Reviewed by Amber
TITLE: Crash Pad
AUTHOR: Whitley Gray
PUBLISHER: Loose Id
LENGTH: 77 pages
BLURB:
Physician Remy Marshall has two loves: Emergency Medicine and running. Work doesn’t leave much time to meet guys, and most seem more interested in his bank account than him. With a week off to train for a marathon, Remy plans to make the most of his precious vacation. The last thing he needs is a distraction.
Jamie Sutton is new to the area. He hopes to make a fresh start after leaving an abusive relationship with an orthopedic surgeon. He’s got a new job as a massage therapist and wants to meet some nice guys. Against his better judgment, Jamie decides the best way to meet a cute rollerblader he’s seen in the park is on wheels.
With attention on his watch and not where he’s going, Remy crashes into Jamie and fractures the first-time rollerblader’s ankle. Jamie has no one to help him after the injury; Remy proposes Jamie stay with him. Jamie is reluctant, but it’s a better option than staying with the odd guy in the neighboring motel room. As the two get acquainted, Jamie’s past comes calling. Remy discovers the prize he really wants isn’t a medal in a marathon, but the man right in front of him.
REVIEW:
I rather enjoyed this quick little angsty read. I’m always super anxious to read stories by new to me authors. This one was pretty good.
Jaime is a fun loving, massage therapist looking to start over after an abusive dysfunctional relationship with orthopedic surgeon, Vince. He’s moved away and has found a new job. Now he’s looking for love, companionship, someone to have fun with. With hopes of meeting a cute roller bladder, Jaime dons a pair of skates and goes on the hunt. Unfortunately, rollerblading isn’t Jaime’s forte and he winds up crashing into a runner and breaking his ankle.
Remy Marshal is a successful ER doctor who likes to run in his spare time. Currently he is training for an upcoming marathon when he collides with Jaime on a park path. Remy immediately feels the pull of attraction for blonde, blue eyed Jaime. He also feels incredibly responsible for her ankle since he wasn’t watching where he was going. Being a medical professional he immediately takes responsible for Jaime and his care. He goes as far as offering his home to Jaime so Remy could keep an eye on him and help him with recovery.
While healing and cohabitating things start heating up between these two. The cute push/pull, flirty play was downright infectious. With each other there was very little angst but Jaime has deep scars from his year with his abusive ex. He has a hard time giving up control to Remy because he doesn’t want to be taken advantage of again.
I loved Remy’s character. He was so patient with Jaime. He could infer there were some serious demons Jaime was battling and he was so good about not pushing him too hard.
For a short story I thought the plot was developed pretty well. The story flowed really well and I was engaged the whole time.
It bothered me not knowing what became of Vince. I kept waiting for him to pop up again but it never happened. An epilogue would have helped tie up some loose ends, but other than that I enjoyed this story. I’d definitely be interested in reading other stories by this author.
RATING: 
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