Draw Me In

by Logan Meredith

Jesse has a plan for love, and Brick isn't it.

Following his recent military retirement, the next chapter of Bainbridge “Brick” Hausman’s life has begun. He’s relocated to Texas to teach JROTC at the high school where his best friend, Zach, is principal and is ready to embrace his bisexuality after a long-overdue divorce. But for a man accustomed to structure and control, change is overwhelming.

Art teacher Jesse Berry’s school year isn’t off to a great start. He doesn’t trust his principal or the tank-sized JROTC instructor who seems to enjoy pushing his buttons. To keep an eye on a vulnerable student, he’s helping Brick coach the Academic Olympiad team instead of searching for true love. Yet their sizzling chemistry is undeniable, and they agree to some extracurricular fun. Until fun isn’t enough for Jesse. He’s ready to draw Brick into the husband-shaped placeholder in his fantasy life plan.

But Brick’s new life plan is still a blank page. All he knows is he wants Jesse and is in no hurry to take a repeat trip down the aisle. Brick’s not great at compromise and Jesse won’t sacrifice his vision, but with a little faith and patience, maybe they can create a picture-perfect future together.

**See this title's page on RiptidePublishing.com for content warnings.**

Genres: M M Romance

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 24, 2022

Reviews

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sweet story that had a smile on my face the entire time I was reading it. This is the first book I've read by this author and I was thoroughly impressed. Jesse and Brick are both super sweet and there are so many fantastic secondary characters in the story. I loved how complex the story was. The author did a great job of keeping the overall story light while still touching on some tough subjects.

For the first couple chapters, I was a little concerned I wasn't going to like the writing style. It's a bit more elaborate and descriptive that what I've been reading lately. I actually ended up really enjoying how vividly everything was described. There was enough conflict in the story to keep my interested, but it really didn't have a lot of angst.

Overall, a very sweet and complex book. This is definitely an author I'm going to read more of!

I received and ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest opinion.

[Janet Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
Draw Me In was a satisfying read, left me smiling! Brick is recently retired from the military and is wanting to explore his sexuality. Jesse is an art teacher, out and proud and ready to settle down. They have insane chemistry with a splash of romance. Their story slowly develops, is well written and has pacing that kept me engaged. Overall, a great story!

[Don Bradshaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story was extremely enjoyable. I fell for both Jesse and Brick. The secondary characters were very well made also. The author got a little too windy when it came to Emily but I am guessing that there is a strong link between the two. The ending was rushed for me in that the conflict built up was quite long.

[Misty · Rating 3 out of 5]

** 3.5 Stars **

[Book Binge: Reviews by Melissa DaSilva · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this author and it was a good book. I found I had a really hard time getting into the book and I couldn’t connect with Jesse at all until about a quarter of the way through the book. And I had a love hate relationship with him throughout. I did like him by the end of the book though.

I found it was the opposite with Brick. I loved him right from the start and I absolutely loved reading about his JROTC program and drill team. I loved how he handled any LGBTQ+ issues with the students. He seemed to have the perfect things to say to help them figure things out on their own. I thought the fire ants story was great. I did struggle with his character in the last quarter of the book but everything worked out!

I loved the Emily character and her strength and growth was beautiful throughout the book.

[Juniper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how much nuance the protagonists of this story have: nothing about them, or their relationship, is neat or superficial: there’s chemistry and feelings and baggage and miscommunication and tentative hope and real love– it all feels messy and realistic and I’m here for it. I immediately empathized with and liked Jesse–he has tons of flaws, including a quick temper, a pessimistic outlook, and a tendency to make big decisions with little provocation, but he’s also honest, open, caring, passionate and begrudgingly willing to apologize (awkwardly, but with baked goods) when he’s wrong. Brick…has many good points, but it took me a while to warm to him. (By “a while,” I mean the last chapter…I finally really liked him in the last chapter.) I didn’t love Brick’s initial draw to Jesse: I found his “you’re adorable when you’re angry” approach condescending and off-putting: to me, “I provoke you for funsies” is more in character for a smug adolescent than a mature adult. It’s not a dynamic I enjoy, but I respect the heck out of Brick for 1) acknowledging to Jesse that “button pushing” is a feature, not a bug of his attraction to him and 2) making it super clear that if Jesse isn’t into that vibe, he’ll stop. I was also not a big fan of his need to “fix” things for people on his terms, or his tendency to avoid all conflict by not disclosing relevant information, making plans without informing anyone, and then resorting to gaslighting in the inevitable fallout– but again, I did really like that Jesse wasn’t willing to accept that behavior and that Brick did commit to changing. Brick genuinely cares for Jesse and wants to do right by him, and in the end, that’s enough to get them to a very happily ever after kind of place, in a way that felt real and was the best kind of evolution of both of their dreams and needs. On a final note, I really loved the depth and detail of their setting– a school in Texas, with compelling students, interesting faculty/admin dynamics (Zach, the administrator and Brick’s best friend is…kind of a tool, but sometimes not entirely awful?), and of course, drama about parents, funding, and all kinds of everyday issues that are at times draining, at times inspiring, and always seriously easy to get caught up in.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Sarita Chapdelaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Draw Me In was an interesting book for me as there are several things I loved about it but at the same time I had a difficult time getting into it as the pace was so slow at the beginning and it took me quite a while to connect with the characters. Brick and Jesse are complete opposites and they are definitely at very different places in their lives. Jesse is ready to settle down while Brick is trying to adjust to the many changes he is dealing with. I love the banter between them, the way they both step up for their students, Jesse's willingness to do anything to protect and support Emily and how much they truly like each other and enjoy just being together. They have a lot to deal with and learning to communicate effectively with each other is a major hurdle for them but if they can get past all of this they have the chance to get their very deserved HEA. I also loved several of the secondary characters, even Zach, and the ending was great.

I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.

[T Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

The love story was interesting. The book has good, strong characters as well as a strong storyline. Throughout the story there runs an undying political sense to which I have to say I’m not a fan. Yes, I see where the ideas come from and even the need to address but this, in my opinion, isn’t the arena. Reading a romance novel/book, for me, is the escape from reality where happiness wins, yes, drama strengthens the story, it’s just the politics we face daily that is draining. This author has created an engaging book with different, separate relationships I found cute and fun and even complicated to that end, well done. Zach’s rants, even Zach, himself, wasn’t my favorite character. He did play well into the story, though, so I can appreciate the need to paint him the way he was. I don’t in any way underplay anyone’s struggles I would just rather escape from the heartache when I’m reading a love story. Again, not really a criticism just an observant opinion. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.

[L H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brick and Jesse are in so many ways opposites but that is likely the thing that makes each of them notice the other. Over time, they work through a somewhat thorny path to getting to know one another. Brick is former military and it shows in his approach to setting up their shared storage space and resolving issues. He also does not panic or back down from wanting to resolve challenges. Neither does Jesse but whereas Brick is a shoulder to the plow keep it moving, Jesse is a bit more protest and by all means shake up the system in his approach. Once they start working together to coach the Academic Olympiad they find out that whatever their differences, they have a lot in common as well. And that they make a pretty good team when they combine their talents. I really enjoyed this story and it kept me reading during a flight and once I got home I had to finish it.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Avid Reader 1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/4 Stars

**Possible Spoilers**

Draw Me In is the second book I’ve read by this author. As with the first book (The Weight We Carry), these characters feel very real. Brick, with his controlling ways, and Jesse, with his short and ofttimes irrational fuse, had me concerned for their HEA. These parts of their personalities made it a little harder to read, but in the end, I liked it and appreciated the honesty of their portrayal. It's not sugar-coated, nor do they have a magically "fixed" relationship: they had to work for it. Otherwise, their downtime was comfortable, their sexy times quite spicy, and there were enough of their interests that aligned to make it worth their while to try harder.
I needed an escape when I started this book. Sadly, I didn't get it. I got a dose of real life instead. But the HEA was believable and satisfying, and I'm glad I got to meet these two interesting men.
I look forward to more from this author.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

New beginnings! Brick, retires from the military and teaches junior ROTC at the high school at which his friend, Zach is Principle. He is starting afresh in a world of change. The transition to civilian life is never easy. Coupled with a new divorce from Jane and committment to finally explore his sexual interest in men, Brick is in a world of new experiences. Jesse, is wary of the school Principle and Brick. He likes to ask questions and push the envelope. He is the teacher that stirs the pot. He and Brick, are attracted to each other. Zach, spends his time trying to get Brick to date. Brick and Jesse are a fun couple. Brick's military bearing work well with Jesse's volatility. They compliment each other. Can they get what they want from the school? Can they work together to benefit the students? Can they win the Olympiad? Great story. Jesse is the teacher we all wish we had and our kids can have. Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bainbridge "Brick" Hausman and Jesse Berry fall in love despite Jesse's prickly temper. Brick is large and in charge, and falls afoul of Jesse's temper more than once. It's a not-quite-enemies-to-lovers story with a guy I really like and one I really DISlike. Jesse is an art teacher in the high school where Brick is hired to be the JROTC coach as well as one of the coaches for the academic Olympians. The issues raised in the story are very timely, as they have to do with secondary education, school budgets, and student affairs. I appreciated that aspect of the story. However, Jesse really spoiled it for me. I did not find him in the least likable, despite the story of his life. There's no excuse for the kind of rudeness and temperamental behavior that he exhibits constantly. None of the stars are for him. They are all for Brick, who is at least self-aware and knows the weaknesses he brings to the table, without expecting any special dispensation because of his history.

[Amy Weller · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story, I loved it!

This book is amazing! The story of Jesse and Brick is filled with love, laughter, friends, heartache and second chances. The two meet when Brick is hired to run the JROTC program at the high school where his friend Zach is the principal and Jesse teaches art. The two start out with a bit of a bumpy relationship but that smooths out as they spend more time together. I love the way they relate to their respective students and the way their own relationship changes and grows. There will be a moment when things look bad for the two of them but some smart and observant friends will give each of them some words of wisdom that will lead them back to each other and their happily ever after!

I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.

[Bkwrm24 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jesse and Brick ❤️
3.5 Stars ⭐️


I enjoyed this super sweet opposites attract romance, it was low angst and the secondary character were great as well. I have to admit the writing style of this book took a bit to get used to, I wouldn't say that it was overly descriptive but at the same time it painted an extremely vivid picture (if that makes sense) of events and the relationship. Both our main character were extremely likable and very well written, I adored their story and relationship which wasn't easy at times but the hard fought road to their HEA was well worth it. This was my first read from this author and I'd definitely recommend this one. I am looking forward to what's next, hopefully we will get other books to go along with these really great side characters.

* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *

[DJ McCready · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from a third party free with an independent review expected but not requireed.

This is the first book I have read by this author and would gladly read more. I related well to the fact that the main characters were teachers and somme of the politics associated with that. The two main characters as well as some of the subsidiary characters were deply flawed but through friends and time came to realize the things that put others off. The HeA comes with a trip to Paris and a suprise.

I understood Brick's reluctance to enter a new marriage after he first. Been there. I understood Jesse's background gave him ideas of what success would be and his desire to overthinl.

The plot was well-developed and the writing was high quality.

[Raven and Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really good. Brick and Jesse are at different places in their lives. Brick just retired from the military and divorced his wife. Jesse is always dating and trying to find the perfect person to fit this perfect picture he has in his head of what his partner and life will look like. Neither person is really ready for what an actual true relationship would look like. I enjoyed watching the growth of both people throughout this book. They were both flawed and had to figure out communication in order to get there. They get their HEA but they both have some work to do to get it. It was a nice story and worth a read. I did read an arc copy of this one and this is my honest opinion.

[Babara-Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story drew me in like the title says, from the beginning right to the end!

It was a funny, lighthearted and enlightening book revolving around the LGBT community and how other people perceive the other side of the spectrum…

A gay teacher and a bisexual teacher meet and rub each other the wrong way from the get go until they reach a truce and decide to see where it goes but Jesse wants the white picket fence and 2.5 kids and Brick is trying to find himself after a divorce so what happens when Jesse catches feelings and Brick just wants “fun”?

I loved their banter and dynamic as they grew closer and closer and felt every emotion that the author portrayed!

I look forward to more from this amazing author!

I voluntarily received an ARC from GRR for an honest review.

[Reading to Stay Awake · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this slow burn, almost bi-awakening/coming out, colleagues to lovers storyline. I loved the the secondary storyline with the students and the duty of care that teachers have towards them, with the book showing the lengths that some teachers will go to to offer protection to those who are vulnerable.

The main characters are both amazing with great qualities and fantastic chemistry from the start. The secondary cast works well too, with the young adults written really well.

I really enjoyed reading this book, it pulled at my heart as a mother and a human; I totally recommend it for your Kindle today. xx

I received a copy of this book via the Gay Romance Review and provide my honest review voluntarily

[stella k. | stella's corner · Rating 3 out of 5]

The blurb caught my eye on the GRR website, so I had to check it out. I’m going to be honest…it took me a while to get through this story. I just couldn’t connect to Jesse at first. His personality rubbed me the wrong way, and I just didn’t care for him until about halfway through the story. I understand why he was the way he was, but he was still unlikeable enough to drag the story down a few stars. It’s okay though, because what Jesse lacked for me, Brick more than made up for as a character. Overall, it was a nice story because the two had so many differences to work out before getting their happily ever after. I’m interested in checking out more works by this author.

Thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the free copy in exchange for an honest review!

[Denise GremoryKohta · Rating 4 out of 5]

The blurb for this caught my attention and I had to read it. Having never read this author before I was also curious on their writing style. Opposites attract is interesting to me because there are so many ways it can be done. I liked how it was done here. Jesse and Brick are in different places in life with Jesse wanting to find love, a husband, and kids while Brick is divorced and trying to find himself as a single bisexual man. I love how their journey teaches them about themselves and each other. There are some things we all can learn here. Thank you GRR for giving me an arc and introducing me to this amazing author.

[Amanda D · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed it. It usually takes me a couple of books to get used to an authors style of writing. Brick was well written although I would have liked to have known how he injured his neck since it was used several times in the book. Jesse was chaotic but he was written with a lot of detail to help explain what was going on. I would have liked to have had more written about why he was so distrustful other than the one small scene and it would have been nice to know more about Ryan and Jacob as well. But overall it was an enjoyable book.

[K-Me · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored Jesse and Brick. These two were definitely two very different guys with two very different life experiences. I appreciated how realistic the development of their relationship was. The fact that they are so completely opposite made them perfect for each other. It opened both of their worlds up to the new and unexpected! I loved seeing Brick realize that he was completely drawn to Jesse's sass! This was a new author for me, and I will definitely be reading more from them! Very heartfelt story with real and genuine characters.

[SandyB · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Sometimes you read a romance that just hits a bunch of “all the right things.” Amidst a romance of a retired military guy finally able to explore his bisexuality and an out-and-proud gay art teacher ready to get married and settle down, there are diminishing school budgets and closed-minded people, smart ex-wives and best friends, and a host of real-life issues that add to the story without overwhelming the connection between Brick and Jesse. I was surprised by just how much I enjoyed this book. It’s my first by this author but won’t be my last.

[kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brick and Jesse are complete opposites and are also at completely different places in their lives.
Jesse is ready for commitment, marriage and the whole nine yards. Brick is just coming out of a marriage and is looking forward to the freedom that comes with being single.
Of course they have great chemistry together that quickly turns into more.
I really enjoyed the banter between these two.
I loved seeing them both evolve and grow. They became better communicators which only enhanced their relationship that much more.
Their journey to their HEA isn't easy but was well worth it.

[Enirehtak Melas · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent read. I liked the style of writing but struggled to connect with the characters as individuals. Ultimately, I do not know if I fully believed in their chemistry. The pacing was a little tricky as well at times, particularly near the middle of the story. I did like that they were both different because that added a layer to their relationship and showed how they worked to get to their HEA. I just wished I felt more for their story than I ended up doing.

*ARC provided by GRR, and I have given my honest and voluntary review*

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the school setting of this one and found it very well done from the students, teachers and classes to the extra-curricular activities. Brick and Jesse were great characters and their story revolves around the fact that while they have great chemistry and some hot times together, their romantic timeline seems totally out of sync. Jesse is ready to get married and settle down and Brick has gotten divorced and is ready to explore some things about his sexuality. Fortunately, they figure things out and we get a totally romantic and totally realistic HEA.

[Nicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brick has been through some major changes recently in his life and he is ready to enter the 2nd stage of a new life when he meets Jesse on his 1st day at his new job. The pair are so different but click so well. Issues in their pasts rear up but get worked through, the drama issues add intrigue and the side story of the kids just adds another layer that’s really enjoyable. I loved the pace of this book, it kept me glued and was unlike lots of other MM reads lately.

[Triciagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great story! Brick is starting a new phase in his life after retiring from the military and divorcing his wife of 20 years. Jesse is an art teacher and is not sure what to make of the hot new JROTC instructor. They are very interested in each other, but are in different places and have to navigate through their differences. I loved all of the characters and had a hard time putting it down.

I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[Lisa H · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author and I thought it was fantastic! Brick, newly retired from the army and divorced starts teaching for his best friend Zach. Jesse the art teacher that passionately challenges people and stands up for what he believes! Both flawed and both perfect for each other! With a little love and communication they discover life can be perfect! Well written, low angst, steamy wonderful romance! I received this book from GRR and these are my honest opinions

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

He has retired from the military and he now has a job at a school where his friend is the principal. There he is going to meet a young man who has his sights on the future for his pupils. It seems they are to fall for the other but neither re ready to take that final step. How will they get on? Will they get together? Can they help the other achieve their dreams? See just what will happen between them