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? … 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?
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This review is of the second edition published Sept. 2019. This edition was extensively revised and expanded.
What a beautiful story!
After reading the blurb for this book I was pretty certain that I would love it and boy did I. The story hit me in all of the best places. It made me laugh and then it made me cry sad tears and then, finally, happy tears.
The way that Alex created secret messages for Luke was so romantic and it didn’t matter one bit if it might be a bit far-fetched. It’s a romance and it’s fiction and the whole point is to feel the love and I did.
Alex and Luke really connect with each other. They like the same kinds of things and get each other’s sense of humor. And the sexy time between them is hot.
Everything between Alex and Luke is going great until Luke backs away and then Alex thinks he’s being rejected. Luke is confused about how he feels because things happened so fast between them.
I absolutely love a good short story or novella. I think it takes the right kind of author to be able to convey all that a reader needs to know, in a relatively small amount of words. Eli Easton did exactly that with this gem and I loved it.
A copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author and it was so good that I bought a copy!
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com*** (posting on Sept. 13, 2019)
4.5 Stars for me. I love the way Eli writes. Luke and Alex’s tale is a light and easy read with only the littlest bit of angst. Navigating a protective sister, expectations and the realities of a permanent relationship have Luke making a few mistakes, but he works hard to make up for them. I liked that Alex sees himself as worthy of a true partnership and is willing to insist on it. Luke’s grand gesture made me smile.
4.5 Stars
If you’re a fan of M/M romance then I would highly recommend this one. I love nerdy characters so this book was right up my alley. Luke and Alex are just so adorable together. I just gobbled this one right up. The way it led up to these two meeting was romantic in my opinion. I loved the banter and flirting between Luke and Alex. This is one so worth reading! The epilogue was just the icing on the cake for this book!
I found this book to be such a refreshing read. The mystery, humor and all over reactions of Luke and Alex to each other was very entertaining.
The way they would one up each other in silliness and combine it with feeling and hotness was great.
The author did a great job in moving the story along, making me laugh and sigh. The sadder parts, which all great stories have tore my heart a bit and had me commenting to no one ” oh no please!” Then sigh in relief later. Throughout the whole book, which took me an hour and a half to read, I could see, in my mind , things as they unfolded and could feel the emotions Alex and Luke were feeling and I love that. That tells me what a great creator the author is!
I was given an Advanced Readers Copy in exchange for my honest review.
I really enjoyed this book, both guys were kinda nerdy and really sweet!! Luke is a game designer who works from home, walks his dog Trevor behind the apartment complex he lives in. Alex is a paper puzzle designer, crosswords and such, works from home and enjoys watching Luke and Trevor from his apartment window. Alex leaves clues in his crosswords and has the paper delivered to Luke’s door.
Luke is intrigued, when he figures out who Alex is, a meet up is planned. They enjoy each other’s company immediately. Luke loves to hike, but Alex is limited on where he can go in his wheelchair.
This story is so good, how do you date a guy in a wheelchair, do you give up the things he cannot do? Navigating a new relationship is hard, can these two work out their issues for love? Eli did an amazing job on this story, the characters, the storyline, the feelings and emotions, she wrote it beautifully!
I really enjoyed reading this great, sweet, grab-you-by-the-feels, poignant, snarky, a little on the angsty side, beautiful, and delightfully different story.
While not perfect (there were a couple of editing mistakes, like watching the pre-super bowl show during Thanksgiving), Easton delivers readers a sweet and satisfying journey to a HEA.
I really enjoyed both Luke & Alex as individuals and as a couple. There are some issues around Alex’s situation that are glossed over, like some of the daily adjustments that Luke would have to make in such a new situation. Alex has had his whole life to become independent but there are so many things that would need to be taken into account … I just can’t imagine. It has to be so different for someone who has never been in a relationship of any kind with a person in a wheelchair.
But I love that she doesn’t avoid the big ones. Alex is supportive and so mature about his situation and how it affects others. He never gets upset or martyrs himself when things are complicated – instead he makes suggestions that are logical and work for all parties involved. I’m sure it sucks but he makes the best of it and enjoys the things that life puts before him. And when Luke is faced with some of those same situations he reacts in a realistic manner and, even when it isn’t so positive, I never blame him. He’s facing some tough decisions and he works through them beautifully.
Tender, silly, and full of heart, Puzzle Me This gave me all the warm fuzzies I needed and I’ll be sure to keep an eye for even more from Easton to add to my TBR pile.
