Luke Schumaker designs computer games, working from his home. Every day he walks his dog in the woods nearby, never suspecting that someone who is completely smitten is watching.
The watcher is Alex Shaw, and he too works from home, designing logic and crossword puzzles. Alex’s options are limited: he’s too shy to approach Luke and his wheelchair won’t let him follow into the woods. His solution? Secret messages for Luke in the crosswords he writes for the local paper.
When Luke decodes them, romance begins, but then they face greater puzzles, like Alex’s interfering sister and what commitment to a man in a wheelchair really takes. And, most puzzling of all, how do you know if love is real?
Happy. Yep, that’s me. As I finished this story I was overcome with a surge of pure joy. I read a great deal of angst these days but I still crave a lighthearted story in between to lighten my spirits. Puzzle Me This was exactly what I needed. I enjoyed both Luke and Alex immensely and quickly cruised through their book smiling (nearly) the entire time. It’s not only delightful though…it’s also tender, silly and sexy. The blurb presents a solid foundation of what to expect and with the EE initials attached, I didn’t hesitate to jump in. Here’s why I think you should join me…
Alex has lived a solitary life. Not necessarily by choice but by default. Bound to his wheelchair he doesn’t have the same freedom as his peers. But living on his own was a long aspired dream and one he doesn’t take for granted. Watching his neighbor venture into the nearby woods with his pup has become his favorite past time. Soon his addiction pushes him to the next level. And when he catches Luke’s attention with his clever secret messages within his addition to the newspaper, he’s terrified yet…thrilled. Both men are a bit nerdy, both men are a bit lonely, and both men discover they are missing a significant piece to their lives.
I can easily see why Alex was smitten with Luke. His cheery personality is contagious. He never focuses on Alex’s limitations but doesn’t dismiss them either. When Luke looks at Alex, he sees him not a man in a chair. Which is a new experience for Alex. Luke has always been carefree but he’s grown out of his wayward ways. He wants to keep his happy-go-lucky life but with one special person. He’s quite certain he’s found the one he was looking for but his confidence wavers when outside pressures squeeze tighter. He’s never done the relationship thing before and he wants to, more than anything. But what if he fails? Maybe it’s time to put Alex’s needs before his own? Or deep down, are they both after the same thing? It’s not a tough mystery to solve but it sure was enjoyable watching it unravel.
An abundance of romance within limited pages. Sisterly love with good but overbearing intentions. And a gap in communications that will make you growl but an ending that will leave a smile on your face.
If you’re searching for a fun, warm, quick read, look no further…this puzzle is just what you need.
TITLE: Puzzle Me This
AUTHOR: Eli Easton
PUBLISHER: Pinkerton Roads
LENGTH: 120 pages
RE-RELEASE DATE: Sept 6, 2019
BUY LINKS: Amazon
