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Crush #3
Primary Seduction
Thrown together by circumstance, two men gamble their most prized possessions: their hearts
Trent's life is full of drama--the ex-wife and two teenage children drama. He's broke, he's lonely. He's also concerned about his health: headaches and misplaced items makes him think something serious is wrong. Meeting Max is a much-needed breath of fresh air.
Max enjoys his lifestyle--interior designer by day; BDSM lover by night.
Until he meets Trent, who is about as far from his lifestyle as he can get, but who also seems to understand him in a way that's somehow more intimate than sex.
They should have nothing in common, but when Max calls after taking a beating, Trent answers without hesitation.
As Max recovers, Trent is confused by the feelings that grow between them, feelings he's not supposed to have.
Because Trent is straight.
And Max is twelve years younger than him.
This is a MM romance with age gap, BDSM, hurt/comfort and sexual awakening.
Trent's life is full of drama--the ex-wife and two teenage children drama. He's broke, he's lonely. He's also concerned about his health: headaches and misplaced items makes him think something serious is wrong. Meeting Max is a much-needed breath of fresh air.
Max enjoys his lifestyle--interior designer by day; BDSM lover by night.
Until he meets Trent, who is about as far from his lifestyle as he can get, but who also seems to understand him in a way that's somehow more intimate than sex.
They should have nothing in common, but when Max calls after taking a beating, Trent answers without hesitation.
As Max recovers, Trent is confused by the feelings that grow between them, feelings he's not supposed to have.
Because Trent is straight.
And Max is twelve years younger than him.
This is a MM romance with age gap, BDSM, hurt/comfort and sexual awakening.
271 pages, ebook
First published November 21, 2019
29 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
About the author
Elouise East
78 books283 followersElouise East writes sweet and steamy connections in gay romance. She also touches on taboo stories under the name Elouise R East.
Books that tell the stories where friendship and family are the focal point - be it blood family or chosen - are very important to her. That’s why she includes a variety of personalities, talents, ages, situations and abilities as she believes a story or character needs. She wants her characters to be real, to be relatable, to be free to have whatever views they tell her they have. And trust her, most of the time, she does not have any say in the matter!
Her characters come to life on the page for her as well as her readers. Their stories unfold in front of her as she writes, and she has very little input into how they want to be shown. Just like real life, the lives of her characters change with every choice, every interaction and every conversation. And she wouldn’t have it any other way.
She writes books that are emotionally realistic, even if liberties are taken with other aspects of the stories. She doesn’t know any other way to write. It comes from deep inside.
Who is she? A single parent to two children living in the UK. An avid reader who still tries to devour every book she can get her hands on. A student of learning about any subject that takes her fancy. An author of books she would read herself. And a romantic at heart who loves anything cheesy.
Who’s joining her on her journey?
Join my newsletter for regular updates, exclusive content and a free story being told chapter by chapter: https://elouiseeast.com/newsletter
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Books that tell the stories where friendship and family are the focal point - be it blood family or chosen - are very important to her. That’s why she includes a variety of personalities, talents, ages, situations and abilities as she believes a story or character needs. She wants her characters to be real, to be relatable, to be free to have whatever views they tell her they have. And trust her, most of the time, she does not have any say in the matter!
Her characters come to life on the page for her as well as her readers. Their stories unfold in front of her as she writes, and she has very little input into how they want to be shown. Just like real life, the lives of her characters change with every choice, every interaction and every conversation. And she wouldn’t have it any other way.
She writes books that are emotionally realistic, even if liberties are taken with other aspects of the stories. She doesn’t know any other way to write. It comes from deep inside.
Who is she? A single parent to two children living in the UK. An avid reader who still tries to devour every book she can get her hands on. A student of learning about any subject that takes her fancy. An author of books she would read herself. And a romantic at heart who loves anything cheesy.
Who’s joining her on her journey?
Join my newsletter for regular updates, exclusive content and a free story being told chapter by chapter: https://elouiseeast.com/newsletter
She loves stalkers... ;-)
VISIT MY WEBSITE
https://elouiseeast.com
SIGN UP TO MY NEWSLETTER
https://elouiseeast.com/newsletter
VISIT MY FACEBOOK PAGE
https://readerlinks.com/l/2251537
VISIT MY ELOUISE R EAST FACEBOOK PAGE
https://readerlinks.com/l/2251539
VISIT MY FACEBOOK READER GROUP
https://readerlinks.com/l/2251538
FOLLOW ME ON BOOKBUB
https://readerlinks.com/l/2251535
VIEW ME ON AMAZON
https://readerlinks.com/l/2251543
VIEW ME ON SMASHWORDS
https://readerlinks.com/l/2251544
FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM
https://readerlinks.com/l/2251540
FOLLOW ME ON TIKTOK
https://readerlinks.com/l/2251541
FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
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November 22, 2019DNF 68% skimmed the end. No rating
New to me author. Not my thing.
ETA-Start was intriguing. Trent is divorced and has an undiagnosed illness. He’s forgetful and things around him are getting strange. He also is dealing with losing his connection with his two daughters who are at college and university...and finding himself attracted to a man for the first time. But... this fell into a bit of a predictable pattern. Having was disappointing. The romance wasn’t enough to pull me through to the end.
New to me author. Not my thing.
ETA-Start was intriguing. Trent is divorced and has an undiagnosed illness. He’s forgetful and things around him are getting strange. He also is dealing with losing his connection with his two daughters who are at college and university...and finding himself attracted to a man for the first time. But... this fell into a bit of a predictable pattern. Having was disappointing. The romance wasn’t enough to pull me through to the end.
December 10, 2019
Primary Seduction by Elouise East is the first book of hers I’ve read. For the most part, I enjoyed the book, but it is part of a series, which I didn’t realize when I chose to review it. I may have liked it better if I had read the previous books, as there are numerous references to characters and relationships that probably would have made more sense. I think I picked up on most things, but there were a few references that came out of nowhere, that I just didn’t get. I liked both Trent and Max, as they are both likeable, sympathetic characters.
Trent is a divorced father of two teenaged daughters, with a demanding ex-wife who has zero respect for boundaries. He’s always considered himself to be heterosexual and is confused by his attraction to Max. As he has several close friends who are gay, it’s not a matter of homophobia, but rather not what he understands himself to be. He’s never been attracted to men before Max, so he doesn’t really understand why he has feelings for him. I thought that part of the story was handled thoughtfully and felt authentic to me. My two biggest issues were with the editing and Trish, Trent’s ex-wife. I am a detail loving reader. I like details and I like them to make sense as far as the plot and other elements of the story are concerned. They also need to make sense in a realistic way, and they need to flesh out the story or characters while moving the plot forward. Primary Seduction had way too many details, even for me. For example, how Max spent his day (detailed descriptions of the clients and jobs) on appointments with clients is completely unnecessary to the plot and the story really gets bogged down. An editor with a bit of a heavy hand could tighten up this story and move it along at a far better pace. But Trish is the real issue for me. She is every stereotype of an evil ex, all rolled into one. She is more of a caricature than a character. Trent is taken advantage of by her at every turn, which didn’t make any sense to me since his brother is a divorce attorney (who he sends a friend to for legal advice). I struggled to buy into the terms of his divorce, custody agreement, support, etc. There were so many red flags with this woman; Trent just didn’t see them or ignored them, but he basically let her steamroll him until he finally stood up to her. He was a very smart, kind, caring man in all other aspects of his life, but when it came to his ex-wife, he just came across as naïve and clueless. It would be one thing if she were just a garden variety nasty ex, but she’s over the top and no one seems to notice or to do anything other than dance to her tune. I would have liked the story more if her character had been handled with a little more subtlety which would have made Trent’s gullibility more believable, too.
I’m not sure I’ll read more by this author, but I certainly wouldn’t rule it out, either.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
Trent is a divorced father of two teenaged daughters, with a demanding ex-wife who has zero respect for boundaries. He’s always considered himself to be heterosexual and is confused by his attraction to Max. As he has several close friends who are gay, it’s not a matter of homophobia, but rather not what he understands himself to be. He’s never been attracted to men before Max, so he doesn’t really understand why he has feelings for him. I thought that part of the story was handled thoughtfully and felt authentic to me. My two biggest issues were with the editing and Trish, Trent’s ex-wife. I am a detail loving reader. I like details and I like them to make sense as far as the plot and other elements of the story are concerned. They also need to make sense in a realistic way, and they need to flesh out the story or characters while moving the plot forward. Primary Seduction had way too many details, even for me. For example, how Max spent his day (detailed descriptions of the clients and jobs) on appointments with clients is completely unnecessary to the plot and the story really gets bogged down. An editor with a bit of a heavy hand could tighten up this story and move it along at a far better pace. But Trish is the real issue for me. She is every stereotype of an evil ex, all rolled into one. She is more of a caricature than a character. Trent is taken advantage of by her at every turn, which didn’t make any sense to me since his brother is a divorce attorney (who he sends a friend to for legal advice). I struggled to buy into the terms of his divorce, custody agreement, support, etc. There were so many red flags with this woman; Trent just didn’t see them or ignored them, but he basically let her steamroll him until he finally stood up to her. He was a very smart, kind, caring man in all other aspects of his life, but when it came to his ex-wife, he just came across as naïve and clueless. It would be one thing if she were just a garden variety nasty ex, but she’s over the top and no one seems to notice or to do anything other than dance to her tune. I would have liked the story more if her character had been handled with a little more subtlety which would have made Trent’s gullibility more believable, too.
I’m not sure I’ll read more by this author, but I certainly wouldn’t rule it out, either.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
November 23, 2019
Primary Seduction by Elouise East
One of these stories where everything happens at the right time!
A very comfortable way of writing. No extremities, quite down to earth. It had just the right pace, no hurry, and no lingering.
We see Trent getting a divorce and his relationship with his two daughters getting a bit low.
Trent is a good father, trying his best and working his ass off to give them what they need.
Little does he know what his cheating ex-wife holding them for about their father.
Max had a crush for straight Trent they have the same friend circle. With a slow pace, they get more friendly. Until Max got beaten down outside a BDSM club and after being in the hospital he stayed at Trent’s home who will take care of him. They get closer, much closer.
The whole story breaths easygoingness, the main course is their blooming relationship and Trent’s kids. The author did a good job with this story. It held friendship, beautiful love, very nice sexual encounters, family matters, a bit of crime, one awful ex-partner, justice, and some nicely woven mild BDSM. All with the right weight.
Trent and Max are engaging characters, they are honest and clear about what they feel and want. Together they are hot and delicious. Trent’s girls are a well-done addition.
Overall an excellent story!
One of these stories where everything happens at the right time!
A very comfortable way of writing. No extremities, quite down to earth. It had just the right pace, no hurry, and no lingering.
We see Trent getting a divorce and his relationship with his two daughters getting a bit low.
Trent is a good father, trying his best and working his ass off to give them what they need.
Little does he know what his cheating ex-wife holding them for about their father.
Max had a crush for straight Trent they have the same friend circle. With a slow pace, they get more friendly. Until Max got beaten down outside a BDSM club and after being in the hospital he stayed at Trent’s home who will take care of him. They get closer, much closer.
The whole story breaths easygoingness, the main course is their blooming relationship and Trent’s kids. The author did a good job with this story. It held friendship, beautiful love, very nice sexual encounters, family matters, a bit of crime, one awful ex-partner, justice, and some nicely woven mild BDSM. All with the right weight.
Trent and Max are engaging characters, they are honest and clear about what they feel and want. Together they are hot and delicious. Trent’s girls are a well-done addition.
Overall an excellent story!
November 19, 2019
Wow! I loved everything about this story. The anxious curiosity, the tension between them and then the explosive heat! I am really glad the author did not rush the story and did not throw them together right off the bat. The non-romantic parts of the plot were also very well done! And I was crying like a baby by the end of it, so there is that. Superb.
*** I received an ARC copy of the book ***
*** I received an ARC copy of the book ***
June 25, 2023
There was a bit of mystery and suspense in this one. I won’t spoil the twist, but I kind of suspected something like that was happening. Trent had always identified as straight since he had a wife and two daughters (Jocelyn and Harper). So when he started feeling things upon seeing PDA with two guys and when he saw Max, he was confused. I don’t think it took him too long overall to come to terms with his new reality and then he was basically all in.
I really liked Max from the Instant Desire book. We saw Trent some, but he wasn’t as involved, so he was a bit more of a mystery. He loved his girls so much, and you could see he basically did everything for them. He went without basic necessities half the time to provide for them. I would have liked to see a little more of him being a teacher, and even more with his family. We saw his daughters, his ex-wife Trish, and one brother. However he had four siblings total and parents, who we only saw at the very end of the book. I also would have liked to see a little more of Max’s family and friends. He obviously wasn’t close with his parents, but he had two sisters and Sean was his best friend plus there was Zak. There were a couple group outings or short interactions, but overall the secondary character weren’t in this book as much as the first one.
This had elements of BDSM. Max was a switch who mostly subbed, but then at the end we found out Trent was also a switch. Trigger warnings for homophobia, physical/mental/emotional violence, hospitalization, theft, etc. Also not really super relevant, but I just had a feeling the woman who kept trying to seduce Max was Trish. It seemed like something she’d do. Although also a bit weird. Probably 3.5-4 stars for this.
I really liked Max from the Instant Desire book. We saw Trent some, but he wasn’t as involved, so he was a bit more of a mystery. He loved his girls so much, and you could see he basically did everything for them. He went without basic necessities half the time to provide for them. I would have liked to see a little more of him being a teacher, and even more with his family. We saw his daughters, his ex-wife Trish, and one brother. However he had four siblings total and parents, who we only saw at the very end of the book. I also would have liked to see a little more of Max’s family and friends. He obviously wasn’t close with his parents, but he had two sisters and Sean was his best friend plus there was Zak. There were a couple group outings or short interactions, but overall the secondary character weren’t in this book as much as the first one.
This had elements of BDSM. Max was a switch who mostly subbed, but then at the end we found out Trent was also a switch. Trigger warnings for homophobia, physical/mental/emotional violence, hospitalization, theft, etc. Also not really super relevant, but I just had a feeling the woman who kept trying to seduce Max was Trish. It seemed like something she’d do. Although also a bit weird. Probably 3.5-4 stars for this.
December 4, 2019
4.5 stars. A beautiful story about finding yourself and love...no matter where you come from or your past. Trent is getting divorced and has two daughters, and while Max always had a crush on him, nothing happens too quickly. Honestly, if it did, I don't think I would like it at all. They have to work through things like their feelings for each other, their lives, and everything else in the middle. But they do, and their love blooms...not that it's easy because it isn't.
The writing is well-done and the style is refreshing. This is the first book I've read by Elouise East, but it won't be my last. I loved the emotion, the plot, and everything else. Before you think this has been done before, yes, we've all seen the straight to gay, gay for you, etc tropes, but this was a breath of fresh air and I don't want to give too much away. I will say that it's probably not what you expect, the author does a great job of putting us in the middle of her storyline so we can see everything as it plays out. One-click this 4.5 star read today!
The writing is well-done and the style is refreshing. This is the first book I've read by Elouise East, but it won't be my last. I loved the emotion, the plot, and everything else. Before you think this has been done before, yes, we've all seen the straight to gay, gay for you, etc tropes, but this was a breath of fresh air and I don't want to give too much away. I will say that it's probably not what you expect, the author does a great job of putting us in the middle of her storyline so we can see everything as it plays out. One-click this 4.5 star read today!
January 29, 2020
WHAT A JOURNEY
This is the third installment of the CRUSH SERIES. They are related but can completely be read alone. The characters know each other but the books cover the main characters in each story. This story is about sexy interior designer Max and primary school teacher Trent. Max has been crushing on straight Trent for months. They are trying to get to know each other but when Max gets nervous he acts inappropriate. This all changes when Max needs help and Trent steps in to lend a hand. This is a HOT and surprising dynamic. It's a gradual climb to great heights for both. This is filled with smiles, quirks, misinterpreted looks and bold discoveries. This is a TERRIFIC story. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND THIS IMPRESSIVE SERIES!!!
This is the third installment of the CRUSH SERIES. They are related but can completely be read alone. The characters know each other but the books cover the main characters in each story. This story is about sexy interior designer Max and primary school teacher Trent. Max has been crushing on straight Trent for months. They are trying to get to know each other but when Max gets nervous he acts inappropriate. This all changes when Max needs help and Trent steps in to lend a hand. This is a HOT and surprising dynamic. It's a gradual climb to great heights for both. This is filled with smiles, quirks, misinterpreted looks and bold discoveries. This is a TERRIFIC story. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND THIS IMPRESSIVE SERIES!!!
December 4, 2019
Feels 3
Steam 4
Storyline 4.5
Overall Rating 4.5
Kindle eArc provided by Author
Reviewed by Robin
Loved the characters and very interested to read the other books in the series. Both Trent and Max were likeable heroes and their friends are just icing on the cake. I liked the bit of mystery in the storyline of what is really going on with Trent although some of the conclusions are almost an afterthought. Max is such a special character. I loved his giving personality and just how selfless he was. Cute story and pretty steamy.
Steam 4
Storyline 4.5
Overall Rating 4.5
Kindle eArc provided by Author
Reviewed by Robin
Loved the characters and very interested to read the other books in the series. Both Trent and Max were likeable heroes and their friends are just icing on the cake. I liked the bit of mystery in the storyline of what is really going on with Trent although some of the conclusions are almost an afterthought. Max is such a special character. I loved his giving personality and just how selfless he was. Cute story and pretty steamy.
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October 22, 2019Primary Seduction will be available for Pre-order on 31st October 2019 and then will be Released on 21st November 2019. This is the third book in the Crush series.
Links will be available shortly.
Excerpt:
Trent was still aware of Max’s hand on his knee which he hadn’t removed and suddenly it became like an elephant in the room. Trent’s breath increased as he locked gaze with Max, he wasn’t sure if in fear or anticipation of what might happen. What was he thinking! He was straight! He saw Max lean closer and Trent didn’t move. He knew what was going to happen but couldn’t either stop it or encourage it.
When Max’s mouth touched his, Trent’s eyes closed and he felt the softness of the caress all through his body. When he felt his cock harden, he flinched, panicking, standing up so quickly, he knocked over the mugs.
“What the hell, Max!” He shouted as he stormed to get a cloth to clean up the mess. “I’m not gay! We’ve just been talking about my ex-wife, for god’s sake!”
“Fuck!” He heard Max say. He turned back to the sofa and saw Max walking to the front door. “Sorry, Trent.” With that, Max opened the door and left, closing it quietly behind him.
Trent stood staring at the door, confused by the feelings that were streaming through his body: anger, denial, want, arousal; the feeling that he wanted Max to come back. What was going on?
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Excerpt:
Trent was still aware of Max’s hand on his knee which he hadn’t removed and suddenly it became like an elephant in the room. Trent’s breath increased as he locked gaze with Max, he wasn’t sure if in fear or anticipation of what might happen. What was he thinking! He was straight! He saw Max lean closer and Trent didn’t move. He knew what was going to happen but couldn’t either stop it or encourage it.
When Max’s mouth touched his, Trent’s eyes closed and he felt the softness of the caress all through his body. When he felt his cock harden, he flinched, panicking, standing up so quickly, he knocked over the mugs.
“What the hell, Max!” He shouted as he stormed to get a cloth to clean up the mess. “I’m not gay! We’ve just been talking about my ex-wife, for god’s sake!”
“Fuck!” He heard Max say. He turned back to the sofa and saw Max walking to the front door. “Sorry, Trent.” With that, Max opened the door and left, closing it quietly behind him.
Trent stood staring at the door, confused by the feelings that were streaming through his body: anger, denial, want, arousal; the feeling that he wanted Max to come back. What was going on?
Join up for an ARC here
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FA...
October 16, 2022
Trent's marriage was a disaster but his two children mean the world to him but he is determined to not make a mistake again. Something flickers inside him when Max kisses him but Trent pulls away confused. Max felt a pull towards Trent from the moment they met but he shoved it aside until his body went on autopilot and he kissed him - a mistake as Trent is straight - so he throws himself into work wondering if he has blow his chance of a friendship with a man that just will not leave his thoughts. When Max calls Trent for help Trent surprises him and they grow closer despite their lifestyle differences where Max loves to dominate. As their relationship continues Max slowly introduces Trent to the clubs he frequents but soon trouble calls and throws their lives into disarray.
I loved this story with the straight Trent and the gay Max, and how they discovered love and that Trent was not as straight as was previously thought. Their love was built on friendship and affection and it was delightful to see the way that their love blossomed. Trent did a great job with his kids and it was also a joy to see how they supported them both. Easy to read and understand. Lots of emotions. Contains mature content of an MM nature some of which was BDSM in nature.
I loved this story with the straight Trent and the gay Max, and how they discovered love and that Trent was not as straight as was previously thought. Their love was built on friendship and affection and it was delightful to see the way that their love blossomed. Trent did a great job with his kids and it was also a joy to see how they supported them both. Easy to read and understand. Lots of emotions. Contains mature content of an MM nature some of which was BDSM in nature.
November 19, 2019
This was my first read by this author but I most definitely need to go back and read the first two books in the Crush Series. Was this book steamy? Oh heck yes it was...squirmy steamy. Trent has lived his life always believing he was a straight man. One who had been destroyed by his nasty wife but who loved his children more than anything. Max had been cast out by those who should have loved him most but he persevered and made a great success of his life...except in the relationship department. Early on he knew what he needed but finding one person to meet those needs seemed to be the most difficult thing for him. Max and Trent have mutual friends and spend short amounts of time together. Despite Trent being straight, Max can't help but have a crush on him. Read the story to find out how these two navigate their own individual issues and feelings and also to have a little bit of suspense to add to the story.
November 21, 2019
Trent leaves his wife after he catches her cheating on him again. The space between him and his daughters widens and he’s not sure how to fix it.
Max is very interested in Trent, knowing he is straight doesn’t dim any of his interest. When Max is beat up, Trent is there for him, causing Max’s feelings to become stronger. When they start to connect on a romantic level, it’s very fast and very hot. Trent is dealing with the ex from hell and his daughters distance. Max doesn’t know how to explain the BDSM part of his life.
This was a nice book to sink into. The BDSM wasn’t to heavy. Lots of angst. Good secondary characters, even Trent’s harridan of an ex was well done. The sexy times were very nice too, but I didn’t think they overpowered the story. I enjoyed the book.
I received an arc of this book from the author.
Max is very interested in Trent, knowing he is straight doesn’t dim any of his interest. When Max is beat up, Trent is there for him, causing Max’s feelings to become stronger. When they start to connect on a romantic level, it’s very fast and very hot. Trent is dealing with the ex from hell and his daughters distance. Max doesn’t know how to explain the BDSM part of his life.
This was a nice book to sink into. The BDSM wasn’t to heavy. Lots of angst. Good secondary characters, even Trent’s harridan of an ex was well done. The sexy times were very nice too, but I didn’t think they overpowered the story. I enjoyed the book.
I received an arc of this book from the author.
December 8, 2019
OMG! I've volunteered to review this book for United Indie Book Blog. This is my first time reading one of Elouise East books. This is the third book in the Crush series. It's Max and Trent story. Trent has always thought of himself as a straight man. Here comes Max and Trent doesn't know why he is having these feelings for another guy. Max had a crush on Trent for awhile now. I was pulled in from the very first page. I couldn't seem to put down this book. this book has it all from gripping, gritty, raw, intense, poignant, smoking hot, kinky, heartbreaking, and hopeful. im definitely going back to reading the first two books in this series. Keep up the great work! I HIGHLY recommend this one!
review by Chantelle
review by Chantelle
December 11, 2019
Friends to lovers with a nice slow-burn and self-realization about attraction creates an engaging story. The writing flowed and the MC's were both likable men. There is quite a cast of characters that are part of the MC's circle. I did feel that the intimacy, passion and understanding between Trent and Max developed realistically.
I think it was perfect the way these two learned about each other and also more about themselves plus their whole circle of friends is amazing.
This is book three in the Crush Series and can be read as a stand-alone. However i think it would be best to read as part of the series.
I was gifted this book from the author and i freely give my honest opinion and review.
I think it was perfect the way these two learned about each other and also more about themselves plus their whole circle of friends is amazing.
This is book three in the Crush Series and can be read as a stand-alone. However i think it would be best to read as part of the series.
I was gifted this book from the author and i freely give my honest opinion and review.
December 11, 2019
OMG! I've volunteered to review this book for United Indie Book Blog. This is my first time reading one of Elouise East books. This is the third book in the Crush series. It's Max and Trent story. Trent has always thought of himself as a straight man. Here comes Max and Trent doesn't know why he is having these feelings for another guy. Max had a crush on Trent for awhile now. I was pulled in from the very first page. I couldn't seem to put down this book. this book has it all from gripping, gritty, raw, intense, poignant, smoking hot, kinky, heartbreaking, and hopeful. I'm definitely going back to reading the first two books in this series. Keep up the great work! I HIGHLY recommend this one!
January 2, 2020
I wanted a book about Max and Trent's relationship (and bdsm, ) but instead I mostly got to read about drama with Trent's ex wife and I really don't care about that ... I know it was mentioned in the blurb but I didn't think it would be so much about it. So unfortunately this book was a disappointment to me.
December 6, 2019
Trent has had a rough deal. His wife cheats on him and he is having trouble staying connected to his children. And he thinks he is a straight man. A thought that gets tested as he and Max, who is interested in him despite him being a self-avowed straight man, get closer. This is one of my favorite types of stories. When people who have had a tough time finding someone to be in their corner and to love them find one another and are there for one another.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 3, 2020
This was one of those books that gets better and better the further in you get. I wasn't really sure about it at first but it soon had me and I couldn't stop reading. It's the first book I've read from Eloise East but I now need to read the earlier books in the series, saying that it was a good standalone and I don't feel I missed anything not having read the earlier books.
I loved the chemistry between the characters, the storyline and the drama. It really was an emotional read including self discovery, accceptance and a crazy ex.
I loved the chemistry between the characters, the storyline and the drama. It really was an emotional read including self discovery, accceptance and a crazy ex.
January 11, 2022
I think I like this one of the first three Crush books best. I really like Max, with the way he takes care of everyone, and the way he gets along with kids so well.
Trent is so very brave to explore a part of himself so freely. Once he commits to an action, he goes with it. That’s amazing.
The story has a good bit of intrigue without going too deep. It’s well written, with great characters. I love how this series revolves around Crush. We get to see more of the other characters we’ve come to know in other books.
And it’s hot. Really.
Great story!
Trent is so very brave to explore a part of himself so freely. Once he commits to an action, he goes with it. That’s amazing.
The story has a good bit of intrigue without going too deep. It’s well written, with great characters. I love how this series revolves around Crush. We get to see more of the other characters we’ve come to know in other books.
And it’s hot. Really.
Great story!
November 21, 2019
I was furious that Trent let Trish get away with all her misdeeds and greed and bleeding him dry. Stand up for yourself man! Trish acts like she did nothing wrong and kept turning up and harassing Trent nonstop. How is Trent so blind??!!! I liked how supportive Max was of Trent when the money situation took place. I liked Trent's support of Max's need for BDSM, and gave him a pleasant surprise! I loved the dildo machine scene!!! Tent's mom was a gem! Great ending.
November 22, 2019
This was one hell of a fantastic, gripping, gritty, raw, intense, poignant, smoking hot, kinky, heartbreaking yet hopeful, and totally awesome story. I must admit that I was severely tempted to smack some sense into certain characters several times. I was pulled in from the very first page, ending up with a massive book hangover because I just could NOT put it down. I would recommend getting this book ASAP.
November 23, 2019
Loved the characters and very interested to read the other books in the series. Both Trent and Max were likeable heroes and their friends are just icing on the cake. I liked the bit of mystery in the storyline of what is really going on with Trent although some of the conclusions are almost an afterthought. Max is such a special character. I loved his giving personality and just how selfless he was. Cute story and pretty steamy.
December 5, 2019
I really like this book the story and characters were great for me I really got into this book the way Trent was finding himself after a messy divorce and not defying his ability to love again not matter the gender he fell for and how his kids accepted him and max crafterly wenning his way up to Trent there were a few bits that had me laughing between them this a book that's worth Picking up to read
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 28, 2021
BDSM done right
I enjoyed this. I liked Max and Trent's dynamic. They were friends not really close but got along well. I liked how Trent was there for Max when he got hurt and how Max was there for Trent regarding his ex-wife. I did find it shocking when Trent's wife was found to have been doing some really foul things to not only Trent but their children. I was glad that they settled all things with her and with Mac's attacker. I'm also glad they got their HEA.
I enjoyed this. I liked Max and Trent's dynamic. They were friends not really close but got along well. I liked how Trent was there for Max when he got hurt and how Max was there for Trent regarding his ex-wife. I did find it shocking when Trent's wife was found to have been doing some really foul things to not only Trent but their children. I was glad that they settled all things with her and with Mac's attacker. I'm also glad they got their HEA.
December 14, 2021
Love and passion that was completely unexpected by both!
Curious pace, you could think it’s slow burn, but most of Trent’s lightbulb moments took less than a week, and wow, does he go all in. There’s also a bit of mystery, detective work and some violence, some undeserved and some that’s very satisfying. Some of the characters from First Kiss - book 1, and Instant Desire - book 2 feature, which adds something to the story.
Curious pace, you could think it’s slow burn, but most of Trent’s lightbulb moments took less than a week, and wow, does he go all in. There’s also a bit of mystery, detective work and some violence, some undeserved and some that’s very satisfying. Some of the characters from First Kiss - book 1, and Instant Desire - book 2 feature, which adds something to the story.
January 15, 2022
I've read books 1, 2 and 3 and this one is my favorite.
It’s an out-for-you, bi-awakening story and has great MCs. Max has been smitten with Trent for several months but he knows better than to fall for a straight guy. Trent has a nasty ex-wife and two daughters that have given him the cold-shoulder (we met one in Instant Desire). I love how the relationship between Max and Trent developed. I also enjoyed seeing Trent’s daughter’s come back to him once certain things were revealed.
It’s an out-for-you, bi-awakening story and has great MCs. Max has been smitten with Trent for several months but he knows better than to fall for a straight guy. Trent has a nasty ex-wife and two daughters that have given him the cold-shoulder (we met one in Instant Desire). I love how the relationship between Max and Trent developed. I also enjoyed seeing Trent’s daughter’s come back to him once certain things were revealed.
April 28, 2024
Back to Crush
Crush, the Cambridge watering hole that is the setting for East's series again plays lightly for this second longer novel. With a gay-awakening trope, the cast is filled out more as Max and Trent find their HEA. Importantly, the bonds of family (as well as the few contrabonds) and communication prove to be the backbone of the plot. Good heat too.
Loved this great line: "They didn’t need to be who they were. They needed to embrace what they were going to be."
Crush, the Cambridge watering hole that is the setting for East's series again plays lightly for this second longer novel. With a gay-awakening trope, the cast is filled out more as Max and Trent find their HEA. Importantly, the bonds of family (as well as the few contrabonds) and communication prove to be the backbone of the plot. Good heat too.
Loved this great line: "They didn’t need to be who they were. They needed to embrace what they were going to be."
December 10, 2019
Trent has been divorced for five years. He hasn't wanted to be in another relationship. Both he and Max have the same friends and meet up with them. They start to get to know each other but Trent can't understand his feelings because he's straight and shouldn't want to be with Max. I really enjoyed this book.
December 23, 2019
This is the 3rd book I've read written by Elouise East; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the chemistry between the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the chemistry between the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
December 29, 2019
When I started reading this story, I could not put it down. I read the book in one day. This author is an awesome writer. I can not wait to read more of their books. Keep up the great work. You should definitely read this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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