Digging Deep - Audiobook

Listened to the audiobook and it was another exceptional performance by Gary furlong. This was a really great relationship read in that it examined the hardships of dealing with chronic illness, self-confidence, self-worth, challenges with sexual health and relying on a network of support to survive. It takes a village, and I love reading books that have characters who realize that they can’t do things on their own and that the love they share is also the foundation that helps them survive, no matter how vulnerable it makes them feel. This is exactly where Jay Hogan shines and Drake and Caleb are wonderful to read, and it comes off as genuine as honest. It’s obvious there’s a great deal of research involved and considering I too have a chronic illness, I felt very seen.

Docked a star for the 3rd act “do we or don’t we shenanigans”, because I didn’t think it was necessary. But otherwise, it was a wonderful read. I always consider a Jay hogan book whenever I need a cathartic cry. 😭

I mainly listen to audio books as I walk to and from work, but listening to this story, I found myself continuing when I got home. Drake is a midwife and has Crohn's disease, he is sworn of romance and at times very snarky. Caleb is a police officer who has never had a relationship and has never planned for one until he arrests Drake.
This is the first book I have listened to narrated by Gary Furlong and with any audiobook I listen to, it takes me a bit of time to get in to them, but the way it was narrated, I was in to it before the end of the first chapter. There was no confusion identifying the characters. The sensitive scenes were narrated with so much feeling I had tears in my eyes and it made me feel that I was there watching the whole scene play out. Whilst some scenes were heart-breaking, there was some light relief mainly down to Carmen who had me laughing at some of her comments she threw at Caleb.
I own this book on my kindle and as of yet I have not read it. I will take time to read it as the writing is excellent and now thanks to the brilliant narrative of Gary Furlong. I will probably read it with their voice in my head

4.5 Audiobook

This is another wonderful love story from Jay Hogan! I believe this is now my second book by this author and I already look forward to more.

The narrator, Gary Furlong, is fantastic! The performance was emotional and well-acted. I could always tell when it was a different character speaking. I just love listening to Gary Furlong's voice!
The narration made a good story even better for me.

This is the story of Caleb, a police officer, who arrests Drake, a gay male midwife who has to manage Crohn's Disease, when Drake is using a public restroom during a protest. While these aren't the most auspicious of circumstances, Caleb becomes drawn to Drake's spitfire black cat personality and decides to pursue him. Caleb is typically a hookup kind of guy, but after long chats with his friends, and some soul searching, he realizes that he truly wants to know Drake and maybe date him. Drake, on the other hand, after a lifetime of dealing with Crohn's - not to mention the arrest - is quite wary and not sure he wishes to attempt dating Caleb or anyone else after having his heart broken some years previously. The ways in which Caleb does some "old school wooing" with Drake is quite possibly one of my favorite parts of the book! Not only was I charmed by Caleb, Drake was as well. There is a lot to navigate and negotiate with Drake, given that he has Crohn's, and at times, this becomes a lot for Drake. He is exhausted and scared. The physical intimacy aspect of a dating life is particularly challenging for someone with Crohn's and he fears giving his heart to Caleb, only to have it shattered if Caleb can't deal with the reality of Drake's life. The bulk of this story is dealing with these negotiations, so to speak - each of the MCs having fears at one point on their very bumpy road to an HEA. This is very much the epitome of a hard-won HEA - both of the MCs end up going through A LOT. Thankfully, both MCs have supportive family and friends to help them through. In particular, the BFFs - Aaron and Daniel/Carmen - are stellar side characters & I particularly loved Carmen/Daniel. The careers of the MCs also come into play in this book and are another source of tension in the book.

This story felt very real and believable to me, not least of all because the author clearly researched Crohn's very well. At times, it felt like there was so much emphasis on the medical issues that the romance aspect of this book was shortchanged a bit, particularly in the middle to end. While I understand that this is a very real thing that people with medical issues such as Crohn's have to deal with, I guess I prefer slightly less reality in my books and a bit more romance. While there wasn't a huge amount of spice, there were definitely a number of steamy moments and the MCs were hot together. I particularly enjoyed Caleb's attitude and openness. As much as I love a snarky twink, I have to say that Caleb's steadfastness for most of the book really endeared him to me. I had some teary moments at various parts of the book, especially during that lovely end. I definitely enjoyed this audiobook.

Thanks to the author for a preview copy of this audio. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I have now listened to this book on audio, and enjoyed it even more courtesy of Gary Furlong's excellent narration. I really like these characters, they are so much fun, and I loved the hidden disability rep. It's a great listen and the narrator puts a lot into it. Definitely recommend as a cute romance with a lot of heart and a bit of action. Love the writing and dialogue, as always with Jay Hogan, and it's a great standalone read.

Jay went all in with this pulling no punches when Drake was suffering at his worst with his Crohn’s disease . In places it was hard to read knowing everything Drake was going through and on top of that trying to hold up a new relationship with Caleb although he was intent on pushing Caleb away. Their HEA was a rollercoaster of emotions and was so good when they both gave in and let themselves try instead of being worried due to past relationships expecting this would be the same.
I loved the sarcasm and wit so much and giggled at some of the things and I absolutely loved Carmen/Daniel can they have a book please.