Crush Box Set 1 By Elouise East
Genre: Contemporary Romance, GLBTQ, MM
Tropes: Taboo, coming out, bi-sexual awakening
Released: January 13, 2022
Publisher: Self-Published
Series: Crush, Book 1 (of 3 boxed sets)
Length: 210,000 words for all 3 books
Each one can be read separately, but characters pop into all books.
The stories do not end on a cliffhanger.
Box set 1 contains:
First Kiss follows Charlie and Josh as love crosses boundaries they never expected it to. When Charlie tries to find someone to take his virginity, he doesn’t realise he is knocking down the first domino in a long line of changes set to test their loyalty and put them on a path neither anticipated.
Instant Desire is what Sean feels when he first meets Asher. Unfortunately, it pushes Sean further away from the man instead of closer. Asher does everything he can to help Sean get past what haunts him, but even though he understands the grief, he can’t wallow in it himself. His niece needs him.
Primary Seduction follows Trent on his bisexual awakening. He never would’ve thought Max would be the one person he wanted. A match flickers to life inside him, and he can’t hold back, even when Max comes complete with a BDSM lifestyle Trent knows nothing about. Trouble comes calling, but his newfound relationship helps him in ways he never expected.
MM romances where love wins over everything. Everyone is welcome at Crush.
Reviewed by ButtonsMom2003
Good stories and I want to read more!
It’s been a while since I’ve read a book by Elouise East and I’m glad I agreed to read and review this boxed set. The first book in the set, First Kiss, was a little bit of a surprise because I didn’t realize that it was going to be taboo story. I actually surprised myself and pretty much enjoyed the story. I loved the introduction to Crush (the bar) and the people connected to it.
Book 2, Instant Desire, I loved. 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.
Book 3, Primary Seduction, is my favorite of the three books. It’s an out-for-you, bi-awakening story and has great MCs. Max has been smitten with Trent for several months but he knows better than to fall for a straight guy. Trent has a nasty ex-wife and two daughters that have given him the cold-shoulder (we met one in Instant Desire). I love how the relationship between Max and Trent developed. I also enjoyed seeing Trent’s daughter’s come back to him once certain things were revealed.
While each of these books can stand alone, characters from the previous books pop up and you might best enjoy reading them in order. All-in-all this was a great boxed set and it left me wanting to read more books in this series.
First Kiss ♥♥♥♥
Instant Desire ♥♥♥♥♥
Primary Seduction ♥♥♥♥♥
O Factor: Scorcher
Available to borrow with Kindle Unlimited.
Excerpt from First Kiss
“Hello?”
Josh rushed into the hallway and ploughed into Charlie.
“Umph!” Charlie dropped his bag with a thump, then slid his arms around Josh’s waist, one reaching up to rub his back. “Hi, J,” he whispered.
Josh didn’t say anything. Charlie hadn’t realised exactly how much he had missed him until he’d come back through the door. The same for Josh if how tight he was holding him was anything to go by. Josh squeezed him tighter. A throat cleared but they ignored it. Josh burrowed his face into Charlie’s neck. “I love you,” he whispered so quietly, Charlie wasn’t sure if he’d heard right.
Charlie’s body started shaking. Josh pulled back a little to look at him, and Charlie realised he was crying. Josh cupped his cheeks, wiping the tears with his fingers. “Is that okay?”
Charlie nodded as more tears fell.
“Why have you made my boy cry?” Josh got pushed aside as their mum took his place, pulling Charlie into a hug. “Are you okay, sweetheart? What did he say to upset you?” His mum looked at Josh, eyes narrowed. “You better have a good explanation, young man.”
Josh straightened, looked her in the eye and said, “I told him I loved him.”
There was a beat of silence then his mum burst into tears, hugging them both tight, mumbling words he couldn’t understand. He was hoping they were happy tears too. But he wasn’t sure.
His mum pulled away after a minute and pulled them into the living room. She pushed them both down onto the sofa and she sat on the coffee table facing them. She looked at Josh. “You love him?”
Josh nodded. “With everything I am.” He wrapped his arm around Charlie’s shoulder.
His mum looked at Charlie. “What about you?”
Charlie nodded. “I love him.” Then he turned to Josh, “I love you.” A lone tear dripped down his cheek, which Josh wiped away.
His mum clasped her hands to her mouth and laughed. “I’m so happy for you both.” She looked at them tenderly for a moment, then her face became serious. “You’re going to have many problems, my beautiful boys. There will be people out there,” she pointed out the window, “who will try to bring you down with their hate. You must stay strong. Believe in each other.
Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway for a chance to win one of two signed paperbacks
of either First Kiss, Instant Desire, or Primary Seduction (winner’s choice).
I am Elouise East but feel free to call me Elli. I write sweet and steamy connections in gay romance. I also touch 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 – is very important to me. That’s why I include a variety of personalities, talents, ages, situations and abilities as I believe a story needs, or a character needs. I want my characters to be real, to be relatable, to be free to have whatever views they tell me they have. And trust me, most of the time, I do not have any say in the matter!
My characters come to life on the page for me as well as my readers. Their stories unfold in front of me, and I have very little input into how they want to be shown. Just like real life, the lives of my characters change with every choice, every interaction and every conversation. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I write books that are emotionally realistic, even if liberties are taken with other aspects of my stories. I don’t know any other way to write. It comes from deep inside.
Who am I? A single parent to two children who make life worth living. An avid reader who still devours 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 in?
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