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Stirring #2

All Stirred Up

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Brendan Blankenship’s life is going exactly as he planned. He’s the CEO of an engineering firm that manufactures – among other things – automatic defibrillators, he’s got a great relationship with his twin brother, Evan, and their offbeat, colorful mother, and he has a veritable smorgasbord of men to choose from every weekend if he wants to have a little fun. Sure, he’s high strung, but that goes with the territory of type A personality and coffee achiever.

After Brendan and his mother witness a completely random tragedy his carefully controlled life begins to fall apart. First he starts having nightmares and panic attacks, and then he loses focus in his daily life. His board of directors insists he take a vacation at a so-called “relaxation destination” and to make matters worse, they’ve hired a stress management consultant to accompany him.

Enter Dirk Melovitch, whose job it is to help Brendan learn to relax. Unfortunately, from the moment they set out together, everything goes terribly, horribly wrong. What happens when a messed up, stressed out businessman and a newly licensed therapist with an old hippie soul embark on the trip from hell?

173 pages, ebook

First published February 1, 2011

18 people are currently reading
209 people want to read

About the author

Z.A. Maxfield

68 books1,589 followers

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5 stars
106 (16%)
4 stars
267 (42%)
3 stars
210 (33%)
2 stars
36 (5%)
1 star
10 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
Profile Image for Cæsar Eanraig.
267 reviews30 followers
December 2, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyable!

It's a cute story, good humor, hot sex scenes, I like the characters very much!
I don't understand why, in the epilogue, the focus were in the main characters of the previous book, it was the wrong decision, it feels like the story of the current MC didn't finished... they were just left aside. I don't get how the edition, or the decisions are made, this book seems to be just putted together very fast and without enough thinking!
Profile Image for Yvonne.
742 reviews41 followers
May 7, 2011
This was a perfectly pleasant book ( I liked Stirring up Trouble a lot more.) Brendan, after saving his mother from an out of control driver, develops PTSD. His company forces him into rehab under the care of Dr. Dirk Melovitch. Before you can say therapy, clothes come flying off & Brendan & Dirk are off on a sex romp road trip. Not too much angst, not too much depth & not too much believable therapy happens. It all gets tied together in a neat little bow at the end. A nice, frothy story but probably won't stay with you.
Profile Image for Ronie Reads.
1,548 reviews28 followers
May 25, 2023
Right, like I wasn't going to read this one. I said I needed a break from cleaning. The mirror twins are back, in this final installment.

After saving his mom. PTSD settles in. Why not go away with a personal head doctor. It could be fun!
Profile Image for Alex.
Author 30 books73 followers
May 4, 2011
Overall
This was a spontaneous purchase, as Maxfield announced the book was out and I happened to be re-reading the first of the set. I bought it that morning and finished it by evening. It wasn't an amazing book--I didn't break down crying or feel bubbling with joy, and I didn't come out of it feeling like a better person, or with the desire to be a better person. But it was a good book. It did exactly what a book is supposed to do by playing upon my emotions while taking me along the story. A perfect beach read, which is what I needed at the moment! (Mind you, sans the beach.) I think I actually enjoyed this more than the first one.

Strengths
PTSD. Maxfield's portrayal of Brendan's panic attacks and anxiety felt realistic. While on one hand it's a clever plot device, I liked how it showed a different type of PTSD, since most show the most debilitating where it's in constant effect and that's not always the case. Brendan is confident and cocksure, if not exhausted, but when he has an attack, all his weaknesses show.

Breach of ethics. When Dirk (get your giggles out now) and Brendan hook up for the first time, all I could think was "No! You can't do that!" But thankfully Maxfield addressed it and recognized that I psychiatrists couldn't behave that way without breaking the profession's code of ethics. She smartly played the situation to the advantage of plot progression. In addition, once Brendan arrives at the recuperation center, he's tentative about trusting the people there, but through several short glimpses, we can see how he would change his mind without having to be shown the entire time.

Characters. Dirk and Brendan are enjoyable characters who, while not perfect, don't have too many, or too big of, flaws to make them unappealing. The relationship and my love of them started off rocky, but as the novel progressed, so did they and I like how they handled everything upon Brendan's return to New York. In addition, we get to see more of Evan and Toby!

Weaknesses
This is a beach read and must be read as such. If you want something deep, dark, or thought provoking, go elsewhere. (No points taken off for that, although I rarely mark a beach read as a 5-star read.)

Be sure to check out my other reviews on my blog.
Profile Image for Eli Easton.
Author 83 books2,806 followers
February 22, 2013
3.5 stars (rounded up). I really love Z.A. Maxfield, particularly her Crossing Borders and Family Unit books. So I decided to give this one a try. There are trademark moments of her ridiculously clever writing here -- dialogue lines and passages that I had to highlight because they were just so damn funny.

For example:
"You're barely done watching Sesame Street. This?" Brendan indicated the boy's clothing... "Is brought to you by the letter F and the preposition off, which I advise you to do forthwith."

Or (after making out in a Walmart dressing room and nearly getting thrown in jail for it)
"This was a breach of ethics, a violation of any number of laws, and a lousy, rotten idea."

Or
Dirk flipped the lid and drizzled some of the viscous liquid onto his dick. "How much preparation do you need?"
Brendan rolled his eyes. "How about you say, 'Brace yourself'?"

I dunno. She just has a way with words that makes me laugh.

However, I didn't find the plot in this book that interesting. A big wig CEO with PTSD after an accident is traveling to a detox spa and falls for his doctor along the way. The trip part was cute, but the spa section was rather boring (albeit short), and I just wasn't that interested in the PTSD/recovery plotline overall. This felt like an earlier book of hers, not quite hitting her stride yet. Still, it's a good read if you enjoy K.A. Maxfield.

Profile Image for Kaje Harper.
Author 91 books2,727 followers
April 13, 2012
This book starts out fast and funny, as main character Brendan makes his way through an art fair trying hard not to look at any of the nude portraits of his famous mother. Brendan is somewhat self-absorbed but life takes care of that pretty quickly. I liked the fact that his PTSD was neither made overwhelmingly angsty, nor just a plot device to be conveniently healed by the power of true love. Dirk as his self-recusing therapist, was sweet and very hot, and an endearing mix of youth and brains. I didn't fall deeply in love with the MC's but I was cheering for them by the end, and it was an enjoyable road trip to get there.
Profile Image for Chris.
2,882 reviews209 followers
July 25, 2011
Good m/m romance about the "evil" twin brother of one of the main characters from Stirring Up Trouble , who's struggling with escalating PTSD. An intervention by his board of directors and his twin have him heading for rehab in the company of a very unusual doctor. I found the ending of this one very frustrating - it felt as if it just stopped, rather than providing closure, and the epilogue did nothing to assuage that.
Profile Image for Heidi Cullinan.
Author 50 books2,875 followers
January 4, 2012
I actually read this one first before the other one, and while I love them both, I love this one best. I love Dirk and his too-small suit. I LOVE when he's not in a too-small suit at the end. And I love most of all the dealing with the panic attacks.

Plus it's a road book. I fucking love road books.

Long live MellowMan.
Profile Image for Nicole.
1,001 reviews147 followers
August 10, 2023
Brendan was basically the opposite of his twin Evan: more of a people person, less in touch with his emotions, and more of a business persona than creative. There was a bit of an age gap in this (7 years), but nothing major. The way Dirk handled the situation was pretty good once he realized the attraction was there, and there was no denying it. I liked seeing cameos from the characters from the previous book. This was okay, but nothing that really blew me away. Maybe 3 out of 5 stars?
Profile Image for Kimberly Morehouse.
634 reviews29 followers
July 27, 2022
Evan and Toby continue their journey, but now the focus shifts to Evans identical twin Brendans turn to find his true love. Brendan is suffering from ptsd after an accident and his company board wants him to get help. Enter Dirk, a young dashing Doctor that is assigned to walk him through the program. There is a mild enemies to lovers theme, but that doesn't last long. Cute, funny, sweet and touching. Great series.
Profile Image for Katherine.
5,295 reviews42 followers
July 17, 2020
Features Even’s brother Brendan. I really enjoyed this story. It was satisfying to see Brendan transform from a reckless man to a broken man to a healed man.

Bought as part of audible escape package.
Profile Image for Jenn (not Lily).
4,794 reviews27 followers
May 1, 2019
Fabulous story! Dirk is utterly wonderful, and Brendan needs him so beautifully. I loved it from start to finish, although my very favorite moment was the epilogue.
Profile Image for L-D.
1,478 reviews64 followers
July 26, 2012
Brendan Blankenship is the CEO of the bio engineering firm he started up with his twin brother Evan, whom we met in the first book of this series. After witnessing a traumatizing event, Brendan starts to fall apart at the seams. Forced to go to a rehabilitation type of resort and receive some serious treatment, he meets Dr. Dirk Melovitch.

I thought this was a pretty good book and I enjoyed the short time that the two MCs spent together but I felt the actual interaction between the characters was a little too short overall (thus my categorization of this book on my "insta-love" shelf). I liked Dirk's character, but I can honestly say that I never quite warmed up to Brendan and this may be because of his cocky personality in book one that seems to be magnified here. Besides his looks, I'm not quite sure what Dirk sees in him enough to allow him to have such a serious breach of professional etiquette.

There's also a very brief mention in the book of Dirk's promiscuity and other relationships, his one long-term relationship in particular. This little tidbit is never really addressed by the characters. That would probably have been the first thing I would've questioned if I were Brendan and I met up with Dirk again. There was just not enough development about these characters and between these characters to really satisfy me in this story.

Again, while I didn't dislike this book, it lacked full character development and a strong connection between the characters (besides the physical) in my opinion.
Profile Image for Cindi.
1,710 reviews85 followers
May 6, 2012
I actually liked this one a little better than the first one in the series. While I wasn't much of a fan of Brendan in the first one, he grew on me quickly when I started his story. I loved all of of the characters whether they were main (Brendan and Dirk) or secondary. The story was funny. It was cute. It was sad in some parts. I genuinely loved it. But I have a major pet peeve when it comes to books I read. If I am going to invest time (and money) in a book and read the long road that the characters travel to finally get to their happily ever after, I expect more when it comes to an ending. I hate watching everything build and build and then the ending be rush, rush like this one. Yes, everything came together as I knew it would but I felt cheated.... like there was a lot left out.

Brendan and Dirk reconnect after months of being apart. They meet for coffee and then they set up a date. The date turned out to be Dirk being the "cowboy" that Brendan had joked about during their time in Texas. A couple of pages of the beginning of that particular date and then fast-forward to Brendan and Evan's birthday party. What happened in between the horseback riding and the party? Then they dance and go back and forth joking with the other about their feelings and the words they both are too nervous to say... words that are never spoken. I get all that. It ended well and I was okay with that part. I just wish there would have been more in regards to after Brendan got home from the rehab facility until the ending.

Overall a great book. The ending bothered me a bit but the rest of the book made up for it. The part mentioned above is the only reason this doesn't get 5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Barb Manning.
133 reviews13 followers
February 4, 2012
All Stirred Up is the follow-up to Z.A. Maxfield's successful Stirring Up Trouble. It tells the story of Evan's brother, Brendan Blankenship and his soon to be ex-therapist, Dr. Dirk Melovitch. While visiting, Brendan and his mother witness a terrible tragedy that brings his carefully ordered life to a screeching halt. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder takes over Brendan's life. Sudden noises and certain smells send him into panic attacks so severe that his board of directors compel him to visit an upscale rehab facility in the company of a new psychiatrist they've hired.

When Brendan and Dirk first lay eyes upon each other, the attraction is immediate and mutual, but the animosity is just as strong. Brendan thinks he's alright, while Dirk is certain he's dealing with a spoiled rich guy. All Stirred Up chronicles their rocky trip from New York to California by way of Texas. There's one mishap after another in this madcap adventure. There are some surprising developments as Brendan and Dirk take a road trip across the country. The most surprising is their attraction to each other. Brendan is somewhat reserved, particularly given his recent experiences, while Dirk is open and demonstrative.

Dirk steps forward to rescue Brendan in tight situations involving police stations, airplanes and full-blown panic attacks. As these two move towards their destination, they draw closer and closer together despite the many obstacles to their relationship. Maxfield has another winner in All Stirred Up. It was a lot of fun learning about Brendan and Dirk.

Book Review by Creative Ink
Profile Image for Rossy.
219 reviews241 followers
May 27, 2011
I loved the first book, but this one had me both wanting to pull my hair out or smack the characters over the head, at times. Maybe it was my reading mood but this time around there were some scenes that i found sort of pointless, and quite the few errors....for someone who never notices these things, it just kept throwing me off the scene and try to make sense of what exactly the author meant to write.
Profile Image for Laura M.
130 reviews6 followers
May 13, 2011
Really enjoyed the story. Good to see a mental health issue that is not cured by just falling for someone. Brendon's therapy turns out to be very positive for him. That's nice in a time when so many stories have such negative results from professional help.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jen.
99 reviews1 follower
June 4, 2011
Another great ZAM read. Just enough angst and fluff and of course the happy ending
Profile Image for Kristina Sanchez.
Author 5 books236 followers
September 10, 2021
It's... I mean, it's fine. The storyline is just a bit sloppy. leaves a lot of questions, and everything happens so fast. World's most unprofessional counselor for sure.
Profile Image for Reading Addict.
914 reviews53 followers
October 13, 2021
Free on audible. Again, the cover is diff on audible and wtf is this cover? Lol

Fun I guess. Cliche to the point of forgeability. Not as good as the last book.
Profile Image for Trip .
904 reviews30 followers
May 16, 2020
Damn, I thought the first book in the series was amazing but this one was just as perfect! I loved Brendans appearance in the first book so was looking forward to his story and it was amazing. There is so much emotion, passion and pure intimacy in this book which is very different to the first. As Brendans goes through a tragic event at the start which majorly affects him and its no surprise why.

I feel like this story handled his ptsd, panic attacks and general situation incredibly well with every scene. Truly showed how its not just a quick fix and how the simplest of things can have a huge affect, such as sounds and scenery everything has an impact. Also his memories and ways of coping with it, how he reacts to those around him is all done in this tragic and emotional but truthful way.

While there is plenty of romance here, it's definitely a story of recovery and working towards a better future in so many ways. Dirk is wonderful, his not perfect and yet he is for Brendan. These two go together in the best way, they're both so full of humor and passion.

The cowboy moments, plane ride, balcony, car journey, the restaurent, shopping, hotel, bathroom and horse ride not forgetting the dancing. Just all their interactions are so powerful and beautiful. I feel like they helped each other and gave the push they needed to try something new, Brenden with his therapy and Dirk with his job.

I loved this story so much from start to finish and adored that we also got to see Toby and Evan again, because they're hilarious and so sweet. Oh and I adore the twins mother Morgan she is amazing! Cam is pretty great too.

Overall I had a lot of fun and it has a lovely happy ending for everyone xx
Profile Image for Wide Eyes, Big Ears!.
2,610 reviews
July 16, 2022
Yikes, a swing and miss for me! After a traumatic (on-page) event, Brendan’s life spirals as he deals with PTSD and self-medication. The company (which he owns and runs) reads him the riot act and he agrees to dry out at a luxury detox facility. So, this is a serious story, right? Err, no. From the start Dirk, the psychiatrist the facility sends to accompany Brendan to the facility, acts in the most unprofessional way possible, basically abetting Brendan’s risky, acting-out behaviours and they have a 3-day fling. Oh, so it’s an instalove romcom, right? Err, no. There’s also homophobia, a violent assault, the breakup when Dirk abandons him at the facility, therapy where Brendan gets his head straight, then horses. Weirdest of all, the epilogue features the couple from Stirring Up Trouble (book 1), not the couple in this book. I’ve loved so many of ZA Maxfield’s books, but I just couldn’t understand the creative decisions here, it tried to be too many things at once. Biff Summers, you are an excellent narrator and you did a great job on this. Why haven’t I seen any audios from you since 2018?
Profile Image for JR Maxwell.
399 reviews1 follower
November 23, 2020
This book had a great premise, IMO, and the setup was fantastic. I was drawn in from the beginning.

And it was written well (I mean, duh, this author is fabulous), but it was only half-executed. Ok, maybe three quarters. But it certainly felt like a first or second draft, which bummed me out because I was so enjoying the premise. Specifically, without spoilers: It went outside the romance genre formula, and while that by itself is FINE, one must do it carefully, to balance out the breaking of that expectation with something even better. The promise of that was here, but this draft didn't deliver.
Profile Image for Naomi.
705 reviews4 followers
February 3, 2022
Brendan starts having panic attacks and is not doing well with his mental health. His company steps in to send him to treatment. He gets Dirk as his therapist who is to transport him to treatment in New Mexico. Things don't go exactly as planned. I liked the connection that Brendan and Dirk form even though it is fast. I would have liked to see this one be a bit longer and have their story play out a bit more even though we know where it's headed.
Profile Image for ❤️ Books and some coffee ❤️.
178 reviews3 followers
September 30, 2022
Okay the cover here is horrible too 😆

Read this one too on Audible Plus for free (around 4 hours)

The story is about Brandon (Evans brother from the first book) and the Dirk the Doctor who is supposed to help him deal with his PTSD after he witnesses a terrible accident.

Dirk was the most Unprofessional Doctor ever!!

And they get together way too soon imo.
I'd rate this 2.5 🌟

And Spice level -2.5🌶🌶
Profile Image for Susan.
400 reviews31 followers
October 4, 2019
I definitely preferred the first book.
Too much sex in this one... the relationship between the MCs was a bit disappointing... I'd have preferred less sex and more relationship.

The narrator also got a bit too dramatic frequently, even outside of the sex scenes in this one.
Profile Image for Ferbooks.
1,776 reviews13 followers
December 15, 2021
A thoroughly enjoyable listen.

I enjoyed reading this book. The characters are engaging and fun, and there are lots oa LOL moments. Amazing connections is undeniable throughout the pages. The storyline flowed easily and the ending was great.
62 reviews
July 22, 2024
Another good one

The second book didn’t have quite the punch as book one but it was a cute and believable story nonetheless. I would have liked more development of the Melovitch clan, especially between the father and son, but this was an enjoyable read.
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