Nile Princess's Reviews > Rescue Me

Now that I can breathe again, I am compelled to review this book. Matt suffers an almost fatal car accident and, upon release from the hospital, hires James as his nurse. Matt is an extremely difficult man. Lack of love from his foster parents and/or significant adult romantic relationships have left him a sarcastic, bitter man who does not like to be touched. The huge scar that now runs down one side of his face doesn't help. His three friends, Lewis, Nick and Joel are all that keep him from becoming a complete recluse.

James is attracted to Matt from the get go. He senses the inner turmoil in his new charge and is empathetic to his body image issues. Unfortunately, Matt is so nasty to him that he eventually quits - but not before they share not one, but two passionate kisses. Did I mention that Matt is homphobic? This new attraction to James, another man for Pete's sake, is simply too much for him to handle, especially considering his best friend Lewis and his other friend Nick are in the fledgling phase of a love affair.

James and Matt run into each other at various events and soon find themselves in the middle of a full blown affair..or something. Matt hates himself after every encounter and, because he's such a generous guy, he's sure to share that hate and disgust with James. He is undeniably attracted to James, yet looks down on him because James is the 'bottom'. Slurs get tossed around repeatedly and will offend some readers. It can't get any worse, I can hear you thinking. Oh, but it can. I haven't mentioned the violence. Yes folks, Matt and James beat the crap out of each at every turn and, even if it doesn't devolve into full blown violence, rest assured Matt will find a way to ruin a perfect moment. He's just consistent like that.

So now you're thinking, why on earth would I want to read this book? Answer? Because it's so gut wrenchingly good. I haven't read the 1 and 2 star reviews, but I pretty much know what they'll say and you know what? To some degree, they would be right. The relationship was dysfunction at its best/ worst. In real life, no one in their right mind would have cheered for Matt. He was mentally and physically abusive, selfish and he repeatedly hurt James only to apologize afterwards. James was the perfect abuse victim. Always accepting the apologies, always making excuses, always giving Matt another chance. BUT somehow this story worked and I can only attribute this to the author's immense talent. Because we get such comprehensive access to Matt's thoughts, emotions and remorse, it's very hard to fully hate him. Everytime he messes up you find yourself going, "Oh Matt! Not again,' because you know that you can't hate him anymore that he does himself when he lashes out (no pun intended). You don't always agree or understand but you empathize. And empathy is important in this book. Without it, you WILL throw the towel in after the first few chapters. The passion is evident throughout. Even through the worst of times, there is no denying Matt's need and desire for James. It is always there, over and above his denial and self hate.

Having said that, I did have issues. I think the abuse went on too long. I was especially bothered by the James character. Other reviewers mentioned counselling for Matt. James needed it as well. Allowing someone to repeatedly crap on you is not normal. He frustrated me at times because I would have liked him to be a stronger character. He embodied the wrong message. Put up with abuse, and eventually you will be rewarded when your jerk bf turns into a prince. He should have stepped back long before he did, been firmer ('I never want to see you again' should have meant just that) and the self flagellation (blaming himself for Matt's actions) left an especially bitter taste in my mouth.

The ending? Yes, it was nice and made me smile and the HEA crowd will love it but, for me, it would have felt more complete had they gone to counselling. Granted, on the surface, it didn't feel like they needed it. Matt had truly changed. He had opened up, accepted himself and his relationship, but too much had happened for 80% of the book and his jealousy/anger issues were still there below the surface. It felt like a HFN for me, like they were in the honeymoon stage until they settled down to everyday life, where shit gets real and Matt is truly tested. This book just screamed 'sequel'.

Read this book if you are ready to be taken on an emotional rollercoaster. The men are hot and the sex is hotter, but you will definitely be put through the paces. All I can say is stick with it. It's one I will definitely read again.