Alex: Nobody knows the real me. I didn’t choose to be famous or wealthy, and I’ve seen firsthand how the media ruins lives--including mine. So I keep everything secret, controlled, and undisclosed. Especially the fact that I’m attracted to men.
And then Landon Luna breaks right through my shell. He’s a whirling tornado of flirtation, blond hair, and irresistible lips. He’s a ray of sunshine in my lonely life, and I desperately need to keep him close. But he refuses to sign my contract. And now every time his lips touch mine, it's dangerous. So why can't I stop?
With a reporter following my every move, the pressure is on. I need to keep things locked down. Need to keep myself under control. But I also need Landon--body and soul.
And no matter the danger, no matter the risk, I get what I want. Even if it costs me everything.
Landon: I’ve spent my whole life falling in love too fast. It’s the same story every time: I meet hot guys, I fall so deep, I give them everything… and then they run away.
But then I meet Alex Aldridge. Alex is everything I’ve daydreamed about since boyhood--wicked hot, brooding, and secretly passionate as hell. He’s an heir to a technology empire, but behind all his money, he's got an ocean of secrets. Like the fact that he's into men. And the fact that he wants me.
There's just one catch: Alex forbids me from telling a single soul that I'm seeing him. And he offers me an exorbitant sum of money to ensure my silence. The offer stings--but the thought of losing him hurts even more. Because after falling into bed with him, I've started falling in love.
I’ve never been good at secrets. Especially ones that hurt. But I don’t think I can let him go.
sweet.. low angst.. somewhat slow going... but very entertaining story... cute characters... good plot.. and sexy times. plus it made me smile. :) i enjoyed it
Two men and an attraction that won't go away, but one is openly gay and the other is so deep in the closet he can't find a way out. A very tough tale with moments of sweetness and then complete heartbreak, a painful but wonderful read indeed. It's a sad but true depiction of the fear and worry many in the gay community feel, male and female, and that's the saddest part of all.
Having read the other Kinley Island books, I was excited to read this one about Landon Luna, a character who had never been taken seriously by anyone in his world. This poor young man had been repeatedly heartbroken and under-appreciated for most of his life, so I was thrilled to know he'd get his very own HEA. And what an HEA he got!
Enter Alex Aldridge, the billionaire heir to a major tech company. Alex was painfully private about his personal life, especially in regards to his bisexuality. So, meeting the out-and-proud Landon became immediately complicated, due to Alex's instant burning attraction that warred with his desire to keep that part of him secret.
I enjoyed watching Landon's character arc as he finally grew a back-bone and demanded respect from the world. This was a sweet and steamy love story.
Alex wan't wrong when he said how adorable Landon is- even down to his name. What a sweet, flighty guy. And Alex is pretty sincere with a big heart but a closed off, secretive life. A book like this has heartache all throughout the pages, which happens when one man is out and the other is not. It's not heavy, just not easy. Both these guys deserve deep love, and their chemistry is insane and delicious. I loved their story. And the hint to a possible future book.
Landon and Alex are really sweet together. They meet when Landon is catering the dessert for a party at Alex's house. Alex just so happens to be the next CEO of a major tech company. Their romance is not easy there are some major bumps in the way. Like the fact that Alex is in the closet and wants to have a private affair. Sparks fly and when Alex realizes that he will lose the best thing that has happened to him. He does the only thing he can to ge the man he loves.
I really loved this book although Alex made me want to throw the book across the room, but Landon is so sweet and funny that he was the one who took me to the last page of the book I loved this sweet, slow burn romance. Can't wait to read Dean's story
I received an ARC from the author (thank you) in return for an honest review.
"Fall Deep" is the third volume of "Kinley Island" series by Raleigh Ruebins. The first advantage of this novel is undoubtedly the fact that it focuses on the character whose story we were waiting for impatiently, after reading the previous installment of the series, namely Landon. What can I say, this boy is simply cute and he conquers our hearts in the blink of an eye. To be honest, his greatest plus is his innocence, which he doesn't lose despite his numerous nightmarish relationships with men not worth his attention. I admit that I also really like the fact that Landon is a person who just tries to survive every day, even if each day seems to be like some kind of a battle with numerous smaller and larger failures. This young, loving man is not perfect, he is simply the best version of himself, even if he doesn't realize it and, among other things, that's the reason I love him so much.
I think that the undeniable advantage of "Fall Deep" is also the fact that it focus on the case of the second main character, Alex. I really like the fact that he combines many positive qualities, that make him a really great man, with no less numerous and serious flaws, through which we can sometimes see him as a slightly negative character. This is interesting because the reader likes him very much, but sometimes considers him a terrible person. In the end, Alex may be charming, but at the same time, even if he's doing it unconsciously, he often hurts Landon deeply. I admit that this "duality" of Alex creation is what I like so much in this character, as it makes him interesting, deep, problematic. Let me also add that it is largely thanks to Alex that the reader, while slowly discovering "Fall Deep", struggles simultaneously with many different, often contradictory emotions, sometimes even while reading just a page.
As always, whenever I read a novel in which before falling in love the characters have a chance to get to know each other better, I have to write a few warm words on this topic. "Fall Deep" is a book in which a strong, undeniable chemistry, to which two main characters could undoubtedly succumb, appears immediately between them. And yet, Raleigh Ruebins builds this story around a problem that prevents Landon and Alex from seeking oblivion in each other's arms. Thus, the men have the opportunity to get to know each other better before anything more than sexual desire arises between them. This is even more important because Alex is a character that definitely requires a better understanding of his strengths and weaknesses in order to understand his motives and be able to see the real him. In this novel, getting to know each other better is much more important than it might seem at first.
To be honest, in "Fall Deep" I also like the fact that because of his feelings, Landon is not able to objectively look at his relationship with Alex, and even when he sees the problem, he is unable to act accordingly. This motif is so incredibly real and largely taken out of real life that many people will certainly be able to find themselves, their past or present experiences in it. Subjection to feelings and inability to resist them is also what makes Landon a more believable character and makes us love him all the more, as we want to protect him from pain and another heartbreak.
In summary, "Fall Deep" is a very interesting novel that has a lot to offer. It is not only an engaging story with great characters, but above all the most important thing are the emotions it presents and arouses in the reader. I highly recommend you this book.
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„Fall Deep” jest trzecim tomem serii „Kinley Island” autorstwa Raleigh Ruebins. Pierwszą z zalet tej powieści jest niewątpliwie fakt, iż dotyczy ona bohatera, na którego historię czekaliśmy z prawdziwą niecierpliwością po przeczytaniu poprzedniej odsłony serii, a mianowicie Landona. Co tu dużo mówić, ten chłopak jest po prostu rozkoszny i w mgnieniu oka podbija nasze serca. Jego ogromną zaletą jest niewinność, której nie traci mimo licznych koszmarnych związków z niewartymi jego uwagi mężczyznami. Przyznaję, że bardzo podoba mi się również to, iż Landon jest osobą, która na co dzień po prostu stara się przetrwać, nawet jeśli każdy dzień wydaje się walką z licznymi mniejszymi i większymi porażkami. Ten młody, kochający mężczyzna nie jest idealny, jest po prostu najlepszą wersją siebie, nawet jeśli nie zdaje sobie z tego sprawy i między innymi dlatego tak bardzo go uwielbiam.
Uważam, że niezaprzeczalną zaletą „Fall Deep” jest również przypadek drugiego głównego bohatera, a więc Alexa. Bardzo podoba mi się to, że łączy on w sobie wiele cech pozytywnych, które czynią go naprawdę wspaniałym mężczyzną, z nie mniej licznymi i poważnymi wadami, przez które możemy odbierać go czasami negatywnie. To interesujące, ponieważ czytelnik bardzo go lubi, ale czasami uważa go za prawdziwego dupka. W końcu Alex może i jest czarujący, ale jednocześnie, nawet jeśli tylko nieświadomie, to jednak niejednokrotnie głęboko rani Landona. Przyznaję, że ta dwoista natura Alexa jest tym, co tak bardzo podoba mi się w tej postaci, jako że czyni ją interesującą, głęboką, problematyczną. Pozwolę sobie dodać, że w dużej mierze to właśnie za sprawą Alexa czytelnik podczas lektury „Fall Deep” zmaga się z wieloma różnymi, często sprzecznymi emocjami w przeciągu jednej chwili, czy też nawet w trakcie czytania zaledwie jednej strony.
Jak zawsze, gdy tylko czytam powieść, w której przed zakochaniem pojawia się motyw bliższego poznania się bohaterów muszę napisać kilka ciepłych słów także na ten temat. „Fall Deep” jest książką, w której między dwójką bohaterów od razu pojawia się silna, niezaprzeczalna chemia, której z powodzeniem mogliby ulec. A jednak Raleigh Ruebins tworzy swoją historię wokół problemu, który nie pozwala Landonowi i Alexowi na zapomnienie się w swoich ramionach. Tym samym, mężczyźni mają okazję najpierw lepiej się poznać, zanim w ogóle pojawi się między nimi cokolwiek więcej niż seksualne pragnienie. Jest to tym ważniejsze, że postać Alexa zdecydowanie wymaga lepszego rozeznania się w jego zaletach i wadach, aby zrozumieć kierujące nim motywy i móc ujrzeć go takim, jakim jest naprawdę. W przypadku tej powieści lepsze poznanie się bohaterów ma więc zdecydowanie większe znaczenie, niż początkowo mogłoby się wydawać.
Prawdę mówiąc, w „Fall Deep” podoba mi się również to, że przez wzgląd na swoje uczucia, Landon nie jest w stanie obiektywnie spojrzeć na swoje relacje z Alexem, a kiedy już dostrzega problem, nie potrafi działać. Jest to motyw tak niesamowicie prawdziwy i w dużej mierze wyjęty z realnego życia, że z pewnością wiele osób będzie w stanie odnaleźć w tym wszystkim siebie, swoje przeszłe lub teraźniejsze doświadczenia. Słabość względem uczuć oraz podporządkowanie się im jest także tym, co czyni Landona bohaterem bardziej prawdopodobnym i sprawia, że kochamy go tym mocniej, chcemy chronić go przed bólem i kolejnym zawodem miłosnym.
Podsumowując, „Fall Deep” jest bardzo interesującą powieścią, która ma nam do zaoferowania naprawdę wiele. To bowiem nie tylko wciągająca historia i świetni bohaterowie, ale przede wszystkim emocje, jakie przedstawia i które budzi w czytelniku. Gorąco polecam Wam tę książkę.
A very verbal and confident artist (and baker) is perfect for a corporate giant
Compared frequently to Bill Gates, Alex is all about work, exercise, and family, considering his parents are giving him control of their large Seattle-based corporation. And Alex is up to it, letting his brother be the one to get the headlines for his affairs while Alex runs the company with his brother Dean's help. Some of that help is designed to get Alex out of the corporate suite.
It’s at one of those get-togethers that he meets Landon, who wants to be a full-time artist and helps his mother run a diner known for the wonderful desserts Landon makes. Alex is clearly attracted to him, but Landon backs away when Alex asks him to sign a non-disclosure agreement with a small fortune attached. He does not want to be in the closet or associated with that.
Throughout the enjoyable 274 pages, author Raleigh Ruebins presents exchanges that delight the reader and interactions that, for Landon—who's been betrayed by lovers before—send the message that Alex can have Landon as long as he's closeted about it, which is exactly what Landon does not want.
Landon's caring nature and his ability to read emotions and the room cause Alex to become even more engaged with him. When Landon learns that a significant donation has preceded an exhibition he's been wanting, he backs away because he doesn't want Alex buying him.
From Alex's perspective, he's only using his money to help push Landon's painting career—something he really wants—further along.
Of course, there's a happy ending, but the buildup to it will feel very familiar to those who have seen people struggle to come out of the closet and present their true selves. There's a very public display of this by Alex, and it works.
Alex is the heir to a tech fortune and runs the family business. Landon is a painter and part time baker that ends up catering a party for Alex at the last minute. From their first meeting, sparks fly. Their chemistry is hot from the get go but Alex is still firmly in the closet about his bisexuality. Landon would love nothing more than to dive into a relationship with Alex, but he won't do it in secret. Can Alex get over his fear of people knowing that he likes men? Will Landon still be available if he does? Read this book for all the steamy details. ;)
These first three of the Kinley Island Series have all been over the top great. Their most endearing feature has been there real life vibe. Whether school teachers and businessmen, diner cooks and truckers or artist-bakers and billionaires, all the stories are fresh, lively and believable. I can't wait to start the next one and see if the magic continues.
When you need motivation to face fears that are holding you back-there is no limits, free!
Landon wears his heart on his sleeve, so many take full advantage of it. Alex is so private no on knows his true self not even those closet to him. When their paths cross at a business function the roller coaster begins. Fear is this biggest obstacle. MM romance!
An interesting storyline with good character development and only a few grammatical errors make this a decent read. Mostly about the romance, though the background is as much fantasy as reality. Ends on a promise for the future.
Would liked to found out more once they got together. Like what happened with the art snd did they marry and have children. How did Alex parents take the news of him being bi.
“When you truly care for someone, their mistakes never change your feelings because it’s the mind that gets angry but the heart still cares.” ~ Unknown
Landon Luna, of ‘Fall Deep’ by Raleigh Robbins, is a delightful young man. His big heart and loving manner make those around him happy and puts them at ease. The problem with being kind is that some people think they can walk all over him and he will just take it. Although he has been in love many times, no one has cared enough to stick around. Landon is sick and tired of it. He has sworn off men, that is, until he meets Alex Aldridge.
For years now, Alex has been the good son: responsible, careful, and dependable. On the other hand his younger brother, Dean, is outrageous and irresponsible; he does whatever he pleases. He gets all the media attention and Alex is just fine with letting that happen. Dean has no secrets from the world. Alex has quite a few. He would love to be as free as Dean but, since he will inherit the family business, he has always felt that he has to hold himself to a better standard. That includes keeping his biggest secret, that he likes men as well as women. Since he has yet to meet a man who has been important enough for him to come out for, he keeps his secret to himself. However, the night of an important business party, that all changes.
Alex is miffed because the caterer is late; when someone knocks on his front door, Alex opens it, hoping that the food has arrived. But when he does so, instead of a caterer he sees an ‘angel’. When he finds that Landon has no idea who he is, he is thrilled. Almost everyone he meets wants something from him, but in Landon’s case, Alex is a blank slate. Alex is immediately entranced not only by Landon, but with his delicious desserts as well. He has never met anyone whom he has been so attracted to before. After one too many martinis, Alex throws caution to the wind and propositions Landon, who is completely flustered but has no intention of turning him down. Unfortunately before they get very far, Dean thwarts their efforts.
Because of Landon and Alex’s interaction, Dean suggests that Alex has Landon sign a nondisclosure agreement. Rather than sending it through the mail, Alex decides he needs to do this in person. When Alex gets to the diner, the first person he sees is Landon who is in tears. Concerned, Alex asks what’s wrong. It seems that when Landon’s ex was with him, he praised Landon’s art, but now that his ex is famous, he has thrown him under the bus, telling the world that Alex has no talent. Seeing Landon so upset breaks Alex’s heart. After talking for a while about their interaction the night before, Alex considers the form he is about to ask Landon to sign, realizing that it will hurt Landon in a way similar to all of the other men who have betrayed him in the past.
I loved Landon. He was so open and caring, with such a big heart, just begging to be loved. I couldn’t help but be angry at Alex and his ‘cowardness’ in expecting to keep Landon as his dirty little secret, regardless of the consequences. I’m relieved that they were finally able to work it out without Landon compromising his self-esteem. Thanks, Raleigh, for a delightful addition to the Kinsey Island series. I can hardly wait for more.
I really enjoy the Kinley Island series by Raleigh Ruebins. I was so excited when I found out the third book was about Landon the energetic, easy to love young man we got to know a little in the second book. Landon deserves all the love and Fall Deep gives him the happily ever after he deserves. "All I knew was there was no chance I could resist him. And it was terrifying."
Landon Luna falls fast and falls easy when it comes to the guys he comes across. He gives and gives and gives to every relationship no matter what and gets nothing but heartache in return. He just wants to be someones end goal, but he has finally given up hope. When he swears off men he ends up meeting Alex. Handsome, sexy, and as far in the closet you can be, Alex. They have an instant connection but Alex wants secrets and Landon deserves more than that. They attempt being friends but their hearts get too involved and one of them has to walk away before their situation hurts more than it already does. "He was f*cking tap dancing all over my heart, and I was allowing it. Relishing it."
Fall Deep didn't feel as 'Kinley Island' submersed as the others with a lot of the time spent at Alex's place in Seattle. The time they did spend on the island was charming and cozy and where I felt the couple did the most bonding. Landon's character was fantastic. He was so perfectly imperfect you couldn't help but want him to be appreciated and loved for everything he is. He had a tendency to ramble awkwardly, he was kind, and he was sexually confident. Alex was his opposite in a lot of ways, always put together , less comfortable in his sexuality but was filled with kindness under his tough exterior. Although the connection between Landon and Alex is pretty instant the book is paced well so you see their relationship flourish and grow. When they were together it really was like they were in their own little bubble and it was great but damn when reality popped in it was painful to read. My heart broke repetitively for Landon, no matter what it seemed like a lose/lose situation for him. "To say I didn't deserve him was an understatement - a thousand years could pass by and I still wouldn't feel like I was good enough for Landon Luna."
Fall Deep focus' more on the emotional part of a relationship, and getting to know a person. There were just the right amount of hot and heavy scenes, but they didn't take over the story. I am already looking forward to the next book in the series, fingers crossed it's about Alex's brother Dean.
A very enjoyable book, from a new to me author. The book appears to be the first in a series and takes place in and around Seattle.
Our MCs are Alex, a tightly wound, very private, billionaire who is soon to be CEO of a major tech company founded by his parents and Landon, a sweet talented baker and artist who just want love and continually chooses to give his heart to the wrong men. Landon and Alex meet when Landon does a last minute dessert catering job for a dinner/meeting that Landon is hosting at his home. Landon has no idea who Alex is and this is something that mightily intrigues Alex. He loves being treated as just a normal person. They are very attracted to each other but Landon has just had a bad breakup and sworn off men and Alex is big time in the closet. When Alex can’t get thoughts of Landon out of his head he goes to Kinley Island where Landon lives and proposes and arrangement which would require him to sign and NDA. He offers financial incentives. Neither idea appeals to Landon who is in fact insulted by the offer and declines.
Obviously this is a romance book so we know how it’s going to turn out but the road to get there is an interesting and fraught one. The author does a great job with the emotional elements making them raw without being maudlin. At times Landon’s “woe is me” routine/pity party gets to be a bit much so I might have dialed that back a bit but it’s not a major shortcoming. The parents are key players in the characters’ development as detailed by them but we don’t really get any scenes with them which I think I would have liked to have seen, especially Alex’s at the end.
Alex’s struggle is real and while we’ve come a long way in this country his fears are, sadly, justified. The crisis moment is heartbreaking and I just ached for both MCs. You knew it was coming but it hurts so bad when it does. The crisis resolution comes from an unexpected place and had me cheering. The HFN ending is sweet and I assume we will see more of these characters in future books in the series.
Reading the blurbs on previous books by the author at the end of the book made me more curious and I will definitely be seeking out more of this author’s work.
* I read an ARC and there were some major editing and proofreading issues so hopefully that is remedied in the final product.*
*I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my objective review *