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Rags and Riches #4
Healing Touch
Dereck has spent the last year on the run, trying to leave his past behind and focus on starting over, but when an accident leaves him unable to walk, he is thrust back into the care of those he'd tried to forget.
Rodney is fresh out of college and excited to find a live-in position helping Dereck recover from his injuries. As a physical therapist, Rodney is able to help Dereck get stronger and learn how to live without the use of his legs.
The two form a quick friendship as roommates, and the line between patient and caregiver grows thinner every day. Dereck is convinced he's a burden, but Rodney disagrees and is out to show him that it isn't what is on the outside that matters when it comes to love, but something much deeper that stirs the heart.
Rodney is fresh out of college and excited to find a live-in position helping Dereck recover from his injuries. As a physical therapist, Rodney is able to help Dereck get stronger and learn how to live without the use of his legs.
The two form a quick friendship as roommates, and the line between patient and caregiver grows thinner every day. Dereck is convinced he's a burden, but Rodney disagrees and is out to show him that it isn't what is on the outside that matters when it comes to love, but something much deeper that stirs the heart.
153 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 25, 2016
28 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
E.M. Leya
100 books317 followersE.M. Leya lives surrounded by the beautiful mountains in Salt Lake City, Utah with her amazing daughter and loving pets. She is passionate about the world we live in and current events, deeming herself a "news junkie". She believes that we are all here to create something beautiful, whether it's through our talents or our actions. She enjoys writing stories that take us deep into real world problems while showing that love can happen for anyone, regardless of how dark their past might be.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 5, 2016
Marvin Gaye was Right, it's all About the Sexual Healing
Before I even read the third book in the Rags to Riches series, the fourth was released. I'd hoped for Charles story, but instead received a sweet love story full of emotions, angst, forgiveness, anger, and bad cooking. Trevor unfortunately funds his brother, Dereck after a terrible car crash that killed everyone in both cars and nearly costs Dereck his legs. They were crushed in the crumpled wreckage.
Trevor was determined to get his brother the best care possible. And because of the animosity his brother felt against him. It was decided that Dereck would get him a care giver/physical therapist as well as his own place to live. Rodney the handsome African American therapist hired by Trevor turned out to be exactly what Dereck needed. His strength aided in Dereck's ability to get around more easily with two broken legs in casts. Their similar taste in food and disdain of Prince's cooking was a secret they both kept since neither wanted to hurt Trevor's boyfriend's feelings. They enjoyed watching the same types of movies and television programs. This easy camaraderie made the hard stuff of his rehabilitation plan bearable. Dereck knew Rodney was going to make him work hard, even when he didn't want to. Rodney found inventive ways to bribe/contrive Dereck to exercise his arms and build his upper body strength.
Dereck was often moody, angry, in pain, and determined to prove everyone who said he'd never walk again WRONG!! But his young age, past history, make this boast questionable. He never had to work so hard, but even when he tried to get out of his exercising - he had to admit Rodney's plans/actions were helping him get stronger. Then after some extensive exercising and soreness Rodney offers to do massage therapy. It turns out to be very relaxing and surprisingly arousing.
Dereck doesn't want any acknowledgement of his 18th birthday. He doesn't want to socialize. He feels terrible living while everyone else especially his best friend died. He feels awkward with his casted broken legs sticking straight out and his wheelchair. But a really nice thing happens, he and Prince's best friend, Charles find out they both love reading.
Both Dereck and Rodney become more intrigued by the other, but they keep their feelings about each other quiet. What does a professional do when he becomes attracted to his client? What happens when the lines become blurred? What happens when emotions come into play? Love, lust, desire, heartache, regret, and acceptance.
This was a very good book. I read it quickly after finishing the third book in the series. A new character and very nice homeless veteran named Joe is introduced. He had become friendly with Rodney while Rodney was volunteering his services at the Veterans Hospital. I can't wait for Joe's or Charles stories? Don't miss out on this great series.
Before I even read the third book in the Rags to Riches series, the fourth was released. I'd hoped for Charles story, but instead received a sweet love story full of emotions, angst, forgiveness, anger, and bad cooking. Trevor unfortunately funds his brother, Dereck after a terrible car crash that killed everyone in both cars and nearly costs Dereck his legs. They were crushed in the crumpled wreckage.
Trevor was determined to get his brother the best care possible. And because of the animosity his brother felt against him. It was decided that Dereck would get him a care giver/physical therapist as well as his own place to live. Rodney the handsome African American therapist hired by Trevor turned out to be exactly what Dereck needed. His strength aided in Dereck's ability to get around more easily with two broken legs in casts. Their similar taste in food and disdain of Prince's cooking was a secret they both kept since neither wanted to hurt Trevor's boyfriend's feelings. They enjoyed watching the same types of movies and television programs. This easy camaraderie made the hard stuff of his rehabilitation plan bearable. Dereck knew Rodney was going to make him work hard, even when he didn't want to. Rodney found inventive ways to bribe/contrive Dereck to exercise his arms and build his upper body strength.
Dereck was often moody, angry, in pain, and determined to prove everyone who said he'd never walk again WRONG!! But his young age, past history, make this boast questionable. He never had to work so hard, but even when he tried to get out of his exercising - he had to admit Rodney's plans/actions were helping him get stronger. Then after some extensive exercising and soreness Rodney offers to do massage therapy. It turns out to be very relaxing and surprisingly arousing.
Dereck doesn't want any acknowledgement of his 18th birthday. He doesn't want to socialize. He feels terrible living while everyone else especially his best friend died. He feels awkward with his casted broken legs sticking straight out and his wheelchair. But a really nice thing happens, he and Prince's best friend, Charles find out they both love reading.
Both Dereck and Rodney become more intrigued by the other, but they keep their feelings about each other quiet. What does a professional do when he becomes attracted to his client? What happens when the lines become blurred? What happens when emotions come into play? Love, lust, desire, heartache, regret, and acceptance.
This was a very good book. I read it quickly after finishing the third book in the series. A new character and very nice homeless veteran named Joe is introduced. He had become friendly with Rodney while Rodney was volunteering his services at the Veterans Hospital. I can't wait for Joe's or Charles stories? Don't miss out on this great series.
August 6, 2016
And yet again WOW !!
So far every book in this series has been amazing, leaving me wondering how the author could top each one....After book 3, One More Night, i didn't know WHAT to expect of this book at ALL.
We'd already met Dereck in book 3 and know his troubled past. But when he went missing in book 3, once Trevor finally got with Prince, nothing more was mentioned leaving us wondering where Dereck was, what he was doing etc.
In this, Dereck's story we see exactly what he's been upto.
What happens to him leaves him in a mess, not just physically, but emotionally too. He hits out verbally at those around him, denies the possibility that his life will be permanently changed by what's happened and regrets that he's the one still alive.
Trevor deciding to bring in Rodney to care for Dereck works perfectly. He's everything Dereck needs and knows how to deal with his tantrums and stubbornness. The one thing he doesn't know how to deal with are the feelings he starts to develope for Dereck.
I think Emma wrote their story perfectly !! This was very different from the previous books as theoretically neither man is in the "rags" category. And although Dereck would be classed as being in the "riches" category he himself doesn't feel that way, and that definitely comes across in the way this is written. These two have stolen my heart as this was definitely more emotional than the other books.
Yet again, absolutely BRILLIANT !!
So far every book in this series has been amazing, leaving me wondering how the author could top each one....After book 3, One More Night, i didn't know WHAT to expect of this book at ALL.
We'd already met Dereck in book 3 and know his troubled past. But when he went missing in book 3, once Trevor finally got with Prince, nothing more was mentioned leaving us wondering where Dereck was, what he was doing etc.
In this, Dereck's story we see exactly what he's been upto.
What happens to him leaves him in a mess, not just physically, but emotionally too. He hits out verbally at those around him, denies the possibility that his life will be permanently changed by what's happened and regrets that he's the one still alive.
Trevor deciding to bring in Rodney to care for Dereck works perfectly. He's everything Dereck needs and knows how to deal with his tantrums and stubbornness. The one thing he doesn't know how to deal with are the feelings he starts to develope for Dereck.
I think Emma wrote their story perfectly !! This was very different from the previous books as theoretically neither man is in the "rags" category. And although Dereck would be classed as being in the "riches" category he himself doesn't feel that way, and that definitely comes across in the way this is written. These two have stolen my heart as this was definitely more emotional than the other books.
Yet again, absolutely BRILLIANT !!
August 21, 2016
I was a little disappointed in this one. I wanted, no, I NEEDED Dereck to breakdown a little bit.
I want to know more about Joe! I want his story!
I want to know more about Joe! I want his story!
October 27, 2024
Not as good as the first three, some issues
I've enjoyed the first 3 books of the series, even with the amount of suspension of disbelief you have to have for these kinds of stories. But this one had 2 glaring issues I had a hard time with - 1 MC's age and the unprofessionalism of the other.
As a healthcare professional, I hated the crossing of the line that was not just glossed over, but celebrated. Idc about the check thing. Actions like these would have your credentials stripped.
The younger MC's mood shifts were often not very realistic, especially toward his brother. While I know a moody teen in bad circumstances would be moody, they don't go from outright hate to thanking his brother in the same convo. And that happened repeatedly. Even when it was written ok, his immaturity meant he was not ready for a real relationship, even by the end really. He was still a teenager even in the epilogue.
I'll try the next book because I was hoping for one about that MC, but I hope it gets back to level of the first few.
I've enjoyed the first 3 books of the series, even with the amount of suspension of disbelief you have to have for these kinds of stories. But this one had 2 glaring issues I had a hard time with - 1 MC's age and the unprofessionalism of the other.
As a healthcare professional, I hated the crossing of the line that was not just glossed over, but celebrated. Idc about the check thing. Actions like these would have your credentials stripped.
The younger MC's mood shifts were often not very realistic, especially toward his brother. While I know a moody teen in bad circumstances would be moody, they don't go from outright hate to thanking his brother in the same convo. And that happened repeatedly. Even when it was written ok, his immaturity meant he was not ready for a real relationship, even by the end really. He was still a teenager even in the epilogue.