**Review given honestly and freely after receipt of a reader copy. This opinion is completely my own and was not influenced in any way.**
Despite not much happening in the course of the book I enjoyed it a lot. It was sweet, funny and absolutely nerdtastic. The MCs were at times adorable and a bit unsure and at times passionate and tender. Told in dual POV the story had plenty of steam, mild angst and many moments that made me laugh out loud.
The way Alex and Luke get to meet for the first time is, frankly speaking, so cute and ingenious. I liked them both. Alex is strong, independent and wicked smart. Add to that great sense of humor and that certain joie de vivre, and he is the perfect package. Luke is successful, intelligent, has a cute pet dog Trevor and long silky hair – Alex’s dream come true. And while the initial relationship develops naturally, the insecurities and old hang-ups resurface to mess with both Alex and Luke’s heads. But both men are clever enough to recognize a good thing when they see it, so with some hiccups they get back on track to their happy ever after.
Ms Easton provided enough background for both MCs to show me what kind of men they were and what shaped them. She explored Luke’s feelings more and did them justice. I felt together with him and for him. That’s not to say that what Alex felt was any less valuable, and I was glad to see him stand up for himself as did Luke. I liked how the author wrote about Alex’s disability – it was thoughtful and didn’t portray everything in tragic light. Yes, life is not without difficulties, but as both Luke and Alex say – it’s just logistics. I loved the ending. It was so romantic and made my heart light. It was very sweet romance, and I recommend it.
I loved this book. It was fresh, original and well written.
Luke is game designer working from home. One day, he receives a secret message in his crossword. Intriguated , Luke tries everything to find who’s his secret admirer.
Alex works from home too, and he designes logics and crossword puzzles. He’s very shy and doesn’t know how to show his interest to Luke so he creates this private crossword for him. A game of Cluedo will start between them, until they finally meet in real life and then another adventure will start with all the challenge than a young couple will have to face.
I really loved this book. It was full of beautiful and kind feeling. This book was about acceptance, family and love. Luke and Alex are beautiful , funny ans smart. Alex is maybe on wheelchair but he’s not weak. I loved that, I loved that Eli Easton didn’t write a book full of cliché but that she tries to show that disability or not, everyone is capable of love and deserved to be loved. We’re all the same at the end.
I gladly recommend this book. Really, it will put a huge smile on your face just like it did with me.
Puzzle Me This was a bit of a mixed bag for me. I absolutely loved the concept and the meet-cute was one of the most original set-ups I’ve read yet. I also loved how these two fit together and that their love for words and puzzles showed up throughout the story and dialogue. On top of all that, the hero has a disability that isn’t dismissed or ignored, but it also doesn’t diminish his inherent strength. So yeah, lots of good things in this super cute romance between neighbors.
Unfortunately, though Puzzle me This started with a big flourish, the novella lost some of its magic for me along the way. The conflict and arguments the couple faced was frustrating in its origin. I take issue with miscommunication or lack of communication being the main source of angst in books. I know it’s realistic often enough, but I see it a bit too much in romancelandia and it leaves me with an overall blah feeling. Luke’s hesitancy to commit to Alex also irked me because it felt inconsistent with his attitude throughout the novella. Normally I’m all for novellas having a bit more depth and not sugar-coating or magically solving any issue, but in this instance it felt like the tones didn’t mesh well and we went from an adorably sweet story to heavy rather quickly. That said, the resolution was pretty cute and fit with the couple and I finished Puzzle Me This with a smile on my lips.
Luke and Alex
What a super delightful read. I enjoyed this immensely. I can go on and on about what a wonderful read this is. I will keep it short(er). Just read it!
Two guys round their thirties meet and there is an instant attraction.
Alex has a crush for Luke. He sees him every day running into the woods with his dog.
A road Alex can’t go because sitting in his wheelchair makes that road impossible for him.
In the most original way, he makes it possible to get Luke to notice him and Luke is instantly interested in him. They start something together.
It’s all going great until it’s not really. Family matters and unprocessed emotions bring doubt. Thank goodness for common sense and a reality check.
This was the most fluffy read, in a good way!
Luke was adorable and Alex not less.
Luke.. oh boy Luke, he has the best humor ever… I will just give you one:
-It contained several boxes of condoms and a jumbo-sized lube. “Damn. We won’t have to leave the house ’til 2025.”-
It’s really spontaneous humor, he’s just lighting up the room, the best!
How they both worked with Alex his inability was done in the best way.
A warm, thoughtful and wonderful story. The engaging way of writing made this into a winner.
Emotions all over. Maturity and honesty was something here, I loved that so much. Both men were so incredibly adorable I wanted to hug and squeeze them, hard!
A must-read!
I knew picking up this book, that it will punch me right in the feels. But I did not expect it to be so funny at the same time! The banter between the MCs is absolutely hilarious and a perfect counterpoint to the more gritty and heartfelt parts.
I could not put my Kindle down while I started. Awesome read!
* I have read the revamped 2019 edition of the story *
This is a very sweet romance between self proclaimed nerds. The characters are well developed throughout the story, and the storyline flows smoothly.
Luke is a programmer for a gaming company, City Shark, in San Francisco. He was given the opportunity to work remotely, and decides to move back to his home state; just not too close to his family. They love each other, but they have never truly accepted the fact that Luke is not straight and never will be. He gets up every morning and takes his dog for a hike up the trail from his apartment complex for about an hour or so. He works all day, and has very little social life other than a hiking group he sometimes joins. When the need arises, he has been known to go to the club to find a one off.
Alex has spina bifida and has been in a wheelchair all his life. He keeps his upper body strength by exercising daily. He works as a traditional pencil puzzle game writer for many publications to earn his keep. He lives alone, and is very independent. When he sees Luke walking his dog out his apartment window, he’s intrigued. Eventually, it turns into a full on crush. He comes up with an anonymous and creative way to contact and maybe flirt with Luke a bit.
Luke is finally ready to learn who his mystery admirer is. He gets a time and a place, but no one shows up. He’s ready to leave until he sees an envelope with his name on it on the front counter. As soon as he reads the contents, he has an idea who he is going to meet, and hurries out. When he arrives at Alex’s door, he is not disappointed. They talk, laugh, and get to know each other. Eventually, they exchange numbers and Luke heads home.
The relationship between the two men grows steadily, and they experience some real life trials of outside life with a chair. It’s not until Luke starts over thinking at the top of a mountain that doubt starts to rear its ugly head. Unfortunately, Luke has a crisis at work that allows him to push Alex away in his misguided way of not hurting him while he thinks.
On a trip home, he’s reminded of his mother’s constant unhappiness in her relationship with his father. He goes to see his old therapist and gains some perspective, but it may be too late. Alex is moving on with his life without Luke, because in his hopes of not hurting Alex, he broke his heart. Now he must follow his lover’s lead, and send a message that he hopes will give him time to beg for forgiveness.
In the end, true love finds its way, and Luke and Alex learn that having and loving each other brings them to their HEA.
Happy reading!
* I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving my honest review. *
4.5 stars
Heat Level: 3.5
Short, sweet, funny and endearing. A great feel-good short story!
I love a good short story and this one had so much laughter and heart. Alex and Luke are so cute together and play off each other so well. I really enjoyed the whole story and especially the unique crossword based meet-cute of sorts. I was surprised that so much happens in this book and there is such a diversity of emotional challenges that often aren’t even present in long books and Ms. Eli has mastered the emotional complexities of this relationship so well and in so few words. A true talent.
I found this book so sweet and cute and while I hate the misunderstandings that present, I loved the journey to healing, forgiveness and a happily ever after that will give you all the feels! A really enjoyable novella with endearing geekiness and all the feels, highly recommended!!
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Luke is a self proclaimed puzzle geek. So you can imagine his delight when someone starts leaving newspapers at his door…newspapers he never subscribed to and which include daily crossword puzzles with hidden personalized messages ment for Luke.
Hence the intriguing clue hunt to discover who E. Escrivain,the sender,is.
Is it a he or a she? They certainly go to enough trouble to get Luke’s attention. And if Luke eventually finds who it is,could they be a good romantic match?
I had lots of questions and so much fun finding out the answers. Puzzle Me This is a cute story, with a sweet romance…not an easy one,though, because it has its fair amount of drama and troubles.
Gripping,entertaining plot,endearing characters and it’s written by Eli Easton…all guarantees for an amazing reading experience. Loved it!
Luke has moved back to Pennsylvania from California to be closer to home but he chose College State instead of his hometown so he was closer but not too close.
He loves his apartment near the woods and hiking trails with lots to do. He loves his job designing games. One day coming home he finds a newspaper and works the crossword puzzle finding a hidden message… but could it really be for him?
This story is so darn cute! I would give it more than 5 stars if I could! There is a little heat but not over the top, just enough to spice up the story and it does also add something to the romance.
It is a fairly short story and if you are an avid reader you could probably read in one sitting ( trust me you will not want to put it down). Its a sweet story with not a lot of angst and lots and lots of feels! if you need something to touch your heart grab this!
If you like computer games, handwritten puzzles, horror conventions, physically challenged men, and an allover feelgood story this is for you!