Reviewed by Sadonna
TITLE: Drifting
SERIES: Diving In
AUTHOR: J. Calamy
PUBLISHER: Pride Publishing
LENGTH: 189 pages
RELEASE DATE: June 24, 2022
BLURB:
Two men starting over, and the discovery that could shatter their worlds.
Artist and antiquities expert Cole Hadley is in a good place. Assistant Cultural Attaché to the US Embassy, Cairo, he’s over his divorce, rebuilding his confidence after years of fat-shaming and misery and checking off the first of his bucket-list items, SCUBA diving in the Red Sea.
Hank Ashton, bearded, built, the best—and meanest—divemaster on the Sea, is stranded in the dying town of Al’Shahin. He owes a local gangster a pile of money and is stuck teaching basic classes at a failing hotel to pay the debt, the dream of his own dive shop slipping further away every year.
Cole’s joy and wonder at Hank’s world cracks his carefully constructed shell, forcing him to realize how lucky he is. In turn, Hank’s lust for Cole’s body and care for his happiness go miles toward healing Cole’s bruised heart. Their shared passion for the marvels of the undersea world spills over into a sizzling affair…one they both know has an expiration date.
Until, in exploring the sea, they make the discovery of the century, one that could change both their lives. But their very different plans reveal just how little they know each other. Cole and Hank have to decide exactly what’s important to them and be brave enough to get it, if they’re to have any hope of resurfacing together.
REVIEW:
Hank is a divemaster on the Red Sea at a resort that has seen better days. He’s in debt up to his eyeballs and he’s not had a break in a long time. Cole is artist and antiquities expert who is really starting to find his feet after a bad divorce. He’s loving his job and he’s knocking things off his bucket list. They meet up at the dive shop because Cole has finally taken two weeks off and he’s determined to get his SCUBA certification. At first things were a bit prickly, but soon they realize that they have a lot in common.
Hank has had a tough break and is in a lot of debt to a very bad man 🙁 Cole is a super sweet teddy bear of a guy who has done a lot of work on himself with the help of a therapist. His body issues and his comfort with himself are things he’s proud of. As they dive together, it’s clear that Hank is attracted to Cole and Cole is definitely attracted to Hank. Cole is exactly Hank’s type and the fact that he “gets” how special diving is a huge turn on as well. And the fact that he’s an artist? Just one more bonus.
Cole’s love and enthusiasm for diving do something to Hank. They kind of bring him back to live after the existence he’s been living. He loves Hank’s food and he shares his art with Hank too. It’s like the sun has been turned on again for Hank but in a good way. Cole is happy to be appreciated – all of him. It’s incredibly sweet 🙂 But of course into every life a bit of rain must fall. And when they find something that could answer maybe both of their very different prayers, it causes a bit of conflict. Thankfully this doesn’t last too long though 😉
Seriously really really enjoyed this story. It was a wonderful surprise from page 1. The story is told from alternative POVs of the two main characters which gives the reader a great insight into the mindset of our the MCs. I love reading stories about imperfect MCs – whatever the reason. And it’s nice to read a story with an HEA for someone who maybe doesn’t have a perfect body. I really liked both Hank and Cole – and Cole’s friends and Hank’s friend Levi as well. This is a great start to what I hope will be a series to savor. The beautiful descriptions of Egypt, the sea and the diving have me longing to be in the ocean again. I loved the way the story evolved and how Hank and Cole were able to work things out. Well done and recommended.
RATING: 
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