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Irons and Works #1
Free Hand
Listening Length: 6 hours and 54 minutes.
Derek Osbourne’s life is mostly quiet. A routine that keeps him functioning, a job as a tattoo artist that keeps his rent paid and food in his belly, and if he’s alone through it well, there are worse things to be. With his complicated past, Derek is sure no one would ever want to deal with the struggle that comes along with loving someone who has severe PTSD. Especially since the man who spent years abusing him is now in hospice, and Derek has taken over his end-of-life care. Derek’s resigned himself to living and dying alone, and maybe that’s okay. Then one night, during a raging storm, Derek finds himself stuck in an ATM vestibule with a quiet stranger, and it’s in that moment his world begins to change.
Basil Shevach is new to Fairfield, taking over his dead aunt’s florist shop. He’s also Deaf in a small town, where he and his sister are the only ones not hearing. It’s not to say he hates it there, but he’s not sure Fairfield is the place for him. At least, not until one night, when a storm leaves him trapped inside the bank with a man quietly panicking against the glass door. He’s immediately intrigued by this unbelievably attractive stranger with bright tattoos covering his arms and haunted eyes, but he’s also bitter because he’s dated a hearing man before and it ended as badly as it could go for him. He had resolved years ago to never make that mistake again, but somehow, the frightened man trapped with him in that little room, crawls under his skin and no matter what he tries, he can’t seem to shake him.
Will the two of them be able to find their way together, or will their pasts prevent them from being able to find happiness and contentment when they need it most?
Free Hand is the first book in the Irons and Works series. Each book contains an individual storyline with no cheating and HEA.
Derek Osbourne’s life is mostly quiet. A routine that keeps him functioning, a job as a tattoo artist that keeps his rent paid and food in his belly, and if he’s alone through it well, there are worse things to be. With his complicated past, Derek is sure no one would ever want to deal with the struggle that comes along with loving someone who has severe PTSD. Especially since the man who spent years abusing him is now in hospice, and Derek has taken over his end-of-life care. Derek’s resigned himself to living and dying alone, and maybe that’s okay. Then one night, during a raging storm, Derek finds himself stuck in an ATM vestibule with a quiet stranger, and it’s in that moment his world begins to change.
Basil Shevach is new to Fairfield, taking over his dead aunt’s florist shop. He’s also Deaf in a small town, where he and his sister are the only ones not hearing. It’s not to say he hates it there, but he’s not sure Fairfield is the place for him. At least, not until one night, when a storm leaves him trapped inside the bank with a man quietly panicking against the glass door. He’s immediately intrigued by this unbelievably attractive stranger with bright tattoos covering his arms and haunted eyes, but he’s also bitter because he’s dated a hearing man before and it ended as badly as it could go for him. He had resolved years ago to never make that mistake again, but somehow, the frightened man trapped with him in that little room, crawls under his skin and no matter what he tries, he can’t seem to shake him.
Will the two of them be able to find their way together, or will their pasts prevent them from being able to find happiness and contentment when they need it most?
Free Hand is the first book in the Irons and Works series. Each book contains an individual storyline with no cheating and HEA.
7 pages, Audible Audio
First published March 31, 2019
1042 people are currently reading
2735 people want to read
About the author
E.M. Lindsey
142 books1,395 followersE.M. Lindsey is the author of MM contemporary romance. She presently lives and works in the southeastern United States.
EM Lindsey also writes MM Paranormal Romance under the pseudonym Ariel Millar.
EM Lindsey also writes MM Paranormal Romance under the pseudonym Ariel Millar.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 678 reviews
April 28, 2019
2.5 stars
I had hoped this would be an amazing story with lots of hurt/comfort, but two things really bothered me. One was that I felt as if the author put too much emphasize on Basil being deaf. I totally get that it’s quite difficult to communicate with people if you can’t read lips and can only sign. And I thought that part was very well done actually. Not all deaf or HOH people like to read lips and talk out loud, or find it difficult like Basil did. But I did feel as if the story concentrated a bit too much on Basil’s deafness. I felt like he was his deafness instead of just this thing that was (a big) part of him.
And the romance was quite underdeveloped. I noticed when I was at 60% that these guys were still trying to date other people and that they were sloooooooowly becoming friends in the meantime. But then they go out on a date, have some sex, and bam, relationship. I never really felt their connection. Yes, I was told about their connection a lot, but not really shown. And that was actually the case with a lot of things. We were told stuff but then I didn’t quite see these things happening for myself.
And I do have to say something about Derek’s ‘relationship’ with his father. He let the (dying) man who he hadn’t seen since he was 15 call him names for over an hour on the phone every week. I never understood why. Yes, he was his father’s caregiver now that the man was sick and dying, but why listen to him simply telling Derek he was a disappointment and a faggot? Why not just pay for his treatment and stop there? The man abused Derek and Sage for years and gave Derek PTSD. I get that Derek felt weirdly responsible for the man, but I just didn’t get why he had to endure the name calling every week.
So overall this was quite a disappointment. I found the writing weirdly detailed at some places, and then without depth at other (more important) parts. I don’t think this author is for me.
I had hoped this would be an amazing story with lots of hurt/comfort, but two things really bothered me. One was that I felt as if the author put too much emphasize on Basil being deaf. I totally get that it’s quite difficult to communicate with people if you can’t read lips and can only sign. And I thought that part was very well done actually. Not all deaf or HOH people like to read lips and talk out loud, or find it difficult like Basil did. But I did feel as if the story concentrated a bit too much on Basil’s deafness. I felt like he was his deafness instead of just this thing that was (a big) part of him.
And the romance was quite underdeveloped. I noticed when I was at 60% that these guys were still trying to date other people and that they were sloooooooowly becoming friends in the meantime. But then they go out on a date, have some sex, and bam, relationship. I never really felt their connection. Yes, I was told about their connection a lot, but not really shown. And that was actually the case with a lot of things. We were told stuff but then I didn’t quite see these things happening for myself.
And I do have to say something about Derek’s ‘relationship’ with his father. He let the (dying) man who he hadn’t seen since he was 15 call him names for over an hour on the phone every week. I never understood why. Yes, he was his father’s caregiver now that the man was sick and dying, but why listen to him simply telling Derek he was a disappointment and a faggot? Why not just pay for his treatment and stop there? The man abused Derek and Sage for years and gave Derek PTSD. I get that Derek felt weirdly responsible for the man, but I just didn’t get why he had to endure the name calling every week.
So overall this was quite a disappointment. I found the writing weirdly detailed at some places, and then without depth at other (more important) parts. I don’t think this author is for me.
May 15, 2020
I read Renegades and didn't realise that was a spin off of this series. I was intrigued enough to want to read about the characters mentioned in Renegades so picked this one up, and I'm sad to say I wasn't overly impressed. 🤷
Why? So many reasons .... the relationship was snail's paced, the info dumping was ridiculous, there was way too much telling and not enough showing and TBH I got tired of Basil. Basil, Basil, Basil! It was all about him and poor Derek was just sidelined. And as for Derek, I get he had PTSD and that he was so damn mired in it he continued to allow his dying father to abuse him .... by an hour long weekly phone call ..... for years after he had escaped his father's clutches, but what I don't get is why! There was absolutely no explanation as to WHY?!?! Add to this that there were way too many dropped plot points/plot holes for me, and yeah, this didn't dazzle me at all, I'm afraid.
I'm curious about Sam so will read the next book in the hopes it's a huge improvement on this one.
I came close to a DNF too many times to rate this any higher than 2 stars.
Why? So many reasons .... the relationship was snail's paced, the info dumping was ridiculous, there was way too much telling and not enough showing and TBH I got tired of Basil. Basil, Basil, Basil! It was all about him and poor Derek was just sidelined. And as for Derek, I get he had PTSD and that he was so damn mired in it he continued to allow his dying father to abuse him .... by an hour long weekly phone call ..... for years after he had escaped his father's clutches, but what I don't get is why! There was absolutely no explanation as to WHY?!?! Add to this that there were way too many dropped plot points/plot holes for me, and yeah, this didn't dazzle me at all, I'm afraid.
I'm curious about Sam so will read the next book in the hopes it's a huge improvement on this one.
I came close to a DNF too many times to rate this any higher than 2 stars.
April 22, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. Two men struggling with mainstream - one is deaf and has lost trust in the “hearing” world while the other suffers PTSD after abuse and neglect as a child. The bond is instant, but it’s not instalove ! A slow friendship develops as trust is given. I adored the family / friends and look forward to their stories.
July 17, 2023
Really liked Basil & Derek
but the pacing was pretty weird and it just felt like something was missing from the relationship, probably due to the weird pacing
but the pacing was pretty weird and it just felt like something was missing from the relationship, probably due to the weird pacing
January 9, 2023
Wow
Oh my word this was such a beautiful read, beautifully written with beautiful characters 🥹. I am still crying and I wasn’t expecting this at all.
I love how this was written in a realistic way like the author is telling a story about someone they know, it’s absolutely heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time. I’m so overwhelmed with emotions, oh Sam and Basil 🥹
Oh my word this was such a beautiful read, beautifully written with beautiful characters 🥹. I am still crying and I wasn’t expecting this at all.
I love how this was written in a realistic way like the author is telling a story about someone they know, it’s absolutely heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time. I’m so overwhelmed with emotions, oh Sam and Basil 🥹
October 20, 2019
I enjoy reading stories about characters who overcome odds and obstacles to find their HEA. In this book almost every character has a mental or physical disability. Overall they're portrayed as happy and living life to the fullest. It seems that each book in the series will highlight a particular character's individual struggle.
Book 1 focuses on a young man sufferering from PTSD from childhood abuse and his love interest who is Deaf. I enjoyed watching their spark develop into cautious friendship and later romance.
Maybe because this is book 1 there seemed to be quite a bit of information dump on the characters' past. A whole lot of telling that kept me somewhat at arm's length. I like scenes where I'm viscerally present feeling the character's emotions as opposed to being a "fly on the wall" watching things unfold. That's just my preference as a reader. This type of storytelling may work better for other types of readers. In spite of that, I was invested in the story and enjoyed the journey from beginning to end. I'm looking forward to reading more books in this series.
Book 1 focuses on a young man sufferering from PTSD from childhood abuse and his love interest who is Deaf. I enjoyed watching their spark develop into cautious friendship and later romance.
Maybe because this is book 1 there seemed to be quite a bit of information dump on the characters' past. A whole lot of telling that kept me somewhat at arm's length. I like scenes where I'm viscerally present feeling the character's emotions as opposed to being a "fly on the wall" watching things unfold. That's just my preference as a reader. This type of storytelling may work better for other types of readers. In spite of that, I was invested in the story and enjoyed the journey from beginning to end. I'm looking forward to reading more books in this series.
April 23, 2025
premise was interesting but come on the mc's were fucking around with other people for half the time (even tho they "couldn't stop thinking about each other" 🧐)
October 26, 2022
5 bittersweet stars
This book checked all my cases : main characters with interesting backstories and developed personality traits, lots of emotions, a solid pace, and great side characters. It was also a surprisingly nice slow burn, with a lot of longing but also pondering over how ready Derek and Basil were to enter this relationship. They both had baggage and doubts, so it was good to see them take their time. I wasn’t even frustrated! That alone shows E. M. Lindsey did an amazing job here.
The found family aspect was very appealing. I’m currently drawn to this kind of plot nowadays, and this book made a perfect example of it. My heart broke for some family members, especially Sage. They’ve all been through some dark times, and I can’t wait to discover their individual stories. Free hand had actually a sort of rawness to it. Pushing more on the sad side, so the beautiful moments would shine even brighter. It felt… real.
I also loved the fact the author didn’t give a definite closure about Derek’s PTSD or Basil’s hesitation towards dating into the hearing community. There will always be hardships and it’s okay because life is a work in progress. They didn’t shy away from portraying flawed characters, for better or for worse, and gave them space to improve themselves. Or leave everything break lose.
This book checked all my cases : main characters with interesting backstories and developed personality traits, lots of emotions, a solid pace, and great side characters. It was also a surprisingly nice slow burn, with a lot of longing but also pondering over how ready Derek and Basil were to enter this relationship. They both had baggage and doubts, so it was good to see them take their time. I wasn’t even frustrated! That alone shows E. M. Lindsey did an amazing job here.
The found family aspect was very appealing. I’m currently drawn to this kind of plot nowadays, and this book made a perfect example of it. My heart broke for some family members, especially Sage. They’ve all been through some dark times, and I can’t wait to discover their individual stories. Free hand had actually a sort of rawness to it. Pushing more on the sad side, so the beautiful moments would shine even brighter. It felt… real.
I also loved the fact the author didn’t give a definite closure about Derek’s PTSD or Basil’s hesitation towards dating into the hearing community. There will always be hardships and it’s okay because life is a work in progress. They didn’t shy away from portraying flawed characters, for better or for worse, and gave them space to improve themselves. Or leave everything break lose.
March 28, 2023
Reread/1st listen: March 2023
The audio left a lot to be desired, but it wasn't as bad as other reviewers made it out to be. i do want to read this series, i felt like everything i said 3 years ago still applies. i do think that there were things missing but i did enjoy the reread.
now its on to book two with Sam and Niko which i think will be a ride haha. I admit i am most excited for Amit's or for Mat's story but those doesn't come for a while haha.
3-3.5 stars: April 2020
There wasn't anything wrong with this book, it just felt like things were missing. The overall story was good, I just wished it was more fleshed out. There was a lot of telling rather than showing for most of the story.
When reading about Basil and Derek they really helped each other even with their own struggles present. I found it sweet that Derek didn't want Basil to change and vise versa. We saw a lot more with Basil's characters struggles (being deaf in a hearing world) over Dereks, Derek we were just told he had PTSD and we saw one occasion where that came in to play (when they first met), but other than that we were just told about his PTSD rather than seeing how it affects him everyday. I would have had more emotion towards both characters if they were put through more (okay that sounds bad, but we were just told of their struggles rather than experiencing them with the characters).
I wish we could see more of Derek becoming better at ASL instead of just telling us that he is taking classes, I think it would have been cute to see all of Derek's friends sign to Basil since they are learning for him and Jasmine.
I haven't decided if I am going to continue the series. This could be a good series to come back to when I don't want any high angst romance.
The audio left a lot to be desired, but it wasn't as bad as other reviewers made it out to be. i do want to read this series, i felt like everything i said 3 years ago still applies. i do think that there were things missing but i did enjoy the reread.
now its on to book two with Sam and Niko which i think will be a ride haha. I admit i am most excited for Amit's or for Mat's story but those doesn't come for a while haha.
3-3.5 stars: April 2020
There wasn't anything wrong with this book, it just felt like things were missing. The overall story was good, I just wished it was more fleshed out. There was a lot of telling rather than showing for most of the story.
When reading about Basil and Derek they really helped each other even with their own struggles present. I found it sweet that Derek didn't want Basil to change and vise versa. We saw a lot more with Basil's characters struggles (being deaf in a hearing world) over Dereks, Derek we were just told he had PTSD and we saw one occasion where that came in to play (when they first met), but other than that we were just told about his PTSD rather than seeing how it affects him everyday. I would have had more emotion towards both characters if they were put through more (okay that sounds bad, but we were just told of their struggles rather than experiencing them with the characters).
I wish we could see more of Derek becoming better at ASL instead of just telling us that he is taking classes, I think it would have been cute to see all of Derek's friends sign to Basil since they are learning for him and Jasmine.
I haven't decided if I am going to continue the series. This could be a good series to come back to when I don't want any high angst romance.
June 30, 2019
It was just OK.
April 2, 2019
DNF.
*No flow to the style
*Information dump every other paragraph, which simply makes you lose your patience
*Same insta attraction in the first five pages
*The characters lack personality and apparently their disabilities / issues are all there is to them (especially in the first half, 'cuz it's totally going in the DNF pile).
*Overall, this book is trying to hard
*No flow to the style
*Information dump every other paragraph, which simply makes you lose your patience
*Same insta attraction in the first five pages
*The characters lack personality and apparently their disabilities / issues are all there is to them (especially in the first half, 'cuz it's totally going in the DNF pile).
*Overall, this book is trying to hard
July 28, 2023
3 Stars
I liked the concept and message of this story, but the execution was lacking.
The info dumping in this book was outrageous. It felt like we were already supposed to know this whole cast of characters (obviously setting up the rest of the series), but that made the story overwhelming and confusing. There was far more focus on the supporting characters and their stories & Derek and Basil's personal backstories instead of the romance between the two. Honestly, I didn't feel the emotional connection between the two; rather, I felt like I was being told what I should feel in a heavy-handed manner.
It's honestly quite sad, as this had great potential. It feels mean to say all this as we need more stories with representation like this. Basil is Deaf and Derek has PTSD stemming from childhood abuse. This could have been gritty and raw with emotion, but fell flat due to the author trying too hard.
I'm hopeful that I will like the rest of the series more and hope that there will be more focus on the actual romance.
Standalone - Read series in order:
Book 1: Free Hand → 3 Stars
Book 2: Blank Canvas → 3.5 Stars
Book 3: American Traditional → 3 Stars
Book 4: Bio-Mechanical → did not read
Book 5: Stick and Poke → did not read
Book 6: Scarification → did not read
Book 7: Scratcher → did not read
Book 8: Ornamental → did not read
I liked the concept and message of this story, but the execution was lacking.
The info dumping in this book was outrageous. It felt like we were already supposed to know this whole cast of characters (obviously setting up the rest of the series), but that made the story overwhelming and confusing. There was far more focus on the supporting characters and their stories & Derek and Basil's personal backstories instead of the romance between the two. Honestly, I didn't feel the emotional connection between the two; rather, I felt like I was being told what I should feel in a heavy-handed manner.
It's honestly quite sad, as this had great potential. It feels mean to say all this as we need more stories with representation like this. Basil is Deaf and Derek has PTSD stemming from childhood abuse. This could have been gritty and raw with emotion, but fell flat due to the author trying too hard.
I'm hopeful that I will like the rest of the series more and hope that there will be more focus on the actual romance.
Standalone - Read series in order:
Book 1: Free Hand → 3 Stars
Book 2: Blank Canvas → 3.5 Stars
Book 3: American Traditional → 3 Stars
Book 4: Bio-Mechanical → did not read
Book 5: Stick and Poke → did not read
Book 6: Scarification → did not read
Book 7: Scratcher → did not read
Book 8: Ornamental → did not read
May 23, 2023
This was really great. We are introduced to a found family of people society has marginalized and it was heartwarming to see the level of support they give each other. We don't really get to know how they met but that may come in a future book. I liked the way the MCs meet and their relationship but I wish we had seen more of the relationship development. I mean they both have genuine and real hang ups but it wasn't really solved. It felt like they just fell in love and the hang ups disappeared. It wasn't that bad but it still felt rushed. One MC has ptsd, we are told that many times and see one panic attack in the first scene of the book but then it doesn't really have an impact on the story. We are told he needs order and routine in his life but we don't see that, he changes his plans often for his found family members with no pb. The second MC is deaf but that's really all we know about him. We know about his ex ans his parents dying but that's about it. I wanted to know him more. I really like how they both supported and stood up for each other so I was rooting for them. I will definitely continue with this series because the book is 370p long bug it flew by and didn't feel draggy at all.
October 7, 2022
Oh this story is gorgeous! I feel like the little heart eyes emoji right now. Derek and Basil had a beautiful love story to tell and I enjoyed every second of it.
I had to read this book immediately as soon as I realised Basil is Deaf. Lindsey did a phenomenal job of writing a deaf MC and that translated on paper so well (they even used correct grammar and syntax!), it was a wonderful reading experience. I want to applaud the author for bringing to light the true struggles Deaf and disabled people experience. I cannot wait to read the rest of the series.
My only complaints was it was a smidge to slow burn for me, both in romance and plot, and the side characters got a LOT of page time (which is understandable in the context of setting this up as a series, but it detracted from Derek and Basil's love story). Overall, incredible characters and lovely flowing writing style.
***trigger warnings: they are listed at the beginning of the book and has an excellent author's note that must be read prior to diving into this book.
I had to read this book immediately as soon as I realised Basil is Deaf. Lindsey did a phenomenal job of writing a deaf MC and that translated on paper so well (they even used correct grammar and syntax!), it was a wonderful reading experience. I want to applaud the author for bringing to light the true struggles Deaf and disabled people experience. I cannot wait to read the rest of the series.
My only complaints was it was a smidge to slow burn for me, both in romance and plot, and the side characters got a LOT of page time (which is understandable in the context of setting this up as a series, but it detracted from Derek and Basil's love story). Overall, incredible characters and lovely flowing writing style.
***trigger warnings: they are listed at the beginning of the book and has an excellent author's note that must be read prior to diving into this book.
July 12, 2025
POSSIBLE TRIGGERS: Child Abuse/Homophobia
It all begins on a rainy night, with Derek trapped in an ATM vestibule. Derek Osbourne’s life is ruled by a carefully cultivated routine, and there’s no room for change. He's a tattoo artist at Irons and Works and spends his days hunched over a chair, and his nights pouring all his trauma onto a canvas. That’s all he has time for. When a storm knocks out the power and he’s trapped with the ridiculously hot and deaf florist who just moved in across the street, he’s not sure what to do with himself.
The story opens with us meeting Derek, an adult now, but a survivor of child abuse. As a result, he suffers from PTSD and now finds himself trapped in a small room in the bank during a storm, where he meets Basil, a kind, gentle man who is deaf. Basil helps Derek through his panic attack. We learn that Derek is a tattoo artist who ran away from his extremely abusive father when he was a teenager. Derek was a really interesting lead character...a grown man now, who is struggling but doing his best to cope with the trauma of PTSD, mostly the result of the abuse he suffered at the hands of his father.
Derek has an identical twin brother, Sage, who has always had his back and tried to protect him from their father. Sage has always tried to encourage him. Derek is a big, tall guy who is secretly a big mushy "push-over'. You just can't help but love him. However, he struggles to accept that anyone would want to be in a relationship with him since he believes that he is such a traumatized man. He is devoted to his brother Sage, as well as his wonderful group of friends who all work at the Tatoo shop...Iron & Works. Eventually he also has Basil who becomes so much more than merely a friend...Derek and Basil are almost instantly head-over-heels for one another.
Basil isn't perfect either...he's deaf, but his character was so beautifully written, that it makes you wonder if this author might have a personal connection with the deaf culture, or if she just did her research very well. Basil runs a florist shop with his sister, who is also deaf. He's also struggling to get over a past relationship with a not very patient or understanding man that can hear. It takes Basil a long time to work through his feelings about again dating a man that can hear, as well as being in places where most of the other people are also able to hear. He is strongly attached to his deaf culture, and very rarely speaks other than with ASL. He’s a "gentle giant" with Derek, and he has a sassy, but affectionate relationship with his sister. Overall, he's very happy with himself.
In this story there are several other deaf characters, and each one has different a level of deafness and different relationships to/with the hearing culture. Derek and Basil's relationship develops perfectly...slow, tender, and gentle. I really admired Derek for learning American Sign Language for his lover. Their relationship is very realistic and slow to come together. Both Derek and Basil are allowed to be strong and weak at different times, and both are devoted to and obsessed with the other. This is a wonderfully, warm story about trusting and how to do that when you think that it's the last thing you would ever want to do.
It all begins on a rainy night, with Derek trapped in an ATM vestibule. Derek Osbourne’s life is ruled by a carefully cultivated routine, and there’s no room for change. He's a tattoo artist at Irons and Works and spends his days hunched over a chair, and his nights pouring all his trauma onto a canvas. That’s all he has time for. When a storm knocks out the power and he’s trapped with the ridiculously hot and deaf florist who just moved in across the street, he’s not sure what to do with himself.
The story opens with us meeting Derek, an adult now, but a survivor of child abuse. As a result, he suffers from PTSD and now finds himself trapped in a small room in the bank during a storm, where he meets Basil, a kind, gentle man who is deaf. Basil helps Derek through his panic attack. We learn that Derek is a tattoo artist who ran away from his extremely abusive father when he was a teenager. Derek was a really interesting lead character...a grown man now, who is struggling but doing his best to cope with the trauma of PTSD, mostly the result of the abuse he suffered at the hands of his father.
Derek has an identical twin brother, Sage, who has always had his back and tried to protect him from their father. Sage has always tried to encourage him. Derek is a big, tall guy who is secretly a big mushy "push-over'. You just can't help but love him. However, he struggles to accept that anyone would want to be in a relationship with him since he believes that he is such a traumatized man. He is devoted to his brother Sage, as well as his wonderful group of friends who all work at the Tatoo shop...Iron & Works. Eventually he also has Basil who becomes so much more than merely a friend...Derek and Basil are almost instantly head-over-heels for one another.
Basil isn't perfect either...he's deaf, but his character was so beautifully written, that it makes you wonder if this author might have a personal connection with the deaf culture, or if she just did her research very well. Basil runs a florist shop with his sister, who is also deaf. He's also struggling to get over a past relationship with a not very patient or understanding man that can hear. It takes Basil a long time to work through his feelings about again dating a man that can hear, as well as being in places where most of the other people are also able to hear. He is strongly attached to his deaf culture, and very rarely speaks other than with ASL. He’s a "gentle giant" with Derek, and he has a sassy, but affectionate relationship with his sister. Overall, he's very happy with himself.
In this story there are several other deaf characters, and each one has different a level of deafness and different relationships to/with the hearing culture. Derek and Basil's relationship develops perfectly...slow, tender, and gentle. I really admired Derek for learning American Sign Language for his lover. Their relationship is very realistic and slow to come together. Both Derek and Basil are allowed to be strong and weak at different times, and both are devoted to and obsessed with the other. This is a wonderfully, warm story about trusting and how to do that when you think that it's the last thing you would ever want to do.
April 6, 2019
This book is about two men who, while struggling with the acceptance from outside world, slowly find love and built a powerful bond of trust. Men and women of Iron and Works don't judge, they accept people for who they are. They care and protect those they consider family.
Derek is a man with painful past. His many issues don't allow him to enjoy many things but he keeps trying to live his life the best he can. But unexpected storm puts him in the path of a man who will see more than just tattoos or rough appearance to the soft-spoken and gentle man underneath who needs love in his life. I loved Derek, his brother Sage and all the guys from the shop. They had each other's back, they helped in time of need and were there when the pain was too much. Derek despite all that has happened to him is such a caring and understanding person. He makes Basil feel special.
Basil has been badly burned before. He does not trust people who can hear and all but has given up on relationships. He tries to get out there but the men he sees are just arrogant, and he feels like he can never just be with them. Derek and Basil's friendship starts off slow but soon Basil sees that Derek might be the man he has been searching for. He is someone who accepts Basil as he is and never tries to change him. There were so many touching, romantic and shy moments where both men were so endearing. I loved the tattoo shop, how some of the most intense feelings were forged between two men while they bonded over a beautiful tattoo.
This book is very emotional, full of angst and deals with many issues. It shows how regular people treat those who are different - be they covered with tattoos, in a wheelchair or unable to hear. It shows clearly the divide between people over things that should not matter. I loved the family all the guys created, how close they were and how everybody accepted Basil and went out of they way to learn ASL to be able to communicate with him. It's an amazing group of men that I was lucky to be a part for a bit.
Besides the romance between two men, this book was also about the importance of family, that family is not just blood but the people you choose, and that no matter what your road has been in life there is more to you that can be seen on the surface. It's time for men of Iron and Works to be brave and accept love and finally be happy. This is mild steam romance but that didn't matter because the characters were so wonderfully written, the story just flowed and I couldn't stop reading it. I loved it and I highly recommend it!
Derek is a man with painful past. His many issues don't allow him to enjoy many things but he keeps trying to live his life the best he can. But unexpected storm puts him in the path of a man who will see more than just tattoos or rough appearance to the soft-spoken and gentle man underneath who needs love in his life. I loved Derek, his brother Sage and all the guys from the shop. They had each other's back, they helped in time of need and were there when the pain was too much. Derek despite all that has happened to him is such a caring and understanding person. He makes Basil feel special.
Basil has been badly burned before. He does not trust people who can hear and all but has given up on relationships. He tries to get out there but the men he sees are just arrogant, and he feels like he can never just be with them. Derek and Basil's friendship starts off slow but soon Basil sees that Derek might be the man he has been searching for. He is someone who accepts Basil as he is and never tries to change him. There were so many touching, romantic and shy moments where both men were so endearing. I loved the tattoo shop, how some of the most intense feelings were forged between two men while they bonded over a beautiful tattoo.
This book is very emotional, full of angst and deals with many issues. It shows how regular people treat those who are different - be they covered with tattoos, in a wheelchair or unable to hear. It shows clearly the divide between people over things that should not matter. I loved the family all the guys created, how close they were and how everybody accepted Basil and went out of they way to learn ASL to be able to communicate with him. It's an amazing group of men that I was lucky to be a part for a bit.
Besides the romance between two men, this book was also about the importance of family, that family is not just blood but the people you choose, and that no matter what your road has been in life there is more to you that can be seen on the surface. It's time for men of Iron and Works to be brave and accept love and finally be happy. This is mild steam romance but that didn't matter because the characters were so wonderfully written, the story just flowed and I couldn't stop reading it. I loved it and I highly recommend it!
August 12, 2022
I'm not quite sure how to describe my feelings about this book. It's wonderful, I liked it a lot, but it's a bit exhausting.
A little warning ahead, should you decide to read this, you get to deal with a lot of characters, thus you get a lot of side stories and get distracted from the two main characters. However, each character is interesting in its own right and whets your appetite for the rest of the series.
You also get to deal with a lot of disabilities of various kinds that the characters have to live with. So this is not a sugar-sweet fluffy story.
However, I am thrilled with the way the disabilities are described and treated. I don't know any people with such physical disabilities myself, so I can't make a judgment about how authentic everything is. But the author's gentle and considerate storytelling really won me over.
The author's preface should definitely be read, it is very detailed and helps to understand the character Basil and his deafness well if you have no experience with it.
Basil and Derek both have not had an easy life, but are perfectly suited for each other. Unfortunately, the book is a bit too short for my taste to portray their relationship as it slowly unfolds.
Nonetheless, both are lovingly drawn and I couldn't stop reading until they finally had their HEA.
So, and since I am an addict when it comes to tattoos I was automatically in love. 😍😍😍
A little warning ahead, should you decide to read this, you get to deal with a lot of characters, thus you get a lot of side stories and get distracted from the two main characters. However, each character is interesting in its own right and whets your appetite for the rest of the series.
You also get to deal with a lot of disabilities of various kinds that the characters have to live with. So this is not a sugar-sweet fluffy story.
However, I am thrilled with the way the disabilities are described and treated. I don't know any people with such physical disabilities myself, so I can't make a judgment about how authentic everything is. But the author's gentle and considerate storytelling really won me over.
The author's preface should definitely be read, it is very detailed and helps to understand the character Basil and his deafness well if you have no experience with it.
Basil and Derek both have not had an easy life, but are perfectly suited for each other. Unfortunately, the book is a bit too short for my taste to portray their relationship as it slowly unfolds.
Nonetheless, both are lovingly drawn and I couldn't stop reading until they finally had their HEA.
So, and since I am an addict when it comes to tattoos I was automatically in love. 😍😍😍
April 19, 2019
2.5/5 stars
I haven’t been having the best luck with romance books this year, and this just added to that. There was nothing blatantly wrong with it. I just didn’t really buy into the romance, which just ruins a romance book for me. I really don’t have much to say about it, I just didn’t feel like I got to know or care about the characters enough. I did appreciate the representation of mental illness, hard of hearing characters and physically disabled characters, but it wasn’t enough to save the book for me. I know this is a super short review, but I really don’t have much to say.
I haven’t been having the best luck with romance books this year, and this just added to that. There was nothing blatantly wrong with it. I just didn’t really buy into the romance, which just ruins a romance book for me. I really don’t have much to say about it, I just didn’t feel like I got to know or care about the characters enough. I did appreciate the representation of mental illness, hard of hearing characters and physically disabled characters, but it wasn’t enough to save the book for me. I know this is a super short review, but I really don’t have much to say.
May 11, 2019
DNF 56%
This was too slow for me. The MC are still dating other people and are only just tentative friends. It doesn’t help that the author has started “summing up” the time they’re spending together offpage and then telling us how important it is in establishing their connection, not showing. PET PEEVE RIGHT THERE
Add in the info dumps about all the secondary characters that likely have books written about them I’ve never read, or are plot bunnies for further ones in this series...and you get a reader who has lost any kind of focus on the romance in this one.
This was too slow for me. The MC are still dating other people and are only just tentative friends. It doesn’t help that the author has started “summing up” the time they’re spending together offpage and then telling us how important it is in establishing their connection, not showing. PET PEEVE RIGHT THERE
Add in the info dumps about all the secondary characters that likely have books written about them I’ve never read, or are plot bunnies for further ones in this series...and you get a reader who has lost any kind of focus on the romance in this one.
October 12, 2022
I wasn’t expecting Free Hand to be so emotionally heavy, nor was I expecting it to make me ugly cry several times 🤣, but I loved Derek and Basil’s story so much.
The majority of the characters in this series have some kind of disability or issues with mental health, which I was hesitant about because not many authors get it right, but this was so wonderfully written.
The majority of the characters in this series have some kind of disability or issues with mental health, which I was hesitant about because not many authors get it right, but this was so wonderfully written.
February 4, 2023
Different, beautiful, emotional!
July 11, 2025
I absolutely adored this.
I loved Basil and Derek's.
The Hurt/Comfort in this story definitely went both ways.
I loved all of the supporting characters too, and am looking forward to reading each of their stories.
I loved Basil and Derek's.
The Hurt/Comfort in this story definitely went both ways.
I loved all of the supporting characters too, and am looking forward to reading each of their stories.
June 10, 2023
This was a great start to a series I think I'm gonna really enjoy. First of all, I was immediately obsessed with the found family vibe in the tattoo shop, and I can tell that's gonna be a big draw for me to this series. Then, there's the lovely Derek and Basil as MCs. Their first meeting was so sweet and emotional, and I loved how they learned to support each other and navigate their differences throughout the book. Derek's backstory was dark as hell and the lack of comfort/reassurance in his past made every moment of affection he received from Basil hit 10x harder.
On a different note, Basil's struggles with a past hearing partner, his concerns with joining a hearing friend group and the distinctions between how he, his sister, and Amit (a lovely side character) navigate deafness all made me put the book down and do some research, which I love. I don't expect romance authors to educate me bc I think that's an unfair burden to put on authors who are usually already marginalized. But I always appreciate when I can gain a little insight along with the love story that I came there for. For that reason alone, I think this is gonna be a series (and an author) I come to really appreciate.
Though I ended up rooting for the romance, I don't think it was portrayed in the most convincing way. Lots of telling about nice mornings and sign language teaching, not enough showing. The steamy scenes were also just ok to me. I'm not a fade to black/closed door girlie but the sex could've been replaced with a bit more romance development and I probably would've rated this higher. Also, this book had that thing that happens in romance series where the author is clearly trying to introduce all the characters that'll get their own books. It was a bit much, especially at the beginning, but it smoothed out towards the end and I'm genuinely intrigued in pretty much everyone's HEA.
I'm glad this worked out for me because I've wanted to read this series for a while. Excited to see the rest of this lovely group fall in love and read more from E.M. Lindsey in general
--------------
Yeah, I think me and EM Lindsey are gonna get along just fine. RTC when I gather my thoughts
On a different note, Basil's struggles with a past hearing partner, his concerns with joining a hearing friend group and the distinctions between how he, his sister, and Amit (a lovely side character) navigate deafness all made me put the book down and do some research, which I love. I don't expect romance authors to educate me bc I think that's an unfair burden to put on authors who are usually already marginalized. But I always appreciate when I can gain a little insight along with the love story that I came there for. For that reason alone, I think this is gonna be a series (and an author) I come to really appreciate.
Though I ended up rooting for the romance, I don't think it was portrayed in the most convincing way. Lots of telling about nice mornings and sign language teaching, not enough showing. The steamy scenes were also just ok to me. I'm not a fade to black/closed door girlie but the sex could've been replaced with a bit more romance development and I probably would've rated this higher. Also, this book had that thing that happens in romance series where the author is clearly trying to introduce all the characters that'll get their own books. It was a bit much, especially at the beginning, but it smoothed out towards the end and I'm genuinely intrigued in pretty much everyone's HEA.
I'm glad this worked out for me because I've wanted to read this series for a while. Excited to see the rest of this lovely group fall in love and read more from E.M. Lindsey in general
--------------
Yeah, I think me and EM Lindsey are gonna get along just fine. RTC when I gather my thoughts
August 5, 2021
*3.5 stars
This is the romance story of Basil and Derek. They meet one night at the bank since both of them are stuck in the ATM room due to a power outage. Ever since they hung out and talked to each other that night, they can't stop thinking about one another. This is the story about them coming back together and falling in love.
Both characters in this couple are going through some things mentally, so please be aware of the trigger warnings. Basil is deaf, and his previous boyfriend (who was hearing) used to bad mouth him to his friends. He was horrible and honestly just toxic. Ever since then, Basil has sworn never to date a hearing man again. But then he meets Derek. Derek is going through some pretty triggering things when they first meet. Derek is hearing and wants nothing more than to get to know the man he met in the ATM.
I really enjoyed this one! I actually put this book down for like a month though, because it was really slow. I am not really a fan of romance books where we see the people in the HEA couple go on dates with other people. I did not really care for that. I also was very frustrated that the couple did not meet again, after the ATM meeting, until 40% of the book. I don't really care for books where the characters are away from each other for that long. But I know that is just a personal preference.
I did think that this romance was really sweet! I also loved how diverse the characters were in this book! There was no hate or discrimination against those who are in the lgbtq+ community and those who are disabled. I loved how shy and sweet the two heroes were to one another. It made me giggle at times it was so cute!!
But overall, I really liked this one and think that others will too :)
TW: PTSD, childhood trauma & abuse
TROPES: damaged hero, kindle unlimited, language barrier, lgbtq+, longing, sweet heroes.
This is the romance story of Basil and Derek. They meet one night at the bank since both of them are stuck in the ATM room due to a power outage. Ever since they hung out and talked to each other that night, they can't stop thinking about one another. This is the story about them coming back together and falling in love.
Both characters in this couple are going through some things mentally, so please be aware of the trigger warnings. Basil is deaf, and his previous boyfriend (who was hearing) used to bad mouth him to his friends. He was horrible and honestly just toxic. Ever since then, Basil has sworn never to date a hearing man again. But then he meets Derek. Derek is going through some pretty triggering things when they first meet. Derek is hearing and wants nothing more than to get to know the man he met in the ATM.
I really enjoyed this one! I actually put this book down for like a month though, because it was really slow. I am not really a fan of romance books where we see the people in the HEA couple go on dates with other people. I did not really care for that. I also was very frustrated that the couple did not meet again, after the ATM meeting, until 40% of the book. I don't really care for books where the characters are away from each other for that long. But I know that is just a personal preference.
I did think that this romance was really sweet! I also loved how diverse the characters were in this book! There was no hate or discrimination against those who are in the lgbtq+ community and those who are disabled. I loved how shy and sweet the two heroes were to one another. It made me giggle at times it was so cute!!
But overall, I really liked this one and think that others will too :)
TW: PTSD, childhood trauma & abuse
TROPES: damaged hero, kindle unlimited, language barrier, lgbtq+, longing, sweet heroes.
April 18, 2020
What I liked most about this book was its realistic depiction of a Deaf MC, including Basil's efforts at figuring out where he chose to fit in among the other characters and social groups in the story. The idea that it shouldn't be up to Deaf people to accommodate to the hearing every time, and the separation of communities that don't share a common language, was well done. Little nuances, like Basil's refusal to make a big effort to get "correct" English grammar into his text messages, rang true, as did the differences between his choices and his sister's.
The focus on Basil's situation gave a little bit of short shrift to Derek's PTSD. Other than the initial episode, we didn't get to see Basil dealing with that part of Derek's life much, and it would have given the story a bit more balance. But what was there felt real, and it was good to see someone as damaged as Derek find trust and a rock to hold onto. It wasn't clear to me why Derek put up with his father's ongoing hostility, once the man's power to affect him was gone, but I definitely felt for him, in his dogged efforts to get past the way his childhood affected him. I also liked that his issues were not expected to be cured - that the goal was to gain skills and tools to manage them as best he could.
There are some good secondary characters here - Sam and Sage were both interesting and I'll check out their stories going forward. The realistic treatment of Basil in this story bodes well for the other characters with disabilities as we see their own stories.
The focus on Basil's situation gave a little bit of short shrift to Derek's PTSD. Other than the initial episode, we didn't get to see Basil dealing with that part of Derek's life much, and it would have given the story a bit more balance. But what was there felt real, and it was good to see someone as damaged as Derek find trust and a rock to hold onto. It wasn't clear to me why Derek put up with his father's ongoing hostility, once the man's power to affect him was gone, but I definitely felt for him, in his dogged efforts to get past the way his childhood affected him. I also liked that his issues were not expected to be cured - that the goal was to gain skills and tools to manage them as best he could.
There are some good secondary characters here - Sam and Sage were both interesting and I'll check out their stories going forward. The realistic treatment of Basil in this story bodes well for the other characters with disabilities as we see their own stories.
February 21, 2025
I've had this author on my tbr for a while now and decided to read this book yesterday because it has something I've read before in another series, almost exactly the same things, actually - two people trapped in a small room during a storm, tattoo shop, a group of friends and found family and while I liked that series, this one installment didn't work for me at all and I'm guessing the rest of the books are pretty much the same.
🟢 Tattoo artist/florist
🟣 Both have some sort of trauma - Child abuse, PTSD/deaf, ASL mentioned all the time
🔵 I can only guess how old they are, in their late 20's probably
🟡 Both gay
🟠 Size difference
🌶️ For most of the story there's no intimacy or sex; happens at the very end and hardly; t/b
I didn't like the writing. I didn't like the storytelling. This book heavily focused on the main character Basil being deaf and everything that comes along with it, that means an insane amount of info-dump. Like Basil had no personality beyond being deaf.
Derek was a tattoo artist with severe PTSD from the abusive childhood he's endured and can't find anyone who'll want to have a serious relationship with him. He meets Basil in an ATM booth during a storm and Basil helps him get through a panic attack. It's quite literally the same storyline I've absolutely read before in another series but those guys were much, much better.
So you'd think Derek and Basil would then find a way to meet and get together asap, because they just can't stop thinking about each other, but it doesn't happen at all. You're going to get a love interest for each of them and a bunch of people convincing them to give a shot to dating guys they're not really into. That was a bit surprising to read about, if someone were in my business of dating as much as these people were, it wouldn't end well.
“A drink? Would you go for a drink with me? Let me try again? Your brother was right about you— I like you and we could be good together. Even if it’s just as friends.”
This was Derek's date who blew it apparently by just simply talking about deaf people. A guy can't even talk freely anymore, it seems. He didn't say anything bad about it, but the author is very careful not to offend anyone.
"James frowned. “So what has your panties all twisted?” He grunted when Mat dragged his leg over a little harder than normal— punishment for the panties comment which Derek appreciated. They didn’t do gender- role shaming there. Ever."
All of the male characters, especially the more prominent ones were always very careful in their dialogues and very held back. I didn't like it. Politically correct in all aspects, you've got no raw, authentic interactions between them and you're making them into something they're not.
And many things are also not believable, there're two grown men who end up convincing themselves they have to give it a shot with other guys they're not really into? It felt like a thought process of a woman who's desperately trying to convince herself she has to give someone a chance because they might have a good personality, even though there's no chemistry, so definitely not a guy thinking this.
Also, why didn't Derek and Basil just simply go on a date? They literally had no contact, yet they were talking about each other like there's a possibility of a relationship and how they're both afraid to go for it. What relationship? They didn't even hang out!
"Do you want to meet my friend after we eat.’"
Derek’s eyebrows furrowed. "Your friend?"
"You know him," Basil clarified. "Amit. He gets tattoos from your brother. He works at a bar and I’ve told him about you."
"I saw you," Derek admitted. "The night of my bad date. You were with him at gelato."
“Do you uh… I mean… would Basil be better with a guy more like him?”
Who talks like that?? This was awfully written!
The book needed a good editor, besides the storytelling was just terrible. The chemistry wasn't palpable, there was literally no magic between Derek and Basil. Even when they got together it was very lukewarm and not enough to make me read the next installment where there are going to be another bunch of guys policing each other about how they can speak.
They can't even say the obvious part out loud, like this guy doesn't have legs, can I grab him some lunch?? That guy Niko who's Sam's love interest in the next installment was afraid to even ask! Ridiculous.
🟢 Tattoo artist/florist
🟣 Both have some sort of trauma - Child abuse, PTSD/deaf, ASL mentioned all the time
🔵 I can only guess how old they are, in their late 20's probably
🟡 Both gay
🟠 Size difference
🌶️ For most of the story there's no intimacy or sex; happens at the very end and hardly; t/b
I didn't like the writing. I didn't like the storytelling. This book heavily focused on the main character Basil being deaf and everything that comes along with it, that means an insane amount of info-dump. Like Basil had no personality beyond being deaf.
Derek was a tattoo artist with severe PTSD from the abusive childhood he's endured and can't find anyone who'll want to have a serious relationship with him. He meets Basil in an ATM booth during a storm and Basil helps him get through a panic attack. It's quite literally the same storyline I've absolutely read before in another series but those guys were much, much better.
So you'd think Derek and Basil would then find a way to meet and get together asap, because they just can't stop thinking about each other, but it doesn't happen at all. You're going to get a love interest for each of them and a bunch of people convincing them to give a shot to dating guys they're not really into. That was a bit surprising to read about, if someone were in my business of dating as much as these people were, it wouldn't end well.
“A drink? Would you go for a drink with me? Let me try again? Your brother was right about you— I like you and we could be good together. Even if it’s just as friends.”
This was Derek's date who blew it apparently by just simply talking about deaf people. A guy can't even talk freely anymore, it seems. He didn't say anything bad about it, but the author is very careful not to offend anyone.
"James frowned. “So what has your panties all twisted?” He grunted when Mat dragged his leg over a little harder than normal— punishment for the panties comment which Derek appreciated. They didn’t do gender- role shaming there. Ever."
All of the male characters, especially the more prominent ones were always very careful in their dialogues and very held back. I didn't like it. Politically correct in all aspects, you've got no raw, authentic interactions between them and you're making them into something they're not.
And many things are also not believable, there're two grown men who end up convincing themselves they have to give it a shot with other guys they're not really into? It felt like a thought process of a woman who's desperately trying to convince herself she has to give someone a chance because they might have a good personality, even though there's no chemistry, so definitely not a guy thinking this.
Also, why didn't Derek and Basil just simply go on a date? They literally had no contact, yet they were talking about each other like there's a possibility of a relationship and how they're both afraid to go for it. What relationship? They didn't even hang out!
"Do you want to meet my friend after we eat.’"
Derek’s eyebrows furrowed. "Your friend?"
"You know him," Basil clarified. "Amit. He gets tattoos from your brother. He works at a bar and I’ve told him about you."
"I saw you," Derek admitted. "The night of my bad date. You were with him at gelato."
“Do you uh… I mean… would Basil be better with a guy more like him?”
Who talks like that?? This was awfully written!
The book needed a good editor, besides the storytelling was just terrible. The chemistry wasn't palpable, there was literally no magic between Derek and Basil. Even when they got together it was very lukewarm and not enough to make me read the next installment where there are going to be another bunch of guys policing each other about how they can speak.
They can't even say the obvious part out loud, like this guy doesn't have legs, can I grab him some lunch?? That guy Niko who's Sam's love interest in the next installment was afraid to even ask! Ridiculous.
May 13, 2019
4 silent stars!
Honestly, EM Lindsey is fast becoming one of my favourite authors. I love it when the MCs are flawed. But I love it even more when the MCs are flawed and have the world stacked against them. Not that I’m a sadist or anything but I find that I learn so much about people who aren’t like me and come to realise, there really isn’t a “normal” way to be. And more than anything, I appreciate the strength I witness in these characters. In that, it takes more strength to be vulnerable and “abnormal” and to live life as authentic as possible than to simply conform to society.
This was a beautiful romance. Painful, sometimes difficult but ultimately sweet. I can’t wait to know everyone in this universe. I’m looking forward to seeing their different perspectives. Ms Lindsey, you have my utmost respect for making these, for the lack of a better word, flawed men and making their lives a better definition of perfect.
Honestly, EM Lindsey is fast becoming one of my favourite authors. I love it when the MCs are flawed. But I love it even more when the MCs are flawed and have the world stacked against them. Not that I’m a sadist or anything but I find that I learn so much about people who aren’t like me and come to realise, there really isn’t a “normal” way to be. And more than anything, I appreciate the strength I witness in these characters. In that, it takes more strength to be vulnerable and “abnormal” and to live life as authentic as possible than to simply conform to society.
This was a beautiful romance. Painful, sometimes difficult but ultimately sweet. I can’t wait to know everyone in this universe. I’m looking forward to seeing their different perspectives. Ms Lindsey, you have my utmost respect for making these, for the lack of a better word, flawed men and making their lives a better definition of perfect.
September 14, 2020
This book was something else.
For some reason I read the second book in this series before I read the first one. While it worked out for me (I'm not really bothered by spoilers), some people might want to read this series in order.
Free hand was sweet, tender and absolutely gut wrenching. I am happy that I read the second book first so I had some warnings about Derek's past. I'm not sure if I would've been able to take it if not. I'm such a softie and I'm always having a hard time dealing with these kind of stories.
Basil was amazing. And so fierce. The way he took care of Derek when he really needed it was beautiful.
On to book three!
For some reason I read the second book in this series before I read the first one. While it worked out for me (I'm not really bothered by spoilers), some people might want to read this series in order.
Free hand was sweet, tender and absolutely gut wrenching. I am happy that I read the second book first so I had some warnings about Derek's past. I'm not sure if I would've been able to take it if not. I'm such a softie and I'm always having a hard time dealing with these kind of stories.
Basil was amazing. And so fierce. The way he took care of Derek when he really needed it was beautiful.
On to book three!
October 2, 2019
Overall book rating: 4
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 3.5
This is a super “lazy” review as I’m just back from holiday and I have loads of work to catch up on. Please forgive me.
I really liked the idea of these books. Of all the guys here having to deal with one or another “disability” in their own way.
I would have liked Derick's PTSD to have a little more of a prominent role in the story maybe? But I could still enjoy the book with all the little things given to us about both Derick and Basil.
Now Sam.. That I want to read... ;-))
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 3.5
This is a super “lazy” review as I’m just back from holiday and I have loads of work to catch up on. Please forgive me.
I really liked the idea of these books. Of all the guys here having to deal with one or another “disability” in their own way.
I would have liked Derick's PTSD to have a little more of a prominent role in the story maybe? But I could still enjoy the book with all the little things given to us about both Derick and Basil.
Now Sam.. That I want to read... ;-))
April 14, 2019
I really enjoyed this one. I'm looking forward to the next one in the series.
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