Digging Deep - Audiobook

I read this book on my Kindle a few years ago and was so excited to do a reread when the audio was released! These two men are amazing together and I really love just how real this story is. Neither man is perfect and I love that we get to see some slightly flawed humans dealing with real issues that happen in a relationship. Drake was the right amount of snarky and vulnerable and I adored how sweet Caleb was underneath his cocky exterior.

A few years ago, a friend recommended New Zealand author, Jay Hogan, to me. By this time she already had a reasonably long back list and I spent many months reading some of the best books I’ve ever enjoyed. Digging Deep was one of those books and what an utterly unforgettable story it is. I love every single story this author has ever written and regularly re-read/listen, but I especially love those books where she uses her extensive knowledge as a senior Critical Care Nurse practitioner/teacher - Digging Deep in particular.

Drake Park’s life is complicated enough juggling a busy professional life as a male midwife, but add his chronic disease into the mix, and he has a more difficult life than most. On the whole he makes it work, but bitter experience has taught him that he’s not able to experience the kind of life that most gay men enjoy. Drake has learnt that he cannot compromise his health and, more especially, that trusting a man to understand him and his complex health needs has only led to heartbreak and disappointment in the past. The stress is never worth the inevitable pain.

Drake is pretty much resigned to a life alone with the emphasis on staying healthy, when he ‘meets’ police detective, Caleb Ashton, under less than auspicious circumstances. Caleb is a bit of a Tom cat with a commitment phobia, but for some reason he can’t explain, is immediately drawn to the gorgeous young man he arrests. Yes, Caleb arrests Drake, but is soon filled with overwhelming regret after he becomes fully aware of Drake’s condition and consequently realises the unnecessary pain and humiliation he has caused him.

Wanting to make amends, but also intrigued and attracted to the gorgeous young midwife, Caleb attempts an apology, in fact, more than one apology. Drake is having none of it. He’s prickly and sarcastic rebuffing Caleb at every turn. Caleb has to work extremely hard to even get Drake to agree to a conversation with him. What follows is often hilarious, but also sweet and endearing, as Caleb researches Drake’s Chrone’s disease - this appears to be the way to earn Drake’s trust - and then to prove he understands and is not put off by what he learns.

Drake is the recipient of some rather unusual gifts from his admirer, all pertaining to Chrone’s - Caleb’s rather unusual ‘bouquet’ being a case in point. Slowly Drake is worn down by Caleb’s resilience to his put-downs and amused and even secretly thrilled by his unusual and thoughtful gifts.

This story lends itself perfectly to the outstanding and fabulous performance by the multitalented Gary Furlong. Funny, witty, and snarky, as is the norm with any book written by Jay Hogan, there are also some tense and highly emotional moments. One such moment completely overset me and I felt myself wholly there in that place and time experiencing Drake’s utter despair. I’m not often moved to tears, but such was the impact of Jay Hogan’s words on me and Gary Furlong’s interpretation of them, that I was thoroughly undone. Such a beautiful, moving, utterly captivating story but also, at times - heart wrenching. I honestly cannot recommend this book highly enough, especially the audio version. A perfect author/voice actor team. 5 highly deserved stars.

As always, top tier narration from Gary. He never disappoints! This book started off funny and I had no idea what how it would go from there. I literally laughed and cried during this listen. All the books I’ve read/listened to by Jay have real life issues that people deal with and I enjoy that. It’s refreshing. The side characters in this book were the best. They were funny and caring and exactly how true friends and family should be! I’m very thankful I was given the opportunity to listen and review this one.

I received an ARC copy of this audiobook and I have to say I absolutely love this book! The Narrator was great and the story was very well done.

I've loved all of Jay Hogan's books, at least all the ones that I can get as Audiobooks. I get sucked in from the very beginning and find myself falling in love with all of the characters. I've related to so many of them that I keep coming back for more.