Instant Desire

Crush #2

by Elouise East

Sean doesn’t need anyone. He’s happy on his own, working his way through life. Until he meets his client, Asher. Their attraction is instant, but Sean refused to let himself feel anything. Everyone leaves him in the end, so he’s only saving himself from future heartbreak. Except he can’t stay away.

Being given guardianship of his niece was a blessing, although it came with grief at the loss of his sister. Life is short, and he needs to focus on being a single father. When Sean comes to his rescue unexpectedly, Asher finds himself smitten with the haunted man.

Although Asher tries to help Sean, the man pushes him away. He can’t bring someone into his niece’s life if they’re not going to stay.

Loss has a way of changing how people view the world. Read what happens when Sean receives advice from a stranger that sets him on a path he would never have chosen before.

Genres: Romance, M M Romance, Contemporary, LGBT, Gay, Ebooks, Amazon

322 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 5, 2019

About the author

Elouise East writes sweet and steamy connections in gay romance. She also touches on taboo stories under the name Elouise R East.

Books that tell the stories where friendship and family are the focal point - be it blood family or chosen - are very important to her. That’s why she includes a variety of personalities, talents, ages, situations and abilities as she believes a story or character needs. She wants her characters to be real, to be relatable, to be free to have whatever views they tell her they have. And trust her, most of the time, she does not have any say in the matter!

Her characters come to life on the page for her as well as her readers. Their stories unfold in front of her as she writes, and she has very little input into how they want to be shown. Just like real life, the lives of her characters change with every choice, every interaction and every conversation. And she wouldn’t have it any other way.

She writes books that are emotionally realistic, even if liberties are taken with other aspects of the stories. She doesn’t know any other way to write. It comes from deep inside.

Who is she? A single parent to two children living in the UK. An avid reader who still tries to devour every book she can get her hands on. A student of learning about any subject that takes her fancy. An author of books she would read herself. And a romantic at heart who loves anything cheesy.

Who’s joining her on her journey?

Join my newsletter for regular updates, exclusive content and a free story being told chapter by chapter: https://elouiseeast.com/newsletter

She loves stalkers... ;-)

VISIT MY WEBSITE
https://elouiseeast.com

SIGN UP TO MY NEWSLETTER
https://elouiseeast.com/newsletter

VISIT MY FACEBOOK PAGE
https://readerlinks.com/l/2251537

VISIT MY ELOUISE R EAST FACEBOOK PAGE
https://readerlinks.com/l/2251539

VISIT MY FACEBOOK READER GROUP
https://readerlinks.com/l/2251538

FOLLOW ME ON BOOKBUB
https://readerlinks.com/l/2251535

VIEW ME ON AMAZON
https://readerlinks.com/l/2251543

VIEW ME ON SMASHWORDS
https://readerlinks.com/l/2251544

FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM
https://readerlinks.com/l/2251540

FOLLOW ME ON TIKTOK
https://readerlinks.com/l/2251541

FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER
https://readerlinks.com/l/2251536

Reviews

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think it's me because I am seeing all these glowing reviews but this one was barely better than the first one for me. It's OK, just whatever really. I will read the whole series because once I start something I like to finish it however, this author and I are just not meshing well.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received BETA & ARC Version from Author for Honest Review.
I Give this book a 4.5/5, Listing as 4.

HEA(?): Yes, and Love it!!
Romance: 5/5, the ending & epilogue(s) sealed it for me.
Heat: 3.5/5, in this book Smexy didn’t need to be a main component but it’s definitely there! And it fit the book very well.
Drama: 4ish/5, in a good way, it’s more of a Real Life ‘drama’ feel then overly exaggerated.
Suspense: 3/5 Not much suspense, but that’s also not a bad thing either.
Dark(?): No
No Spoilers.
I’m really enjoying this series, it truly has an everyday real life feel to it.
There is no feel of convenient ‘coincidences’ for things, just a natural flow, the emotions & emotional decisions/actions are not overdramatized either.
You get a very good mental visual with designs for projects that is not outlandish.
The characters themselves needed the shine, and they did! You also get to see the glimpse of other characters but it doesn’t detract from the book at all, it just fits really well Honestly.
The ending & epilogue(s), Yes, more than one, that’s all I’m gonna say & I loved them all!
It’s extremely unique!
Not many authors tend to take the time in doing such things, usually you hit the end and typically that’s all, but not here.
If that’s how the whole series will be, then count me in for the rest of them!
I’m definitely buying this book the moment it’s released!
I definitely recommend this read!
Will I Read more from this Author? Yes!

[W · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars



Instant Desire is a MM , slow burn , medium heat , sweet and cute romance story with a HEA.

I read and enjoyed a lot Elouise East debut story First Kiss so I was looking forward reading her sophomore book. I liked Instant Desire , I just didn't love it.

I am in the minority here , it might be , is me , not you , situation going on. I suggest read it and form your own opinion.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this so much better than the novella. The writing was more rounded and there were less typos. I liked both Asher and Sean, although Asher was my favorite out of the two. He was so loving and amazing with kids, especially Janie. Max was probably my favorite side character and I’m excited he’s in the next book.

One thing I will say though, there was so much focus on the garage conversion for Asher’s job for like the first half of the book. But after that, there was barely any focus on his job and we never heard about the work taking place or got to see his reaction to the finished project. The last few chapters were set in the future, so you’d think it would be mentioned at least a bit given it was their origin story. Sean was good at moments, but he also kind of drove me crazy with his running. Overall I’d probably give this 3-3.5 out of 5 stars, but rounding down.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked Instant Desire by Elouise East. I liked Asher and Sean. Asher is a childminder and is raising his niece after his sister's death. He wants to move his childminder business out of his house and into his garage, which means that he needs to find an architect to have the plans drawn up and then get the construction done. Sean is the architect that is sent out to meet with Asher. Neither expects the attraction between them, and Sean isn't looking for a relationship. That doesn't stop Asher from pursuing him, though. The book is a slow burn, single parent story where the main characters have to work for their happily ever after ending.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Jamie Lee Zonneveld · Rating 4 out of 5]

Instant Desire is the second book in the Crush series by Elouise East. This story is about Asher, a childminder trying to do the best for his niece, and Sean, an architect. I really liked their story. It was sweet, sexy and fun to read.

[Sue Milkovich · Rating 5 out of 5]

BEAUTIFUL*HEARTWARMING*AMAZING

This is Book #2 in the CRUSH series. These books can be read as standalones but Book #1 FIRST KISS is also AMAZING. Asher is a former teacher, now he is a Childminder since he took custody of Janie after his sisters death. Devastated, but determined to give Janie the best life he can. Asher needs an Architect, so he can renovate his house. Sean turns out to be the Architect. He is professional, a little quiet and shy but he draws remarkable, innovative spaces. When they meet, they are both stunned. They feel this unbelievable chemistry at first site. Asher is confused, but would like to see where it might lead. Sean is scared and wants to and does, run. Asher is an honest, straight forward kind of guy who goes after what he wants. Asher wants Sean. These two are so hot, no wall is safe from Sean getting kissed and pinned against it. Get a cool drink and fan, these two are H.O.T. !!!This is a beautiful story of learning how to live again after life has dealt you the harshest blows. Janie is an exceptional character and precious jewel in this story. I loved this book as much as the first one, maybe more. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND THIS AMAZING SERIES!!!!!

[John Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. Good story and very sweet.

[Kirstin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story sooooo hard.

Elouise East made me feel like I was RIGHT there in the kitchen with Asher and Sean. I loved Janie, she added so much to the relationship and story.

There was just so much story in this book. I couldn't stop reading and loved every minute.

[Kobie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hmm. At 26% and Sean's actions don't make sense. It's feeling like a DNF. A shame because up until now, I was all in.

[Brianne McCallum · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given a free arc copy from the author for review.

4.5 stars

This is a mm, slow burn, medium heat, sweet romance with medium angst in the middle.

Asher is raising his niece after his sister passed. He also runs a daycare in his home and has decided to put in an expansion. Sean is the contractor hired to do the work and the sparks fly as soon as they meet. Asher needs to think about his niece first but he can't deny their attraction. Sean surprisingly is the more reluctant one first using the excuse he can't mix business with pleasure and then stating that he can't catch feelings cause he has been hurt in the past and thinks he's doomed for nothing but heartache.

This was almost a 5 star read for me. I absolutely could not put it down. The characters are all great. Not just the 2 MCs but also the niece and all the friends. Great world building. I will definitely read the rest of the series. Great writing. I love all the books that I have read so far from Elouse. This wasn't my favorite but it's still really great.The plot is interesting from start to finish. The 2 MCs had really great chemistry both in and out of the bedroom and it was a believable love grown over time, not instalove which I appreciate.

I had to take off half a star for the 3rd quarter (55%-80%). It totally frustrated the heck out of me. I know Sean had issues but I just couldn't empathize with him in that moment. I tried to not let it ruin the whole thing for me though cause it resolved itself very sweetly with the perfect HEA.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sean doesn't need anyone and is happy on his own until he meets client Asher. Their attraction is instant but Sean refuses to let himself feel anything as everyone leaves him in the end - but he is having trouble staying away. Asher was made the guardian of his niece when his sister tragically died but he has to concentrate on being a good single father, when Sean unexpectedly comes to his rescue Asher is smitten with him. Asher tries to help Sean but he is pushed away. Loss has a way of changing the way people see the world but something happens when Sean receives some advice from a stranger that changes everything.

I loved this story which was really emotional as it was all about the attraction, the relationship and more importantly the emotions of both men. I loved the central role of the niece and the way they handled everything in a sensitive way for her. The ending was quite emotional and I was thrilled with the way their lives together worked out. Contains mature MM content.

[E.Muddle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sean and Asher are both wonderful and interesting characters and right from the beginning, I was fully invested in their story. They have to really work for their HEA though, but the ending and epilogue make it very worth it. Their pain is so real and especially for Sean, you can really feel the heartache and grief that has consumed him. They both have experienced loss and have a fair amount of emotional baggage, but it doesn’t stop them being drawn to each other for a chance at love. And I loved Janie as well - I thought she fit into the story well and didn’t overshadow the romance.

[lemonysnickety · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at 19%. Taking too long to get going, way too much about kids, just way too much about the kids and of course they’re all perfectly behaved and of course MC is better with kids than the BIPOC woman he’s friends with and of course there’s a “spicy scene but acTuAlLy it’s a dream” 🙄 😒 kids are a major turn off in what is advertised as a spicy book, but maybe that’s just me since I don’t care for children in general anyway. If I’d known how heavily they’d be featured (and kind of paradoxically, how unrealistic) I wouldn’t have downloaded in the first place.

[Beaumont · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Story

East demonstrates story-telling mastery exploring with grace and compassion the impact of loss on emotional intimacy. Further East only calls upon descriptions of sexually charged physical interaction when it supports the storyline. I loved the exploration of one’s inability to form a meaningful connection while living with the continual fear of abandonment. Within the LGBT+ community, and especially in gay men this is all too common. “Because of our pasts, we need to learn to embrace our present or our future could be gone within the blink of an eye.”

[Sarah Mitcham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Start To Live Again

Asher was a childminder and decided he wanted to convert his garage space which is how he met architect Sean, they have both suffered tragic losses in the past but while Asher was living for the future Sean was still hiding in the past! Sean is running scared as he's terrified of being left again.
I really enjoyed their story which is the second in the series, in my opinion it can be read as a standalone without any loss of enjoyment. Some angst but HEA.

[Jerri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I cried. What a lovely story! Asher and Sean were both broken, in their own way. Asher was doing better with it, in part because of Janie. When you have the care of a child, it forces you to be stronger. Sean, well, not so much. He wallowed.
In the end, though, Sean was brave enough to fight for what he wanted, despite his fear.
It’s a very well written story with all the feels. On to the next one of the series!

[Ken Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two lost souls and Janie

East's second entry in the Crush series, a true novel. Lightly revolving around the Cambridge pub, the MCs fight their attraction amid the fear of rejection. Again, the skills of communication bridge that gap.

Ancillary character Owen says: ‘Because of our pasts, we need to learn to embrace our present or our future could be gone within the blink of an eye.’ Just the right advice to kick Sean's butt toward Archer.

[Joscelyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet

I loved Sean and Asher, their road to their happy ending was a rollercoaster ride of love, lust, and fear. Their journey got a bit derailed and I was happy to see them get on the same page and I really enjoyed the time jump epilogues showing how their life together progressed, it gave good closure to their story.

[Robbo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Instant, yet took ages

It took a while for Sean to finally accept not everyone was going to leave him, his past had damaged him a bit, and there was certainly pain in Asher’s history. They didn’t realise at first that they were who they were both looking for, so it went hot/cold/hot quite rapidly. Took a while for several happy endings to happen.

[Crista · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable read. Asher has custody of his niece as his sister died of cancer. He is Looking to renovate his garage as he runs a childcare business out of his home and employs Sean to design the renovation. Instant attraction. Sean lost his parents in a car accident and hasn’t dealt with that yet accept by shutting down and shutting everyone out. Asher wants him and pushes and Sean does but doesn’t and pushes back.

There is a HEA but if I was Asher I would have given up before he did. Not only does Sean crap on Asher but his niece as well, all cause of his own issues, then suddenly he does a 180 and is chasing Asher. Hrm.

[Altivo Overo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Realistic and believable

These characters are real people, fears and all. Of course their friends are aware and understanding and it would be nice if we all had such supporting folks in our lives. Asher and Sean have some tough obstacles to overcome, but their friends help make it work.

[Cheryln Bologna · Rating 1 out of 5]

Eh…

I did not like many of the characters in this book, especially the main characters. Ascher was way too pushy. He barely knew Sean. And he kept pushing Janie onto people as if all people take a liking to small kids. And Sean was just unlikeable. I have no idea why Ascher liked him so much.

[Denise GremoryKohta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow!!

Not only was this a great story it also showed how much growth the author made since book 1. I really enjoyed Sean and Asher’s story. Be prepared. They had to work for their HEA but what a beautiful journey. And I adored Janie.

[Kathy Banks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a heartwarming tale of a family that is made by the love two men find. The characters are rich and have issues but, they persevere and finally get their HEA. The character of Janie, As hers niece is absolutely adorable. This book was well thought out and well written. I loved it.

[Sasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deep pain finds Intense Love

Such a good story. Two men who have experienced deep loss find each other but one is so stuck in his past and letting those fears take over he is pushing away the one who wants to make things work and find love.

[ButtonsMom2003 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this. Sean suffered a tremendous loss and he let it affect his personal relationships. Asher was an absolutely wonderful character. He’s kind, considerate, loves kids and a whole lot more. I loved his niece, Janie; she was just precious.

[Vic · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the premise but I didn't really connect with the characters, asher seemed to always be on the verge of tears and Sean does a 180 when someone says one small thing. It's just a bit odd. It's not bad but it's not great either.

[jeanie c. riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love is not easy! Adults only!

His sister died from cancer so he is raising his niece! He meets an architect who he hires ! Love happens but things are not easy! You think they have to get together! Try it!

[Hayley Clemmy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice, sweet, easy read! I loved that it was realistic and the ending and epilogues were adorable! Hadn’t realised I started with book two until after I read it but I look forward to reading the others ❤️