Socially awkward, thirty-six-year-old virgin, Simon Kadish, knows he wants more from life than a failing bakery and an empty apartment. He just doesn’t know how to get it.
From an early age, Simon’s life has been marked by loss. After the death of his father, Simon and his infant brother are ripped from their home in Tel Aviv and forced to settle in a small mountain town in the US where no one … US where no one speaks his language. By the age of twelve, Simon is an orphan. By the age of twenty-one, Simon finds himself the unwilling owner of his bubbe’s bakery, and the hesitant guardian of his little brother. Terrified of losing what little he has left, Simon dedicates himself to his faith, sacrificing everything to keep the fragile scraps of his broken family.
But, when Simon’s favorite film star’s life suddenly falls apart on social media, Simon makes a choice. He goes against every one of his instincts and fires up his camera, sending a message in rusty ASL. He doesn’t expect anything from it, of course. After all, Simon’s life has been anything but charmed.
Deaf film star, Rocco Moretti, had anyone’s fantasy life, and he wouldn’t change it for the world.
When he was in college, Rocco decided to corner the market as a Deaf man in adult films as a quick way to make cash. Fifteen years later, and he’s rich with a house in Malibu, a boyfriend of almost two-decades, and a body that’s constantly in demand. His life was charmed, and he wouldn’t have it any other way. But when Rocco wakes up to his boyfriend leaving, he has nowhere to turn. People are starving for the drama, but no one cares that Rocco’s life has just fallen apart. His job is on the line, and he’s lost his interpreter, and all people want is the story.
Rocco realizes in that moment, he wants something more. He’s not sure where to find it, but he thinks maybe the shy video in shaky ASL in his DMs is a good place to start. After all, Cherry Creek is in the middle of nowhere, and since seeing that video, Rocco hasn’t been able to stop thinking about that shy baker’s long fingers, shy smile, and the constellation of freckles on his pale cheeks.
Rocco isn’t sure leaving his life behind is the right choice, and Simon isn’t sure he belongs in Rocco’s world. But the one thing they do know, is that this love has a chance to set them both free.
Love Him Free is Book One of the series On The Market. It contains no cheating, light angst, and has a HEA.
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The Jewish Baker and the Deaf Porn Star (an audio review)
Simon lives a solitary existence. As a refugee from Israel, he came to America with nothing but his mother and brother. His mother died years ago and their grandmother not long after, leaving the kosher bakery to Simon. He’s made a life for himself – baking treats and trying to keep his head above water financially. He’s found a way to set his brother up for security while sacrificing his own. Now he’s facing selling the only true home he’s ever known. His brother hasn’t always been appreciative of Simon’s efforts, and there is a chasm between the brothers. Simon has a few friends in town, but there aren’t many he holds close. At thirty-six he’s a virgin who’s given up on finding love. Then one day he takes a chance and reaches out to a stranger. What he’s not expecting is for that stranger to reach back.
Rocco is a gay porn star. And he’s deaf, but he hasn’t let that hold him back. He’s made a successful career and his interpreter is also his partner in life. Until everything goes sideways. Needing an escape from the unrelenting pain, Rocco drives all night to show up in Cherry Creek. To see if the man in the video who spoke to him in sign language really is as special as he seems.
The celebrity trope can be fun when it’s done well. Who among us hasn’t dreamed of some celebrity coming to sweep us off our feet? To take us away from the drudgery of our lives? Well, Simon never really went there. Oh, he reached out to Rocco, in his halting sign language. But mostly because he recognized pain and wanted the other man to know he wasn’t alone. He certainly didn’t expect Rocco to show up on his door.
Slowly they build a relationship. Simon opens up about his past and Rocco shares his disappointments. Eventually they layer on a physical relationship. I have to say, for a thirty-six-year-old man, Simon has a short refractory period. But anyway, Rocco initiates him into the world of carnal pleasures but Simon’s insecurities are on full display when Rocco’s past catches up with him.
There was something special about this book. About two lonely men finding each other. Of course I wasn’t sure how the book was going to end. I mean Simon’s life is in Cherry Creek and Rocco’s is in California. Never fear, the author has a solution for that. And there are four future books to come. Needless to say, I hope they all come to audio. I enjoyed Nick Hudson’s narration, so I hope he is able to helm any future books as well.
3.5 stars
LOVE HIM FREE is book 1 of the “On The Market” series. I have read the “Iron Works” Series and loved it. This book feels like it in the middle of another series because of all the other characters who are fully developed, I felt like I was missing something.
Having said that… Here is what I enjoyed about the story:
1. Diversity of the characters. I enjoyed reading differences in religious experiences.
2. Acceptance of the town. For a small town they are well versed in normalization of all types of lifestyles.
3. Self actualization of the two protagonists. It was nice to watch them grow.
I am going to search for the other stories with the secondary characters to find out their origins.
Tags: KU, MM, small town romance, ASL
Simon, a baker and 36 year old virgin, has a troubled and sad childhood which continues to affect him. He feels comforted, but trapped by his routine, isolation, and a failing business. Rocco is a deaf porn star who has publicly lost his long-term boyfriend/translator and is humiliated online. One night, Simon who is a fan of Rocco, sends him a compassionate video on Twitter using sign language. Rocco feels a beacon in this man and decides to escape LA to meet Simon. Can a virgin and a porn star find a long-term relationship?
This book is well-written, but has a tone throughout of bittersweetness, deep grief, difficult relationships along with the incredible love of the two MCs. You won’t always feel good while reading this story, but you will feel and sense of healing and hope for their future.
Love Him Free is the first book in the On The Market series which takes place in the town of Cherry Creek. From what I’ve seen of from other reviewers, Cherry Creek is a location that was created by Kate Hawthorne and was the setting for one of her series. There seems to be a lot of crossovers between the series in regards to the characters. At first, I was a little apprehensive about that because I was worried I would not be able to follow along in the story, but that fear was unfounded. I could definitely tell that all the characters had history and stories of their own, but it did not make the Love Him Free book confusing. So, if like me, you haven’t read any other Cherry Creek books, don’t worry, you don’t need to for Love Him Free.
I really liked this book. Simon was such a sweet and gentle character who was just trying to do his best. He knew he had made mistakes and he was open to learning and growing. I was really touched by how much he cared for his brother, Levi, and how quietly, yet fiercely, he loved Levi. The romance between Simon and Rocco was everything I want from a Hallmark romance—instant attraction, impulsive life decisions, and a beautiful, enduring love. Rocco is a gay porn star who happens to be deaf. I myself am not deaf, but I have worked with deaf coworkers, and I really appreciate how much attention to detail E.M. Lindsey put into her portrayal of Rocco and his experiences. I, of course, speak from a limited perspective, and I cannot comment on how accurate E.M. Lindsey ultimately was, but from my, once again limited, perspective, it matched my experiences working with my deaf colleagues (without the porn industry backdrop). Overall, the romance was wonderful and delightful, and there were some really hot sex scenes that were just fabulous.
The audiobook was narrated by Nick Hudson who has one of my favorite audiobook voices. He has smooth, even tones that make for a really pleasant listening experience. He also adds flair and drama with his performance without going over the top.
EM Lindsey is a new to me author and I have to admit it took me a while to get into the story at the beginning. I’m not sure it was the writing style, which I’m not used to, or because I felt I was missing something of the background stories of the side characters (the stories for Simon’s brother and friends are told in books from other authors). But when I got further into the story I enjoyed this book very much. Simon and Rocco are both very imperfect characters, with a ton of quirks and baggage, but they draw out the best in aech other. Adorable pets where a plus!
Religion is a main theme in the book as Simon is a stricly observant Jew, and as a non religious person I found it both fascinating and a bit oppressive, I couldn’t really relate to that aspect of his life.
Provided ARC by GRR in exchange for an honest review.
This book has went to the top of my favorites for 2020. I loved everything about this book. My only niggle would be that I want more!! More of Rocco being so so sweet to Simon and more of Simon coming to be the person he wants to be. And I want more brother moments with Simon and Levi. Gah, literally this book gives you all the feels. I am sooo sooo happy I have this book in my life. E.M. Lindsey, where have you been all my life. Also, Nick Hudson on the audio did a amazing and I will be looking for more of his work. Phenomenal book.
Such a great story, first time reading E. M. Lindsey but will def read more now.
Simon a Jewish Baker and a 36 Yr old virgin.
Rocco (Silent) a deaf porn star, who’s boyfriend left him for his agent.
Simon sent silent an online video of deaf hand signing after he’d read about the breakup.
Simon is drowning in debt after helping his brother set up in business. He hasn’t told his brother as there is friction in their relationship.
I’m the beginning I didn’t think I would get into this book, but I loved it. There where twist throughout, sad parts and hot sections.
Nick Hudson did a great job of the narration. Although I did have to speed it up to 1.35.
Love Him Free
On the Market
By: E.M. Lindsey
Narrated by: Nick Hudson
Length: 9 hrs and 18 mins
Overall
Narration
Story
Read at 1.35 speed on Audible
Love Him Free is the first book in E.M. Lindsey’s On The Market series. This is my first experience with their writing and I loved it. I couldn’t help but fall in love with these characters, their lives, and their blossoming relationship. But grab yourself a box of tissues because this is an emotional ride.
Rocco and Simon are both dealing with quite a bit in their personal lives – Rocco’s personal life is imploding publicly and Simon continues to turn in on himself in an effort to avoid the pain that has been constant since moving to the U.S. While things heat up quickly between Rocco & Simon, their histories and healing unfold slowly. There are a lot of painful revelations and self-discovery.
I liked the way Linsey approached Rocco’s deafness and Simon’s anxiety. It felt authentic without fetishizing. Lindsey does add a bit of humor, especially with the pets. “Pocket James” is just adorable. Ultimately, this is a really emotional yet sweet story and I’m looking forward to the rest of the series.
Nick Hudson! Oh my goodness. This narration is perfection. Hudson gives everyone in this book (and there are a lot of accents, inflections, voices) a unique sound. Additionally, he uses a slightly different voice on the chapters that are from Rocco’s POV in contrast to the ones from Simon’s POV. Not only does this give an added depth to the performance, it’s especially helpful when the writing is in 3rd person.
I received a free copy of this audiobook and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I love this author and her amazing characters. Jewish Baker Simon has had a crush on Deaf porn star Sylent (Rocco) for years. When Rocco’s boyfriend leaves him, and his life starts spiraling, it’s Simon’s simple ASL message that touches Rocco and starts a tentative friendship. Spur of the moment decision to drive to see Simon moves them from friend to boyfriend to lovers to more. Weaved with both nuances of Judaism and Deaf culture, this was an amazing read that touched my heart deeply.
I think this is one of my favorites for the year. It’s hurt/comfort, low angst, great sexy times between a Deaf porn star and Jewish virgin. I love how you learn something different about people and their culture that you don’t really find in alot of books. I cannot wait for more books in this series.
Wonderful Story & Narration Engrossing & Heartfelt!
Love Him Free
On the Market
By: E.M. Lindsey
Narrated by: Nick Hudson
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it grabbed my attention right from the start and held it captive straight to the end. This is my first book written by E.M Lindsey, she is a gifted author with a wonderful writing style and I am looking forward to checking out more of her work. She created storylines and characters that are realistic, easy to relate to and connect with. I adored both lead characters, Simon Kadish and Rocco Moretti, they come from different worlds and ways of life, yet they are so good together and for each other. Each has their own challenges and/or inner demons and I felt for them, especially Simon and all he endured and sacrificed. I was not that thrilled with his brother Levi but he redeems himself in the end. This book brings out all the feels, I felt these two characters found each other at the perfect time in their lives and I was rooting for them the entire time. Their story is beautifully plotted and there is never a dull moment in the book. There is plenty of drama, heartfelt and emotional moments, a touch of angst, some twists and turns and a wonderful romance. E.M Lindsey, thank you for this wonderful story and the emotional rollercoaster ride. I loved the small town charm setting and am looking forward to what comes next in this series.
I listened to the Audible edition, Nick Hudson is a terrific narrator and voice artist. He does a great job portraying the characters, bringing them to life, giving each their own distinct voice and personality, making it easy to follow along and who is who. He sets the perfect tone for the story, captures the character’s emotions and projects them in to his performance allowing you to feel what they are feeling. He is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for this fabulous listen
I’m usually a fast reader, but I found myself hovering over every word in this book, slowly savoring each sentence to make this story last as long as possible. That’s how much I loved it.
When I first met Simon in his brother Levi’s book (Heartless by Kate Hawthorne), I didn’t understand him. He seemed detached from the rest of the town and emotionally unavailable to Levi when he needed his brother’s love. This book answered all of my questions and gave me much needed clarity. Everything I didn’t understand from Heartless–Simon and Levi’s past, their complicated family dynamic, Simon’s anxiousness and inability to compromise on his religious beliefs–all makes sense now. The burden Simon carries on his shoulders is more than Levi is aware of, and he only intends to protect Levi as best he can. In the process, Simon let his own happiness fall by the wayside. His only secret pleasure is watching videos of his favorite porn star, Rocco.
Everything changes for Simon and Rocco when Rocco’s 15-year relationship crumbles online. It seems a bit unbelievable that out of all the fans messaging Rocco, it’s Simon he notices, but as he says “you were the first person that made me feel like more than just a public figure.” Rocco makes the impulsive decision to road trip to Cherry Creek, and everything unfolds from there.
I absolutely adored Simon, so it made my heart ache to see him think so poorly of himself in the beginning. He thinks he ruins everything, doesn’t have a chance with Rocco, and is “a walking disaster virgin”. I loved watching how Rocco slowly dismantled those beliefs and showed Simon how much of a gift he is. Their first kiss was explosive–the perfect combination of desperate heat and possessiveness. Every encounter after was just as intensely erotic. I usually prefer romances where the physical side comes later, but every shared touch seemed to bring Simon and Rocco closer together emotionally.
By the time Simon and Rocco profess their love to one another, so much has changed for them. Simon has taken steps to repair his relationship with Levi, is trying to be more social in town, and is seeking his own happiness instead of being weighed down by self-sacrifice. Rocco has found an incredible love, far beyond the relationships he’s had in the past. While the end of this book is unquestionably a “happily ever after”, I felt like Simon and Rocco were at the very beginning of a new life together. I hope we get to see snippets of it in later books–I’m not ready to say goodbye! (I’m also not ready to leave Pocket Dog James, the most perfectly named pup in the world haha)
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
No spoilers of any kind included.
I thought Love Him Free was pure awesomeness!
I’ve read quite a few books from E.M. Lindsey and I gotta say each one are addicting as heck.
I just love the way she weaves her stories, which is probably why I’m always impatiently waiting for more of her work.
So I am going to say yes I most definitely do recommend this book because I absolutely loved it and I can honestly guarantee you will too.
*An ARC was provided by the author, publisher or a promotional service and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review*
I never knew I needed a book like this is my life, but I really did. Sexy, Deaf porn Star Rocco and anxiously adorable, Jewish virgin falling in love? Yes, please! I’m not going to lie, the whole cute virgin thing isn’t my usual troupe because they can be so cheesy, but Simon was different. He had so much past hurt and loss that led to him being a socially distant, almost reclusive, guy. And Rocco adored Simon just as he was. On the surface, Simon and Rocco seem so different but at the heart of it, they are two men who fall outside of the societal norms for different reasons who just want love and acceptance. And I’m so happy they found that together. I’m also ridiculously excited to see how this new series plays out in Cherry Creek.
This was a terrific story! I loved Simon so much more than I expected after reading his brother Levi’s story. Simon was a wounded soul, and he felt trapped by choices forced on him when he was young. He needed to be gently shaken out of the rut his life had become. Rocco, who was a diva of a porn star, was just who Simon needed – and Rocco needed Simon, too.
I enjoy when different authors share a world. In this case, Kate Hawthorn wrote Levi’s story, Heartless, where we were introduced to Simon and his crush on Rocco. This book fit seamlessly with that one, and we got to see the relationship between the brothers grow stronger, something they both needed. And we learned the reasons for Simon being rather difficult. He had some serious baggage. I’m so glad Rocco came along and fell in love with him. Rocco never tried to change Simon, which made me love Rocco even more. He just accepted him and helped him to shine. This was a wonderful story of a very sweet (and sexy) couple. I loved it!
EM Lindsey once again knocked it out of the ballpark!! Simon was riddled with Anxiety and had such terrible traumas throughout his childhood. He was literally a nervous wreck, but he overcame it with the love, strength and determination of Rocco despite having his own crappy things done to him by people he trusted. This book was a phenomenal start to a great new series. Highly recommend it!!
Love Him Free is the first book of the series On The Market by EM Lindsey. Wonderfully written, well crafted novel that made me feel emotions, made me feel for the characters and made me crave more from this series. Simon and Rocco are amazing characters with layers, personality, chemistry…. characters that drew me in. The secondary characters also captured my attention and made me care. The story had drama, and romance…. it took me away from my day and let me fall into their world for a little while. Absolutely a favorite that I will reread in the future.