eats more sandwiches than most college kids, probably because Cade works the sandwich station in the cafeteria. At first Cade thinks that Aiden and his friends are trying to play a cruel joke on him, then he thinks Aiden is just a pest, a guy that seems to show up a lot where Cade is at. When Cade needs a ride home to Chicago, Aiden is there opening his car door for him.
Where Cade has led a lonely life with alcoholic parents that are emotionally unavailable and constantly belittling him for his choices in life… being gay, going to college, trying to actually do something with his life… Aiden is polar opposite. His parents are wealthy and they spoil their son in excess. Aiden parties and spends $400 on coffee at Starbucks, he has popular friends and the golden boy could get any guy he wants, so why does he want Cade?
It takes a lot of perseverance and determination, but eventually Aiden breaks down the walls that Cade has built around himself. Then a summer trip to Canada with Aiden’s family brings someone back into Cade’s life that he thought he’d long ago eradicated. He shuts down, throws up the barriers he so carefully built over years of solitude, blocking out everyone, especially Aiden. Will their still fragile relationship be able to bear the strain of secrets and omissions? Or will Aiden leave Cade right where he feared he would end up all along if he gave his heart to this man, alone.
In Too Deep is at its heart, a love story about two complete opposites and one man’s determination to steal the heart of the guy he wants more than anything. Aiden wants Cade and he is patient and diligent in his endeavor to win Cade’s trust first, then his love. They form a bond through friendship and trust and when Cade is ready, they take it to the next level. The foundation for their relationship was built so slowly and accurately that when the explosion happened toward the end, I was not worried for one second that Aiden wouldn’t choose Cade. And while I’m usually turned off by angsty stories, the angst was a necessary character within this storyline and just made Cade’s hesitancy that much more believable and endearing.
Definitely a must read for my fellow hopeless romantics out there that love a good happy ending, even if there are a couple of road blocks along the journey to the town of happiness for this odd couple. Romantic, sexy, heartwarming and such a fun read. I will keep this one loaded on my kindle to revisit.
Audiobook review September 2016
Audiobook review September 2016...
One of my favorite things to do is read and listen to the same book. Quite often, it turns out to be two different stories. The idea of the character in your head - the way they look or sound, is often different than the voice the narrator gives the characters. KC Kelly isn't a narrator that has dozens of tones in his arsenal, he makes his changes from one character to the next with subtle tones and nuances. Aiden sounded just the way I thought he would when I read the book, Cade... not so much. I thought at times he sounded too old for the character, the voice that is. Other than that I really enjoyed this audiobook. I could feel Cade's hesitation, the way he's been so guarded and standoffish his entire life and how difficult it was for him to allow Aiden in. Same with Aiden, he had the patience of a saint, but when he reaches his limit, you can totally hear it in his voice.
At first glance, Cade is oblivious! He doesn’t give Aiden the time of day, though Aiden goes out of his way to ‘run into’ Cade at the library and eats more sandwiches than most college kids, probably because Cade works the sandwich station in the cafeteria. At first Cade thinks that Aiden and his friends are trying to play a cruel joke on him, then he thinks Aiden is just a pest, a guy that seems to show up a lot where Cade is at. When Cade needs a ride home to Chicago, Aiden is there opening his car door for him.
Where Cade has led a lonely life with alcoholic parents that are emotionally unavailable and constantly belittling him for his choices in life… being gay, going to college, trying to actually do something with his life… Aiden is polar opposite. His parents are wealthy and they spoil their son in excess. Aiden parties and spends $400 on coffee at Starbucks, he has popular friends and the golden boy could get any guy he wants, so why does he want Cade?
It takes a lot of perseverance and determination, but eventually Aiden breaks down the walls that Cade has built around himself. Then a summer trip to Canada with Aiden’s family brings someone back into Cade’s life that he thought he’d long ago eradicated. He shuts down, throws up the barriers he so carefully built over years of solitude, blocking out everyone, especially Aiden. Will their still fragile relationship be able to bear the strain of secrets and omissions? Or will Aiden leave Cade right where he feared he would end up all along if he gave his heart to this man, alone.
In Too Deep is at its heart, a love story about two complete opposites and one man’s determination to steal the heart of the guy he wants more than anything. Aiden wants Cade and he is patient and diligent in his endeavor to win Cade’s trust first, then his love. They form a bond through friendship and trust and when Cade is ready, they take it to the next level. The foundation for their relationship was built so slowly and accurately that when the explosion happened toward the end, I was not worried for one second that Aiden wouldn’t choose Cade. And while I’m usually turned off by angsty stories, the angst was a necessary character within this storyline and just made Cade’s hesitancy that much more believable and endearing.
Definitely a must read for my fellow hopeless romantics out there that love a good happy ending, even if there are a couple of road blocks along the journey to the town of happiness for this odd couple. Romantic, sexy, heartwarming and such a fun read. I will keep this one loaded on my kindle to revisit.
Audiobook review September 2016
Audiobook review September 2016...
One of my favorite things to do is read and listen to the same book. Quite often, it turns out to be two different stories. The idea of the character in your head - the way they look or sound, is often different than the voice the narrator gives the characters. KC Kelly isn't a narrator that has dozens of tones in his arsenal, he makes his changes from one character to the next with subtle tones and nuances. Aiden sounded just the way I thought he would when I read the book, Cade... not so much. I thought at times he sounded too old for the character, the voice that is. Other than that I really enjoyed this audiobook. I could feel Cade's hesitation, the way he's been so guarded and standoffish his entire life and how difficult it was for him to allow Aiden in. Same with Aiden, he had the patience of a saint, but when he reaches his limit, you can totally hear it in his voice.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews