Ellis Carrington

'Total Immersion' is a good title for this story about two men, each looking for something different, a better type of life or relationship than they've had so far. They meet on a trip to Turkey, and by 'immersing' themselves in that experience they each learn something new, become more open, and manage to fall in love.

Evan is not in a good place at the beginning of the story. He had a bad fall, injured his back, and has never really recovered - despite the fact his doctors told him his symptoms should go away within a few weeks. Evan's real problem isn't purely physical though - it is mental. Evan's boyfriend does not react well to Evan's issues with pain and "wants time apart" instead of going on the jointly planned trip with Evan. What a crappy thing to do! Evan ends up miserable, morose, and in horrible pain.

Bale is the guy ending up next to him on the plane, and he is determined to help. He sees something in Evan that is new and different, and no matter how bad Evan's is, Bale puts up with it and tries to cheer him up. A recent split from his ex-girlfriend allows him to explore a different type of relationship (he's only so far "fooled around" with a few men), but it quickly becomes more for him.

If you like unusual settings, if you enjoy reading about men who come out of their shells - slowly and dragging their feet a little, and if you're looking for a short read that might make you smile at the characters' antics as well as some very funny situations as they travel, then you will probably like this novella.


NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.
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