I'll try the next book because I was hoping for one about that MC, but I hope it gets back to level of the first few.
December 28, 2018
While slightly less erotic than the others, this one is the best of the series so far! There is a little less focus on the financial state of the characters in this one and neither of the mc are homeless, which was a nice change. Both Dereck and Rodney are well developed characters whom I connected with very easily. The main focus here was Dereck's physical disability and him coming to terms with it.
May 11, 2019
So good!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I'm so glad we got Dereck's story. He has had a lot of battles to fight to get to his HEA but with a guy like Rodney by his side he can do it. What makes this book so good is it focuses on a person's inner struggles more than outside ones. Yes Dereck has his health struggles but it's his emotional ones that are the hardest. I can't wait to see where the author takes us next.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I'm so glad we got Dereck's story. He has had a lot of battles to fight to get to his HEA but with a guy like Rodney by his side he can do it. What makes this book so good is it focuses on a person's inner struggles more than outside ones. Yes Dereck has his health struggles but it's his emotional ones that are the hardest. I can't wait to see where the author takes us next.
October 21, 2018
This story was so boring! I didn’t care for Dereck (he was almost robotic- I mean he is a recovering junkie and not once after he lands in a wheelchair he is thinking about drugs? Or has a meltdown? Or just any emotion?) and Rodney was very bland. After book 3 I was looking forward to Charles story, hopefully that will be a better one!
November 7, 2017
I liked it. It was sweet. There is not much romance in it.
May 8, 2018
Excellent book in the series
Engaging story, love is not always where you expect. And tragedy is not the end of your life and may be the beginning of a new one.
Engaging story, love is not always where you expect. And tragedy is not the end of your life and may be the beginning of a new one.
September 2, 2019
brilliant
This book was different to the rest as it was more focus on building a relationship from scratch and how emotional it was for Dereck to let people around him to help him.
This book was different to the rest as it was more focus on building a relationship from scratch and how emotional it was for Dereck to let people around him to help him.
March 8, 2017
Review pending
August 13, 2016
4.5 SCARRED, SAD BUT VERY SWEET STARS!
This is Charle's and William's story and what a story it is.
William is a photographer who by chance meets the beautiful Charles at a friends house and immediately approaches Charles and offers him a job modelling for him. Unbeknown to William Charles still carries both the physical and mental scars from his harrowing past (be warned it is indeed harrowing) and panics when William who is in awe of Charles beautiful face and body comes on a bit strong and In turn freaks Charles out.
This is the story of how William, with patience, understanding and kindness tries to help the lonely, lost and unlovable Charles who feels he's not worthy of Williams love because of the guilt he carries from past events.
Heartbreaking as it is heartwarming, a truly lovely story.
Thanks for recommendation Denise :)
This is Charle's and William's story and what a story it is.
William is a photographer who by chance meets the beautiful Charles at a friends house and immediately approaches Charles and offers him a job modelling for him. Unbeknown to William Charles still carries both the physical and mental scars from his harrowing past (be warned it is indeed harrowing) and panics when William who is in awe of Charles beautiful face and body comes on a bit strong and In turn freaks Charles out.
This is the story of how William, with patience, understanding and kindness tries to help the lonely, lost and unlovable Charles who feels he's not worthy of Williams love because of the guilt he carries from past events.
Heartbreaking as it is heartwarming, a truly lovely story.
Thanks for recommendation Denise :)
June 14, 2016
This book is slightly different from the earlier 3 books in the series, in that neither MC is homeless. Dereck is the brother of Trevor (MC from book 3), who has been badly injured in a car crash, which killed his best friend. Rodney is hired to help Dereck to adjust to his injuries and to build up his muscles enabling him to move as much as possible. As they spend more and more time together, their professional relationship and friendship begins to be something more, but Dereck is very damaged, both physically and mentally and he needs to deal with several demons before he can offer Rodney a HEA, but it is worth waiting for.
July 6, 2016
Nice story
I enjoyed this book even though I haven't read the previous books in the series, it was a light heart warming book. Only little pet hate of this book is it kept repeating things like I shouldn't be doing this but its helping which was a little irritating but apart from that was a pleasant read with likable characters.
I enjoyed this book even though I haven't read the previous books in the series, it was a light heart warming book. Only little pet hate of this book is it kept repeating things like I shouldn't be doing this but its helping which was a little irritating but apart from that was a pleasant read with likable characters.
October 28, 2016
Amazing love love love this series... the writing itself is spectacular.. these characters are great.. I a, hoping there is a story in regards to the ptsd vet and another installment with angel and the tattoo store owner
February 5, 2024
I love this series...awesome
June 15, 2016
I'll Be Better For You
Damaged during a car accident, Dereck slowly fights to gain control of his legs and his life. His physical therapist encourages...in more ways than one!
Damaged during a car accident, Dereck slowly fights to gain control of his legs and his life. His physical therapist encourages...in more ways than one!
March 4, 2019
3.5 stars
July 24, 2016
Each book of the series represents different characters lucky enough to find love when they were least expecting it.
The Rags to Riches stories are great.
The Rags to Riches stories are great.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews