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Submerged
Sometimes, to make it back to shore, you need to take the hand that's offered.
Jared Simpson had his feet swept out from under him, and eventually found himself living on the streets. When Gavin Wells and his daughter come into Jared's life, he's fighting to keep going, struggling to keep swimming towards something that will let him stand tall and steady again.
Gavin Wells is fighting his own battles: in-laws, bureaucracy, and the guilt that overwhelms him every time he closes his eyes to sleep. He now has a new challenge to face: his sexuality. He's attracted to someone for the first time in months, and not only is that person a man, but he's homeless, with the potential to derail Gavin's already complicated life.
But fate has brought these two men together. If they can hold tight to each other, they can weather the storm, and find their way home to become a family.
Jared Simpson had his feet swept out from under him, and eventually found himself living on the streets. When Gavin Wells and his daughter come into Jared's life, he's fighting to keep going, struggling to keep swimming towards something that will let him stand tall and steady again.
Gavin Wells is fighting his own battles: in-laws, bureaucracy, and the guilt that overwhelms him every time he closes his eyes to sleep. He now has a new challenge to face: his sexuality. He's attracted to someone for the first time in months, and not only is that person a man, but he's homeless, with the potential to derail Gavin's already complicated life.
But fate has brought these two men together. If they can hold tight to each other, they can weather the storm, and find their way home to become a family.
251 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 18, 2017
11 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
Susan Reeves
8 books29 followersSusan Reeves is a lifelong avid reader who has had a fairly interesting life so far and has some stories of her own that she wanted to share. She lives in the most beautiful place in the world, in her opinion, and you’ll find glimpses throughout her stories as she loves to share it with her readers.
Susan also loves to potter around the kitchen, walk along the healing sands of her local beaches, and have coffee therapy with friends.
An advocate for equality, living simply and all things green, Susan spends any spare time spreading light and love in hope that it touches those who might need a little.
Susan also loves to potter around the kitchen, walk along the healing sands of her local beaches, and have coffee therapy with friends.
An advocate for equality, living simply and all things green, Susan spends any spare time spreading light and love in hope that it touches those who might need a little.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 12, 2017
The beginning of this story was fabulous, I really liked it a lot. Gavin is a single dad after his wife took her life and he feels dull and guilty. If it wasn't for his baby girl he would probably fall into depression, but he needs to be strong and he lives for Bree. In a nearby supermarket he sees Jared who is obviously homeless and helps out when the guy is unable to pay for his food. In the following weeks he meets or rather sees Jared again and soon starts to support him on the street with small things like food, clothing or a blanket. However, suddenly Jared disappears and when Gavin goes looking for him, he finds the guy sick and exhausted. Jared refuses to go to a hospital, so Gavin takes him home.
The part where those two started to trust each other and Gavin finds out about his attraction to Jared was really beautiful. I cried a lot and at that time I absolutely liked this book. However afterwards, as romance authors like to write, the "shit hit the fan" and the drama got too much for my liking. It also distracted a lot from the actual story and the feelings of the guys. I usually like when the drama comes from the outside for the main characters to face it together, but here it was really too much and even if the end was nice and sweet, it made me drop my rating by a point, as I found it completely unbelievable.
Overall this was a good 3 star read and I will check out more from this new to me author.
The part where those two started to trust each other and Gavin finds out about his attraction to Jared was really beautiful. I cried a lot and at that time I absolutely liked this book. However afterwards, as romance authors like to write, the "shit hit the fan" and the drama got too much for my liking. It also distracted a lot from the actual story and the feelings of the guys. I usually like when the drama comes from the outside for the main characters to face it together, but here it was really too much and even if the end was nice and sweet, it made me drop my rating by a point, as I found it completely unbelievable.
Overall this was a good 3 star read and I will check out more from this new to me author.
July 23, 2017
¸.•*¨)☆♡¸.•*´¨)☆♡¸.•*´¨)☆♡
♡☆(¸.•´A simple act of kindness bought love to their doorstep.
Sometimes a second read brings home the fact that what you thought was a good book turned out to be an excellent read after all. When I read this book back in February, I knew it was one that would stay with me and could be a reread on my ever growing list. Thank you Ms. Reeves for putting out a story about finding your way and getting a second chance.
"Just because you've only known one thing your whole life doesn't mean that's all there is." ~Heath, best friend to Gavin
Two men struggling to survive after tragedy find themselves in a fight for change. Losing his wife had been hard for Gavin and now he was raising their tiny daughter alone. He never thought he would find a reason to reenter life until a homeless man named Jared crossed his path and changed his outlook.
Gavin had given me that second chance.
Losing his job meant losing everything, including his son. Jared was determined to do the right thing, until his luck was broken. Now homeless and desolute, he hesitated when a stranger offered him kindness. And when he was at his wit's end, that same stranger brought him home and cared for him.
How could you not cheer for two men like this, their emotional struggles to right the wrong and their ability to fight for justice? This story covered so much, with a taste of GFY, mention of abuse and victory against it. This was a second read and I am sure I will pull this out again. No one deseverved a happily ever after like these men. Good concept, excellent character development and a good execution.
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
Reviewed by Cee from Alpha Book Club
♡☆(¸.•´A simple act of kindness bought love to their doorstep.
Sometimes a second read brings home the fact that what you thought was a good book turned out to be an excellent read after all. When I read this book back in February, I knew it was one that would stay with me and could be a reread on my ever growing list. Thank you Ms. Reeves for putting out a story about finding your way and getting a second chance.
"Just because you've only known one thing your whole life doesn't mean that's all there is." ~Heath, best friend to Gavin
Two men struggling to survive after tragedy find themselves in a fight for change. Losing his wife had been hard for Gavin and now he was raising their tiny daughter alone. He never thought he would find a reason to reenter life until a homeless man named Jared crossed his path and changed his outlook.
Gavin had given me that second chance.
Losing his job meant losing everything, including his son. Jared was determined to do the right thing, until his luck was broken. Now homeless and desolute, he hesitated when a stranger offered him kindness. And when he was at his wit's end, that same stranger brought him home and cared for him.
How could you not cheer for two men like this, their emotional struggles to right the wrong and their ability to fight for justice? This story covered so much, with a taste of GFY, mention of abuse and victory against it. This was a second read and I am sure I will pull this out again. No one deseverved a happily ever after like these men. Good concept, excellent character development and a good execution.
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
Reviewed by Cee from Alpha Book Club
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March 3, 2017A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Submerged was a beautifully written, though occasionally uneven story of grief and the power of kindness. The plot is fairly predictable and there are no great surprises. Yet the writing is strong and flows easily. The author has a natural voice that really shines and comes through in a big way. Because the story is so straightforward, there are times when the action loses a bit of its pacing and feels slightly draggy, but these periods don’t last very long.
Gavin and Jared are both strong characters whose pain and grief never feels overwrought or exaggerated. You believe the challenges they’ve endured and you absolutely want them to succeed. They’re such sweet guys and your heart really goes out to them. Both characters are well developed and there is an evenness to their separate evolutions that feels natural. That said, there is a measure of insta-love, but it isn’t over the top and it’s done in such a way to be a great deal more believable than most. As a result, it really doesn’t factor in too heavily and the course of Gavin and Jared’s romance ultimately feels realistic.
The secondary cast is less spectacular. They tend to come off as caricatures — the witchy mother in law, the dangerous boyfriend, and so on. The only secondary character that comes off with any depth is Gavin’s best friend, Heath, but only enough to tell us he’s desperate for love. A fuller development of the additional players would have been appreciated and could have added another layer to the story.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Submerged was a beautifully written, though occasionally uneven story of grief and the power of kindness. The plot is fairly predictable and there are no great surprises. Yet the writing is strong and flows easily. The author has a natural voice that really shines and comes through in a big way. Because the story is so straightforward, there are times when the action loses a bit of its pacing and feels slightly draggy, but these periods don’t last very long.
Gavin and Jared are both strong characters whose pain and grief never feels overwrought or exaggerated. You believe the challenges they’ve endured and you absolutely want them to succeed. They’re such sweet guys and your heart really goes out to them. Both characters are well developed and there is an evenness to their separate evolutions that feels natural. That said, there is a measure of insta-love, but it isn’t over the top and it’s done in such a way to be a great deal more believable than most. As a result, it really doesn’t factor in too heavily and the course of Gavin and Jared’s romance ultimately feels realistic.
The secondary cast is less spectacular. They tend to come off as caricatures — the witchy mother in law, the dangerous boyfriend, and so on. The only secondary character that comes off with any depth is Gavin’s best friend, Heath, but only enough to tell us he’s desperate for love. A fuller development of the additional players would have been appreciated and could have added another layer to the story.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
March 22, 2017
4.5 stars
Susan Reeves has created complex characters in Jared and Gavin. Each character is realistic. The story and romance is both different and page turning. This book touches on homelessness, abandonment and society's treatment of gay fathers.
Definitely recommend.
Susan Reeves has created complex characters in Jared and Gavin. Each character is realistic. The story and romance is both different and page turning. This book touches on homelessness, abandonment and society's treatment of gay fathers.
Definitely recommend.
March 1, 2017
Such a great story - I'm totally in love by Jared and Gavin <3
March 12, 2017
An amazing story of triumph
I'm new to reading this author but I can honestly say I will definitely be reading more from her. Submerged is an emotional journey of two souls battling for strength and unconditional love. Gavin and Jared are so beautiful together and the second chance at love for Gavin after such tragedy was an amazing way to reveal how perfectly matched those two were for each other. I can't wait to download more from Ms. Reeves.
I'm new to reading this author but I can honestly say I will definitely be reading more from her. Submerged is an emotional journey of two souls battling for strength and unconditional love. Gavin and Jared are so beautiful together and the second chance at love for Gavin after such tragedy was an amazing way to reveal how perfectly matched those two were for each other. I can't wait to download more from Ms. Reeves.
June 20, 2017
I was fortunate to win a free copy of this book from the author. This was the first book I've read by Ms. Reeves and it was wonderful. I plan on delving into the rest of her novels as soon as possible.
The plot is well thought out, Jared and Gavin are so open and honest about their feelings that you can't help but be supportive and fall in love with them, and your heart breaks each time outside forces work to ruin the family they're building.
I especially enjoyed reading a book set in Australia and learning about their social services there.
The plot is well thought out, Jared and Gavin are so open and honest about their feelings that you can't help but be supportive and fall in love with them, and your heart breaks each time outside forces work to ruin the family they're building.
I especially enjoyed reading a book set in Australia and learning about their social services there.
February 16, 2017
OMG the feels... I was instantly drawn into this book. I felt moved by Gavin & Jared. Gavin is struggling to raise his baby daughter after his wife passed away. He's barely scrapping by. Then he meets Jared, who is homeless & sick. Gavin tries to help Jared. Feelings begin to grow between the two men. Gavin helps Jared, trying to get his life back on track.
I loved the way it was written. It felt so raw, real & full of emotion. It had me cheering for these men at times & cursing them at others. Wanting these men to get the HEA they both deserve. I also loved Heath & can't wait to read his story.
Also, the Aussie was perfect. A few other Australian books have been a bit over the top with the Aussie but this author captured it perfectly.
Overall, a great story of love, loss & second chances that I highly recommend.
I received an ARC from the author.
I loved the way it was written. It felt so raw, real & full of emotion. It had me cheering for these men at times & cursing them at others. Wanting these men to get the HEA they both deserve. I also loved Heath & can't wait to read his story.
Also, the Aussie was perfect. A few other Australian books have been a bit over the top with the Aussie but this author captured it perfectly.
Overall, a great story of love, loss & second chances that I highly recommend.
I received an ARC from the author.
March 1, 2017
Submerged is the story of two men, one down on his luck and all alone, and the other, a single father doing his best to survive personal tragedy. I loved these characters! They're what sets this story apart. They are complex, multi-faceted and sympathetic, but they're also rational, considerate and dedicated. What I love the most is that they actually communicate with one another. They take their nerve into their hands and say what needs to be said, face what needs to be faced. Maybe it takes some time for trust to build to the point of sharing, but it is done organically and believably.
As the story begins, Jared is completely dependent upon Gavin, but as time goes by and Jared regains his strength, their relationship shifts naturally into a team of equals, ready to face whatever the world throws at them. I am a bit of a wimp when it comes to conflict, and I was worried about how things would turn out. What I had to remember was these men's words of encouragement for one another. Their mantra was "We've got this." and they did. They got their happily-ever-after, but they had to work damned hard for it!
And a final word, though much of this story was serious, there were also some laugh out loud moments and plenty of sweetness.
As the story begins, Jared is completely dependent upon Gavin, but as time goes by and Jared regains his strength, their relationship shifts naturally into a team of equals, ready to face whatever the world throws at them. I am a bit of a wimp when it comes to conflict, and I was worried about how things would turn out. What I had to remember was these men's words of encouragement for one another. Their mantra was "We've got this." and they did. They got their happily-ever-after, but they had to work damned hard for it!
And a final word, though much of this story was serious, there were also some laugh out loud moments and plenty of sweetness.
February 23, 2017
Excellent...absolutely fantastic
This is what a novel is meant to be. The plot was interesting and the characters had depth, but the voice in the dialogue was the most outstanding feature. It was so clear and compelling that I enjoyed every word. This book was an honest to goodness work worthy of being called a novel with believable characters and an engaging plot rather than the formula driven clap trap so prevalent in many m/m romances. I hurt with Gavin and Jared and felt their love for each other and their children. I wanted to scratch out those grandmas' eyes for hurting them. I highly recommend this book. I will be on the lookout for other works from this author!
This is what a novel is meant to be. The plot was interesting and the characters had depth, but the voice in the dialogue was the most outstanding feature. It was so clear and compelling that I enjoyed every word. This book was an honest to goodness work worthy of being called a novel with believable characters and an engaging plot rather than the formula driven clap trap so prevalent in many m/m romances. I hurt with Gavin and Jared and felt their love for each other and their children. I wanted to scratch out those grandmas' eyes for hurting them. I highly recommend this book. I will be on the lookout for other works from this author!
June 15, 2019
3.5 Stars rounded up.
The concept of this story was very good but there were a few things that took away from it for me to give a higher rating.
Things start a bit slow, giving us a chance to feel Gavin’s grief and guilt. I liked his “bad-boy” image (tats and piercings) juxtaposed over his kind heart when he first sees homeless Jared struggling in the grocery store and steps in to help. It warmed my heart further as he continued trying to help Jared.
I was fine with the progress of things up through Gavin bringing Jared home with him but when the insta-love started brewing, especially with up-to-then straight Gavin, I began to find things suspect. I guess I’m a bit jaded because I wouldn’t expect anyone to go to such extreme lengths to help a total stranger. I did, however, appreciate Gavin’s acknowledgement that he and Bree could just as easily be in Jared’s position. This story also pointedly displayed the vast opposites of human behavior with Gavin’s kindness verses his mother-in-law’s and Jared’s nan’s cruel and hateful behavior.
My biggest issue with this story is that the first half moves along painfully day by day slow, then for the second half or so, it is jumping weeks and months at a time. Then, the whole resolution to Noah’s custody battle between Jared and his nan is resolved within a few paragraphs. And the fact that they had advanced on Gavin’s progression into gay sex was barely mentioned. The very long draw out sex scene really bored me quite a bit. Still, I was very happy these two found their HEA.
The concept of this story was very good but there were a few things that took away from it for me to give a higher rating.
Things start a bit slow, giving us a chance to feel Gavin’s grief and guilt. I liked his “bad-boy” image (tats and piercings) juxtaposed over his kind heart when he first sees homeless Jared struggling in the grocery store and steps in to help. It warmed my heart further as he continued trying to help Jared.
I was fine with the progress of things up through Gavin bringing Jared home with him but when the insta-love started brewing, especially with up-to-then straight Gavin, I began to find things suspect. I guess I’m a bit jaded because I wouldn’t expect anyone to go to such extreme lengths to help a total stranger. I did, however, appreciate Gavin’s acknowledgement that he and Bree could just as easily be in Jared’s position. This story also pointedly displayed the vast opposites of human behavior with Gavin’s kindness verses his mother-in-law’s and Jared’s nan’s cruel and hateful behavior.
My biggest issue with this story is that the first half moves along painfully day by day slow, then for the second half or so, it is jumping weeks and months at a time. Then, the whole resolution to Noah’s custody battle between Jared and his nan is resolved within a few paragraphs. And the fact that they had advanced on Gavin’s progression into gay sex was barely mentioned. The very long draw out sex scene really bored me quite a bit. Still, I was very happy these two found their HEA.
November 13, 2019
I was into this book from the start. A great book, great story and well written. Just found me a new author!😉
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April 5, 2023I'm so pleased that Heath gets his own story. He was the star of the secondary characters and a good friend to the guys. And they need a friend because the author really puts them through the wringer.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews