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Puzzle Me This
Luke Schumaker designs computer games, working from his home. Every day he walks his dog in the woods nearby, never suspecting that someone who is completely smitten is watching.
The watcher is Alex Shaw, and he too works from home, designing logic and crossword puzzles. Alex’s options are limited: he’s too shy to approach Luke and his wheelchair won’t let him follow into the woods. His solution? Secret messages for Luke in the crosswords he writes for the local paper.
When Luke decodes them, romance begins, but then they face greater puzzles, like Alex’s interfering sister and what commitment to a man in a wheelchair really takes. And, most puzzling of all, how do you know if love is real?
Second Edition: The new edition coming out Sept 6, 2019 has an additional 12,000 words plus an overall rewrite.
The watcher is Alex Shaw, and he too works from home, designing logic and crossword puzzles. Alex’s options are limited: he’s too shy to approach Luke and his wheelchair won’t let him follow into the woods. His solution? Secret messages for Luke in the crosswords he writes for the local paper.
When Luke decodes them, romance begins, but then they face greater puzzles, like Alex’s interfering sister and what commitment to a man in a wheelchair really takes. And, most puzzling of all, how do you know if love is real?
Second Edition: The new edition coming out Sept 6, 2019 has an additional 12,000 words plus an overall rewrite.
122 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2013
77 people are currently reading
805 people want to read
About the author
Eli Easton
83 books2,804 followersHaving been, at various times and under different names, a minister’s daughter, a computer programmer, the author of paranormal mysteries, a game designer, an organic farmer, an avid hiker, and a profound sleeper, Eli is happily embarking on yet another incarnation as a m/m romance author.
As an addicted reader of such, she is tinkled pink when an author manages to combine literary merit, vast stores of humor, melting hotness and eye-dabbing sweetness into one story. She promises to strive to achieve most of that most of the time. She currently lives on a farm in Pennsylvania with her husband, three bulldogs, three cows and six chickens. All of them (except for the husband) are female, hence explaining the naked men that have taken up residence in her latest fiction writing.
Her website in www.elieaston.com
You can email her at eli@elieaston.com
COMING SOON:
See what's in the pipeline here: http://elieaston.com/work-in-progress/
As an addicted reader of such, she is tinkled pink when an author manages to combine literary merit, vast stores of humor, melting hotness and eye-dabbing sweetness into one story. She promises to strive to achieve most of that most of the time. She currently lives on a farm in Pennsylvania with her husband, three bulldogs, three cows and six chickens. All of them (except for the husband) are female, hence explaining the naked men that have taken up residence in her latest fiction writing.
Her website in www.elieaston.com
You can email her at eli@elieaston.com
COMING SOON:
See what's in the pipeline here: http://elieaston.com/work-in-progress/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 370 reviews
January 2, 2020
The Story
Perfect blurb – I’m not going to paraphrase it.
The Romance
Slowly and smartly built.
Characters
Cute nerds.
Writing Style
Entertaining.
Erotica
Playful and fun.
Ending
Recommended?
Undoubtedly.
Perfect blurb – I’m not going to paraphrase it.
The Romance
Slowly and smartly built.
Characters
Cute nerds.
There was absolutely no doubt the message was for him. Who was doing this?
A slow grin spread over his face, and his gamer mind rubbed its hands together with villainous glee. Oh, this? This was excellent. He ripped off a piece of notepaper and started making a plan.
Writing Style
Entertaining.
Erotica
Playful and fun.
Luke yanked them down. What sprung up would have made a porn star weep with envy. It had to be at least nine inches, fully erect, and heavy as lead.
“Marry me,” Luke whispered in awe.
Alex half giggled, half panted. “Ass! Don’t just look at it. It’s been four years. Do something!”
Ending
Recommended?
Undoubtedly.
September 13, 2019
Review of new edition:
I loved this revised, expanded version, especially the epilogue. Well worth a reread. Solid four stars.
Original review:
~3.5~
Clever, sweet; comfort, disability; tender steamy scenes; and some very funny dialogue.
The crossword puzzle setup was clever, and I liked both MCs, even if I wanted to slap some sense into Luke at the end. My heart broke for Alex, but I was glad he was able to separate himself from a painful situation.
I wish more of the story had been filtered from Alex's POV; we only have a few paragraphs from his perspective at the end.
But what really would have elevated the story is a slightly longer, more developed resolution. The ending was crazy sweet, but it was abrupt.
I still liked it though, because how can one not love these two guys (especially Alex) and their sparkly, fluffy HEA? Not possible.
I loved this revised, expanded version, especially the epilogue. Well worth a reread. Solid four stars.
Original review:
~3.5~
Clever, sweet; comfort, disability; tender steamy scenes; and some very funny dialogue.
The crossword puzzle setup was clever, and I liked both MCs, even if I wanted to slap some sense into Luke at the end. My heart broke for Alex, but I was glad he was able to separate himself from a painful situation.
I wish more of the story had been filtered from Alex's POV; we only have a few paragraphs from his perspective at the end.
But what really would have elevated the story is a slightly longer, more developed resolution. The ending was crazy sweet, but it was abrupt.
I still liked it though, because how can one not love these two guys (especially Alex) and their sparkly, fluffy HEA? Not possible.
October 3, 2013
THE DAILY GOODREADS
MACKY'S PUZZLE OF THE DAY.
1 across: One's self ...... —
2 down : In actual fact, as opposed to what is said or imagined to be true or possible: ...... — — — L L —
3 across: Past tense of a word meaning a deep euphoric affection ......
— — V — D
5 across : The singular proximal demonstrative ......
— H — S
6 down: Having the pleasant taste characteristic of sugar or honey; not salty, sour, or bitter ...... S — — — —
8 across: A form of love that is often regarded as different from mere needs driven by sexual desire, or lust ...... R — — A — — — C
10 down : A narrative of events ......S— — R Y
13 down : Used for saying who or what does something ...... B —
16 across : Early biblical character ......E — I
18 down : Surname of 80's " 9 To 5 " singer Sheena ...... E — — T — N
21 across : Satisfied exhale of breath ...... S — — H !
23 down : What you do, usually without music, when you've really enjoyed something, that can make you look a bit dorky but you don't care because you just feel all giddy and full of Yaaay!
* — A — — Y..... D — — C — *
For answers see below.
MACKY'S PUZZLE OF THE DAY.
1 across: One's self ...... —
2 down : In actual fact, as opposed to what is said or imagined to be true or possible: ...... — — — L L —
3 across: Past tense of a word meaning a deep euphoric affection ......
— — V — D
5 across : The singular proximal demonstrative ......
— H — S
6 down: Having the pleasant taste characteristic of sugar or honey; not salty, sour, or bitter ...... S — — — —
8 across: A form of love that is often regarded as different from mere needs driven by sexual desire, or lust ...... R — — A — — — C
10 down : A narrative of events ......S— — R Y
13 down : Used for saying who or what does something ...... B —
16 across : Early biblical character ......E — I
18 down : Surname of 80's " 9 To 5 " singer Sheena ...... E — — T — N
21 across : Satisfied exhale of breath ...... S — — H !
23 down : What you do, usually without music, when you've really enjoyed something, that can make you look a bit dorky but you don't care because you just feel all giddy and full of Yaaay!
* — A — — Y..... D — — C — *
For answers see below.
May 22, 2015
Ridiculously fucking adorable and romantic and sweet, etc. etc.! All hopeless M/M romantics need to read this one! That is all.
September 23, 2019
I could tell right away that Puzzle Me This was a re-release of an older work by Eli Easton. Eli Easton is one of my favorite authors and she has written some amazing stories, and though Puzzle Me This was sweet, it wasn't quite up to the caliber of her later work.
I'll always read a romance with a more atypical MC, and the fact that one of the MCs is in a wheelchair certainly caught my attention. I liked how there were a number of emotional and logistical things that were addressed about the MC being in a wheelchair, though I prefer how the author really explored it further in "The Mating of Michael," a personal favorite of mine.
The crossword puzzle meet-cute was actually a bit... creepy, IMO. It felt vaguely stalker-like. I preferred their interactions later, though I get that messaging your crush through a crossword puzzle sounds intriguing. I wish that aspect of the story was taken further and was a bigger part of the greater picture, somehow integrated in a different way to be less creepy and more interesting. Not sure how the author would do that, but I wanted it to be more fleshed out and resolved.
I liked how the two MCs came together in the end, and I love an epilogue, but I think the story would have benefited from being a full novel. There was too much to unpack for a novella-format.
Still, it was an Eli Easton story, so of course I enjoyed most of it, even if I expected a bit more.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
goodreads|instagram|twitter|blog
I'll always read a romance with a more atypical MC, and the fact that one of the MCs is in a wheelchair certainly caught my attention. I liked how there were a number of emotional and logistical things that were addressed about the MC being in a wheelchair, though I prefer how the author really explored it further in "The Mating of Michael," a personal favorite of mine.
The crossword puzzle meet-cute was actually a bit... creepy, IMO. It felt vaguely stalker-like. I preferred their interactions later, though I get that messaging your crush through a crossword puzzle sounds intriguing. I wish that aspect of the story was taken further and was a bigger part of the greater picture, somehow integrated in a different way to be less creepy and more interesting. Not sure how the author would do that, but I wanted it to be more fleshed out and resolved.
I liked how the two MCs came together in the end, and I love an epilogue, but I think the story would have benefited from being a full novel. There was too much to unpack for a novella-format.
Still, it was an Eli Easton story, so of course I enjoyed most of it, even if I expected a bit more.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
goodreads|instagram|twitter|blog
September 7, 2019
Happy. Yep, that’s me. As I finished this story I was overcome with a surge of pure joy. I read a great deal of angst these days but I still crave a lighthearted story in between to lighten my spirits. Puzzle Me This was exactly what I needed. I enjoyed both Luke and Alex immensely and quickly cruised through their book smiling (nearly) the entire time. It’s not only delightful though…it’s also tender, silly and sexy. The blurb presents a solid foundation of what to expect and with the EE initials attached, I didn’t hesitate to jump in. Here’s why I think you should join me…
What's to like: Alex has lived a solitary life. Not necessarily by choice but by default. Bound to his wheelchair he doesn’t have the same freedom as his peers. But living on his own was a long aspired dream and one he doesn’t take for granted. Watching his neighbor venture into the nearby woods with his pup has become his favorite past time. Soon his addiction pushes him to the next level. And when he catches Luke’s attention with his clever secret messages within his addition to the newspaper, he’s terrified yet…thrilled. Both men are a bit nerdy, both men are a bit lonely, and both men discover they are missing a significant piece to their lives.
What's to love: I can easily see why Alex was smitten with Luke. His cheery personality is contagious. He never focuses on Alex’s limitations but doesn’t dismiss them either. When Luke looks at Alex, he sees him not a man in a chair. Which is a new experience for Alex. Luke has always been carefree but he’s grown out of his wayward ways. He wants to keep his happy-go-lucky life but with one special person. He’s quite certain he’s found the one he was looking for but his confidence wavers when outside pressures squeeze tighter. He’s never done the relationship thing before and he wants to, more than anything. But what if he fails? Maybe it’s time to put Alex’s needs before his own? Or deep down, are they both after the same thing? It’s not a tough mystery to solve but it sure was enjoyable watching it unravel.
Beware of: An abundance of romance within limited pages. Sisterly love with good but overbearing intentions. And a gap in communications that will make you growl but an ending that will leave a smile on your face.
This book is for: If you’re searching for a fun, warm, quick read, look no further…this puzzle is just what you need.
Book UNfunk
What's to like: Alex has lived a solitary life. Not necessarily by choice but by default. Bound to his wheelchair he doesn’t have the same freedom as his peers. But living on his own was a long aspired dream and one he doesn’t take for granted. Watching his neighbor venture into the nearby woods with his pup has become his favorite past time. Soon his addiction pushes him to the next level. And when he catches Luke’s attention with his clever secret messages within his addition to the newspaper, he’s terrified yet…thrilled. Both men are a bit nerdy, both men are a bit lonely, and both men discover they are missing a significant piece to their lives.
What's to love: I can easily see why Alex was smitten with Luke. His cheery personality is contagious. He never focuses on Alex’s limitations but doesn’t dismiss them either. When Luke looks at Alex, he sees him not a man in a chair. Which is a new experience for Alex. Luke has always been carefree but he’s grown out of his wayward ways. He wants to keep his happy-go-lucky life but with one special person. He’s quite certain he’s found the one he was looking for but his confidence wavers when outside pressures squeeze tighter. He’s never done the relationship thing before and he wants to, more than anything. But what if he fails? Maybe it’s time to put Alex’s needs before his own? Or deep down, are they both after the same thing? It’s not a tough mystery to solve but it sure was enjoyable watching it unravel.
Beware of: An abundance of romance within limited pages. Sisterly love with good but overbearing intentions. And a gap in communications that will make you growl but an ending that will leave a smile on your face.
This book is for: If you’re searching for a fun, warm, quick read, look no further…this puzzle is just what you need.
Book UNfunk
September 9, 2019
Woohoo, another winner!! I've even started an 'Eli Easton' shelf...she must be good!! I loved this one, and again there were happy tears...what am I on?? 4 stars and a big 
from me.
Luke Schumaker is a computer games designer,
working from home. All of a sudden, newspapers keep being left on his doorstep and when he looks inside,
he finds that the crossword in the paper has questions and answers which relate to him. Puzzled and slightly creeped out by this
, he decides to ask around and do a little investigating of his own....long story short, he discovers that the guy at 21b is the villain of the piece, and said guy Alex, is actually trying to ask Luke out..there is just one problem...Alex is handicapped and in a wheelchair - does Alex let that put him off...does he heck!! The guys meet, decide they like each other and start going out. Things are going well every which way
until Luke is asked to return to San Francisco to rush through the game he is developing in time for Christmas to help save the company from going under, and Luke is well aware that going back there with his old mates will entice him into his old ways...
clubbing, one night stands etc., Needless to say, Alex is not happy with this situation 
and as he's been hurt badly in the past, more or less cuts Luke loose. I'll let you discover what happens from then on.
This book had some good one liners
(again, thanks Eli), and of course there were suspicious and protective sisters around....the best kind, I was one myself!!
from me.Luke Schumaker is a computer games designer,
working from home. All of a sudden, newspapers keep being left on his doorstep and when he looks inside, he finds that the crossword in the paper has questions and answers which relate to him. Puzzled and slightly creeped out by this, he decides to ask around and do a little investigating of his own....long story short, he discovers that the guy at 21b is the villain of the piece, and said guy Alex, is actually trying to ask Luke out..there is just one problem...Alex is handicapped and in a wheelchair - does Alex let that put him off...does he heck!! The guys meet, decide they like each other and start going out. Things are going well every which way until Luke is asked to return to San Francisco to rush through the game he is developing in time for Christmas to help save the company from going under, and Luke is well aware that going back there with his old mates will entice him into his old ways...clubbing, one night stands etc., Needless to say, Alex is not happy with this situation and as he's been hurt badly in the past, more or less cuts Luke loose. I'll let you discover what happens from then on.This book had some good one liners
(again, thanks Eli), and of course there were suspicious and protective sisters around....the best kind, I was one myself!!
Read
August 29, 2019This is now out! On my website you can view my 'desktop' post--images I used for inspiration while creating this story:
http://elieaston.com/desktop-puzzle-m...
This is the first m/m story I ever wrote, it just got a little behind in the production side of things. It's a sweet little novella, 20K words, which you may enjoy if you like any of the following:
* stories with a disabled MC
* nerds
* puzzles and games
You can read an excerpt here: http://elieaston.com/books-by-eli-eas...
http://elieaston.com/desktop-puzzle-m...
This is the first m/m story I ever wrote, it just got a little behind in the production side of things. It's a sweet little novella, 20K words, which you may enjoy if you like any of the following:
* stories with a disabled MC
* nerds
* puzzles and games
You can read an excerpt here: http://elieaston.com/books-by-eli-eas...
December 16, 2014
4 Cross Stars
Cute and fun, this book follows the author's style and gives you a nice, fluffy story that is very light on drama. I liked this but I think I would have liked a little more pages to get to know the characters better.
Cute and fun, this book follows the author's style and gives you a nice, fluffy story that is very light on drama. I liked this but I think I would have liked a little more pages to get to know the characters better.
September 25, 2013
Ever since I read Superhero by Eli Easton she has been on my auto- jump-on-it-like-its-trying-to-get-away-and-I'm-not-gonna-let-it-list.
So when I saw the blurb for this short I knew I had to read it and add to that the cover really fits the story to a T.
Luke has moved back to Pennsylvania after years in California and he is loving it.
He and Trevor, his trusty pup, hike every morning before he starts his work (from home) as a computer game designer.
I love how clever and creative Alex is, his way of introducing himself to Luke is fun and actually shows how alike they are, since Luke figures it out pretty quickly.
They both have a similar sense of humor and fall into a very easy friendship.
It's told from Luke's POV and at first I was surprised how easily he fell into a relationship with Alex. Alex being in a wheelchair didn't seem to phase him, at least until he talked to Alex's sister and then he starts having doubts.
“He wasn’t afraid to be the guy dating the guy in the wheelchair, Luke realized. But he had been afraid that one day he’d turn out to be the asshole who’d dumped the guy in the wheelchair and broke his heart.”
His fear of it not working out stopped him from really giving it his all.
It's a novella length story, so I didn't get as much of a feel for them as I wanted too, but what I did get I loved. Luke with his flannel kink and quick wit was perfect for Alex.
Although, greedy me did wish for more of Alex's thoughts and feelings and I would have loved to see how he goes about his life outside of the time he spends with Luke. I also think keeping it to only Luke's thoughts and feelings gave the story a 'lighter' feel than if I had gotten into Alex's head.
I was miffed at Alex for giving up so quickly, not on Luke, he deserved what he got, but on the life he had made for himself and his independence. I was more upset with Luke, he really can be a dense, but when he finally gets it, he more than makes up for being stupid.
“And he would rather spend his life walking on rail trails, if Alex was by his side, than climbing the most magnificent peaks."
I thought his message delivery was as cute as Luke's.
I really enjoyed this short, the ending was sweet and romantic, if a little rushed.
So when I saw the blurb for this short I knew I had to read it and add to that the cover really fits the story to a T.
Luke has moved back to Pennsylvania after years in California and he is loving it.
He and Trevor, his trusty pup, hike every morning before he starts his work (from home) as a computer game designer.
I love how clever and creative Alex is, his way of introducing himself to Luke is fun and actually shows how alike they are, since Luke figures it out pretty quickly.
They both have a similar sense of humor and fall into a very easy friendship.
It's told from Luke's POV and at first I was surprised how easily he fell into a relationship with Alex. Alex being in a wheelchair didn't seem to phase him, at least until he talked to Alex's sister and then he starts having doubts.
“He wasn’t afraid to be the guy dating the guy in the wheelchair, Luke realized. But he had been afraid that one day he’d turn out to be the asshole who’d dumped the guy in the wheelchair and broke his heart.”
His fear of it not working out stopped him from really giving it his all.
It's a novella length story, so I didn't get as much of a feel for them as I wanted too, but what I did get I loved. Luke with his flannel kink and quick wit was perfect for Alex.
Although, greedy me did wish for more of Alex's thoughts and feelings and I would have loved to see how he goes about his life outside of the time he spends with Luke. I also think keeping it to only Luke's thoughts and feelings gave the story a 'lighter' feel than if I had gotten into Alex's head.
I was miffed at Alex for giving up so quickly, not on Luke, he deserved what he got, but on the life he had made for himself and his independence. I was more upset with Luke, he really can be a dense, but when he finally gets it, he more than makes up for being stupid.
“And he would rather spend his life walking on rail trails, if Alex was by his side, than climbing the most magnificent peaks."
I thought his message delivery was as cute as Luke's.
I really enjoyed this short, the ending was sweet and romantic, if a little rushed.
January 18, 2024
This was a sweet and quick read.
I kind of wish the mystery part at the beginning had gone longer before they met each other.
I really enjoyed the story though.
I kind of wish the mystery part at the beginning had gone longer before they met each other.
I really enjoyed the story though.
October 6, 2013
This story started with clever and intriguing premise as Luke received crossword puzzles with hints specially made for him. Who could this person who sent the puzzles be? Because of that, I was expecting that the puzzles would play big part in the story, act as smart and witty clues and help bringing the characters together.
Unfortunately, as the story moved along, it ended up at the “just okay” spectrum of my rating. I thought the story lost it sparks and it fizzled with rather banal conflict and a rather rushed resolution, which made the ending felt like an afterthought. Luke and Alex met quickly and there was feeling and at first Luke made sure that Alex’s disability didn’t bother him … but then the last 1/3rd part he had doubts, he put a distance away from Alex, and then bam! Epiphany.
I had a feeling that this was also due to the story being a novella-length, thus there was a limitation of the story not being explored thoroughly. It was also the first m/m story that Eli Easton wrote (she stated this fact on her own review-note). I read her other stories and they were good. So it was rather underdeveloped but it won’t stop me for checking her upcoming ones though.
Unfortunately, as the story moved along, it ended up at the “just okay” spectrum of my rating. I thought the story lost it sparks and it fizzled with rather banal conflict and a rather rushed resolution, which made the ending felt like an afterthought. Luke and Alex met quickly and there was feeling and at first Luke made sure that Alex’s disability didn’t bother him … but then the last 1/3rd part he had doubts, he put a distance away from Alex, and then bam! Epiphany.
I had a feeling that this was also due to the story being a novella-length, thus there was a limitation of the story not being explored thoroughly. It was also the first m/m story that Eli Easton wrote (she stated this fact on her own review-note). I read her other stories and they were good. So it was rather underdeveloped but it won’t stop me for checking her upcoming ones though.
September 6, 2019
NOTE: re-reading as Eli has republished it.
06/09/2919
Well this is still just a wonderfully sweet and touching novella that hits all the right notes and has one of the most original meet/cutes I've ever read in a book.
I still love Alex and Luke and the disability element of the narrative is still handled with ultimate sensitivity and respect.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
****
Original Review
Arghhh too short! What a delightfully sweet novella with all the feels.
Just lovely from start to finish and little subtle touches of humour to stop it becoming mawkish.
06/09/2919
Well this is still just a wonderfully sweet and touching novella that hits all the right notes and has one of the most original meet/cutes I've ever read in a book.
I still love Alex and Luke and the disability element of the narrative is still handled with ultimate sensitivity and respect.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
****
Original Review
Arghhh too short! What a delightfully sweet novella with all the feels.
Just lovely from start to finish and little subtle touches of humour to stop it becoming mawkish.
September 7, 2019
3.5 Stars
My only complaint about this was that it was too short and not fleshed out enough.
Luke is instantly intrigued and hopeful that his secret admirer could potentially be someone special. When he finds out it’s Alex, he’s far from being intimidated by his disability. These two hit it off immediately and it is hot and sweet. Each have their reservations, not wanting to hurt or be hurt.
As always, Easton excels in the UST and vulnerability. Quite the sexy number but again, I wish this story was just a bit more developed.
My only complaint about this was that it was too short and not fleshed out enough.
Luke is instantly intrigued and hopeful that his secret admirer could potentially be someone special. When he finds out it’s Alex, he’s far from being intimidated by his disability. These two hit it off immediately and it is hot and sweet. Each have their reservations, not wanting to hurt or be hurt.
As always, Easton excels in the UST and vulnerability. Quite the sexy number but again, I wish this story was just a bit more developed.
September 8, 2019
*Exactly 3,5 stars*
And darn for having to round down.
My main problem with this one is that I know The Mating of Michael by the same author, which also features one MC in a wheelchair. And I adore that book. It's on my 'best of the best' shelf. And it’s hard not to compare. Tbh, it’s impossible.
I really enjoyed 'Puzzle Me This' all in all, particularly the original way Alex and Luke meet.
Even if this was based purely on luck, namely that ..
a.) Luke would even look at the crossword,
b.) that he would work it out right and
c.) that he would figure out who was behind it.
Still, I loved the thought and how things developed.
It is also fabulous how much Eli Easton manages to pack into this extended and edited novella. And I was glad Luke had some serious and much needed thoughts eventually what having a relationship with a guy in a wheelchair would mean practically in the long run. If he had just plunged into it, it wouldn’t have felt right.
But I did think it was maybe a bit extreme how Alex reacted to a pure gut feeling that things were over, when he had never discussed any of it with Luke.
Anyway, the simple truth is, this is well written and cute with some serious issues thrown in without being overbearing. But it missed the depth, the heart-break and the emotion I found in 'The Mating of Michael'.
My apologies to the book, this is purely on me.
And darn for having to round down.
My main problem with this one is that I know The Mating of Michael by the same author, which also features one MC in a wheelchair. And I adore that book. It's on my 'best of the best' shelf. And it’s hard not to compare. Tbh, it’s impossible.
I really enjoyed 'Puzzle Me This' all in all, particularly the original way Alex and Luke meet.
Even if this was based purely on luck, namely that ..
a.) Luke would even look at the crossword,
b.) that he would work it out right and
c.) that he would figure out who was behind it.
Still, I loved the thought and how things developed.
It is also fabulous how much Eli Easton manages to pack into this extended and edited novella. And I was glad Luke had some serious and much needed thoughts eventually what having a relationship with a guy in a wheelchair would mean practically in the long run. If he had just plunged into it, it wouldn’t have felt right.
But I did think it was maybe a bit extreme how Alex reacted to a pure gut feeling that things were over, when he had never discussed any of it with Luke.
Anyway, the simple truth is, this is well written and cute with some serious issues thrown in without being overbearing. But it missed the depth, the heart-break and the emotion I found in 'The Mating of Michael'.
My apologies to the book, this is purely on me.
February 6, 2017
3.5 Stars
When Luke Schumaker relocates from California back to his home state of Pennsylvania he quickly gets into a pleasant routine, one that includes working from home designing video games and walking his dog every morning in the woods behind his apartment building.
Shortly after settling in to the quieter life, Luke finds himself the subject of his morning crossword puzzles. Clearly, Luke is being watched – he hopes in a sweet, romantic way, and not a creepy stalker way – and, soon enough, the need to work out who the puzzle-maker is begins to consume Luke’s waking thoughts.
After a series of anonymous interactions via his crosswords, Alex Shaw reveals himself as Luke’s admirer. Alex lives in the same apartment building as Luke and has been smitten with him from afar since he moved in. Alex also works from home, designing various puzzles for different newspapers in the area. He’s sweet and shy and completely endearing to Luke, but he is also permanently bound to a wheelchair.
The two begin a tentative relationship, too besotted by one another not to try and see what they could have together. But personal insecurities and feelings of inadequacy run rampant for both men, making the road to love a little bumpy along the way.
This was completely charming and romantic. I very much enjoyed the concept of romancing someone through a series of crossword puzzles (it’s the geek and puzzle lover in me). I felt the story wasn’t as fleshed out as it possibly could have been, with a very quick, and seemingly unrealistic and sappy ending to this too short story, but I had fun along the way and will take a HEA any way I can get it.
When Luke Schumaker relocates from California back to his home state of Pennsylvania he quickly gets into a pleasant routine, one that includes working from home designing video games and walking his dog every morning in the woods behind his apartment building.
Shortly after settling in to the quieter life, Luke finds himself the subject of his morning crossword puzzles. Clearly, Luke is being watched – he hopes in a sweet, romantic way, and not a creepy stalker way – and, soon enough, the need to work out who the puzzle-maker is begins to consume Luke’s waking thoughts.
After a series of anonymous interactions via his crosswords, Alex Shaw reveals himself as Luke’s admirer. Alex lives in the same apartment building as Luke and has been smitten with him from afar since he moved in. Alex also works from home, designing various puzzles for different newspapers in the area. He’s sweet and shy and completely endearing to Luke, but he is also permanently bound to a wheelchair.
The two begin a tentative relationship, too besotted by one another not to try and see what they could have together. But personal insecurities and feelings of inadequacy run rampant for both men, making the road to love a little bumpy along the way.
This was completely charming and romantic. I very much enjoyed the concept of romancing someone through a series of crossword puzzles (it’s the geek and puzzle lover in me). I felt the story wasn’t as fleshed out as it possibly could have been, with a very quick, and seemingly unrealistic and sappy ending to this too short story, but I had fun along the way and will take a HEA any way I can get it.
October 8, 2013
I am a Crossword Queen. Well in my head I am anyway. The New York Times crossword is my bitch! Haha…Nah, more like my addiction and nemesis. One I cherish every day. So Puzzle Me This by Eli Easton fits into a couple of my happy reading pockets.
What do you get when a crossword creator romances a computer game designer?
HOT nerd loving! :D
With charm, heat, and adorable dorky banter, Luke and Alex made me smile and cheer. A quick read filled with romance, stalking, fun, and games. A story that reminded me to say it out loud. People tend to fill in the silences and blanks someone leaves in a moment, relationship, and life with their own pain and insecurities. So say what’s in your heart before it’s too late. Don’t leave the ones you love guessing.
8 Across: Muy _ _ _ _
6 Across: Adorable _ _ _ _
7 Down: _ _ _ _ a-long
5 Across: Another word for play or amusement _ _ _
3 Down: Pleasant chit chat _ _ _ _ _ _
10 Across: summer _ _ _ _
9 Down: Valentine’s Day can be filled with love & _ _ _ _ _ _ _
11 Up & Down: Solo pipe cleaning *waggles eyebrows* You are on your own with that clue.
Answer:
Hope you have fun with this sweet, sweet read.
October 26, 2014
YES! She did it again!
That's it!!! Eli Easton IS one of my "automatic buy" authors!
As I said before, I love disabled characters! They sim to sort of compensate their disability with their heart and emotions, and well... I'm sucker for emo (most times) when it's done well, and WELL it was done!!
I loved both MC's. Luke was great, and I loved the fact that he didn't REALLY thought Alex's disability was a big disadvantage to HIM. He had fears, but only just ones, and ones he needed to just think about in a pragmatic way.
He wasn't embarrassed by it, or thought it was going to make his life difficult.
Alex was SO sweet and loveable, he was simply beautiful!
He even made me cry (the email?? OMG, tears!!) and it does not happen a lot this days (unfortunately).
So yes! Big 5 from me!!
That's it!!! Eli Easton IS one of my "automatic buy" authors!
As I said before, I love disabled characters! They sim to sort of compensate their disability with their heart and emotions, and well... I'm sucker for emo (most times) when it's done well, and WELL it was done!!
I loved both MC's. Luke was great, and I loved the fact that he didn't REALLY thought Alex's disability was a big disadvantage to HIM. He had fears, but only just ones, and ones he needed to just think about in a pragmatic way.
He wasn't embarrassed by it, or thought it was going to make his life difficult.
Alex was SO sweet and loveable, he was simply beautiful!
He even made me cry (the email?? OMG, tears!!) and it does not happen a lot this days (unfortunately).
So yes! Big 5 from me!!
November 11, 2017
This was cute. But it was never more than that for me. I never cried with these two, never really felt they had a real issue. And it was a big one ; but then, Luke just had one big epiphany in the end and that was it.
But still. The puzzles in the beginning were cute (if a bit stalker-y), and the story was just a really nice, light story.
But still. The puzzles in the beginning were cute (if a bit stalker-y), and the story was just a really nice, light story.
December 21, 2013
For a book where one MC has a major physical handicap, this is a surprisingly sweet, light and easy ride. Perhaps because we only get Luke's POV, we aren't privy to the anxiety and pain Alex must have dealt with. The result is a great comfort-read type of book, with a few moments of emotion, and two very likable MCs.
February 22, 2016
I was really digging this until the Halloween party scene. I was a bit bothered by Luke’s attitude towards the end. It’s not like he didn’t know what he’s going into. Okay, say we’ll give him the benefit of the doubt – thinking about it, it’s still not cool for him to act like a douche
Rating: 2.5 stars
Rating: 2.5 stars
February 27, 2014
I have determined that when I’m in the need for a literary hug I should look no further than an Eli Easton story. In this one we have Luke and Alex who live in the same apartment complex and the way they meet, through Alex’s secret notes in the local papers crossword puzzle is both sweet and unique. It made sense that Luke would figure it out, being a video game designer and puzzle geek himself. Their courtship is both thoughtful and steamy and I really liked reading about them together.
Alex is wheelchair bound and is too shy to approach Luke in a more traditional manner. When Luke and Alex do meet, Luke admits to being completely flattered by Alex’s overture and he’s very attracted to everything about Alex. Now, one thing I really appreciate about this author’s characters is they are likable but not perfect. I hate a perfect MC, I love real human reactions and when characters question themselves like real life people do. It’s important to Luke that he is with Alex for the right reasons and that a life together would be practical for them both. I realize that doesn’t sound really romantic, but it’s realistic and I give Luke credit for that. Alex’s family and friends don’t make it easy on Luke and I could understand Alex’s sister and her protective nature. Luke sticks it out though and I was all kinds of happy.
Of course angst has to happen, but it wasn’t overdone and fit the storyline. The outside world separated the boys for a time and Luke’s overwork and second guessing left me frustrated but that’s what was realistic and what kept the story from being too much fluffy love and instead was a really sweet romance with just enough realism.
There were only two things I would have liked to see, the first being more of the puzzle courting with a little more mystery. It was fun and I loved that premise so I would have been completely happy with more of it. Secondly I think Luke needed to explain himself and his epiphany more to Alex. I bought what he was saying because I was in his head, but Alex didn’t get to hear that inner dialog and I wanted him to, he deserved it.
This is a perfect read for when you want to be hugged without being patronized and you want to meet a couple of MC’s you want to hang out with in real life.
Alex is wheelchair bound and is too shy to approach Luke in a more traditional manner. When Luke and Alex do meet, Luke admits to being completely flattered by Alex’s overture and he’s very attracted to everything about Alex. Now, one thing I really appreciate about this author’s characters is they are likable but not perfect. I hate a perfect MC, I love real human reactions and when characters question themselves like real life people do. It’s important to Luke that he is with Alex for the right reasons and that a life together would be practical for them both. I realize that doesn’t sound really romantic, but it’s realistic and I give Luke credit for that. Alex’s family and friends don’t make it easy on Luke and I could understand Alex’s sister and her protective nature. Luke sticks it out though and I was all kinds of happy.
Of course angst has to happen, but it wasn’t overdone and fit the storyline. The outside world separated the boys for a time and Luke’s overwork and second guessing left me frustrated but that’s what was realistic and what kept the story from being too much fluffy love and instead was a really sweet romance with just enough realism.
There were only two things I would have liked to see, the first being more of the puzzle courting with a little more mystery. It was fun and I loved that premise so I would have been completely happy with more of it. Secondly I think Luke needed to explain himself and his epiphany more to Alex. I bought what he was saying because I was in his head, but Alex didn’t get to hear that inner dialog and I wanted him to, he deserved it.
This is a perfect read for when you want to be hugged without being patronized and you want to meet a couple of MC’s you want to hang out with in real life.
September 9, 2019
Luke and Alex
What a super delightful read. I enjoyed this immensely. I can go on and on about what a wonderful read this is. I will keep it short(er). Just read it!
Two guys round their thirties meet and there is an instant attraction.
Alex has a crush for Luke. He sees him every day running into the woods with his dog.
A road Alex can’t go because sitting in his wheelchair makes that road impossible for him.
In the most original way, he makes it possible to get Luke to notice him and Luke is instantly interested in him. They start something together.
It’s all going great until it’s not really. Family matters and unprocessed emotions bring doubt. Thank goodness for common sense and a reality check.
This was the most fluffy read, in a good way!
Luke was adorable and Alex not less.
Luke.. oh boy Luke, he has the best humor ever... I will just give you one:
-It contained several boxes of condoms and a jumbo-sized lube. "Damn. We won't have to leave the house 'til 2025."-
It’s really spontaneous humor, he’s just lighting up the room, the best!
How they both worked with Alex his inability was done in the best way.
A warm, thoughtful and wonderful story. The engaging way of writing made this into a winner.
Emotions all over. Maturity and honesty was something here, I loved that so much. Both men were so incredibly adorable I wanted to hug and squeeze them, hard!
A must-read!
What a super delightful read. I enjoyed this immensely. I can go on and on about what a wonderful read this is. I will keep it short(er). Just read it!
Two guys round their thirties meet and there is an instant attraction.
Alex has a crush for Luke. He sees him every day running into the woods with his dog.
A road Alex can’t go because sitting in his wheelchair makes that road impossible for him.
In the most original way, he makes it possible to get Luke to notice him and Luke is instantly interested in him. They start something together.
It’s all going great until it’s not really. Family matters and unprocessed emotions bring doubt. Thank goodness for common sense and a reality check.
This was the most fluffy read, in a good way!
Luke was adorable and Alex not less.
Luke.. oh boy Luke, he has the best humor ever... I will just give you one:
-It contained several boxes of condoms and a jumbo-sized lube. "Damn. We won't have to leave the house 'til 2025."-
It’s really spontaneous humor, he’s just lighting up the room, the best!
How they both worked with Alex his inability was done in the best way.
A warm, thoughtful and wonderful story. The engaging way of writing made this into a winner.
Emotions all over. Maturity and honesty was something here, I loved that so much. Both men were so incredibly adorable I wanted to hug and squeeze them, hard!
A must-read!
July 22, 2016
Puzzle Me This was such a touching story. I'm not typically a fan of novellas and avoid reading stories under 80 pages but I'm so glad I decided to read this. In 60+ pages, Eli Easton managed to to deliver a full story. She delivered the building of a relationship and character development.
This story was:
*sweet
*emotional
*steamy
*(as I mentioned earlier) touching
*engaging
This was a slam dunk for me. From the writing to the characters- everything worked for me. 5 stars! ♥
December 6, 2014
Idk why I put this off so long. I also don't kno how in such short little novellas that if written by anyone else would be *too* sweet, Eli Easton can pull me in and make me just cheer for a couple. Great little story.
January 17, 2024
Re-read January 17, 2023
Re-read July 27, 2022
This was a clever and sweet story. Thought it was a tad bit rushed in the end, but still liked it a lot. Probably will read it again in the future when I'm in the need of a good pick-me-up.
Re-read July 27, 2022
This was a clever and sweet story. Thought it was a tad bit rushed in the end, but still liked it a lot. Probably will read it again in the future when I'm in the need of a good pick-me-up.
October 21, 2013
Sweet and charming.
A book to make you smile. I wanted to kick Luke and pat him on the back as he dealt with his own feelings about Alex and their relationship. It's not always easy facing what you don't know and realizing that you weren't making the right decisions. Smart guy, but some dumb moves.
Alex, absolutely sweet and adorable. Add in his intelligence and skills, ahem...and he's a gem.
My main grievance, the story is too short. There's the complicated issue of disability being addressed and it's not treated glibly by any means, but I would have been more than happy to spend more time watching this knot unravel.
A book to make you smile. I wanted to kick Luke and pat him on the back as he dealt with his own feelings about Alex and their relationship. It's not always easy facing what you don't know and realizing that you weren't making the right decisions. Smart guy, but some dumb moves.
Alex, absolutely sweet and adorable. Add in his intelligence and skills, ahem...and he's a gem.
My main grievance, the story is too short. There's the complicated issue of disability being addressed and it's not treated glibly by any means, but I would have been more than happy to spend more time watching this knot unravel.
November 22, 2016
Overall book rating: 3.5
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 3.5
Loved the puzzle idea, and even the game aspect. I think that was something else and I really had fun with the idea of Alex trying to catch Luke's attention in an unusual way.
This book had a heap of potential should it have been allowed to give the idea more room for growth but unfortunately for me, it simply was to short and it didn't ring realistic in the end.
I'll give it 3.5 simply because I liked the characters well enough and their approach to reaching out to each other was truly worth an extra star in my opinion.
This could really have been so awesome.
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 3.5
Loved the puzzle idea, and even the game aspect. I think that was something else and I really had fun with the idea of Alex trying to catch Luke's attention in an unusual way.
This book had a heap of potential should it have been allowed to give the idea more room for growth but unfortunately for me, it simply was to short and it didn't ring realistic in the end.
I'll give it 3.5 simply because I liked the characters well enough and their approach to reaching out to each other was truly worth an extra star in my opinion.
This could really have been so awesome.
October 11, 2013
4.5 stars from me :)
I know I’ve said it before, but I *love* reading about anyone overcoming a disability and finding true love. Being a hopeless romantic, it totally warms my heart.
Luke is a game designer who works from home. He returns home from walking his dog to find an issue of the Philadelphia Examiner on his doorstep, even though he does not subscribe to the paper. After determining that it does not belong to any of his neighbors, he takes it inside to read over breakfast. He’s doing the crossword puzzle and is shocked to find a hidden message that seems to be directed at him. The next morning, the same thing happens. New crossword puzzle, new clues, new message for him. Intrigued, he sets out to find his secret admirer.
It turns out to be his neighbor Alex. Alex has been watching Luke from his apartment window. Alex is in a wheelchair and too shy to approach Luke directly. Thus the secret messages in the crossword puzzles he creates for the local paper.
What a sweet story with two very charming characters. I loved them both! I only took off ½ star because the ending felt a bit rushed to me. I will definitely read more from this author! Already adding Superhero to my TBR list :)
I know I’ve said it before, but I *love* reading about anyone overcoming a disability and finding true love. Being a hopeless romantic, it totally warms my heart.
Luke is a game designer who works from home. He returns home from walking his dog to find an issue of the Philadelphia Examiner on his doorstep, even though he does not subscribe to the paper. After determining that it does not belong to any of his neighbors, he takes it inside to read over breakfast. He’s doing the crossword puzzle and is shocked to find a hidden message that seems to be directed at him. The next morning, the same thing happens. New crossword puzzle, new clues, new message for him. Intrigued, he sets out to find his secret admirer.
It turns out to be his neighbor Alex. Alex has been watching Luke from his apartment window. Alex is in a wheelchair and too shy to approach Luke directly. Thus the secret messages in the crossword puzzles he creates for the local paper.
What a sweet story with two very charming characters. I loved them both! I only took off ½ star because the ending felt a bit rushed to me. I will definitely read more from this author! Already adding Superhero to my TBR list :)
September 17, 2019
Despite not much happening in the course of the book I enjoyed it a lot. It was sweet, funny and absolutely nerdtastic. The MCs were at times adorable and a bit unsure and at times passionate and tender. Told in dual POV the story had plenty of steam, mild angst and many moments that made me laugh out loud.
The way Alex and Luke get to meet for the first time is, frankly speaking, so cute and ingenious. I liked them both. Alex is strong, independent and wicked smart. Add to that great sense of humor and that certain joie de vivre, and he is the perfect package. Luke is successful, intelligent, has a cute pet dog Trevor and long silky hair - Alex's dream come true. And while the initial relationship develops naturally, the insecurities and old hang-ups resurface to mess with both Alex and Luke's heads. But both men are clever enough to recognize a good thing when they see it, so with some hiccups they get back on track to their happy ever after.
Ms Easton provided enough background for both MCs to show me what kind of men they were and what shaped them. She explored Luke's feelings more and did them justice. I felt together with him and for him. That's not to say that what Alex felt was any less valuable, and I was glad to see him stand up for himself as did Luke. I liked how the author wrote about Alex's disability - it was thoughtful and didn't portray everything in tragic light. Yes, life is not without difficulties, but as both Luke and Alex say - it's just logistics. I loved the ending. It was so romantic and made my heart light. It was very sweet romance, and I recommend it.
The way Alex and Luke get to meet for the first time is, frankly speaking, so cute and ingenious. I liked them both. Alex is strong, independent and wicked smart. Add to that great sense of humor and that certain joie de vivre, and he is the perfect package. Luke is successful, intelligent, has a cute pet dog Trevor and long silky hair - Alex's dream come true. And while the initial relationship develops naturally, the insecurities and old hang-ups resurface to mess with both Alex and Luke's heads. But both men are clever enough to recognize a good thing when they see it, so with some hiccups they get back on track to their happy ever after.
Ms Easton provided enough background for both MCs to show me what kind of men they were and what shaped them. She explored Luke's feelings more and did them justice. I felt together with him and for him. That's not to say that what Alex felt was any less valuable, and I was glad to see him stand up for himself as did Luke. I liked how the author wrote about Alex's disability - it was thoughtful and didn't portray everything in tragic light. Yes, life is not without difficulties, but as both Luke and Alex say - it's just logistics. I loved the ending. It was so romantic and made my heart light. It was very sweet romance, and I recommend it.
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