Reviewed by Sadonna
TITLE: Instant Regret
SERIES: Loose Lips Sink Ships
AUTHOR: E.M. Lindsey
PUBLISHER: self-published
LENGTH: 148 pages
RELEASE DATE: December 14, 2022
BLURB:
There’s nothing like having your sanctuary destroyed.
My life has been a series of carefully cultivated, strategic moves to ensure peace and quiet. I’m generally a happy guy but there’s one thing I can’t stand: having my space invaded. After all, that’s why I chose this run-down building that no one wants to live in.
And then he moved in.
The obnoxious, arrogant classical musician who spent his first night banging on the wall and insulting my playlist.
But as much as it’s been fun driving him up the wall, I start to see the cracks in his holier-than-thou demeanor—which I suppose is impressive for a blind man.
Something about his life is more tragic than I want to think about, and it doesn’t take more than a few kind words to get him to open up.
Where I once wanted to torment him until he moved out, now all I can think about is how he’d feel in my arms. I’m not sure if he’s willing to give me a chance after everything I’ve done, but this Christmas, I have hope.
And this New Year’s Eve—if luck is on my side—I’ll be ringing it in with the one man I will never let go.
Instant Regret is the second book of the holiday duet featuring a smartass woodworker, a tired best friend, a wooing plan with deep enough cracks you could see through to the core of the earth, and the sweetest, steamiest happily ever after. Malicious Compliance and Instant Regret must be read in order.
REVIEW:
Note: This is the second book in this duology and won’t work without having read Malicious Intent first.
Forrest is a blind artist who has been living in a quite apartment working on his art and avoiding the larger world. Why he is holed up in his apartment working with his tools at all hours of the night is something that is revealed as the story unfolds. His best friend Ymir and his brother Ash are his lifelines to the outside world. When someone moves into the basement apartment next door and they share a very thin wall, Forrest’s equilibrium is thrown off. And he’s a complete asshole to the guy.
Jules is a classical cellist who has hit rock bottom and he’s trying to pull himself up to at least ground level. He’s irritating and his music – and those of his students – is annoying to Forrest who wants to keep college student hours. He figures out that Jules in young and that he’s been really beaten down but not quite broken by what has happened to him in his personal and professional life. When he witnesses Jules really awful terrible date gone awry, he begins to rethink his treatment of his neighbor. They develop a strange sort of friendship.
Forrest is worried about Jules – what with no heat, no money, no food, he just can’t help but try to make things easier. He sees the heart beneath the scars and develops real feelings for Jules. He encourages Jules with his music and seems to be the only real friend Jules has. His family is a bit of a mess and Forrest can’t help but feel even more how lucky he is in his life with his family – in spite of his brother and best friend’s instance on setting him up with what turns out to be a really bad date. He feels some empathy with Jules on that front since Jules sister is just an awful matchmaker.
Forrest has just about gotten back on the horse, as it were, professionally after a traumatic event. It’s taken him years to feel like he could get back to his normal life. But just as Jules is about to turn the corner professionally – hopefully – Forrest ends up in place that could send him back running to hide in his apartment and shut out the world. Thankfully he has his family and his best friend there to ensure he doesn’t lose the ground he’s gained getting back to himself. If he can do that, he might be able to be worthy of Jules after all.
This story packs quite a punch in its 148 pages. I loved that we got to hear this story from Forrest side of the wall 🙂 Forrest is a bit of a prickly bastard – which he totally owns and sometimes doesn’t seem to be able to stop himself from being – even though he acknowledges that his behavior is unwarranted. He’s been used to getting his own way and not having to compromise with anybody. His family and friends have coddled him – probably too much as it turns out. The one thing that has gotten to him is Jules hard luck and how hard he’s working to get back on his feet. He begins to appreciate again just how lucky he has been. He worries about Jules – really thinking about someone besides himself for the first time in a long time. He eventually figures out that Jules is someone he really cares about and can see maybe even having a life with. But he has work to do to make sure he’s going to be worthy of Jules. I really enjoyed watching Forrest step back into himself. I loved Ash and Ymir and Forrest’s parents – who he realizes he’s also kept at arms length for no really good reason. It’s clear that he has been loved dearly and also protected by his family and his economic status. His relationship – well the one he wants – with Jules really opens his eyes to what he has to offer and what he could receive in return. His strength of character and courage in the face of potential setbacks show him to be worthy of love and respect. And Jules is ready to meet him where he’s at. Despite Forrest not being completely up front with Jules about exactly who he is, it’s clear that Jules sees the man beneath the surface. Such a lovely and uplifting conclusion to this couple’s story. E.M. Lindsey is so great at writing characters who may be different to the typical romance hero, showing that anyone can be the hero in their own life and if they are really lucky, to find someone else who they can be a hero for as well. Beautifully written an highly recommended.
RATING: 
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